2026 Subaru Forester open for booking in Malaysia – sixth-gen gets bolder design; 2.5L boxer, EyeSight 4.0

2026 Subaru Forester open for booking in Malaysia – sixth-gen gets bolder design; 2.5L boxer, EyeSight 4.0

The sixth-generation Subaru Forester is now open for pre-booking in Malaysia ahead of its official launch that we assume should take place soon. According to Motor Image Malaysia, the SUV was previewed at Subaru Petaling Jaya yesterday (September 21) and will be at selected showrooms nationwide from September 27.

First revealed globally in November 2023, the latest Forester retains its predecessor’s general shape but features bolder design details. A larger grille with black inserts, two-tier front lighting and a busier front bumper provide more visual presence, while the sides get squared wheel arches and accompanying black cladding.

Other highlights include small sections of the A- and D-pillars in black for “floating roof” look, and the previous C-shaped taillights are replaced with triangular-shaped units. Beneath the new metal is an enhanced Subaru Global Platform that sees torsional rigidity go up by 10%. In its latest form, the Forester measures 4,655 mm long (+15 mm), 1,830 mm wide (+15 mm), 1,730 mm tall (unchanged) and its wheelbase spans 2,670 mm (also unchanged).

Inside, the Forester’s redesigned dashboard is similar in appearance to recent models, with vertically-oriented infotainment touchscreen taking centre stage. This integrates the climate controls, reducing the number of tactile controls on the dash. Other elements like the steering wheel and gear selector remain familiar to those who have been in the outgoing model.

Based on the registration of interest page, the Malaysian-spec Forester will be powered by a 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer petrol engine, which makes 185 PS (182 hp or 136 kW) and 247 Nm of torque in the Indonesian-spec model. This is mated to Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Other features touted include Dual X-Mode, eight airbags, EyeSight 4.0 (with dual stereo cameras, a wide-angle monocular camera and a 360-degree surround view monitor), a wireless charging pad, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a hands-free power tailgate.

GALLERY: Subaru Forester at the 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard's strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Subaru Legacy on Sep 22, 2025 at 10:47 am

    No e-Boxer?

    Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Sabri on Sep 22, 2025 at 11:44 am

    This tan ah chong family really screwing the brand up

    Thumb up 30 Thumb down 0
  • 2.5 litre at last! if i had the money i will definitely buy this!

    Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
    • Ongtk on Sep 22, 2025 at 4:56 pm

      I would buy the CX-50 over the Subaru Forester as both are 2.5 mills. I opined the CX-50 selling at approx. RM200K is a good value for money. I bought my CX-5 2.2D AWD at approximately RM167K with only basic features.

      Thumb up 1 Thumb down 9
  • They just have to price it right because many good cars at this price point now expecially that CX-60 and also many EVs albeit a different segment altogether.

    Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • VHChai on Sep 22, 2025 at 7:27 pm

      Heard the estimated price higher than CX-60 at RM220k+. If not revise or having promotion, very diificult to sell

      Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
    • AhmadX on Sep 25, 2025 at 8:22 am

      Will be expensive for sure… No more local builds

      Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr on Sep 22, 2025 at 4:43 pm

    Habislah this car sales over here since it will be CBU. They better spec it right since it’s going to have an expensive pricetag.

    Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • China’s EREV makes a compelling alternative as in town, ICE engines rarely used. And in long distance, its generator + EV set up more fuel efficient than just stand alone ICE.

    Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
  • Quasar on Sep 23, 2025 at 4:27 am

    Why the back look like Alza/Veloz?

    Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • No understand why Subaru not selling new Hybrid version? As globally now go green power and drivers look for fuel economical options too.

    Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • AhmadX on Sep 25, 2025 at 8:21 am

    More touchscreen gimmick

    Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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