Check out Subaru Forest e-Boxer Hybrid’s comfy, driver-centric interior

Subaru Philippines, under the management of Motor Image Pilipinas, made its entry into the realm of new energy vehicles with the local launch of the Forester e-Boxer Hybrid. 

Price-wise, it starts at P2.498 million. Sure, it isn’t the most affordable hybrid crossover in the market right now, but its nature as a Subaru affords this model some clear mechanical advantages. 

For starters, the model gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, double overhead cam (DOHC) boxer mill, which is touted to provide less vibrations and a lower center of gravity when compared to the more common inline-four format. The said engine is paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. 

The internal combustion boxer engine aboard this model can generate up to 162 horsepower (hp) and 209 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Its electric motor, meanwhile, can put out 121 hp and 276 Nm of torque. 

Additionally, the model was equipped with a hybrid-specific lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a six-speed manual mode. And being a Subie, the Forester e-Boxer Hybrid gets a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. 

Other noteworthy mechanical bits present on the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid include an active torque vectoring system, a MacPherson strut front and rear double wishbone suspension, as well as disc brakes for all four wheels. 

All of the aforementioned sounds good, but what is the interior of the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid offering to prospective buyers? Let’s find out here. 

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Driver-centric layout

For its front cabin, the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid comes with a driver-centric design that is refreshing in this day and age. We say this since it retains plenty of physical controls on its dashboard. 

Examples include knobs for its air-conditioning system’s temperature and fan speed, as well as strategically-located toggles for the model’s drive mode and terrain mode selectors. Interestingly, the model also gets paddle shifters - a big thing for those who want to have a more engaging drive in their otherwise humdrum CVT. 

Also notable in terms of user-friendliness is the hybrid Subaru nameplate’s straightforward shifter design. It comes in the form of a tried and true PRNDL (park, reverse, neutral, drive, low) layout with stick, which greatly contrasts many other models that have been trying to reinvent gear selection with dials or buttons. 

Moreover, the Subaru hybrid has steering-responsive headlamps for improved visibility during nighttime driving. On the other hand, it also has an automatic driver setting that manipulates the vehicle’s seat position and air-conditioning according to a pre-saved user profile. 

Other noteworthy driver equipment present in the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid are: 

• Driver monitoring
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Push-to-start button
• 6.3-inch instrument cluster
• Analog gauge cluster
• Electronic parking brake

Ready to purchase a brand new Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid? Check out these exclusive promos from Zigwheels Philippines.

 

Loads of creature comforts

Inside the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid is a generously appointed interior space with plenty of creature comforts. 

For starters, all of its seats, as well as select parts of its interior door cards and dashboard, are clad in leather/ultrasuede. Everyone inside, meanwhile, is kept cool by its dual-zone automatic climate control system. Mood inside the crossover, especially on road trips, can also be enhanced thanks to the presence of a panoramic sunroof. 

Handling on-board entertainment and navigation needs for the Forester e-Boxer Hybrid is an 11.6-inch vertically-oriented infotainment touchscreen display linked to a Harman Kardon sound system. Connecting to the said display is also made easy thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Other notable convenience and comfort features present inside the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid also include: 

• Power tailgate
• Folding rear seat armrest
• Front cabin center console box
• 12-volt accessory outlet (front, rear)
• USB ports
• Cargo hooks
• Wireless smartphone charging pad

Comprehensive safety kit

In addition to its driver-centric front cabin and its plentiful amount of creature comforts, the Subaru Forester e-Hybrid also boasts a comprehensive array of passive and active safety gear. 

For its basic passive kit, the model comes with anti-lock braking, electronic-brake force distribution, brake assist with brake override, automatic vehicle hold, a shock-absorbing front bumper structure, dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and ISOFIX child seat anchors - among others. 

Further reinforcing its passive safety kit is a suite of advanced driver-assist systems, which include: 

• Reverse automatic braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane centering 
• Lane departure warning
• Lane departure prevention
• Lane sway warning
• Lead vehicle start alert
• Pre-collision braking
• Autonomous emergency steering
• Pre-collision throttle management

Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid: specifications

Model	Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,665 x1,830 x 1,730
Wheelbase (mm)	2,670
Ground clearance (mm)	220
Wheel size	19-inch wheels
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather and Ultrasuede
Amenities	Leather-wrapped steering wheel Paddle shifters Analog and digital instrument cluster Push-to-start button Electronic parking brake Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support 60:40 split-folding rear seats Power tailgate Roof rails Harman Kardon sound system Wireless smartphone charging pad USB ports Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning
Infotainment system	11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	2.5-liter boxer-four
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Hybrid component	Electric motor, lithium-ion battery
Horsepower (ICE)	162
Torque (ICE)	209 Nm
Horsepower (Electric motor)	121
Torque (Electric motor)	276 Nm
Technology
Safety	Anti-lock braking Electronic brake-force distribution Brake assist with brake override Auto vehicle hold Reverse automatic parking Auto-retracting pedals Dual front airbags Side airbags Curtain airbags Shock-absorbing front bumper
ADAS	Subaru emergency driving stop system Lane centering  Lane departure prevention Lane departure warning Lane sway warning Autonomous emergency steering Pre-collision throttle management Lead vehicle start alert Pre-collision braking Adaptive cruise control
Price	P2.498 million

Final thoughts

In summary, the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid’s interior is pretty much on par with many of its rivals in the market right now. It has a robust amount of creature comforts, driver-oriented cockpit design details, and a comprehensive kit, which the brand has been known for. 

Coupled with its powertrain, the model will surely suit the needs of someone who wants a cushy  daily driver that can comfortably ferry around the family in the city, but something that can handle outdoor excursions on the side.

So, for people who like what they see in this hybrid nameplate, do visit the nearest Subaru dealership and ask to take this ride out for a test drive. 

Also read:

Subaru PH kicks off ‘Kansha Festival 2025’

Subaru previews display lineup for JMS 2025

Subaru unveils limited-edition “Series.Yellow” WRX, BRZ

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