[dgcom]

As soon as I saw the temp controls were getting moved to a Touchscreen I placed a deposit on an incoming 2024.

According to the images I seen and the Getting Started Guide, temperature controls are still physical buttons on both sides of 11" screen.

 

[ForesterBill]

True, but turning a temperature dial is a lot easier and less distracting than repeatedly pushing a button.

 

[FozzyX3]

There's also no alternate HVAC control if the screen goes out, which wasn't uncommon on some early versions of The Screen from Hell.

 

[dgcom]

There's also no alternate HVAC control if the screen goes out, which wasn't uncommon on some early versions of The Screen from Hell.

I share this concern, but anything can break, including HVAC itself and then no buttons would help you cool down
I also have several friends with recent Subaru cars equipped with 11" screens who I asked for the feedback and it was quite positive.

 

[FozzyX3]

Another disappointment. I was hoping for the 360 degree heated wheel from the Outback, but alas.......

 

[OuchDamn]

I hope they don't go the Tesla way by offering top side wheel heat for an additional $7.99/mo, or $2/per use if you don't want to subscribe 🤣

 

[Black21Limited]

Being I only use the heated steering wheel long enough to get it warm, and shut it off thereafter, and never use the heated seat, that would be a non issue for me. I personally find the steering wheel a bit too toasty if I leave it on.

I do find the passenger seat heater handy to help keep my pizza warm on the way home.

 

[FozzyX3]

I had an Outback Limited loaner for a week back in January of last year. I normally drive down the highway with one hand on top of the wheel so the 360 coverage was nice. It was one of the few nice things about that car.

I do agree that the wheel gets a bit too hot at times, but that also results in the wheel staying warm for some time after I turn it off.

 

[Blueredgreen]

Another disappointment. I was hoping for the 360 degree heated wheel from the Outback, but alas.......
View attachment 594412

Thanks for the update. Keep em comin.

 

[Iverson]

Driving up here in Wisconsin's frozen tundra, I find a heated steering wheel to be indispensable (because I hate to wear gloves). But why does Subaru have different steering wheel heating systems for higher-end Outbacks (360º) versus Foresters (looks like about 280º)? Can't be much of a cost difference, and you'd think it would be simpler and more efficient to consolidate around one type. But I don't know marketing from a hole in the ground.

 

[Boo Boo]

i think subaru forester hybrid should have a trunk mounted full sized spare, with 200lb trunk springs than batteries in the spare area inside

 

[Menel]

i think subaru forester hybrid should have a trunk mounted full sized spare, with 200lb trunk springs than batteries in the spare area inside

What? Trunk springs?

 

[Black21Limited]

Rear suspension maybe?

Or you could double your lift gate as a catapult.

 

[Iverson]

Message yesterday from salesman at a local (Milwaukee) Subaru dealership: "I have heard a rumor that we may know more about the pricing and package structure on the Forester soon. They could be opening the ordering system in the first week of April, and that is typically when they announce those things." (YMMV.)

 

[FozzyX3]

@Iverson A couple of things I've been able to glean from the NCI document regarding trim and option packages....
- The base model will come with roof rails and the alloy wheels from the Premium as standard. No more slicktops with steelies and hubcaps. Probably 90+% of base models were sold with the alloy/roof rail package anyway.

- The higher trim levels will now give you a choice of whether or not you want navigation. You're no longer stuck with nav if you want the HK audio system. Nav doesn't appear to be available on the Sport, but HK is.

 

[Iverson]

With wireless charging and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto wireless connection to the infotainment head unit, I don't see much need for the built-in Tom-Tom nav system, which is very clunky to update in any case. Let's see if it really is deletable in the higher end models while still retaining the upgraded speaker system.

 

[Iverson]

This Minnesota dealer is advertising that the 2025 Forester will offer a head-up display (HUD) on the windshield (https://www.walsersubaru.com/new-2025-subaru-forester/). Haven't seen that announced elsewhere:

• Elevate your driving experience with a state-of-the-art augmented reality head-up display, delivering crucial information directly onto the windshield for enhanced safety and convenience.

 

[OuchDamn]

head-up display (HUD) on the windshield

I hope it's better than the blinking LEDs. Would be nice to see some graphics and a speedometer.

Elevate your driving experience with a state-of-the-art augmented reality head-up display, delivering crucial information directly onto the windshield

I really hope they are not calling seven blinking lights "state of the art augmented reality"

 

[Menel]

I hope it's better than the blinking LEDs. Would be nice to see some graphics and a speedometer.

View attachment 594654

Yuch! That is esoteric.
You need that decoding manual printed out and taped to the windscreen to keep track.

 

[analog_hologram]

I am not a fan of the new forester, from what I have seen so far.
The trend towards tablet size screens for all functions seems like a huge step backwards to me. I am not anti technology but these in car infotainment systems just all feel like a 10+ year old phone and they are Bad. I don’t want a touch screen for climate and radio controls, ever. Just give me physical buttons that I can control without having to look at them.
The exterior does not look good to me either. It has lost personality and blends in with other suvs more. The copper accents are cool and I like the copper rims. Some of the dash trim also looks decent but minor things here and there don’t make up for the rest.