[OuchDamn]

You need that decoding manual printed out and taped to the windscreen to keep track

It's kind of the equivalent of driving by Braille
🤣😁

However if you drive poorly it's an instant light show and disco party! 🎉

 

[FelineFreddie]

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

View attachment 594654

In other words… the “Confuse-O-Meter”…

 

[SJM-FT]

The trend towards tablet size screens for all functions seems like a huge step backward 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.

I agree 100%. While the 11 incher is not too awful, it's not as responsive as the 8-inch one (Last gen head unit) in my 2003 FT. Yes, I also like the climate controls as knobs/buttons. But, this is where the Dashboards are going in cars today.

 

[analog_hologram]

I agree 100%. While the 11 incher is not too awful, it's not as responsive as the 8-inch one (Last gen head unit) in my 2003 FT. Yes, I also like the climate controls as knobs/buttons. But, this is where the Dashboards are going in cars today.

It makes sense that is where the cars are headed. I am sure it cuts down on manufacturing complexity and cost. Installing one component that handles everything vs individual buttons and knobs I am sure saves a ton. We are just being Told it is better and what we want.

 

[SJM-FT]

We are just being Told it is better and what we want.

I prefer the knob/buttons over most controls on a screen. Really, what's better? Call me an "old school fart", but when you're on the move, a screen doesn't cut as "easier" with most of the controls within. I will say, using Apple's CarPlay while driving is much easier when on the move than Subaru's "apps.

I think the 5th gen Forester interior dash does have a good balance ... mostly. The Head Unit is a distraction if you use it while driving. But by the time I buy a new car, the dash probably be a digital hologram.

Also, I don't think that not using physical buttons will save anything. All the software development that they'll need, testing, etc. That won't be cheap, but probably more in my opinion.

 

[FozzyX3]

@OuchDamn Unfortunately the disco lights are exactly what we're getting. Same ones that have been on higher end Ascents (since 2018), Outbacks and CVT WRXs for the past few years.

From the 2025 Forester NCI document. No mention anywhere about a true HUD. Just take your hands off the wheel, tune SXM to channel 54 and let the party begin!

 

[FozzieBalou]

One thing I noticed from the post of the changes (thanks @FozzyX3 ) is that there is no reference to the Wilderness "grade" and there's none of the Hybrid "grade" either....

Makes me wonder what the plans are. At least the hybrid has been mentioned in public and in printed information (press releases, what have you) but the Wilderness is MIA...

Speculation is that it will become an even more aggressive model/trim vs the current SK version ---- OR ---- the grand experiment known as the Forester Wilderness may be a failure to Subaru and will not appear again. Instead, if you want a Wilderness grade Subaru, you're stuck with the Outback or Crosstrek...

I hope not. If I have to replace my 2014, it would be with the Wilderness 1st choice or then having to modify another Limited to fill that niche - like my current 2014....

But it also makes me wonder if the Hybrid driveline will only be on some models (Touring, maybe Sport) or across the line except base....? Hmmm...

 

[OuchDamn]

@FozzyX3

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.

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

This makes me sad. I sure do like lights blinking in my face while I'm driving as much as the next guy, but it's hard to call that state-of-the-art or augmented reality. You know I could even deal with the buttons on the radio screen for the HVAC controls. But with this blinky light box I almost feel a little embarrassed for Subaru. If they would have called it a blinky light box I'd have no problem with it. But calling it state-of-the-art makes me want to 😭

Maybe this technology is so advanced our brains can't grasp how great a device this is for the safety and well-being of the human race? Maybe I'm being cynical. While other auto manufacturers have incredible looking graphical heads up displays, it's probably just too much. Who likes to look at beautiful graphics that safely duplicate some of your dashboard screens in a convenient manner directly in front of your eye?

I bet those people with nice heads up displays in their vehicles are falling to their knees shaking their fists into the sky screaming why can't I just have stupid blinky lights instead of these beautiful graphics on my heads up display? 😂

If anyone is interested in what the hybrid's going to be like, look up the e-boxer. It's a mild hybrid. Unless Subaru pulls a fast one and does the deal with Toyota to use the RAV4 hybrid system, e-boxer it is. 😫😖

With that said, I'm going to trade my 19 for a 25. Will be my third Subaru. The body style is really growing on me even though I wasn't a huge fan of it at first. I'm probably going to wait until I hear what the hybrid's going to be like before I pull the trigger though. If it's a good hybrid I will get that instead. I will most likely put a piece of black tape over the blinky lights though, unless I'm throwing a party and need the extra disco lights.

My one wish though, if I could have one is to let the CVT be a CVT and dump the fake gears. Or let you decide if you want fake gears or not via setting.

 

[FelineFreddie]

Perhaps it’s just me, but in my opinion, something like a heads-up display should be designed in such a manner where it’s display is self-explanatory, not in such a way the driver has to memorize a “code sheet” to understand what the display is telling the driver, adding additional distractions to the driving experience.

This setup just looks like added distraction to me…

 

[FozzyX3]

@OuchDamn No need for black tape. Just like Monte at the 2001 Odyssey in Bay Ridge, you too can control the disco lights. Buried three layers deep in The Screen From Hell is this.......(source 2023 Outback OM)

 

[OuchDamn]

@FozzyX3 Thank goodness it can be switched off. That technology is way too advanced for me.

But you know on weekends when you switch it on..
(Insert your own mental techno music here)

😁 🤣

 

[FozzyX3]

Yeah, real high tech stuff there. It reminds me of the "park assist" system on my old '07 Buick Rendezvous. It consisted of a trio of red, yellow and green lights mounted on the passenger side above the rear hatch and facing forward. The idea was for you to see them in the rear view mirror or while looking over your right shoulder. The closer you got to an obstacle while in reverse the lights went from green to yellow to red.

 

[FozzyX3]

There were some new accessory install sheets posted on STIS today. As always, no subscription needed for these:

Mud flaps. Note the "topographic" pattern.....
23 - IxI - Forester MUD FLAPs-REV JAN 26.pdf (subaru.com)

STi front under spoiler. Available in black or cherry red....
Installation Manual_E2410SL000_010 (2).pdf (subaru.com)

Body side moldings. Very different from the SK.......
Item 23 - Installation Inst. - 25MY FORESTER BSM 111623.pdf (subaru.com)

Auto dim outside mirror w/approach light. The same but a little different.....
2025 Forester Installation Instructions.pdf (subaru.com)

 

[BruceBitt]

I called the dealership and the cut off for ordering the 2024 Forester I believe is 3/29. I'm interested in the 2025 Forester which they believe will be in the dealership in the next 60 days. Does anyone have any information on the 2025 delivery in the dealership a possible test drive and what would be the earliest date for ordering? Many would be interested in a Forester Hybrid but it seems this is a year away. I'm looking at Honda CRV Hybrid, Toyota Rav 4 Hybrid and 2025 Forester.

 

[whobodym]

in my experience you'll only get accurate info on this kind of question from corporate insiders - who may or may not be willing to spill the beans. Which isn't me

 

[OuchDamn]

Something to consider, a 24 Will most likely drive very similar to the 25 considering there are very few changes to the engine / suspension / drivetrain.

I'm guessing that if it goes like the 19 release, most of the foresters sitting on the lot will already be claimed pre-orders and may not be available for a test drive, unless you find someone really nice who would let a stranger drive their new Forester before they do.

 

[FozzyX3]

Probably not for another few months. Supposedly Subaru stopped taking orders for '24 Foresters this week. That means the last of the '24s (except maybe those originally bound for Baltimore) will be arriving in late May.

Traditionally it takes about a month to process the order and build the car, followed by 30-45 days on the boat. That would bring the end of '24 production to the start of the Golden Week holidays in Japan. The factory will be closed for 10 days or so which is a perfect opportunity for a new model conversion.

 

[BruceBitt]

in my experience you'll only get accurate info on this kind of question from corporate insiders - who may or may not be willing to spill the beans. Which isn't me

Thank you

 

[BruceBitt]

Thanks and insightful.

 

[Cheetoh]

Your cross-shopping picks are fitting given the new Forester looks like their love child with a splash of Explorer. There might be some serious FOMO if you go first model year and don't wait for second year 'fixes' and the hybrid.