Subaru Forester hybrid interior, dashboard & comfort
The Subaru Forester e-Boxer hybrid is well equipped, if rather dated-looking inside
The Forester hybrid's dashboard feels durable, and all essential functions are easy to find. Its button-heavy design makes it easy to adjust simple things such as changing the climate control temperature while moving. The only oddity is the lane-keep assist off button mounted on the ceiling. A large-ish touchscreen takes up much of the dashboard and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The driving position is excellent, with a power-adjustable seat on all trim levels, which makes it easy to get comfortable. Visibility is great thanks to slim pillars and deep glass all around. A central armrest is standard in the front and back.
Subaru Forester hybrid dashboard
The Forester's dashboard is dominated by a reasonably-sized touchscreen in its centre, with a smaller, grainier screen positioned above it to show the hybrid system status and trip-computer information. Otherwise, the air-conditioning buttons are straightforward, and the dials in the driver's instrument cluster are easy to read. What can be confusing is the array of buttons on the steering wheel, but otherwise there's a durable, functional feel to the dashboard that's in keeping with the rest of the car.
Equipment, options & accessories
The entry-level Forester XE is our recommended trim because it gets all the basics such as automatic LED headlights, keyless entry and go, a touchscreen, heated seats and a reversing camera. Mid-range Sports adds sat-nav, an electric tailgate, 18-inch alloys, and some garish orange interior and exterior styling highlights. Top-spec XE Premium has leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and outer rear seats, a sunroof, and diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Infotainment, apps & sat nav
The eight-inch touchscreen system is standard in every Forester. Sport and above get sat-nav, but you can always use a navigation app via your phone because Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is standard.
Overall, the screen responds quickly enough, but it isn't the easiest to navigate between all its menus, and its graphics look dated.
