The all-new sixth-generation 2024 Subaru Forester has been unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Now, let’s take a side-by-side look at the 2024 Subaru Forester and its predecessor.

Like before, the Forester maintains the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) albeit with a 10 percent increase in torsional rigidity achieved through robust welding techniques and additional structural adhesive.

At the front, the Forester sports a more imposing appearance with prominent gloss black panels framing a larger grille. The design shift includes a two-tier lighting system, separating the main LED headlamps from the upper daytime running lights.

The front fascia incorporates corner fog lamps, a slim air intake, and hexagonal-shaped trim suitable for auxiliary lighting modifications. The updated Subaru star cluster emblem makes its debut, adding a distinctive touch.

The side profile reveals squared wheel arches, replacing the previous rounded ones, and chunky black body cladding. The floating roof design incorporates black sections on the A- and D-pillars, the latter adorned with a 'Symmetrical AWD' emblem.

The rear of the Forester features triangular-shaped taillights connected by a trim piece across the tailgate. Reflectors are repositioned higher up, leaving a large black panel in the lower apron, though the exhaust system retains a single outlet despite the dual-section appearance.

Practical features include standard front, side, and rear underguards, color-finished according to the chosen trim level. Air outlets at the front wheel wells aim to enhance driving stability by extracting air.

In the U.S., the Forester will initially feature a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four petrol engine generating 183 PS and 241 Nm. All-wheel drive and the brand's Lineartronic CVT with eight virtual speeds come as standard. A hybrid powertrain is planned for later release.

The 2.5L NA powertrain incorporates Active Torque Vectoring, SI-Drive modes, and X-Mode, with the latter available in two versions featuring hill descent control and hill start assist. Higher trim levels include the dual-function X-Mode for enhanced capability in adverse conditions.

The Forester's steering sees an improvement with a version of the WRX's dual-pinion electronic power steering rack that is said to provide enhanced feedback.

Entering the cabin, the Forester's dashboard mirrors recent Subaru models like the WRX and Crosstrek, featuring the standout 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system. Debuting on the Forester, it offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with lower-rung variants equipped with a 7-inch display.

Interior enhancements include front seats with slimmed-down shoulder areas for improved visibility and rear-seat access. Subaru boasts improved sound dampening, with a claimed 39 percent reduction in the rate of noise attenuation from the roof panel.

Equipment offerings in the U.S. include 17- to 19-inch wheels, roof rails, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a tire pressure monitor, steering-responsive headlamps with automatic high beam, a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, telematics, and heated seats, mirrors, and wipers.

Cargo space receives an upgrade with heavy-duty utility hooks on each side of the cargo space and the powered tailgate. The tailgate now features hands-free access via a kick sensor, and with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats down, cargo capacity expands to 2,107 litres.

Standard across all Forester variants is the EyeSight suite of ADAS, which includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, lane-keep assist, and more. Additional safety features include reverse AEB, blind-spot monitoring with lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency steering.

Closer to home, the fifth-generation Subaru Forester available in 4 variants, which comes fully imported (CBU) from Thailand:

• 2.0 i-L EyeSight – RM 173,500
• 2.0 i-L EyeSight GT Lite – RM 179,500
• 2.0 i-S EyeSight – RM 183,500
• 2.0 i-S EyeSight GT Edition – RM 195,500

Also read: Besides the WRX and BRZ, we look back at Subaru's other significant models for its 70th birthday