Two weeks after the launch of the new Toyota RAV4 in Israel at its highest prices ever, Subaru’s Israeli importer has begun selling the hybrid Forester and the new Outback, both at relatively high prices.
The hybrid Forester starts at NIS 280,000 and is available exclusively in the model’s highest trim level. This represents a premium of NIS 21,000 over the equivalent gasoline-powered version and NIS 67,000 more than the entry-level model. The price gap is disappointing and effectively eliminates any economic advantage of choosing the hybrid version. Subaru importer Samelet did not explain the move, but it is likely the result of the manufacturer’s equipment policy: Subaru models imported to Israel comply with Canadian specifications, and in Canada the hybrid Forester is also available only in the high-end Limited trim.
The hybrid Forester shares the same dimensions as the gasoline version: 4.65 meters in length, 1.83 meters in width, 1.73 meters in height, and a wheelbase of 2.67 meters. Cargo capacity stands at 508 liters, although there is no spare tire - an unusual omission for a vehicle with light off-road ambitions. Curb weight is 1,790 kg, which is 120 kg heavier than the gasoline version with comparable equipment.
The 2.5-liter gasoline engine is less powerful than the one found in the regular gasoline Forester, producing just 163 hp and 21.3 kg-m of torque. It is paired with an electric motor delivering 122 hp and 28.1 kg-m of torque. Combined output is 194 hp, compared with 180 hp in the gasoline Forester.
Performance figures include 0–100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, identical to the gasoline model, while top speed is reduced to 182 km/h instead of 204 km/h. Fuel consumption improves to 14.9 km/l, compared with 12.3 km/l for the gasoline version.
Off-road capability remains unchanged, with 22 cm of ground clearance, Subaru’s X-Mode system, and permanent all-wheel drive.
Equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, an 11.6-inch infotainment screen (the instrument cluster is not digital), a wireless charging pad, electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heating for the two outer rear seats, rear air-conditioning vents, a sunroof, a power tailgate, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a smart key. The audio system is supplied by Harman Kardon and includes 11 speakers.
There Is Also a New Outback
At the same time, Subaru is launching the seventh generation of the Outback, the first not to be based on a raised station wagon configuration for off-road use - a format that had characterized the model since its debut in 1995. Length has increased to 4.88 meters, width to 1.88 meters, height to 1.715 meters, and wheelbase to 2.75 meters. Cargo capacity stands at 530 liters.
The 2.5-liter engine still does not include an electric motor and retains its output of 180 hp and 24.6 kg-m of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 9.5 seconds, top speed is 205 km/h, and combined fuel consumption is 10.2 km/l.
Here too, only one high-end trim level is available: Luxury. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a sunroof and roof rails, electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a wireless charging pad, a power tailgate, and more. The Harman Kardon audio system is also fitted here, featuring 11 speakers and a subwoofer.
Ground clearance remains at 22 cm, which, together with the X-Mode system, provides relatively strong off-road capability for a crossover without a body-on-frame chassis.