Subaru Forester (2014-2018): The People's Champion or a Fundi's Best Friend?

Ah, the Subaru Forester. The unofficial car of the Kenyan middle class on the rise. It’s the car you see everywhere, from the leafy suburbs of Karen to the muddy backroads of Kinangop. It’s driven by cool Nairobi mums on the school run, young tech and Mulot wash wash boys, and that village rich kid from a wealthy farmer.

It’s the fourth generation of the Subaru Forester family, and it ran from 2013 through 2018. This ka-sleek ride is arguably the one that cemented the Forester’s legendary status in Kenya. It’s practical, it’s tough, and it has that famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

But I’m sure you’ve heard the stories. The jokes about Subaru boys. The whispers about head gaskets and expensive mechanics. So, what’s the real deal? Is the Forester a reliable workhorse or a ticking financial time bomb?

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The Look: Sensible Shoes, Not Stilettos

The Forester isn’t here to win beauty contests. It won’t turn heads like a Harrier or a German machine. It’s handsome, but in a practical, down-to-earth way. It’s the guy in a well-fitting shirt, not the one in a flashy suit.

Exterior Styling

This generation got a bit more assertive than its predecessors. It’s boxy, but in a good way. It screams "utility."

• The Vibe: It looks like it’s ready for an adventure, even if that adventure is just navigating the potholes on Ngong Road. The high ground clearance and serious lines tell you this car means business.
• Big Windows: The best part? The massive windows. The visibility is incredible. You can see everything around you – perfect for spotting that matatu trying to create a new lane out of thin air. It’s like driving in a glass bubble. A very safe, all-wheel-drive glass bubble.

It’s not trying to be something it’s not. It’s a practical SUV, looks the part, na imeweza.

The Inside Story: All Business, Less Fluff

Step inside the Forester, and you won’t find the plush, leather-wrapped luxury of its more expensive rivals. The interior is best described as… functional. Durable. Built to last.

Cabin Practicality and Features

Everything is where you expect it to be. The buttons are big and easy to use. The plastics are hard, but they feel like they could survive a decade of abuse from kids, dogs, and clumsy friends after kupiga sherehe.

• Space, Space, and More Space: This is the Forester’s superpower. The high roof and boxy shape create a massive amount of interior room. Legroom in the back is generous. You can fit three adults in the back without them becoming mortal enemies by the time you reach Nakuru.
• The Boot: The boot is gigantic. It’s a black hole for luggage. You can fit your monthly shopping, a stroller, camping gear, and probably your side hustle inventory. Fold the back seats down, and you basically have a small van. Perfect for that trip to IKEA or moving houses.
• Tech: Base models are pretty basic. But higher-spec models (like the XT trims) come with a decent touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a sunroof. The real star is the Multi-Function Display on top of the dash, which shows you everything from your fuel economy to which wheel is getting the most power. It’s a geek’s dream.

The Drive: The Reason You Buy a Subaru

This is where the Forester shines. It’s not just about getting from A to B. It’s about how you get there.

Performance and Handling

That Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive isn’t just a marketing gimmick. It’s the real deal.

• All-Weather Confidence: When the heavens open up and Nairobi roads turn into rivers, the Forester driver is the calmest person in traffic. The AWD system gives you incredible grip and stability. While others are sliding and struggling, you just… drive.
• The Engine Choice: You mostly get two flavours. The standard 2.5-litre non-turbo engine is the sensible choice. It’s reliable, reasonably efficient (for a Subaru), and has enough power for daily driving and highway overtakes. Then there’s the 2.0-litre turbo in the XT model. This one is the hooligan. It’s fast. Properly fast. It turns the sensible family SUV into a sports car on stilts.
• X-Mode: This is your "get out of jail free" card. Press the X-Mode button, and the car’s brain reconfigures the engine, transmission, and AWD system to tackle slippery surfaces. That steep, muddy path up to the campsite? The one that makes FWD cars weep? The Forester with X-Mode will crawl up it without breaking a sweat.

The Elephant in the Room: Maintenance

Okay, let’s talk about it. Subarus have a reputation. The key is maintenance. A well-maintained Forester is a joy. A neglected one will drain your bank account faster than a night out in Kilimani with Instagram baddies.

• The CVT Gearbox: Most of these Foresters come with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). It’s smooth and efficient, but it needs its fluid changed on schedule. No excuses.
• Oil: These boxer engines love clean oil. Don’t cheap out. Use good-quality oil and change it regularly.
• Find a Good Mechanic: Don’t take your Subaru to just any mechanic. Find a specialist. Someone who understands these cars. There are plenty of them around. A good Subaru mechanic is worth their weight in gold.

So, Is It the One for You?

The Subaru Forester isn’t trying to be a luxury car. It’s a tool. A very, very capable tool.

It’s for the practical person. The one who needs a car that can handle the daily commute, the family road trip, and the occasional off-road adventure without complaining. It’s for the person who values substance over style.

If you want a car that will pamper you in luxury, look elsewhere. But if you need a reliable, spacious, and incredibly capable all-rounder that gives you confidence no matter the road or the weather, the Forester is one of the best choices you can make.

Just promise us you’ll service it properly.

Ready to join the club? Find a well-maintained Subaru Forester on Peach Cars or browse our listings of other Subaru models and discover what the hype is all about.