2023 Subaru Forester Hybrid sold out, more stock coming

The Subaru Forester Hybrid has sold out for Model Year 2023 (MY23) – but it is unclear when more stock is due in showrooms for Model Year 2024 (MY24), and if there will be a price rise.

Subaru Australia has advised both Forester Hybrid model grades have sold out for MY23 "following increased consumer demand" and refundable pre-orders have now opened for the 2024 model.

The company is yet to disclose when the first MY24 examples are due in showrooms, and if there will be any price rises – or changes to standard specifications.

However it is expected 2024 models will continue to be the current Subaru Forester, and not the next-generation model – which is not due in showrooms until late next year as 2025 models.

The hybrid version of the next Subaru Forester may not arrive until calendar-year 2025, as it could become the first Subaru to adopt Toyota hybrid technology, after a deal was signed between the two Japanese car makers.

Testing by Drive has found Toyota hybrid family SUVs to approximately halve fuel consumption compared to petrol-only versions – whereas Subaru's hybrid technology has been criticised for delivering negligible fuel savings.

In a media statement to Drive, a Subaru Australia spokesperson said pre-orders for the 2024 Forester are refundable pending price, specification and arrival timing.

"Participating Subaru Retailers are taking pre-orders for MY24 Subaru Forester. A pre-order is non-binding and requires payment of a refundable deposit of $500," the spokesperson said.

"As detailed vehicle specifications, pricing and delivery timing for MY24 Subaru Forester have not been confirmed at this time, they will be confirmed to pre-order customers a later date, after which a pre-order customer will be offered an opportunity by their participating Subaru retailer to enter a binding purchase contract."

Regular petrol-only Subaru Forester models remain in stock. A pair of 50 Years special editions – to celebrate a half-century of Subaru cars in Australia – were recently added to the line-up.