Subaru replaced its infotainment system with an Alpine aftermarket unit in 2023 Forester 2.5X AWD

The new Subaru Forester 2.5X AWD that is available in Australia comes with an aftermarket Alpine infotainment unit, suggesting that Subaru may not be confident in its own technology.

Although the Alpine Audio Unit's 7-inch touchscreen is slightly smaller than Subaru's own 8-inch infotainment it replaces, its wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is an key update. In addition, the new unit has no CD player and has one USB port instead of the two USB ports in the Subaru system, but retains an AUX port and six speakers.

The new infotainment is actually the only difference between the Subaru Forester 2.5X AWD special edition and the regular Forester 2.5i AWD. Both come fitted with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 hp (136 kW / 185 PS) and 239 Nm (176 lb-ft) of torque, sending power to all four wheels through a CVT.

The Forester 2.5X AWD special edition and the Forester 2.5i AWD are both priced at $37,890 AUD ($24,268 USD), making them the most affordable options in the SUV lineup.

Source: CarExpert