📅 Category: Car Spotlights | By: Clyde Motors KE | ⏱ 5 min read

Ask a Kenyan Subaru owner what they think of their car, and prepare for an enthusiastic response. Subaru has one of the most loyal followings in Kenya’s car community — and the Forester, Subaru’s practical family SUV, sits at the heart of that loyalty. It is not just a cult following for no reason. The Forester genuinely earns its reputation on Kenyan roads, and in this post we tell you exactly why.

A Quick Introduction to the Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester has been in production since 1997 and is now in its fifth generation. It sits in the compact SUV segment — competing with the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5 — but differentiates itself through its standard all-wheel drive system, boxer engine, and excellent visibility.

In Kenya, the SG (second generation, 2002–2007), SH (third generation, 2008–2012), and SJ (fourth generation, 2013–2018) are the most commonly available in the used import market. All three are popular and well-regarded.

Reason 1: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as Standard

This is the Forester’s single biggest advantage for Kenyan roads. While many SUVs offer all-wheel drive as an option or on higher trim levels only, every Subaru Forester comes with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard — on every variant, every trim level.

What this means in practice: when you hit a muddy stretch after the rains, a potholed unpaved road upcountry, or a slippery tarmac surface, the Forester distributes power intelligently across all four wheels. You get traction and stability that front-wheel-drive SUVs simply cannot match. For a country where road conditions vary enormously, this is a genuinely meaningful advantage.

Reason 2: The Boxer Engine Is Low and Balanced

Subaru is one of the very few car manufacturers in the world that uses a horizontally-opposed “boxer” engine. In a boxer engine, the cylinders lie flat on either side of the crankshaft, rather than pointing upward as in a conventional engine.

The practical benefits are real. The engine sits lower in the vehicle, lowering the centre of gravity and improving handling and stability. This is part of why Subarus feel so planted and confident through corners — the weight distribution is fundamentally better than in a conventionally-engined SUV of similar size. On Kenya’s uneven road surfaces, a lower centre of gravity translates directly into a more stable, confidence-inspiring driving experience.

Reason 3: Exceptional Ground Clearance for the Class

The Subaru Forester has notably higher ground clearance than most of its compact SUV competitors. At approximately 220mm in most generations, it clears obstacles and road imperfections that would scrape the underside of a RAV4 or a CR-V.

This matters enormously in Kenya. Speed bumps — of which there are many, and which vary wildly in height — deep puddles after heavy rain, unpaved driveways, and rough upcountry roads are all navigated more comfortably in a Forester than in most vehicles of similar external size. You get genuine clearance without the bulk and fuel consumption of a full-size SUV.

Reason 4: Outstanding Visibility

One of the Forester’s most underrated qualities is its exceptionally large greenhouse — the glass area surrounding the cabin. Tall windows, a high seating position, and relatively slim pillars give the Forester outstanding all-round visibility compared to most modern SUVs, which have been trending toward narrower windows and thicker pillars in pursuit of a sportier aesthetic.

In Nairobi’s chaotic traffic — where motorcycles, pedestrians and matatus appear from unexpected directions constantly — good visibility is not a cosmetic feature. It is a safety feature. Forester drivers consistently report feeling more aware of their surroundings than in other vehicles, and that awareness reduces the risk of incidents.

Reason 5: Strong Owner Community and Parts Availability

Kenya has a thriving and active Subaru community. Subaru Kenya and various owner groups provide a strong network of knowledge, recommendations for mechanics, and sourcing of parts. If you own a Forester and encounter a problem you have not seen before, there is a good chance another Kenyan Forester owner has encountered it and can point you in the right direction.

Parts availability has improved substantially in Nairobi over the past decade. While not quite at Toyota-level ubiquity, Subaru parts — particularly for the popular SG, SH and SJ Forester generations — are readily sourced on Kirinyaga Road and from several reliable importers.

Is the Subaru Forester Right for You?

The Forester is an outstanding choice for Kenyan buyers who want a practical, capable SUV with genuine all-wheel drive, excellent road visibility, and a strong community behind it. It is particularly well-suited to buyers who travel upcountry regularly, live in areas with poor road surfaces, or simply want the peace of mind that comes from standard AWD in all conditions.

At Clyde Motors, we stock the Subaru Forester across various generations and specifications. Get in touch with us to find out what is currently available.

👉 Browse our stock at clydemotors.co.ke or WhatsApp us on 0740635621. Financing available.