This significant price drop also indicates that the appeal of this model in the market remains limited.
More than six months after being upgraded to the new generation and switched to being imported as a complete unit from Japan , the last remaining Subaru Forester models of the previous generation (imported from Thailand) have been almost completely sold off, with only about 100 units remaining in the two high-end versions equipped with the EyeSight technology package, according to the distributor.
To clear these vehicles, Subaru Vietnam is offering unprecedented discounts in July, ranging from 300 to 360 million VND. In previous months, the discount for this product was only 140-280 million VND, depending on the version.
This price reduction is equivalent to about 27-30% of the list price – a very rare figure in the Vietnamese automotive market. However, this also shows the pressure on distributors to clear their inventory, rather than simply being a typical sales promotion program.
| Version | Listed price | Reduction | Special price |
| 2.0 iL EyeSight | 1,099,000,000 | 300,000,000 | 799,000,000 |
| 2.0 iS EyeSight | 1,199,000,000 | 360,000,000 | 839,000,000 |
In addition to the discount, customers buying the older Forester model also receive a free power tailgate upgrade and a set of accessory gifts (Unit: VND).
With these discounts, the actual selling price of these older Forester models has been reduced to a low level in the C-segment SUV market. The Japanese model's competitor, the Ford Territory, has a suggested retail price starting at 739 million VND and reaching a maximum of 875 million VND.
However, liquidity will be a factor that users need to consider, because the older Forester models were all manufactured in 2024 (VIN 2024). This is perhaps the biggest "price" that buyers have to accept.
Although not yet driven, these Foresters all have VINs from 2024, meaning their registration documents show they are approximately two years older than new vehicles manufactured in 2026. When resold, this factor typically causes the vehicle's value to depreciate more quickly.
The official closure of Subaru's factory in Thailand at the end of 2024 is the main reason why the new generation of this C-SUV will be imported from Japan (Photo: Subaru dealership).
Prior to the upgrade, the Subaru Forester frequently received significant discounts from the distributor. However, sales of this model remained limited, given that the C-SUV segment is primarily competitive on price, with the standard version of the Mazda CX-5 often being discounted to around 700 million VND at dealerships.
Furthermore, the interior and exterior design of the older Subaru Forester models didn't really appeal to Vietnamese tastes. Car buyers are becoming younger and tend to be more interested in visually appealing products.
Interior of the older generation Subaru Forester (Photo: Subaru dealership).
In its new generation, the Forester's price has increased significantly to 1.299-1.399 billion VND, due to its Japanese origin and therefore not being exempt from import tax. However, this C-SUV model boasts a more angular and robust design than its predecessor. Furthermore, it is equipped with a new 2.5L Boxer engine, replacing the previous 2.0L version.
A reporter from Dan Tri newspaper had the opportunity to experience the 2026 version and, based on personal observation, the suspension system of the new model is softer, helping the car absorb vibrations better when driving over rough terrain (off-road). Meanwhile, the older Forester model is more suitable for on-road driving.
The 2.5L Boxer engine in the 2026 Subaru Forester boasts 182 horsepower and 247 Nm of torque, significantly more powerful than the previous generation (154 horsepower and 196 Nm) (Photo: Nguyen Lam).
Despite its underwhelming sales figures, the Forester still possesses unique value in terms of its driving performance.
For users interested in symmetrical all-wheel drive (S-AWD) and a Boxer engine but who don't like overly soft suspension, older Forester models may be a worthwhile option.
However, buyers also need to balance the immediate savings with the risk of depreciation of a 2024 VIN vehicle and the fact that liquidity is not a strong point of this car model.