Upgrading your cabin tech can make an older Forester feel far more modern without changing the vehicle itself. The best infotainment upgrades for Subaru Forester models add wireless smartphone integration, larger touchscreens, and better everyday usability.
Below, we focus on head units that fit common Forester generations and prioritize reliable features buyers actually use: navigation, Bluetooth, Android Auto, CarPlay, and factory-system compatibility.
Best 10 Infotainment Upgrades for Subaru Forester Picks for 2026
Modern Android 13 Upgrade
9" Wireless CarPlay Forester Stereo
- Android 13 with 2GB/64GB storage
- Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
- Keeps factory camera and steering controls
Best For: Compatible 2016–2018 Subaru Forester owners wanting a modern app-based stereo
Value Android 13 Kit
9" Forester Stereo with Camera
- Android 13 with 2GB/64GB and 9-inch screen
- Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink
- Includes 720P backup camera
Best For: 2013–2015 Subaru owners who want a bundled stereo and camera package
Factory-Friendly Plug-and-Play
- Plug-and-play harness for easier install
- Wireless/wired CarPlay and Android Auto
- Keeps factory controls and displays
Best For: 2015–2018 Forester owners who want simple installation and OEM-style integration
Premium Android Upgrade
9-inch Android 15 Stereo for 2013-2015 Forester
- Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
- Android 15 with 4GB/64GB storage
- Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and split-screen support
Best For: drivers wanting a modern Android replacement with wireless phone integration
OEM-Style Flagship
8GB/256GB Dasaita Head Unit for 2016-2018 Forester
- 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, Snapdragon Android 13
- Keeps key OEM functions and original ports
- Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto with voice control
Best For: buyers who want a high-end plug-and-play upgrade with factory-style integration
Budget-Friendly Big Screen
9-inch Android Stereo for 2016-2018 Forester
- Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice control
- Built-in GPS with offline maps and 5G Wi-Fi
- Includes 170° backup camera and SWC support
Best For: value-focused buyers who want the core modern features in a large-screen unit
Premium Factory-System Upgrade
Junsun 8 Core 64GB Forester Stereo
- Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto support
- 9-inch HD touchscreen with GPS and Bluetooth 5.0
- Plug-and-play harness keeps factory controls
Best For: Forester owners wanting a full-featured OEM-style replacement
Value Android Upgrade
CGOGC Forester 2016-2018 Head Unit
- Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto included
- 9-inch IPS display with GPS and Wi-Fi
- DSP sound settings plus steering wheel control support
Best For: Compatible Forester owners who want broad features at a simpler spec level
Camera-Ready Daily Driver Pick
Junsun 5G Forester Stereo with Camera
- 1080P backup camera included
- Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and GPS
- Plug-and-play harness retains factory features
Best For: Drivers wanting a simple, all-in-one Forester upgrade with a camera
Modern Android 13 Upgrade – 9" Wireless CarPlay Forester Stereo
If you want a straightforward infotainment upgrades for subaru forester setup, this Android 13 head unit brings a larger 9-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay, and Android Auto to compatible Forester, WRX, and Impreza models from 2016 to 2018. It’s aimed at drivers who want a modern app-based interface with built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth without giving up factory camera or steering wheel control support.
Best For: Drivers with compatible 2016–2018 Subaru Forester/WRX/Impreza models who want a tablet-style Android interface with wireless phone integration.
Pros:
- Android 13 system with 2GB RAM and 64GB storage for navigation, music, and apps
- Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto for cable-free calls, maps, and music
- Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and FM/RDS radio for everyday use
- Supports original factory camera and steering wheel controls
Cons:
- Only compatible with Forester/WRX/Impreza 2016–2018 using the silver air vent setup
- Installation help is offered, but fitment still depends on matching the console correctly
For newer compatible Forester builds, this unit stands out as a feature-packed replacement that focuses on convenience and connectivity. The main tradeoff is strict vehicle compatibility, so confirming the console layout before buying is essential.
High-Spec Android 14 Pick – 9" QLED Forester Stereo
For shoppers comparing infotainment upgrades for subaru forester, this Android 14 unit targets older Forester MK4 models and adds a stronger 8-core platform, 4GB RAM, and a 9-inch QLED touchscreen. It also brings wireless and wired CarPlay/Android Auto, split-screen use, steering wheel control support, and 32-band EQ tuning for a more customized daily setup.
Best For: Owners of compatible 2013–2015 Forester MK4 models who want a faster stereo with more tuning and display quality.
Pros:
- Android 14 with 8-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage
- 9-inch QLED touchscreen with split-screen support
- Wireless and wired CarPlay plus Android Auto
- 32-band EQ and steering wheel control compatibility
Cons:
- Not for every Forester; it fits specific 2013–2015 MK4 models and related Subaru vehicles
- Does not support factory rear cameras that display on the small top screen
This is the more performance-focused option in the group, especially if you care about screen quality and audio adjustment. Just be sure to confirm camera compatibility, since that limitation is clearly called out.
Value Android 13 Kit – 9" Forester Stereo with Camera
This infotainment upgrades for subaru forester option is built for 2013–2015 Forester, WRX, and Impreza models and focuses on the core features most drivers actually use: wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, GPS, Bluetooth, and a backup camera. With Android 13, 2GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 9-inch 1280×720 display, it’s a practical replacement if you want a modern interface at a straightforward spec level.
Best For: Drivers of compatible 2013–2015 Subaru models who want an affordable-feeling all-in-one stereo with an included rear camera.
Pros:
- Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink support
- Built-in GPS with online/offline navigation and Wi-Fi app access
- Includes a 720P AHD rear camera for reversing
- Supports steering wheel controls and split-screen use
Cons:
- Does not support OEM camera; you must use the included backup camera
- Professional installation is recommended
If you want the essentials bundled together, this is a sensible pick for older Forester-platform vehicles. The included camera makes the package more complete, but the lack of OEM camera support may matter if you want to keep every factory piece intact.
Factory-Friendly Plug-and-Play – Junsun Forester Stereo
For a cleaner infotainment upgrades for subaru forester install, this Junsun unit is aimed at 2015–2018 Forester models and is designed to keep the factory sound system in place. It adds wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, FM/AM radio, and a 9-inch 1280×720 IPS touchscreen while using a vehicle-specific harness for simpler plug-and-play installation.
Best For: Forester owners who want an easier install and want to preserve factory system integration.
Pros:
- Vehicle-specific plug-and-play harness simplifies installation
- Supports wireless and wired CarPlay plus Android Auto
- Works with factory steering wheel controls and driving info displays
- Includes GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, FM/AM radio, and a 9-inch IPS HD screen
Cons:
- Compatibility is limited to 2015–2018 Subaru Forester models
- Software updates improve usability but do not upgrade the Android version
This is the most installation-friendly option here if you want to minimize wiring hassle and keep more OEM behavior. It’s a strong fit for drivers who value convenience and factory integration over chasing the newest Android release.
Premium Android Upgrade – 9-inch Android 15 Stereo for 2013-2015 Forester
If you’re comparing infotainment upgrades for Subaru Forester models from 2013-2015, this Android 15 head unit is aimed at drivers who want a big-screen, smartphone-connected replacement. It adds wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, GPS navigation, Wi-Fi app access, and steering wheel control support, but it is not compatible with Foresters that came with the silver A/C vent or Harman Kardon sound systems.
Best For: Forester owners who want a feature-rich Android-based stereo with wireless phone integration and built-in navigation.
Pros:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for hands-free calls, maps, and music
- Android 15 system with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage for app installs and smoother operation
- Built-in GPS with offline maps plus Wi-Fi hotspot support for online navigation and downloads
- Split-screen support, Bluetooth 5.2, and RCA/video output for more versatile use
Cons:
- Not compatible with original cars that have the silver A/C vent
- Not compatible with Harman Kardon sound systems
- Front-view camera support is mentioned, but the camera is not included
This is a strong pick if you want a modern touchscreen experience and don’t need OEM-style compatibility with every factory setup. The combination of wireless connectivity, GPS, and split-screen features makes it especially useful for daily driving and road trips.
OEM-Style Flagship – 8GB/256GB Dasaita Head Unit for 2016-2018 Forester
For shoppers focused on infotainment upgrades for Subaru Forester models, this Dasaita unit leans hard into speed, storage, and factory-like integration. It fits Forester 2016-2018 and WRX 2016-2021 models without Harman Kardon systems, while preserving key OEM functions like steering wheel controls, backup camera, parking sensors, door and AC status display, and the original USB/AUX ports.
Best For: Forester owners who want a premium plug-and-play upgrade that keeps original vehicle features intact.
Pros:
- Snapdragon-powered Android 13 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage for fast multitasking
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with voice control support
- OEM-style 8-inch QLED screen with dual knobs and buttons, plus plug-and-play installation
- Includes 4G LTE support, 5G Wi-Fi hotspot compatibility, split-screen mode, HDMI, and optical output
Cons:
- Not compatible with Harman Kardon systems
- Screen size is smaller than some 9-inch alternatives
- Best fit is limited to listed Forester and WRX model years
This model stands out if you value OEM integration and top-tier hardware over a basic screen replacement. Its combination of speed, storage, and retained factory functions makes it one of the most complete upgrades in the group.
Budget-Friendly Big Screen – 9-inch Android Stereo for 2016-2018 Forester
This option is built for drivers looking at infotainment upgrades for Subaru Forester models from 2016-2018 and wanting a large touchscreen without jumping to a premium hardware tier. It combines wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, GPS navigation, Bluetooth, steering wheel control support, and a 170° night-vision backup camera, making it a practical all-in-one replacement.
Best For: Forester owners who want a straightforward 9-inch touchscreen upgrade with navigation and camera support.
Pros:
- Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and mirror link with voice control access
- Built-in GPS with preloaded offline maps and 5G Wi-Fi hotspot support
- 9-inch 1280×800 IPS display with wide viewing angles
- Includes a 170° night-vision waterproof backup camera and steering wheel control support
Cons:
- 32GB storage is smaller than higher-end alternatives
- Screen resolution and hardware are more modest than flagship units
- Product details list an LCD display, which may be less premium than QLED options
Choose this if you want the main modern features—wireless phone integration, GPS, and a backup camera—without paying for extra processing power or storage. It covers the essentials well and is especially appealing as a value-oriented replacement.
Premium Factory-System Upgrade – Junsun 8 Core 64GB Forester Stereo
If you’re comparing infotainment upgrades for Subaru Forester models from 2015 to 2018, this Junsun unit is aimed at drivers who want a fuller OEM-style replacement with modern phone integration. It keeps factory sound-system compatibility, adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and brings a 9-inch HD display with built-in GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, and DSP features.
Best For: Forester owners who want a feature-rich plug-and-play head unit that preserves factory controls and sound-system compatibility.
Pros:
- Vehicle-specific harness is designed for plug-and-play installation with no cutting or splicing.
- Supports wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, screen mirroring, GPS navigation, and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Includes a 9-inch IPS HD touchscreen with 1280×720 resolution and 4GB RAM / 64GB ROM.
- Retains steering wheel controls and driving data displays while supporting FM/AM radio.
Cons:
- Fitment is specific to Forester 2015-2018 and factory-system compatibility requirements.
- Rearview camera and car-powered subwoofer support are mentioned, but the related accessories are not included.
Overall, this is a strong option if you want a more modern interface without giving up factory integration. It leans toward convenience and feature depth, making it a practical pick for daily driving and navigation-focused use.
Value Android Upgrade – CGOGC Forester 2016-2018 Head Unit
For shoppers exploring infotainment upgrades for Subaru Forester vehicles, this CGOGC head unit focuses on the essentials: wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, GPS, and a clear 9-inch touchscreen. It is positioned for Forester 2016-2018 fitment, with support for steering wheel controls, backup camera input, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and app downloads.
Best For: Drivers who want a feature-packed Android radio at a straightforward spec level for a compatible Forester.
Pros:
- Supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto for easier phone access while driving.
- Includes GPS navigation, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, FM/AM radio, and backup camera support.
- Uses an octa-core 2.0GHz processor with a 9-inch 1280×720 IPS display.
- DSP audio processing offers multiple sound settings for more tuning flexibility.
Cons:
- Fitment depends on the OEM vent trim color and model-year compatibility notes.
- 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM are more modest than higher-memory alternatives.
This unit is a sensible middle-ground choice if you want modern smartphone integration without stepping into a more expensive, higher-memory build. Its strongest appeal is the broad feature list for compatible Forester, Impreza, and WRX applications.
Camera-Ready Daily Driver Pick – Junsun 5G Forester Stereo with Camera
If you’re narrowing down infotainment upgrades for Subaru Forester models from 2015 to 2018, this Junsun stereo is built around easy installation and useful everyday features. It keeps factory-system compatibility, adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, includes a 1080P AHD backup camera, and pairs that with a 9-inch HD touchscreen, GPS, and upgraded Bluetooth 5.0.
Best For: Forester drivers who want an all-in-one upgrade with an included backup camera and simple factory integration.
Pros:
- Includes an HD 1080P rearview camera, so there is no separate camera purchase required.
- Vehicle-specific harness supports plug-and-play installation and preserves steering wheel functionality.
- Offers wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, GPS navigation, and screen mirroring.
- 9-inch IPS display with Bluetooth 5.0, FM/AM radio, and Android 13 software update support.
Cons:
- Memory is limited to 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM, which is lower than some alternatives.
- Camera compatibility is tied to the included HS19 setup and aftermarket support notes.
This is the most convenience-oriented choice in the group if you value an included camera and straightforward installation. It makes sense for drivers who want to refresh the dash without piecing together extra accessories.
How We Picked These Infotainment Upgrades for Subaru Forester
We focused on head units that balance fitment, core features, and long-term usability. The strongest Infotainment Upgrades for Subaru Forester should offer clear screen quality, responsive controls, stable wireless connectivity, and support for factory audio features where applicable.
We also looked for options that make sense for real-world ownership: models with enough memory for smoother multitasking, support for steering wheel controls, and versions designed around specific Forester years. That helps reduce installation surprises and improves the odds of a clean factory-style result.
Quick Comparison
For most buyers, the main decision is between value-focused Android units and higher-end systems with better hardware. If you want the simplest daily experience, prioritize wireless CarPlay or Android Auto and a screen size that is easy to read at a glance. If you want faster performance, look for stronger chipsets, more RAM, and more storage.
Also compare whether the unit is built for your exact Forester generation. Some Infotainment Upgrades for Subaru Forester are made for 2013-2015 vehicles, while others are aimed at 2015-2018 or 2016-2018 applications. Exact fit matters as much as feature count.
Key Buying Factors for Infotainment Upgrades for Subaru Forester
Fitment and Vehicle Compatibility
Start with your model year, trim, and factory audio setup. A unit that is compatible with the Subaru Forester and related models may still require specific harnesses or adapters. Matching the correct generation is the best way to avoid installation headaches.
Wireless Connectivity
Wireless CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are the biggest convenience upgrades for most drivers. They reduce cable clutter and make it easier to launch maps, calls, and music automatically.
Performance Hardware
More RAM and better processors usually mean quicker app loading, smoother touch response, and less lag when switching between audio, navigation, and phone features. If you plan to stream, navigate, and multitask often, performance should be a top priority.
Display and Usability
A larger screen is helpful only if it stays readable in daylight and responds quickly to touch. Look for clear resolution, strong brightness, and a layout that keeps core functions easy to reach while driving.
Factory-System Integration
If you want to keep factory sound behavior, steering wheel controls, or backup camera support, check integration details carefully. The best Infotainment Upgrades for Subaru Forester should improve tech without sacrificing key vehicle functions.
Who Should Buy Which Infotainment Upgrades for Subaru Forester?
Choose a value-oriented Android unit if you want a major technology refresh at a lower price and are comfortable with a few setup choices. Pick a higher-memory or premium-brand option if you want smoother performance and more confidence in daily use.
If your priority is convenience, wireless smartphone mirroring should be at the top of your list. If you care most about a factory-like experience, focus on exact-year fitment and compatibility with your Subaru’s original audio system and controls.