Subaru Forester 2013-2018 SJ - Premium Head Unit Upgrade Kit: Radio Infotainment System with Wired & Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility

The Subaru Forester enjoys widespread recognition as a trusted, fair-minded vehicle deeply valued for its blend of comfort, versatility, and all-weather capability. From its initial launch, this iconic Subaru has progressively evolved, developing a distinct character that resonates strongly among drivers worldwide. To fully appreciate the 2013-2018 SJ Forester generation, it is essential to explore how previous iterations have informed and influenced this established SUV's present attributes.

Historical Progression of the Subaru Forester Series:

First Generation Forester (SF; 1997-2002):
Introduced initially at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995, the Subaru Forester formally arrived in the market in 1997 targeting buyers seeking a practical, capable alternative to larger SUVs and conventional sedans alike. Built on Subaru’s celebrated Impreza platform, this first iteration gained prominence thanks to its distinctive wagon-like profile, elevated ride height, symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, and boxer engine. Notably popular among outdoor adventurers, families, and city-based drivers alike, the first-generation Forester quickly secured its spot through practicality, versatility, and efficient footprint.

Second Generation Forester (SG; 2002-2008):
In its second generation, improvements were widespread, highlighting strengthened chassis rigidity, increased safety standards, and more refined interior appointments. Turbocharged variants were introduced, providing buyers with heightened performance options without compromising everyday usability. The SG series placed additional emphasis on balanced ride comfort, nimble handling, and enhanced interior refinement, allowing Subaru to further cement the Forester’s reputation as a comfortable, driver-friendly, versatile crossover suitable for varied driving conditions.

Third Generation Forester (SH; 2008-2013):
A significant turning point reflected maturity in Subaru's design approach, with the third generation delivering increased interior space, more sophisticated styling, and enhanced technology integration. Newer boxer engine variants, paired with refined AWD systems and improved suspension setups delivered smoother, quieter ride quality and greater driving confidence. With stronger safety ratings and refined ergonomics, the third-generation Forester increasingly gained a global following, helping solidify Subaru among mainstream families, safety-conscious buyers, and active lifestyle drivers.

Fourth Generation Forester (SJ; 2013-2018):
The SJ series marks another notable evolution, advancing Forester’s journey towards modern comfort, practicality, and adaptability. Distinguished visual updates enhanced exterior dimensions, crisp bodylines, and improved aerodynamics. A revised cabin layout included higher-quality materials, additional noise insulation, intuitive controls and significantly more sophisticated interior ambiance. Offering Subaru's refined Lineartronic CVT and efficient boxer engines—including naturally aspirated and turbocharged options—alongside Subaru's acclaimed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system ensured optimal fuel efficiency, improved handling dynamics, increased reliability, and commendable off-road prowess.

As Subaru strengthened its focus on driver assistance technology, higher trims introduced innovative safety features such as Eyesight Driver Assist: adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and throttle management, lane departure warning, and improved active safety. These advancements greatly contributed to the SJ Forester’s success and popularity globally, referred to universally across North America, Asia-Pacific markets, Australia, and Europe. Famously robust, practical, thoughtfully balanced, and reassuring, drivers applauded the SJ Forester for being profoundly dependable and pleasantly comfortable on journeys both short and extended.

Considering the noteworthy automotive technology leap during this model cycle, technological integration remained a considerable consideration for constant usability improvements. Original manufacturer infotainment choices, while acceptable, presented limitations in compatibility, functionality, and flexibility—prompting Forester drivers' interest in aftermarket infotainment solutions. Exploring the available integration solutions, Brummstadt—a recognized provider of tailored automotive infotainment technology—developed an aftermarket head unit precisely calibrated to accommodate Subaru Forester SJ (2013-2018) models.

Brummstadt’s compatible infotainment upgrade fits seamlessly within the Forester’s dashboard contours, preserving original aesthetics while substantially advancing technology integration. This specialized unit equips drivers with seamless wired and wireless capabilities for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Providing natural interaction with digital convenience through popular navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or community-based solutions such as WAZE, the system offers smooth usability and supportive functionality under varied driving scenarios.

Imagine a relaxed dinner evening shared among close friends or family members at a local restaurant. Anticipating continuation of the evening at a friend's residence, a driver discretely inputs the destination through their smartphone's navigation app while finishing dessert. Upon entering their Subaru Forester afterward, the previously configured route immediately transfers to the fully networked Brummstadt head unit through wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity. This effortless smartphone integration ensures effortless, minimally distracting transitions during journeys—simplifying life without requiring additional interaction at crucial driving moments.

In addition to essential navigation and infotainment services, the head unit allows optional integration of upgraded 1080p HD front and rear camera systems. The addition effectively bolsters safety while driving, backing up, or parking, adding a valuable assurance component via continuous recordings providing potential insurance or legal benefits in circumstances involving road incidents.

Extending the unit’s functionality further, Brummstadt’s device facilitates unique passenger experiences by integrating direct USB connections, allowing gaming controllers attachment. Engaging in multiplayer gaming via the head unit’s large display creates interactive, meaningful connections during lengthy or uneventful periods within the vehicle, significantly enriching passenger relaxation and enjoyment.

The integration of enhanced voice command technology constitutes another attractive advantage, conveniently allowing seamless management of navigation tasks, communication needs, media playback, and smart household controls through voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. Users might conveniently initiate commands such as "Hey Siri! Turn on the porch lights," significantly complementing practical daily convenience and improving safety considerations through reduced manual interactions while driving.

Overall Benefits and Driving Experience:

A considerable source of the Subaru Forester SJ’s popularity rests in its combination of reliability, versatility, confidence-inspiring AWD, practical ergonomics, and effective design refinement. Exemplifying Subaru’s progressive approach, the SJ series noticeably improved ride quality, handling responsiveness, cabin insulation, and passenger comfort over previous generations, effectively elevating experiences among drivers and passengers alike. Naturally responsive boxer engines, advanced CVT transmissions, and renowned AWD competency efficiently embraced diverse adventures under varied driving conditions.

Thoughtfully selected modern infotainment options from aftermarket providers like Brummstadt contribute meaningfully to the vehicle’s daily usability. Such carefully designed modern solutions assure intuitive usability, high-quality connectivity, and relevant contemporary technologies, offering practicalities ranging from enhanced smartphone functionality, expanded multimedia entertainment experiences, heightened operational convenience through advanced navigation tools, to valuable safety support improvements from optimal visibility provided by integrated camera systems.

In its entirety, the Subaru Forester SJ generation (2013-2018) demonstrates substantial automotive maturity, reflecting Subaru’s dedicated approach toward continued refinement, practical design solutions, versatile OEM engineering, and profound all-condition driving capability. Its enduring popularity strongly suggests deeply held tangible and emotional connections among devoted drivers and delighted passengers familiar with the comfort, dependability, and completeness experienced within its thoughtfully crafted interior and celebrated driving dynamics.