Preview of the new DriverMods site. Checkout and uploads are switched off, and the supplier page shows example orders.
2002-2007 Subaru Forester Head Unit Kit
Kit for your car1 / 3

Your build

  • DM Plus head unit kit$790
All kits

2002-2007 Subaru Forester Head Unit Kit

Series SG

Head unit
Display
HD IPS
Chip
UIS7862S, 12nm
Memory
4GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Includes all our features with impressive audio and performance that won't let you down.

Discover DM Core
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7862S, 12nm
Memory
6GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Same great performance as DM Core, incredible display. Our recommendation for most.

Discover DM Plus
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7870, 6nm
Memory
8GB
Audio
AKM7739 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

A noticeable jump in performance and studio quality audio. For the power users.

Discover DM Pro
Display
QHD QLED, 11.5"
Chip
UIS7862S, 6nm
Memory
8GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Big is good. If you want your head unit to be your portable cinema, this is the one.

Discover DM Max
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7870, 6nm
Memory
12GB
Audio
AKM7739 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Complete overkill, created simply because we could. If you want the absolute best in performance and lossless audio, here it is.

Discover DM Flagship
Compare specifications
Dash camera

Dual Cam DVR Dashcam

Two high-definition cameras record the road and cabin, giving you crisp coverage of what’s ahead and inside the car.

  • Easy phone connectivity
  • Loop recording
  • 24/7 parking monitoring

Triple Cam DVR Dashcam

Capture every angle of your journey with three high-definition cameras that record the road, cabin, and rear—so you don’t miss a thing.

  • Easy phone connectivity
  • Loop recording
  • 24/7 parking monitoring
Microphone
Extras
Delivery4–⁠11 business days
Total$790

About this kit

If youve been looking for a modern upgrade for the 2002–2007 Subaru Forester, here it is. Our fascia is OEM-matched and the head unit will slip right into the double-DIN opening beneath the centre vents, keeping the dash tidy. Steering-wheel controls stay active and the factory camera is retained where fitted. The display is fast to launch and engineered to handle Aussie summer heat.

Supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto via CarLink 2.0 (pre-installed).

Android head unit installed, showing split-screen maps and music

Compatibility at a glance

Years
2002–2007
Series
SG
Trims
X, X Luxury, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury
Steering wheel controls
Retained if present
Premium audio systems supported
All
Camera retention
Retained if present

What’s included

  • Head unit of your choice — select your preferred tier
  • Vehicle-specific fascia — OEM-match finish
  • Core plug-and-play harness; trim-specific adapters added if your car needs them (free of charge)
  • Factory reverse camera retention (where fitted)
  • Antenna adapter (where required)

Install snapshot

Time
60 mins
Difficulty 1 to 5
2
Tools
Trim Tools, Phillips Screwdriver, 10mm Socket

Ask a fitment question

Built for Australian conditions

AU warranty

Built for Australian heat; 12-month AU warranty and tracked shipping.

  • Active fan & heat-sink
  • Voltage-stable power stage
  • 12-month local warranty

Features you’ll use

This stereo is shaped for the Forester cabin, suiting the bay below the centre vents and clearing the HVAC neatly. You get modern nav, calls and music on a bright touchscreen without butchering the dash. Local tuning and support keep things stable and predictable in Australia.

2002-2007 Subaru Forester Head Unit Kit

Factory Fitment & Controls

This kit slips into the Forester's double-DIN opening beneath the centre vents, keeping the dash tidy and stock-looking. Our included fascia makes everything look at home. Steering-wheel controls are retained, and the factory reverse camera stays active where fitted. No cutting; it mounts on existing points for a clean result.
  • Factory-look fascia
  • SWC and camera retained
  • Suits double-DIN bay

Audio Tuning & Upgrades

Tune your sound with a 16–31 band EQ and per-channel time alignment for tight staging. Hi-Res playback and Bluetooth aptX-HD keep detail intact. It works with the factory speaker layout and leaves room to grow—amp-friendly pre-outs make adding a sub or four-channel easy later.
  • 31-band EQ
  • Time alignment
  • aptX-HD Bluetooth
  • Amp-friendly pre-outs

Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto

Go wireless via CarLink 2.0. Launch Maps, reply to messages with the voice assistant, and stream Spotify without touching your phone. Calls are clear, notifications are sensible, and the interface feels natural on the touchscreen and the wheel buttons—exactly how you want it on the daily.
  • Wireless via CarLink 2.0
  • Maps, messages, voice
  • Spotify on tap

Offline Maps + Torque/OBD2

Download map areas before you leave reception to save data and keep guidance talking in the bush. With a small OBD2 dongle, Torque can show live gauges and clear basic codes—handy on road trips. It all runs on the same display, so you can glance, learn, and keep moving.
  • Download AU map areas
  • Save mobile data
  • Torque live gauges

The DriverMods difference

Real performance — and real transparency

The current standard is still 28 nm—slower and hotter, with only the highest end units running 12 nm.
Our units start at 12 nm for smooth, lag-free performance (Core & Plus), stepping up to 6 nm in Pro/Max/Flagship for lightning-fast response.

  • spec transparency
  • modern silicon
  • fast boot
  • cool, stable runs
Displays you enjoy looking at

No dim, plasticky panels.
Our Plus / Pro / Max / Flagship use QLED QHD for razor-sharp maps, media, and text.
Our Core tier unit uses a bright, vivid HD IPS display—clear, clean, and easy on the eyes.

  • higher resolution
  • higher brightness
  • premium panel tech
Bigger screen, less bezel, factory-style fit

More screen, minimal bezels, tidy fascia—designed to look like it belongs in your dash.
Controls stay accessible and integration stays clean.

  • OEM-style fit
  • modern look
  • tidy install
Tuned software that makes life easy

Lean, fast, and stable—plus full customisation.
Keep our optimised setup or download and swap to a different launcher if you prefer.
With an Android OS head unit, the options are endless.

  • fast UI
  • no bloat
  • choose your launcher
Memory & storage that keep up

Gone are the days when 4 GB of RAM was “top-end.”
Ours start at 4 GB and go up from there, so app switching stays smooth.
Add maps and media with microSD expansion and you’re set for offline trips.

  • more RAM
  • smoother multitasking
  • microSD for expandable storage
Built for value, backed locally

Top-tier hardware at fair pricing, with AU support and clear documentation.
We care about the experience after install just as much as unboxing day.

  • local help
  • real warranty
  • easy ownership
Why we do it

The concept isn’t new—the standard should be.
Modern processors, better panels, lean and fast software, fair pricing.
We build head units that make driving feel effortless, not frustrating.

Checkout & shipping — how it works

  1. Order your kitChoose your preferred head unit tier and place your order.
  2. Upload a photoAfter checkout, we'll provide a link for you to easily upload a photo of your dash and any steering wheel controls.
  3. We assemble the correct kitWe confirm your exact model and include any needed adapters and the correct fascia. Correct-fit guarantee applies.
  4. Tracked shippingAU-wide tracked delivery in 4–⁠11 business days.

FAQs

Will this suit all 2002–2007 Forester trims?

Yes. It suits X, X Luxury, XS, XS Luxury, XT and XT Luxury across 2002–2007.

Do steering-wheel controls and the factory camera still work?

Yes. Wheel controls are retained, and the factory reverse camera stays active where fitted.

Does it support wireless CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Wireless is available via CarLink 2.0; cabled use is also supported if you prefer.

How long does installation take on a Forester?

About 60 minutes for a most. Difficulty is 2/5 with trim tools, a Phillips screwdriver and a 10 mm socket.

Will it cope with Australian heat?

Yes. Cooling hardware and software tuning keep performance stable in Aussie summer conditions.

Is it compatible with the Forester (SG) JDM navigation hood pod?

Yes. The standard double-DIN mounting pattern suits common Forester (SG) nav-hood pods when installed with the correct brackets.

Learn more

Want to dive deeper into features and how everything works? These guides break it down and help you choose the right setup.

Compare head units

DM Core
$685
DM Plus
$790
DM Pro
$990
DM Max
$1,170
DM Flagship
$1,450
Screen size9.0 - 10.1″9.5 - 10.36″9.5 - 10.36″11.5″—
ResolutionHDQHDQHDQHDQHD
PanelIPSQLEDQLEDQLEDQLED
Brightness1100 nits1500 nits1500 nits1500 nits—
UI refresh60 Hz60 Hz100 Hz60 Hz—
CPUUIS7862S 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7862S 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7870 8x Cortex A76 @ 2.7 GHzUIS7870 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7870
Processor Node Type12nm12nm6nm6nm6nm
RAM4 GB LPDDR4X6 GB LPDDR4X8 GB LPDDR4X8 GB LPDDR4X12GB
Storage64 GB eMMC 5.1128 GB eMMC 5.1128 GB UFS128 GB UFS—
DSPAKM7738AKM7738AKM7739AKM7738AKM7739
Pre-outs3 × 2.5 V3 × 2.5 V3 × 4.0 V3 × 4.0 V—
Optical outNoNoYesYes—
Coaxial outNoNoYesYes—
USB 2.02233—
USB-C 3.20011—
In shortIncludes all our features and great performance that wont let you down.Same great performance, incredible display. Our recommendation for most.A solid improvement in performance and studio quality audio.Big, is good. If you want your head unit to be the focus point, this is the one.Complete overkill, created simply because we could. If you want the absolute best in performance and lossless audio, here it is.