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2018-2025 Subaru Forester Head Unit Kit
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  • DM Plus head unit kit$790
All kits

2018-2025 Subaru Forester Head Unit Kit

Series SK, SK9, SKE, S5

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

Keep the Forester cabin calm and tidy. This factory-style display suits the dash lines, keeps your steering-wheel controls, and avoids cable sprawl with simple wireless use. It wakes fast and stays consistent through summer, so daily driving feels effortless without adding clutter.

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
2018–2024
Series
SK, SK9, SKE, S5
Trims
2.5i, 2.5i-L, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i-S, 2.5i Sport, Hybrid L, Hybrid S
Steering wheel controls
Retained if present
Premium audio systems supported
Harman Kardon
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 Removal Tools, Phillips Screwdriver, 10 mm Socket

Ask a fitment question

Built for Australian conditions

AU warranty

Midday readability for Aussie glare.

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

Features you’ll use

The goal is a clean look that feels stock: fascia and brackets that suit the Forester dash, controls kept, and the factory camera supported where fitted. The screen is glanceable, touch is responsive, and voice handles more of the busy work, so you tap less and drive more.

2018-2025 Subaru Forester Head Unit Kit

OEM fitment

This kit suits the Forester dash for a factory-style finish. Vehicle-specific fascia and looms keep things tidy, steering-wheel controls stay active, and the factory camera is supported where fitted. The upper display remains unaffected, preserving the clean dual-screen layout the cabin is known for.
  • OEM-match fascia
  • SWC retained
  • Camera supported
  • Clean dash lines

EQ & timing

Tune staging without changing speakers first. A 16–31-band EQ and per-channel time alignment help centre vocals and tighten bass for cleaner sound. Hi-Res playback keeps detail intact, and clean pre-outs make amplifier upgrades easy. It's also compatible with Harman Kardon packages where fitted.
  • Clean staging
  • Per-channel timing
  • Hi-Res capable
  • Amp-ready pre-outs

Voice first

Connect wirelessly and keep the console uncluttered. Ask for a route in Apple Maps, queue a playlist on Spotify, send a quick message, and keep eyes up—voice does the heavy lifting. Prefer a cable on longer trips? Plug in for charge and a fixed connection.
  • Wireless daily use
  • Voice navigation
  • Quick replies
  • Optional wired mode

Offline & Torque

Download map areas before you head out so guidance keeps working when reception drops. Pair a small OBD2 adapter and use Torque to view temps, basic codes or simple gauges on screen—useful for trips without adding pods or clutter to the cabin.
  • Offline areas
  • OBD2 gauges
  • Temps & codes
  • Minimal cabin clutter

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 fit my Subaru Forester SK and keep the steering-wheel controls?

Yes. The fascia and looms suit the SK dash, so it fits cleanly and the steering buttons remain active.

Does the factory reverse camera still work?

Where a camera is fitted from factory, it's supported by the kit so you keep the view when selecting reverse.

How readable is the screen at midday in Australia?

The panel is chosen for midday readability, with fast wake and brightness settings that help reduce glare.

Is it compatible with the Harman Kardon package?

Yes. It's compatible with Harman Kardon systems on upper trims and remains upgrade-friendly via clean pre-outs.

Can I go offline for trips and still see basics from the car?

Download map areas before you leave and pair an OBD2 adapter to view simple Torque gauges like temps or basic codes.

What's the install like at home?

Allow about 60 minutes. Bring Trim-Removal Tools, a Phillips Screwdriver and a 10 mm Socket. Looms are plug-and-play—work slowly and protect the trim.

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.