Best discreet dash cam for a Subaru Forester?

Question

Hey everyone! I recently joined the Subaru family with a new Forester, and I’m absolutely loving the visibility and the Eyesight driver assist technology. However, I’ve been looking to install a dash cam for some extra peace of mind on the road, and I’m running into a bit of a dilemma regarding the placement.

My biggest concern is the Eyesight system. The manual is pretty strict about not placing anything in the 'prohibited area' around the rearview mirror so it doesn't interfere with the cameras. Because of that, I’m looking for something extremely discreet—ideally something that blends into the plastic housing or sits tucked away so it’s not an eyesore or a safety hazard. I’m not a big fan of the bulky units with large screens that hang down via suction cups; I’d much prefer a 'set it and forget it' type of setup that looks like it came factory-installed.

I’ve been looking at a few options like the VIOFO A119 or maybe one of those FitcamX units that replaces the mirror cover, but I’m worried about the video quality and how easy they are to hardwire into the Forester’s fuse box. I’m also curious if anyone has managed to mount a rear cam through the hatch without the wiring looking like a mess.

Budget-wise, I’m willing to spend around $200–$350 for a high-quality setup that handles heat well (since the car sits out in the sun quite a bit). I’m mostly looking for great night vision and a reliable app for downloading clips.

For those of you driving a recent Forester model, which discreet dash cam did you go with, and where exactly did you mount it to stay clear of the Eyesight sensors while still getting a good field of view? Thanks in advance for the help!

rrfvhxdesz · Accepted Answer

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, I had issues with bulky cams blocking the sensors before... it's a total pain. If you want that 'factory' look without the FitcamX price, I believe the VIOFO A119 V3 2K Dash Cam is still the king of discreet mounting.

Quick tip: mount it just to the right of the plastic Eyesight housing. I think? it keeps the field of view clear without triggering any system errors. FWIW, use the VIOFO HK3 ACC Hardwire Kit for a clean install—tucking the wires into the headliner is actually easier than it looks! Hope this helps!

gdydzftolz · Answer

> My biggest concern is the Eyesight system. The manual is pretty strict about not placing anything in the 'prohibited area' around the rearview mirror so it doesn't interfere with the cameras.

Honey, I totally get the Eyesight jitters! When I first got my Forester, I was PETRIFIED of blocking those cameras and causing a system failure on the highway. I spent hours with a ruler measuring the "kill zone" mentioned in the manual.

WARNING: Whatever you do, DO NOT mount anything directly to the Eyesight camera housings or the glass immediately in front of them. Even a small cable hanging slightly loose can cause the Pre-Collision Braking to glitch out, which is a massive safety hazard.

In my experience, the absolute safest bet for a "set it and forget it" setup that won't mess with your sensors is the BlackVue DR970X-2CH Plus 4K UHD Dash Cam. It has a super slim, cylindrical profile that honestly looks like a factory sensor. I tucked mine right behind the rearview mirror on the passenger side, just outside the shaded matrix area. It’s completely invisible from the driver’s seat!

But if you're worried about heat, I’d suggest the Garmin Dash Cam 67W with 180-degree Field of View. It's tiny—about the size of a car key fob—and handles the cabin bake-off really well. For the rear hatch, just run the wire through the rubber bellows (the "accordion" tube) for that clean look. It’s a bit of a thumb-wrestle, but worth it to keep the wiring hidden. Good luck with the new Subie!

rmiqnedodu · Answer

Welcome to the Forester fam! Honestly, I totally get the Eyesight anxiety—I've been there. I originally tried a cheaper wedge cam, but it looked like a mess and the adhesive melted in the sun. Such a letdown.

For your situation, here's what I recommend:

- **The Best Integrated Look:** I'm currently using the FitcamX 4K Dash Cam for Subaru Forester 2022-2024. It literally replaces the plastic shroud behind the mirror. No wires showing, and it doesn't mess with Eyesight at all.
- **The Reliable Backup:** If you want better app support, the VIOFO A119 V3 Dash Cam is a tank, but mounting it off-center is key.
- **Storage:** Don't skimp here; get a Samsung PRO Endurance 128GB microSDXC Memory Card so it actually handles the heat.

I think the FitcamX is the way to go for that "factory" look, though the app is just okay? Don't quote me on that, but it gets the job done. Good luck!