The 2025 Forester Is Built for Every Adventure

The 2025 Subaru Forester takes the brand’s well-known blend of practicality and capability to new heights. With a refreshed design, improved technology, and smarter use of space, it’s built to adapt to everything from weekday errands to weekend getaways.

Its standard all-wheel drive and generous ground clearance make it a confident companion in all weather, while the roomy cabin ensures comfort for passengers and cargo alike. New driver-assistance features and upgraded infotainment also make it more appealing for families and commuters who value both safety and convenience.

Whether you’re tackling snowy backroads, loading up for a camping trip, or simply navigating a crowded parking lot, this latest Forester is more capable and well-rounded than ever. It’s a versatile SUV that refuses to compromise, offering a perfect mix of rugged readiness and everyday comfort.

Subaru Adds a Hybrid Option to the Lineup For the 2025 Model Year

The Forester has consistently been a top seller for Subaru, and a big reason for this is just how versatile and practical it is. If you’re someone shopping for a compact SUV, Subaru’s crossover is likely to pop up as one of your top options. For the 2025 model year, the SUV has entered a brand-new generation, with the Japanese brand completely reworking it from head to toe.

What’s New For 2025

While not as drastic as some styling updates, the Forester definitely looks different for the 2025 model year. Subaru has definitely made it a little sleeker and more modern, while still holding on to the rugged aesthetic that defines the nameplate. The gas-only powertrain has been ever so slightly revised and all-wheel drive remains standard kit, though a new hybrid model joins the lineup this year.

Some more minor changes that have been implemented include a new electric steering rack, which shares many of its parts with the brand’s sporty sedan, the WRX. A hands-free liftgate also joins the list of options this year.

2025 Trims and Pricing

The new Forester comes with a slight increase in price over last year’s model, but it remains competitive with the rest of its segment. What helps define the SUbaru in a sea of pretty impressive competitors is its adventurous attitude, with a pretty advanced all-wheel drive system giving it the ability to stray a little further off the beaten path than most other options.

Compared to other compact SUVs, the base Forester is one of the best-equipped entry-level models out there, with features like LED headlights and remote keyless entry being standard. If you’re looking for the model that will give you the best bang-for-your-buck, though, then we’d go with the Sport. This is regardless of whether you go for the gas or hybrid powertrain. It comes with more striking styling elements, such as bronze wheels, an upgraded infotainment system, and a much better sound system among other features.

Warranty and Maintenance

• Limited Warranty: Three Years or 36,000 Miles
• Powertrain Warranty: Five Years or 60,000 Miles
• Complimentary Maintenance: None

Warranties and maintenance plans are becoming a larger part of the buying process for a lot of people, which is why it’s a bit disappointing that Subaru hasn’t updated their offerings in a while. Both their bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage remain at the lower side of average for this class. A lot of competitors are also offering complimentary scheduled maintenance, something that Subaru neglects.

The Hybrid Powertrain Adds Power and Efficiency Without Reducing Capability

Subaru’s gas-only engine in the Forester has always been a little dull and lacking in power. While it is a bit sad that they haven’t revised the engine, the addition of a hybrid model gives you more options when it comes to choosing your Forester. Upgrading to the hybrid is definitely worth it in our eyes, being better and more practical than the gas-only model in just about every way.

2025 Performance Specifications

A naturally aspirated horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine sits under the hood of every Forester, carrying over from the outgoing model. The hybrid model adds a pair of electric motors to the mix, giving it an ever-so-slight boost in power over the non-hybrid. Both models come standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission that does its best to emulate a traditional eight-speed automatic.

The Forester has become a little more sedated with this new generation. Driving dynamics have not been tuned to help you enjoy throwing the SUV through corners. Rather, the Subaru offers a plush and comfortable ride, on and off the tarmac. The hybrid model may not be quicker than the non-hybrid, but the electronic assistance helps the engine run smoother and quieter, which is definitely a plus.

Every Forester comes with a pretty generous 8.7-inches of ground clearance, which helps it take more adventurous routes when you’re conquering the outdoors. The Wilderness trim, which is gas-only, adds a ton of other off-road-ready equipment, including increased ground clearance, up to 9.3-inches.

Fuel Economy

The hybrid is obviously the most efficient of the bunch, which is yet another reason to opt for it over the gas-only model. It gets six miles per gallon more than the base gas-only model. The Sport and Touring, which come with bigger wheels, see a further decrease in efficiency. If you’re looking to get yourself the most adventurous model, know that the Wilderness’ beefy all-terrain tires and heavy off-road equipment help make it the option that is heaviest on fuel.

Safety and Driver Assist Features

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning with Lane Keep Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind-Spot Detection
• Automatic Emergency Steering
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering

Subaru has bolstered the standard safety and driver assist features in the 2025 Forester. The newest additions include emergency stop assist and automatic emergency steering, with the former being a great feature that stops the car, turns on the hazard lights, and unlocks the doors when it detects the driver is unresponsive, also calling emergency services.

Subaru Updates the Forester’s Cabin To Be More Comfortable and Tech-Focused

The Forester has always been a strong option for those that value a practical and spacious interior, with tons of room for passengers and cargo. However, the outgoing model was rapidly beginning to feel dated, with a dashboard that was in major need of a redo. The new model brings a lot more technology to the table, as well as some added comfort features.

Interior Dimensions and Comfort

Compared to other compact SUVs, the Forester offers a ton of space in the front and back, with even the tallest passengers having plenty of room to stretch out their legs, even when relegated to the back seats. The larger seating area in the back does mean that cargo space isn’t at the top of the segment, but there is still a good amount of room. Fold the rear seats down, and you can have a total of 74.4 cubic feet of usable cargo space.

Subaru has better aligned the interior design of the Forester with the rest of its lineup. While they still take a fairly utilitarian approach, it is clear that they have used a better mix of materials. Leather upholstery is on the table, as are heated and ventilated front seats. Subaru also says that they have put in the effort to increase sound deadening, meaning the new generation Forester features a quieter cabin than before.

Infotainment and Technology

The base Forester comes with a fairly strange dual-screen setup, with a seven-inch display being cut in half by a row of physical shortcut buttons. Every other model, however, gets the new 11.6-inch infotainment screen, mounted vertically instead of horizontally, as is Subaru’s way. The base system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but you’ll need to upgrade to the bigger screen if you want to connect wirelessly.

As well as the many USB-C ports in the cabin, models with the larger infotainment system also come with a wireless smartphone charging pad. The base sound system is passable, but audiophiles will want to get the optional Harman Kardon system instead, which is offered on top trims.