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The 2025 Subaru Forester is all new with upgraded technology, more precise steering, and an updated look! Take an in-depth look at the entire lineup.
2025 Subaru Forester – subaru.com | Shop 2025 Subaru Forester on Carsforsale.com
What’s new for the 2025 Subaru Forester?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is all new, all the way around. Subaru is starting the sixth generation of the Forester with some restyling and a new body structure. The dimensions are mostly the same, but there are some changes that come with the new Forester. For example, there are slimmer headlights up front and a larger grille, new taillights in the back, Forester lettering on the bumper, a larger infotainment screen inside, a quieter cabin, and some new driver assist technology that’s been implemented. We gave the 2024 Subaru Forester a high score, so let’s see how this new and hopefully improved 2025 Forester fares.
Carsforsale.com Score
8.75/10
Powertrain
Score
8.50/10
Interior
Score
9/10
Technology
Score
8.75/10
Value
Score
8.75/10
The Breakdown
Refreshed Features
New styling
Standard AWD
Not as loaded as competitors
Hybrid is not very efficient
Not very engaging to drive
Finally a hybrid option!
2025 Subaru Forester Specs
- 180 horsepower from base engine
- 178 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 10 available trims
- 29.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 69.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats folded
- Standard continuously variable automatic transmission
- 11.6-inch touchscreen
- 5 years of powertrain coverage
2025 Subaru Forester Powertrain 8.5/10
The 2025 Subaru Forester, with the addition of a hybrid, now offers two powertrain options. The default is the same 2.5-liter flat-four engine that powered the 2024 Forester. This version has been updated, though, increasing efficiency while producing more power at a lower RPM. Output from the 2.5L dips slightly from 182 horsepower in the 2024 model to 180 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque and remains mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The new hybrid option pairs the 2.5L flat-four with two electric motors for 194 horsepower and 35 city / 34 highway miles per gallon (mpg) for a combined rating of 35 mpg. Those numbers compare well with the conventional engine which achieved 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for a combined 29 mpg. Note, the Limited and Touring trims have a slightly lower rating with 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
The off-road-focused Wilderness Edition adds all-terrain tires and .5-inches of ground clearance (from the standard 8.7-inches to 9.2 inches) as well as chunky body cladding and a modest skid plate.
The Forester isn’t known as the smoothest or quietest SUV compared to competitors, but the reworked 2025 powertrain makes improvements in both of those areas. Even though it still doesn’t have as much power as other competitors in the compact SUV field, the 2025 Forester comes with revised tuning to its standard AWD system, helping with stability. A new steering system, borrowed from the Subaru WRX, gives the Forester more precise maneuvering as well.
2025 Subaru Forester Interior 9/10
Five passengers can fit in this two-row SUV. The second row may be a little crowded in terms of shoulder room, but not when it comes to legroom. There’s 39.4 inches of legroom for second-row passengers and 43.3 inches for those sitting up front. For luggage and other items, the base model has 29.6 cu-ft of cargo space. There’s 27.5 cu-ft at all other trim levels. That also means that while most trims have 69.1 cu-ft of space when the rear seat is folded down, the Base model expands to a larger 74.4 cu-ft of space. Like most Subaru SUVs, the 2025 Forester has a wide tailgate that makes loading and unloading large objects easier than in other SUVs.
The styling in the cabin has been refreshed along with the exterior details, too. The Sport trim specifically has bronze accents and StarTex synthetic leather upholstery while the Touring has suede accents and brown perforated leather seats. Some other highlights inside of the 2025 Forester include some texture on the dash, a few places with some soft plastics, and seat ventilation, which has been added at some trim levels.
2025 Subaru Forester Technology Features 8.75/10
Not only is the cabin redesigned to be more usable and comfortable, but it’s also been updated with technology. A 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen is standard on almost the entire lineup. The Base model uses two seven-inch touchscreens instead, the top for phone and audio functions and the bottom used for climate and vehicle settings. A lot of people will probably find the motion-activated power tailgate useful, now able to simply wave a foot under the bumper to open it.
Safety has been upgraded on the 2025 Forester, too. There’s an emergency stop assist that activates if the driver is unresponsive to warnings when adaptive cruise control is engaged. The Forester will automatically slow down to a full stop, activate the hazard lights, and then unlock the doors. StarLink Connected Services will also call emergency personnel for those with this service activated. A DriverFocus distraction mitigation system looks for fatigue and distraction. Not only that, a simple hand gesture will also change the cabin temperature.
2025 Subaru Forester Trims & Pricing
Base – $29,995
Although the base doesn’t have as many of the luxury features as the higher trim levels, it does have the already mentioned larger cargo space. The base also comes with advanced adaptive cruise control, a rear-vision camera, dual-zone climate control, and four speakers.
Premium – $33,385 (Hybrid – $36,595)
The Premium offers quite a bit more than the Base. 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability, wireless device charging, six speakers, illuminated USB ports, and automatic up and down windows have all been added here. Instead of the more basic manual front seat adjustments, the Premium has a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and four-way manually adjustable passenger seat.
Sport – $36,105 (Hybrid – $39,595)
Additions on the Sport trim include blind-spot detection with lane changing assist and a rear cross-traffic alert, a side mirror with integrated turn signals, and transmission paddle shifters on the wheel, which simulate eight fixed transmission ratios (one more than the 2024 Forester). The StarTex water-repellent upholstery is also exclusive to the 2025 Subaru Forester Sport.
Wilderness – $36,285
The off-road focused Wilderness Edition adds 17-inch Yokohama all-terrain tires, 180-degree front-view camera, dual function X-Mode with Hill Decent Control, StarTex water resistant upholstery, and 9.2 inches of ground clearance.
Limited – $37,695 (Hybrid – $41,010)
Buyers of the Limited trim get a little taste of luxury with a heated steering wheel, an eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, and leather-trimmed upholstery throughout the cabin.
Touring – $41,595 (Hybrid – $43,295)
The top-of-the-line Touring picks up many of the same features that are also found on the Sport, but it adds a leather-wrapped shifter handle and heated rear outboard seats.
2025 Subaru Forester Overall Value 8.75/10
The 2025 Subaru Forester isn’t the most opulent compact SUV, but it’s very well equipped for the price range, from both a usability standpoint and a comfort standpoint. It is quieter and smoother than before, and it makes for an excellent daily driver with the additional driver assistance features. There could always be more convenience in terms of technology, but the Subaru has the modern updates that other SUVs have, especially at the higher trim levels.
Carsforsale.com Overall Score 8.5/10
2025 Subaru Forester Rear Exterior- subaru.com | Shop 2025 Subaru Forester on Carsforsale.com
The Subaru Forester doesn’t have the kind of warranty the Kia Seltos has, the horsepower the 2025 Nissan Rogue has, or even the cargo space the 2025 Honda CR-V has, but it’s put together nicely. With standard AWD and a good amount of ground clearance, the 2025 Forester has off-road capability you may not find in other compact crossovers. The 2025 Subaru Forester is starting off its sixth generation with a healthy mix of capability, more modern styling, and useful features. It’s a very suitable daily driver.
2025 Subaru Forester FAQ
Does the 2025 Subaru Forester come with a hybrid powertrain?
Yes, Subaru has added hybrid options for the 2025 Forester.
How good are the warranties on a 2025 Subaru Forester?
Subaru is offering a new vehicle warranty that covers three years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles.
How does the 2025 Forester compare to other compact crossovers?
We’re still waiting on more 2025 models to be released, but, in the meantime, you can take a look at our full list of the Best Compact Crossovers of 2024. Check back for the 2025 edition.
