The 2025 Subaru Forester SUV receives a face list, benefiting from new styling, safety and in-vehicle technology.
My tester was the Touring Hybrid version, which features Subaru’s next-generation hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter BOXER engine with electric motors and high-capacity lithium-ion battery.
The engine generates total system output of 194 horsepower and provides 40% more fuel economy than the non-hybrid model. It provides 35 miles per gallon fuel economy and has a range of 581 miles.
The power plant is paired with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission that includes X-MODE and a six-speed manual shift mode.
Hybrid is available in four trims: Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring. Non-Hybrid trims add Base and Wilderness models to the mix.
All trims include Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technologies, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad and rear-vision camera. Features exclusive to the Hybrid Touring trim include a full 360-degree camera system, heated steering wheel, and rains-sensing wipers.
Let’s start with the Forester’s refreshed exterior and interior. It features an all-new, sleek, contemporary design aesthetic while retaining the trademark looks of its classic, rugged predecessors. The front of the vehicle features a bold grille that merges into the compact LED headlights and creates an integrated shield effect. The all-new fascia also debuts the updated Subaru star cluster emblem.
The interior features a prominent, tablet-style, multimedia system with integrated center information display. Contoured dash elements and textured trim are designed to avoid visible damage from daily use. A dark headliner also hides scuffs from loading/unloading passengers and cargo. Rear dark-tint privacy glass is standard.
Forester was designed to combine the capability and versatility of a large SUV with the comfort and efficiency of a car. The 8.7-inch ground clearance for all Forester models is taller than many SUVs, yet it maintains a comfortably low step-in height for both front- and rear-passenger entry.
The versatile Forester features 60:40-split folding rear seats. With both seats folded flat, the cargo area offers 74.4 cubic feet of useable space. The wide rear gate opening with low lift-over height allows easy loading and unloading. Standard roof rails add more cargo-carrying options for adventures.
Available for the first time on a Subaru model, a new kick sensor-activated hands-free power rear gate enables owners to open and close the rear gate automatically simply by placing their foot under the rear bumper cover.
Other creature comforts not previously mentioned include a panoramic power moonroof, regenerative braking, remote keyless entry, security system, USB-A and C charging ports, two 12-volt power outlets, and trailer stability assist.
Forester’s enhanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes Automatic Emergency Steering, Pre-Collision Braking, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, and Pre-Collision Throttle Management. The system also includes features like Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Additionally, some models offer Reverse Automatic Braking and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Base Price:$43,115
Price As Driven: $44,005
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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