Subaru’s Forester is completely redesigned for 2025, constituting the sixth-generation version of this enduring compact SUV.
Exterior styling is sculpted into a more aerodynamic, contemporary design without eradicating Forester’s original rugged looks.
Upgrades to Forester’s underpinnings have improved the driving dynamics, cushioned the ride, and muted the cabin noise.
Enhancements to Forester’s comprehensive list of safety and driver-assistance systems provide added reassurance for drivers.
The 2025 Forester has five trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. Every model comes standard with a 2.5-liter Subaru boxer (flat-four) engine delivering 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Except for the base model, they have a manual mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
EPA ratings are 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, or 25/32/28 mpg, depending on model.
I drove a 2025 Subaru Forester Touring model, with the ultimate in standard features and a price tag of $39,995 in a lineup that starts at $29,695.
As an aside: The rugged 2024 Forester Wilderness model continues in production alongside the new 2025 Forester and has an unchanged starting price of $34,920.
Extra features found on the Touring trim beyond the multitude of standard equipment offered on the trims below it include: 19-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree surround view monitor, two-position memory driver’s seat and exterior mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a low-profile roof rack, smart rearview mirror, and leather-trimmed upholstery.
For those who favor non-leather upholstery, there are Forester trims offering cloth or StarTex synthetic.
The Forester Touring also adds an attractive 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a great 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Any difficulty some drivers might have with touchscreen operation is alleviated by the screen’s large and clear graphics. They provide a bigger target to locate, aim for, and precisely touch.
Forester’s five-person interior is handsome and high-quality, but simple and logical. It’s like a group of really sensible people were in charge of the design. There’s more than adequate space for all, including abundant legroom for rear-seat riders. Big windows in every direction provide good visibility for the driver, and an airy environment for passengers.
Rear seats are split 60:40. When they’re upright, cargo capacity is 27.5 cubic feet. That’s about average for the compact SUV class. With seatbacks folded, capacity expands to 69.1 cubic feet. Dimensions for the Forester base model are slightly higher.
The 2025 Subaru Forester is unabashedly built for comfort more than high performance. I’m OK with that. I like being comfortable, and going easy on the gas seems a lot more important after that bomb cyclone we had.
2025 SUBARU FORESTER TOURING
Base price, including destination charge: $41,390
Price as driven: $41,390
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
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