First introduced in 1997, the Subaru Forester enters 2025 with fresh styling inside and out to kick off its sixth generation. The 2025 Forester continues the brand’s legacy of practicality, reliability, and off-road capability with modern updates that elevate its appeal in the competitive compact SUV market. Subaru has focused on refining the Forester’s existing strengths while addressing some of the evolving preferences of today’s drivers. Whether you’re tackling a snowy mountain pass or navigating suburban streets, the 2025 Forester aims to offer a well-rounded driving experience for those who prioritize versatility, safety, and value.
For 2025 it is available in five trims known as Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. All models come with Subaru’s tried-and-true 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which is standard across all trims, giving the Forester excellent traction in various weather conditions and off-road situations. It also comes with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that delivers smooth shifts and contributes to decent fuel economy.
2025 prices start at $29,695 for the base model and climb to a starting price of $39,995 for the Touring. I spent time in a Forester Sport model that checked in at $37,590. Competition includes vehicle like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Volkswagen Tiguan to name a few. After a week of driving this fresh, new Forester, here’s what stood out.
Exterior Style
The 2025 Subaru Forester maintains a rugged yet refined look, continuing its established design language while integrating some modern updates. The front features a bold hexagonal grille with a more prominent design compared to previous years. The grille is typically flanked by sleek, angular headlights with signature LED daytime running lights. The LED headlights now have a more streamlined appearance, contributing to a modern, high-tech feel. Some trims feature adaptive headlights that enhance night driving. The front bumper is designed for better protection during off-road adventures and includes integrated fog lights for added visibility in challenging conditions.
The Forester maintains clean, practical body lines that accentuate its compact SUV dimensions. The overall silhouette is relatively boxy, prioritizing interior space and visibility, which gives the Forester a strong, utilitarian look. There’s also prominent plastic cladding around the wheel arches, especially in the Wilderness trim, which gives it a more rugged, off-road-ready look. Around back, the rear tailgate is clean and simple with integrated LED tail lights that have a modern, horizontal layout. The rear bumper is practical, with additional protection on off-road versions like the Wilderness, which offers a higher ride height and a more aggressive rear fascia to match its increased capability.
The 2025 Forester features a range of wheel designs, depending on trim with sizes ranging from 17” up to 19”. Wheel finishes also vary with the different trims and include dark metallic/machine finish, bronze, and dark gray. Subaru also offers a variety of color choices, including classic hues like Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, and Magnetite Gray Metallic. There are also bolder options like Autumn Green Metallic and Horizon Blue Pearl, which match well with the more rugged, adventurous aesthetic of the vehicle.
Performance
The 2025 Forester retains its 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, which produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it's not the most powerful engine in its class, it's more than sufficient for most drivers. Acceleration is steady, though not particularly fast, and the powertrain is well-suited for daily driving and light off-roading. While not the most powerful engine in its class, it strikes a balance between adequate performance and fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. This engine is paired with Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which is standard across all trims, giving the Forester excellent traction in various weather conditions and off-road situations.
The Forester’s ride is comfortable, but it’s not particularly engaging. The handling is competent but not sporty, and the driving experience lacks the excitement of some competitors. If you’re seeking a more dynamic or thrilling driving experience, this might not be the SUV for you.The CVT delivers smooth shifts though some drivers may find it lacking in the more engaging driving dynamics that can be found in rivals like the Mazda CX-5 or Toyota RAV4. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, making it ideal for long road trips or daily commuting, absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces with ease. While it's not a performance-oriented vehicle, it does an excellent job of providing a calm and stable ride. The steering is light and precise, making low-speed maneuvers like parking or tight turns relatively easy, though the Forester doesn’t have the agile handling of more sporty competitors.
Capability
If you’re looking for a compact SUV with genuine off-road ability, the Forester stands out in this segment. Thanks to its Symmetrical AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode (Subaru's advanced traction management system), the 2025 Forester is more than capable of tackling rough trails, muddy paths, or snow-covered roads. It may not have the extreme rock-crawling ability of a Jeep, but it's a well-suited choice for those who want a reliable companion for weekend adventures. Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive continues to be a highlight, ensuring solid traction and stability in various driving conditions. Whether it’s snow, rain, or gravel roads, the Forester handles with confidence. For those seeking a more adventurous drive, the X-Mode off-road system, which optimizes the Forester for challenging terrain, is a welcome addition to the model lineup. It’s not a hardcore off-roading vehicle, but it’s more than capable for light trail use and gets the job done in tougher weather conditions.
Interior
Inside, Subaru has maintained its signature balance of simplicity and functionality. The cabin feels airy, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo — especially with the rear seats folded flat. The 2025 model gets an upgraded infotainment system that includes a standard 8-inch touchscreen (with an option for a larger 11.6-inch display) and a more intuitive interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard (with a cord), making it easy to stay connected while on the road. The interior materials feel durable but premium, especially in higher trims like Touring and Limited. Mixed materials have texture across the dash and are soft to the touch. Even the leather steering wheel feels premium and comfortable grip. My test model featured gray StarTex upholstery with brown stitching and bronze accents throughout that looked sharp. Quality is a high point for Forester compared to popular vehicles in the segment like the Toyota RAV4 or Ford Bronco Sport.
Seating
The Forester seats five, two in front bucket seats and three in a reasonably roomy rear bench seat. Seating comfort is excellent for both front and rear passengers, with ample legroom and adjustable features. The fabric upholstery on lower trims is soft and breathable, while higher trims offer leather upholstery for a more premium feel. The front seats are supportive on longer drives, and visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent thanks to the large windows and raised seating position.
The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, making it a good option for families or people who often carry passengers. The rear seatbacks recline, adding to the comfort on longer trips. The rear door openings are wide, making it easy for passengers to enter and exit.The cabin is also quiet, with added sound insulation that helps reduce road noise, a nice touch for long road trips. Other available options include a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, memory settings for the driver’s seat and exterior mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, reclining rear seats, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Cargo
The Forester continues to be one of the leaders in cargo space for the compact SUV segment. With all seats in use, the Forester offers 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded, there is 74.4 cubic feet of space, among the best in the class. The rear seats fold flat to create a spacious cargo area, ideal for hauling larger items. I put the Forester to use hauling eighteen 2-gallon mums without any issues. Even with the rear seats up, the cargo capacity is competitive, providing ample space for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear. The power liftgate is available on higher trims, making it easy to load and unload cargo with the press of a button. Subaru now offers a foot-actuated, hands-free power liftgate on some trims, a boon to loading and unloading the SUV.
Safety
Subaru continues to prioritize safety, with the 2025 Forester coming equipped with its full suite of driver-assistance features. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology package is standard, and it includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. The 2025 model also comes with Reverse Automatic Braking, which can prevent collisions when reversing out of a parking space or driveway.
Crash test ratings for the Forester have historically been excellent, and the 2025 model continues this trend, earning high marks in both frontal and side-impact tests. The standard inclusion of Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert further enhances Forester’s safety credentials.
Final Statement
The Forester offers a lot of value all around and the newest version is updated in all the right places. This is a vehicle that holds its value and has a proven track record for reliability. The improvements in technology, safety, and comfort make it a well-rounded choice for buyers looking for practicality, light off-road capability, and excellent safety features. Its smooth ride, standard all-wheel drive, and good fuel efficiency are key selling points, while the updated interior tech and standard safety suite make it an appealing option for families and adventurers alike.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2025 Subaru Forester Sport
Exterior Color: Crystal White Pearl
Interior Color: Gray StarTex with Bronze Accents
Notable Options: Harmon Kardon Audio, Power Rear Tailgate, Reverse Automatic Braking, and SI-Drive Engine Performance Management ($1,700)
MSRP as tested (including delivery & processing fees): $37,590
Pros: Standard AWD & safety features, spacious interior, reliability
Cons: Underwhelming power, bland driving experience
