The Subaru Forester has been a staple in the compact crossover segment since its debut in 1997, offering a blend of practicality, off-road capability, and Subaru's signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. For 2025 the Forester is all-new, getting fresh styling, additional technology features, and, for the first time ever, a hybrid model. It continues to seat five passengers and is available only as a 4-door wagon. Competitors include the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
For 2025, Forester is offered in multiple trim levels, including Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. The standard Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is powered by a the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (although it runs on the Atkinson/Miller-cycle for efficiency) working alongside an electric motor generator and a traction motor. This hybrid setup produces 194 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Towing capacity for most Forester models is 1,500 pounds, although the Wilderness model can tow up to 3,000 when properly equipped.
Pricing for the 2025 Forester starts at approximately $30,000 for the base model, with the Hybrid variant beginning around $36,810. Standard safety features include Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which provides adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and pre-collision braking. Additional available options include a premium Harman Kardon audio system, a panoramic moonroof, and leather-trimmed upholstery. The Wilderness trim is designed for off-road adventures, featuring 9.2 inches of ground clearance, a front skid plate, and improved approach and departure angles. It comes equipped with all-terrain tires on 17-inch matte black alloy wheels. Inside, the Wilderness trim features durable water-resistant upholstery, reinforced roof rails, and dual-function X-MODE for enhanced traction in snow, dirt, deep snow, and mud.
The 2025 Subaru Forester gas-only model features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. While it provides a smooth and predictable driving experience, it is not particularly powerful, especially when accelerating or carrying extra weight. Subaru has refined the continuously variable transmission (CVT) to reduce noise, but under hard acceleration, the engine can still produce a noticeable groan.
Forester Hybrid introduces a 2.5-liter flat-four engine paired with an electric motor, running on the Atkinson-Miller combustion cycle for improved efficiency. This setup enhances fuel economy while utilizing the electric motors to boost performance at lower speeds. The hybrid model offers more power than the gas-only version, making acceleration feel smoother and more responsive. While official performance figures vary, the Forester Hybrid's 0-60 MPH time is estimated to be around 8.6 seconds.
The 2025 Subaru Forester comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, ensuring balanced power distribution for enhanced traction and stability across various terrains. This system optimizes grip in slippery conditions, making the Forester a reliable choice for all-weather driving. The Forester Wilderness model takes capability even further with 9.2 inches of ground clearance, a front skid plate, and revised gearing for improved low-speed climbing-allowing it to tackle up to a 40% grade. Additionally, the Wilderness model boasts Dual-function X-MODE, which offers specialized settings for snow, dirt, deep snow, and mud, ensuring maximum traction in extreme conditions.
Like most vehicles in this class, Forester offers solid fuel efficiency across its lineup. The gas-only models achieve an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway), while the Forester Wilderness variant is slightly lower at 26 MPG combined (25 city / 28 highway). The Forester Hybrid delivers a significantly improved 35 MPG combined (35 city / 34 highway). Both versions run on regular-grade gasoline. The fuel tank capacity varies slightly, with the gas-only models holding 16.6 gallons, providing a total range of up to 481 miles, while the hybrid model maintains the same 16.6-gallon tank but extends its range to 581 miles.
As is the case with most Subaru models, Forester favors ride comfort and suspension travel over handling prowess. The 2025 Forester maintains that reputation for stable and predictable driving dynamics. However, thanks to its low center of gravity and stiffened platform, the Forester offers improved road holding. The steering has been redesigned for quicker and more natural responses, making maneuvering more precise and engaging. Subaru's braking system includes Brake Assist and Vehicle Dynamics Control, enhancing stopping power and stability in emergency situations. Still, vehicles like the Mazda CX-50 have significantly better driving dynamics.
As expected, the 2025 Subaru Forester delivers a comfortable and composed ride, thanks to its revised suspension tuning and stiffened chassis, which help absorb road imperfections more effectively. Subaru has also improved cabin insulation, reducing wind and road noise compared to previous models, though some competitors-like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V-offer slightly quieter interiors. The Forester's spacious cabin, with large windows and thin pillars, creates an airy and open feel, further enhancing outward visibility. Overall, while it may not be the quietest in its class, the Forester balances ride comfort with rugged capability, making it a solid choice for drivers who prioritize both refinement and adventure.
Forester receives a completely new interior for 2025, highlighted by an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen. This larger display replaces the smaller screens from previous models, offering a more intuitive interface with improved graphics. Subaru has also introduced new materials, including textured paneling in the rear to prevent scuffing and refined upholstery options for a more upscale feel.
Depending on model, drivers face either a traditional twin-analog instrument cluster or a large all-digital display. Both are quite readable, and the analog display does feature a programmable center display for additional information. There is a traditional gearshift on the center console and familiar window, lock and mirror controls on the door armrest. The touchscreen display on the center console absorbs most other controls. It's a bit awkward to use at times, especially scrolling or tapping through menus at speed. In addition, it washes out in bright sunlight and can be prone to lag when starting up.
Forester offers comfortable and supportive seating for both front and rear passengers. The front seats feature available 10-way power adjustability with lumbar support, ensuring a tailored fit for drivers of all sizes. The rear seats provide ample legroom, with a reclining seatback for added comfort on long journeys. Subaru claims to have improved seat cushioning, though some drivers may find the seat bottoms slightly short, affecting thigh support. Ease of access is a strong point, thanks to wide-opening doors and a high seating position, making entry and exit effortless.
Like most vehicles in the class, the 2025 Subaru Forester is packed with advanced technology and safety features. It comes equipped with Subaru's STARLINK infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available navigation for seamless connectivity. Safety is also a priority, with Subaru's upgraded EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Braking, and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Forester also offers Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking, enhancing driver awareness in tight situations. Additionally, a 360-degree surround-view monitor provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings, making parking and maneuvering easier.
With the rear seats up, the Forester provides 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, ensuring ample room for groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear. Folding the 60/40 split rear seats expands the cargo area to 74.4 cubic feet, allowing for larger items and increased versatility. Note, higher trims with the panoramic moonroof see a slight reduction in cargo space, offering 27.5 cubic feet with the seats up and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats down. Additional storage solutions include an underfloor cargo compartment, a multi-function center console, and door pockets with bottle holders.
Bottom Line -- Forester has long been a "go to" pick in the compact crossover class for its combination of comfort, versatility, and capability. That's only enhanced with the 2025 redesign. Adding the Wilderness trim and hybrid model makes Forester even more appealing. Prices are class competitive but there are certainly competitors that can be had for a few thousand dollars less like the Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Rogue.
