A Fresh Look at the 2025 Subaru Forester
If you’ve ever found yourself juggling car seats, a mischievous dog, and a cooler full of sandwiches on a Saturday morning, you know how important the perfect SUV can be. The all‑new 2025 Subaru Forester steps onto the stage after a highly anticipated reveal, promising to make those chaotic outings feel a little smoother. Subaru has taken its classic, box‑shaped silhouette and given it a contemporary lift, adding sharper front‑end details, a wider front grille, and sleeker LED headlamps that glance forward like a watchful eye. The side profile now hides its rugged roots beneath subtle cladding and a selection of 19‑inch alloy wheels that hint at sportiness without screaming for attention.
Inside, the cabin feels more like a well‑appointed living room than a utilitarian space. Soft‑touch surfaces greet you at the door, while the dashboard has been re‑engineered to hide everyday wear and tear. Seats are molded to offer a gentle embrace on long trips, and the rear bench folds flat to turn the cargo floor into a generous 69 cubic‑foot area—perfect for hauling everything from mountain bikes to a family’s weekend luggage. Large windows and privacy glass work together to bathe the interior in natural light while keeping prying eyes at bay. The overall vibe is understated confidence, a place you want to spend time in whether you’re heading to a grocery store or a remote campsite.
Powertrain and Capability
The 2025 Forester sticks with the reliable 2.5‑liter Boxer engine that has become a staple of Subaru’s lineup. Producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound‑feet of torque, the powerplant may not be a drag‑strip hero, but it provides confident low‑end grunt that makes merging onto busy highways or tackling steep mountain grades feel effortless. Power is delivered through a continuously variable transmission that has been refined for smoother shifts and better fuel economy. In combined driving, the Forester manages respectable numbers in the high‑20s to low‑30s MPG range, keeping fuel costs in check for families that log many miles.
Standard Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive remains a defining trait, giving every trim the confidence to venture onto slippery roads, packed snow, or rain‑slicked highways. Ground clearance sits at a solid 8.7 inches, meaning potholes and light off‑road obstacles are less of a concern. Subaru’s X‑Mode, together with Hill Descent Control, steps in when the terrain gets a little muddier, providing extra traction and stability on loose gravel or steep declines. The chassis itself benefits from a 10‑percent increase in torsional rigidity, delivering a planted feel that soaks up road imperfections without transmitting harshness to the cabin.
Tech Inside the Cabin
Subaru has taken a pragmatic approach to technology, aiming to keep the interface intuitive while still offering plenty of modern conveniences. Entry‑level models receive a pair of 7‑inch screens—one dedicated to infotainment, the other to instrument readouts. As you climb the trim ladder, an 11.6‑inch vertical touchscreen appears, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Navigation is built in, and voice control lets you issue commands without taking your eyes off the road.
A 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster sits directly behind the steering wheel, delivering essential information at a glance. For audiophiles, an optional Harman Kardon sound system spreads eleven speakers throughout the cabin, delivering clear, immersive audio that can turn a cross‑country drive into a concert‑like experience. Wireless charging pads and multiple USB‑C ports keep devices powered, while Subaru’s Starlink connectivity suite lets you start the engine remotely, receive maintenance alerts, and locate your vehicle from a smartphone app. The result is a tech environment that feels helpful rather than overwhelming.
Safety Features
Safety has always been a cornerstone of Subaru’s brand identity, and the 2025 Forester raises the bar with an upgraded EyeSight Driver Assist suite. The system now processes visual data faster, improving performance in low‑light situations and adverse weather. Features include adaptive cruise control that can bring the vehicle to a complete stop in heavy traffic, lane‑keeping assistance that gently nudges the vehicle back into its lane, and pre‑collision braking with pedestrian detection.
Blind‑spot detection and rear cross‑traffic alerts are standard on most trims, giving drivers a better sense of what’s happening beside and behind them. An optional Reverse Automatic Braking system can apply the brakes if the vehicle detects an obstacle while backing up, protecting both people and property. The Forester sits on Subaru’s reinforced Global Platform, which incorporates additional adhesives and spot‑welded joints for a quieter, more rigid body structure. Crash‑test agencies have awarded the Forester top safety scores, reinforcing its reputation as a family‑friendly SUV.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Subaru’s lineup continues to be straightforward, offering a range that suits different budgets and preferences. The base trim starts around $32,000 and includes cloth upholstery, the standard Boxer engine, and the essential safety suite. Moving up, the Premium trim adds a moonroof, upgraded wheels, and a few interior refinements for roughly $34,500. The Sport version, positioned near $35,500, introduces bronze exterior accents, heated front seats, and a slightly sportier suspension tune.
The Limited trim pushes the price into the high‑$30,000s and includes leather upholstery, a larger touchscreen, and an upgraded audio system. At the top of the range, the Touring model, priced just above $41,000, bundles navigation, a hands‑free power tailgate, and the most comprehensive set of driver‑assist features. Subaru also announced a hybrid variant that will debut later in the year, expected to start near $34,000 and deliver a notable jump in city fuel efficiency while retaining the all‑wheel‑drive system.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Subaru Forester feels like a natural evolution of a model that has served families, outdoor enthusiasts, and city commuters for more than two decades. Its design updates give it a fresher face without abandoning the boxy practicality that made it a favorite. Mechanical changes improve ride quality, ground clearance, and off‑road confidence, while the tech and safety suites keep the cabin connected and protected.
Pricing remains competitive against rivals such as the Honda CR‑V and Toyota RAV4, especially when you consider the combination of standard all‑wheel drive, a robust safety package, and the promise of an upcoming hybrid model. Whether you’re navigating Seattle’s rain‑soaked streets, cruising the Canadian Rockies, or tackling narrow UK lanes, the Forester offers a well‑balanced blend of capability, comfort, and confidence. Take a test drive, and you may find that the next chapter of your family’s adventures begins with a key fob in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the hybrid version of the Forester be available?
Subaru plans to launch the hybrid variant in the latter half of 2025, with initial deliveries expected in the fall. It will share most of the same interior and safety features as the gasoline model, while offering better fuel economy for city driving.
2. Does the Forester come with a towing package?
Yes, the Forester is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds when equipped with the factory‑installed towing package. This is suitable for small trailers, bike racks, or lightweight campers.
3. How does the Forester’s cargo space compare to previous models?
The 2025 Forester maintains a generous cargo capacity of 69 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is on par with the previous generation and slightly ahead of many competitors in the compact SUV segment.
4. What warranty coverage does Subaru provide?
Subaru offers a 3‑year/36,000‑mile basic warranty, a 5‑year/60,000‑mile powertrain warranty, and a 5‑year/unlimited‑mile rust perforation warranty. Some dealers may also include complimentary maintenance for the first two years.
5. Is there an all‑digital instrument cluster on the base model?
The base trim comes with a traditional analog gauge cluster paired with a small digital display. The full‑size digital 12.3‑inch instrument cluster is reserved for higher trims and optional packages.
Disclaimer
The information provided here reflects the latest publicly available data as of December 2025. Specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. For the most accurate and up‑to‑date details, please consult your local Subaru dealer or visit Subaru’s official website.
