Nearly 30 years since its debut, the Subaru Forester is back and better than ever for the 2025 model year, bringing a fresh design and all the rugged functionality we’ve come to expect. As one of Subaru’s best-selling SUVs, the sixth-generation Forester has been refined inside and out while maintaining its reputation for dependability, safety, and off-road capability.
Modernized Design and Reliable Performance
With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s full-time all-wheel drive, the 2025 Forester stays adventure-ready. The dual-function X-Mode system boosts capability in harsh weather or on tough trails. Powering all trims is a 2.5-liter Boxer engine delivering 180 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that provides smooth acceleration and decent fuel economy. And while Subaru has announced a hybrid version, details are expected in early 2025.
The exterior of the new Forester is as functional as it is attractive. It now sports a sleeker, flush-mounted grille that blends seamlessly with redesigned LED headlights and bold daytime running lights. The rear has been updated with fresh taillights and the Forester name displayed prominently across the tailgate.
Premium Interior and Technology Upgrades
The 2025 Forester’s interior has a modern, upscale vibe. An 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen (standard on higher trims) adds a premium touch while handling controls for climate, navigation, and audio. Subaru has minimized physical buttons for a sleek design, but thankfully, kept the knobs for volume and tuning. The latest model comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, with wireless integration on higher trims.
Subaru focused on making the cabin quieter and more comfortable, reducing noise by 39% in the roof panel alone. Spacious rear seats and ample legroom make the Forester family-friendly, and its 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space (expanding to 74.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded) allows for all your gear. New hands-free tailgate functionality adds convenience for busy days.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Available in five trims, the 2025 Forester has options for everyone. From the well-equipped Base to the luxury-focused Touring trim, here’s a closer look:
- Base ($31,115): Includes dual-zone climate control, dual 7-inch displays, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof rails, and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology.
- Premium ($33,415): Adds a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, and the 11.6-inch multimedia display. This trim is our top pick for its value.
- Sport ($35,915): Features 19-inch bronze alloy wheels, Sport StarTex upholstery, and blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Limited ($37,415): Adds heated steering wheel, power tailgate, power-adjustable passenger seat, and wood-accented trim.
- Touring ($41,415): The most luxurious trim, with heated and ventilated front seats, 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio, driver distraction mitigation, and reverse automatic braking.
Off-Road and Driving Performance
While not the quickest in its class, the Forester’s Boxer engine provides ample power for daily driving and light off-roading. The CVT and optional paddle shifters deliver a simulated eight-speed experience on higher trims. The Forester’s suspension ensures a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces, making it great for both highway drives and dirt trails. Equipped with X-Mode, it offers hill-descent control for better handling on slippery surfaces.
Fuel Economy and Range
The 2025 Forester delivers competitive fuel economy for a compact SUV, rated at 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway (29 mpg combined) by the EPA. With a full tank, the Forester can cover up to 481 miles — more than enough for long weekend getaways.
Safety and Driver-Assist Features
Safety remains a strong suit for the Forester. Subaru’s EyeSight system is standard on all trims, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Forester also introduces Subaru’s first Emergency Stop Assist, which can automatically bring the vehicle to a halt if the driver becomes unresponsive while using adaptive cruise control.
Subaru Forester vs. the Competition
In a crowded compact SUV market, the Forester stands out with standard all-wheel drive, robust off-road capability, and excellent rear-seat legroom. While it may fall short of rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in horsepower, it competes well in overall value, with a lower starting price than AWD-equipped versions of the CR-V and RAV4.
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