2025 Subaru Forester: A Closer Look at the New Yet Familiar Compact SUV
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior ride quality
- Stylish cabin design
- Excellent visibility
- Impressive Wilderness features
Cons:
- Somewhat outdated infotainment system
- Wilderness model lacks upgrades
As the 2025 model year approaches, Subaru introduces a refreshed Forester. However, despite being brand new on paper, it doesn’t quite start with a fresh slate compared to its revamped competitors like the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson. The interior remains largely unchanged, but the exterior design is eye-catching enough to make you look twice in an outdoor gear store parking lot. Interestingly, the Wilderness model remains identical to the 2024 version and will continue production until its successor is released.
Subtle but Significant Changes
On the surface, the 2025 Forester appears nearly identical to its predecessor, maintaining the same wheelbase, height, and track dimensions, and only minor increases in length and width. Cargo space has risen by a modest 0.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. However, beneath the surface, substantial improvements have been made. Enhanced structural adhesives contribute to a stronger, stiffer chassis, improving handling, ride comfort, and cabin noise reduction. Additionally, the steering system, featuring a version of the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic rack, has been upgraded for better performance.
Looking ahead, Subaru plans to release an enhanced Wilderness model and a new hybrid powertrain in 2025. While these updates mark progress, they don’t drastically alter the Forester’s standing within its competitive segment. However, for outdoor enthusiasts, the Forester remains a top choice.
Interior and Technology
The 2025 Forester’s interior, although new, closely mimics the layouts found in the Outback, Crosstrek, and Ascent. The 11.6-inch portrait-orientated touchscreen dominates the dashboard, while the base model features a dual 7-inch screen setup. Though these systems are modern additions for the Forester, they feel dated within the Subaru lineup.
Functionality issues persist, as the system can be sluggish and unintuitive, particularly when navigating menus. Common features are easy to find, but tasks like enabling air recirculation require navigating the climate control page, which can be cumbersome in urgent situations. New amenities include a wireless phone charger, ventilated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. The seats have been slimmed down for improved visibility and rear access, and the cargo area features additional hooks, enhancing practicality.
Size and Space
Despite minimal changes to exterior dimensions, the 2025 Forester’s cabin remains spacious, rivaling models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson. The rear seat offers ample space and great visibility, with reclining seatbacks adding to comfort. The Forester retains its generous cargo capacity of 29.6 cubic feet, outperforming its specs in real-world practicality.
Notably, the base Forester’s ground clearance of 8.7 inches is among the best in its class, just shy of the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The Wilderness trim raises this clearance to 9.2 inches and modifies the bumper to improve approach angles, making it a strong contender for off-road adventures.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2025 Forester continues with the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four engine, offering 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While this represents a slight decrease in power, the revised CVT ensures smoother and quieter operation. The base model achieves an impressive 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, with other trims seeing marginally lower figures.
A hybrid variant is in the works, expected to join the lineup a year after the gasoline model’s release. The standard all-wheel-drive system has been refined for better responsiveness and handling, with higher trims featuring advanced terrain management options.
Driving Experience
The 2025 Forester delivers a firmer, more composed ride, with reduced road noise and improved handling. The upgraded steering system dampens impacts and enhances overall drive quality. The Sport trim’s sharper suspension offers a firmer ride but lacks the power to capitalize on its handling capabilities.
The still-available Forester Wilderness, though based on the previous design, continues to impress with features like all-terrain tires and enhanced suspension, ideal for off-road driving. The standard Forester also maintains its edge over competitors like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue when it comes to rugged terrain.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2025 Forester remains a strong value, with a starting price of $31,090, undercutting the base front-wheel-drive Honda CR-V. The Premium trim offers additional tech enhancements at $33,390, while the fully loaded Touring model tops the range at $41,390. Here’s a quick price breakdown:
- Forester CVT: $31,090
- Forester Premium CVT: $33,390
- Forester Sport CVT: $35,890
- Forester Limited CVT: $37,390
- Forester Touring CVT: $41,390
The Wilderness model, continuing alongside the new Forester, is priced at $36,265.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Equipped with the latest Subaru EyeSight driver-assist technology, the 2025 Forester enhances safety with quicker, more adaptive responses. New to the lineup is Emergency Stop Assist, which can autonomously stop the vehicle in emergencies. Subaru aims to maintain its IIHS Top Safety Pick status into 2025, though official crash test results are pending.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Subaru Forester builds on its strengths with refined driving dynamics, enhanced safety features, and continued off-road prowess. While some aspects, like infotainment, lag behind rivals, the overall package remains compelling for those who appreciate its capabilities and practicality. As the new hybrid model and improved Wilderness trim arrive, the Forester will likely broaden its appeal even further.
Lawrence Jacobs, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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