Introduction
The newest Subaru Forester is here, and it’s turning heads with a sleek redesign and its first-ever hybrid option. As a 2025 model, it blends Subaru’s trusted all-weather capability with modern efficiency and style. Known for its reliability and comfort, the Forester remains a favorite in the compact SUV world. The 2025 Subaru Forester Limited adds upscale touches like leather seats and advanced tech, perfect for drivers who want a little extra. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just SUV shopping, here’s a quick look at what’s new in performance, trims, pricing, and interior features.
Key Specs
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Powertrain & Performance
Under the hood, the Forester offers a choice between a 2.5-liter flat-four gas engine and a hybrid setup. The gas engine delivers a modest 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid pairs that same engine with an electric motor and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery for a combined output of 194 horsepower. Power is sent to all four wheels via a smooth, continuously variable transmission (CVT), making the Forester a practical and efficient option for everyday driving. Its standard all-wheel drive and comfortable ride make it a great choice for those who value a calm, relaxed driving experience.
Fuel Consumption
The fuel economy for the 2025 Forester is estimated at 11.1 km/L in the city and 14.0 km/L on the highway. The Sport and Touring trims drop slightly to 10.6 km/L city and 13.6 km/L highway. In our 120 km/h highway test, the Sport trim averaged 13.2 km/L.
Dimensions
The 2025 Subaru Forester measures 183.3 inches long, 72.0 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 105.1 inches.
Safety Features
The 2025 Subaru comes standard with Subaru’s advanced EyeSight® safety technology and steering-responsive LED headlights, giving drivers extra confidence on the road, day or night. It also packs a full suite of safety features, including stability control, pre- and post-collision systems, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, a backup camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system—all designed to help keep you and your passengers safe.
Technology & Infotainment
The base model comes with a pair of 7.0-inch displays, similar to what you’d find in the previous-generation Forester, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Step up to the higher trims, and you’ll get a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a handy wireless charging pad for your smartphone.
Comfort
Subaru didn’t radically change the 2025 Forester, but focused instead on making it quieter, more comfortable, and more refined—and it shows. Reviews praise its improved ride quality, quieter cabin, and added driving fun. The seats may seem flat at first, but prove comfortable over time. Wind noise is noticeably reduced, and the rear seat has enough room for three, though two will be happier on long trips. While not the softest or most composed in its class, the Forester feels confident and capable, ready for just about anything.Cargo Space
Need to haul gear? You’ve got 779 liters of cargo space with the rear seats up, and when you fold them down (they split 60/40), that opens up nearly 2,000 liters—perfect for road trips, gear, or groceries.
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Best Suited for
The 2025 Subaru Forester is a smart fit for people who lead full, active lives. It’s great for daily commuters who need something reliable, and just as suited for families juggling kids, groceries, and weekend soccer games. If you like the outdoors, the Forester’s all-wheel drive handles trails and rough weather effortlessly, so you don’t need to change cars for weekend escapes.
The new hybrid option is a win for eco-conscious drivers who want better fuel efficiency without going fully electric. For those who prefer extra comfort, the Forester Limited offers added touches that make every drive feel more special. It’s a good choice for older drivers who appreciate comfort, safety, and simple, intuitive tech. City or country, solo or with family — it’s a vehicle that flexes with your routine.
Thinking about an earlier model? We’ve also reviewed the 2022 Forester. Check it out here.
Fuel Consumption & Engine
The 2025 Subaru Forester delivers strong fuel efficiency with two available engine options: a proven 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder and a new, more efficient hybrid powertrain.
Gasoline Model:
The standard 2.5-liter engine offers around 11.0 km/L in the city, 14.0 km/L on the highway, and 12.3 km/L combined. Upper trims like the Sport and Touring are slightly less efficient, averaging 10.6 km/L in the city, 13.6 km/L on the highway, and 11.9 km/L combined.
Hybrid Model:
New for 2025, the Forester Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors to significantly boost fuel economy. It delivers an estimated 14.9 km/L in both city and combined driving, and 14.5 km/L on the highway. The transitions between gas and electric power are smooth, especially in urban driving, while Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive remains standard, making the hybrid both efficient and capable.
Although slightly less fuel-efficient than competitors like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (17.4 km/L city, 16.1 km/L highway), the Forester Hybrid stands out with better off-road capabilities. While both models offer practical efficiency, the hybrid is the better pick for city commuters looking to save at the pump.
Exterior
The 2025 Subaru Forester blends rugged durability with a clean, modern look that stands out in the crowded compact crossover SUV market. Its bold front grille and sleek LED headlights give it a confident face, while sculpted body lines and fender flares add a rugged and sporty edge. Wheel options range from practical 17-inch alloys to eye-catching 19-inch bronze wheels available on the Sport trim. Roof rails (standard on most trims) and a hands-free power rear gate boost everyday functionality, and a panoramic moonroof—available on higher trims—adds a touch of openness and luxury.
The Forester is built for city streets and weekend trails, measuring around 15.3 feet in length with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Available color options include Crimson Red Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Autumn Green Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl, and Brilliant Bronze Metallic. With its thoughtful mix of style and utility, the 2025 Forester is one of the most versatile and distinctive compact crossover SUVs on the road today.
Trim Levels
The 2025 Subaru Forester is available in five (Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring) well-defined trim levels, each building on the last with added comfort, tech, and performance. No matter which one you choose, you’ll get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower, along with Subaru’s well-known Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a smooth CVT transmission. For those looking to go greener, a new hybrid version is available on some trims—it’s a bit more powerful and gets impressive mileage.
Base models come well-equipped with features like Subaru’s trusted Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, LED headlights, seamless smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and key safety tech like EyeSight Driver Assist.
Premium adds everyday comfort features like a panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, push-button start, keyless entry, and a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration.
Sport brings a bold, athletic look with bronze wheels, rugged StarTex upholstery, orange interior accents, and a firmer, sport-tuned suspension. It also adds upgraded driving tech like dual-function X-MODE and blind-spot monitoring.
Limited ups the luxury with leather-trimmed seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and a heated steering wheel.
Touring, the top trim, includes ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon audio, navigation, a 360° camera, and Subaru’s advanced DriverFocus system for added safety and convenience.
There’s also a Wilderness trim, tuned for off-road driving with rugged styling, higher ground clearance, and trail-focused enhancements.
Compared to the Kia Sportage R, the Forester leans more into all-weather capability and rugged practicality, while the Sportage R appeals with its sleek design and city-friendly tech features. For more on the Sportage, check out our full review here.
Overall Safety
The 2025 Subaru Forester stands out for its strong safety performance, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award—the highest possible rating. In crash tests, it received top marks (“Good”) in critical areas like small overlap front, side impact, and roof strength. It also did well in updated tests, although the revised moderate overlap front test was rated “Acceptable,” showing a bit of room for refinement.
In crash prevention, the Forester shines with top scores in vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian automatic emergency braking. Standard safety features include Subaru’s EyeSight system, which offers adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking, rounding out a well-equipped suite of modern safety features.In my view, these high ratings and advanced driver-assist technologies make the 2025 Forester a smart choice for safety-conscious drivers. Its blend of structural integrity and active safety systems creates a reassuring driving experience. You can explore the full safety breakdown and details directly at the IIHS 2025 Subaru Forester page.
Release Date
The 2025 Subaru Forester is being released in phases across different global markets. In North America, it began arriving at dealerships in late spring 2024, with hybrid models following in early 2025. In Europe, it was released in October 2024, featuring the familiar e-Boxer hybrid system. Japan launched the new Forester in April 2025, offering both petrol and hybrid versions. Australia expects it between March and June 2025. Availability in regions like Africa and the Middle East may vary, so local dealers are the best source for timing and pre-orders. Whether you’re waiting for the hybrid or the standard model, most global buyers can expect dealership arrivals to wrap up by mid-2025.
Writer’s Perspective
The 2025 Subaru Forester feels like catching up with an old friend who hasn’t changed much — comforting, dependable, but maybe a little too familiar. Subaru has given it a sleeker face and upgraded the tech, but underneath, it’s still playing the same quiet tune. The new hybrid system is efficient, but it lacks the spark that makes you want to take the long way home.
It’s the kind of compact crossover SUV that does everything fine — it’s practical, safe, and reliable — but in an overcrowded market bursting with character and bold choices, ‘fine’ doesn’t turn heads. Just look at the Hummer H2: love it or hate it, it certainly made a statement. The Forester, by comparison, seems afraid to raise its voice.
That’s not to say it’s a bad car. For families, commuters, or anyone who values function over flair, it still checks a lot of boxes. But for those hoping Subaru might take a bigger swing in 2025? It feels more like a gentle tap. Read more on how the Hummer H2 left its mark.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Subaru Forester improves on a proven formula but doesn’t quite break new ground in the competitive compact SUV market. Its standout features—standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a spacious interior, and excellent visibility—make it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts and families. The redesigned cabin feels more refined with better materials and a quieter ride, while the EyeSight safety suite offers solid driver assistance. However, the 180-hp engine and sluggish CVT fall short when compared to more dynamic rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V. Although the upgraded 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system still lags behind in ease of use and responsiveness. While it offers incremental upgrades in design and cargo space, it doesn’t feel like a major leap forward. For Subaru fans, the Forester’s rugged charm and off-road capabilities may justify its $31,090 starting price, but others may find more performance or value elsewhere. Ultimately, the 2025 Forester remains a practical, reliable SUV, yet it struggles to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
I am a car enthusiast and experienced freelance car writer with over 5 years in automotive journalism. Recognized for delivering engaging and informative content across diverse websites and blogs, prominently featured on platforms like BE FORWARD. A passion for cars, coupled with a proven track record of insightful articles, showcasing a deep understanding of the industry.
With over 5 years of writing expertise in the automotive domain, I specialize in comprehensive coverage of car-related topics. My portfolio spans engaging reviews, up-to-date news, and in-depth features, showcasing a versatile understanding of the automotive landscape. This experience reflects my commitment to delivering insightful content that captivates readers across a broad spectrum of car enthusiasts and general audiences.
My favorite car is the Range Rover Sport for its luxurious design, powerful performance, and unparalleled comfort on and off-road.