Fresh styling that still feels familiar
Subaru Forester 2025 Subaru’s popular Forester gets its biggest makeover in years for 2025. The new shape keeps the upright stance owners love but adds a wider grille, C-shaped LED headlights, and crisp body lines that make the compact SUV look tougher and more modern. Ground clearance stays at 8.7 inches, so potholes, snow, and campsite ruts remain easy work. A stronger Subaru Global Platform uses more high-strength steel, giving a quieter ride and better crash protection without adding weight.
Efficient boxer power with a hybrid twist
Under the hood, every Forester still runs a 2.5-liter flat-four, but engineers retuned it for cleaner emissions and smoother low-end pull. Output rises slightly to 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, sent through an updated CVT with eight simulated steps for a more natural feel. New for 2025 is an available mild-hybrid setup that slips a 48-volt starter-generator between the engine and transmission. It adds 14 electric horses for snappier launches and lifts combined fuel economy to an impressive 33 mpg without changing Subaru’s full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Key mechanical numbers
| Item | Gas only | Mild-Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 194 hp (combined) |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft |
| EPA mpg (comb.) | 29 | 33 |
| Tow rating | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb |
Cabin comfort meets big-screen tech
Inside, soft-touch trim and thicker glass quiet the ride, while wider seats with dual-mode heaters keep winter drives cozy. The star of the dash is a new 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen that runs wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Physical knobs for volume and temperature remain—good news for gloved hands on ski trips. A 360-degree camera, wireless phone charger, and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot join the options list, and Touring trims add a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system for road-trip playlists.
Safety suite now watches even more
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist package gains a wider stereo camera and radar sensors in the bumper corners. The wider field of view lets adaptive cruise and lane-centering work smoothly on tighter curves. A new DriverFocus attention monitor tracks eye position and warns if the driver looks away too long—handy for late-night drives. Eight airbags, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot detection stay standard across the range.
Trim walk and value pricing
| Trim | Key adds | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|
| Base | AWD, EyeSight, dual 7-in screens | $29,995 |
| Premium | Panoramic moonroof, power driver seat | $32,995 |
| Sport | Orange accents, dual-function X-Mode | $34,995 |
| Limited | Leather, 11.6-in screen, power liftgate | $37,995 |
| Touring | All-LED lighting, DriverFocus, HK audio | $41,995 |
*Destination fee extra
Practical touches for everyday life
Forester keeps the big windows and thin pillars that give best-in-class outward visibility. Rear seats recline and now fold flatter, opening up 74 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for bikes or a week of camping gear. Roof rails hold 700 pounds when parked, so rooftop tents fit with room to spare. With four USB-C ports and a 120-volt outlet in the cargo area, passengers can power laptops, cameras, or an air pump on the go.
Why this redesign matters
By pairing a bold new look with a frugal hybrid option and smarter safety tech, the 2025 Forester aims to please long-time Subaru fans and first-time SUV shoppers alike. It stays true to the brand’s all-weather DNA yet adds the everyday comfort and connectivity many buyers now expect. Deliveries start early next year, and early interest suggests Subaru’s latest evolution of its adventure-ready compact SUV should keep the Forester name firmly on America’s favorite-list for years to come.