2025 Subaru Forester
Whenever Subaru comes up in any discussion, the usual answer is the Outback. It is the most popular model in the lineup with three million units sold since its introduction.
Coming in a close second is Subaru’s first SUV – the Forester. This model provided on opportunity to not only get into the SUV segment, but to show how Subaru can interpret what it should be. It has become a very successful model.
For 2025, a new Forester debuts. This time, things getting serious.
It starts with an all-new body design. While evolutionary in places, there are some stand out details that distance itself from the outgoing model. That includes a new headlamp design, a larger grille area, a new glasshouse and silhouette, along with a more three-dimensional liftgate and taillight design. The Forester gains some increased torsional rigidity by 10% from the outgoing model.
Some things Subaru did not change. Such as the large glass area with the best rearward vision in its class. Overall dimensions remain the same as previous model.
Our Sport tester adds some bronze details to its mostly blacked-out trim. The 19-inch alloy wheels are finished in the bronze color to give the Forester a “pre-Wilderness” look.
The cabin of the Forester seems to be mostly carried over from the previous model. Yet, it also received some updated elements that keep it up to date with the rest of the Subaru lineup. That includes the integration of the 11.6-inch portrait-oriented Starlink infotainment screen. The instrument cluster still offer cleaner analog main dials with an excellent set of graphical center displays offering loads of information for the driver.
This Sport tester came with a soft StarTex leather-like upholstery in black along with bronze stitching and trim. The front seats are softer and more comfortable than before with plenty of support. Rear seat room is very good for most bodies. Four adults or a family of five can sit comfortable inside across two rows of seats.
In terms of cargo space, there is 27.5 cubic feet of volume available with the rear seats up. This is expandable to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The cargo area is accessed through a lower entry point, with a taller cargo height than most competitors in its class.
The Forester continues to be powered by a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with direct injection. It also puts down 178 pound-feet of torque. Subaru’s continuously variable transmission is greatly improved with solid shifts where you expect them to be. This is all connected to its Symmetrical all-wheel drive. You can switch the X-Mode system on the infotainment screen for better traction on various conditions.
In all, it does a decent job in accelerating and doing passing maneuvers. The driveline cruises very well on the highway. As for fuel economy, we averaged 27.4 MPG in our turn with the Forester.
The ride quality of this newest Forester is superb. You get to enjoy a smooth ride that absorbs over the worst roads it has driven over. This also lent to softer handing with some lean and roll through the corners.
We found a good turning radius thanks to a quicker steering set that is precise. Braking is also good with excellent pedal feel and solid stopping power in every situation.
The 2025 Forester lineup is available in five trim levels, starting at $29,695. Our Sport tester came with a sticker price of $37,590.
The compact SUV segment continues to be a crowded field, included the Forester. This Subaru competes with other models, such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Nissan Rogue.
As Subaru improves their popular-sized SUV, the Forester still offers something for those loyal to the brand and those wanting to explore it. In this new version of this popular vehicle, you will be doing plenty of exploring.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
