The 2025 Subaru Forester continues its legacy as one of the most practical, versatile and safe compact SUVs in the market.
With a fresh redesign for 2025, Subaru blends rugged all‑wheel‑drive capability with family‑friendly comfort, advanced technology and choice of a hybrid powertrain.
Whether you’re tackling city traffic, weekend adventures, or family errands, the Forester remains a top contender in its class.
In this detailed review, you’ll find specs, pricing, safety highlights, real‑world usability and why the Forester deserves your attention in the competitive SUV landscape.
Quick Specs Snapshot: 2025 Subaru Forester
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5‑liter Subaru BOXER® 4‑cyl |
| Horsepower | 180 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb‑ft |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Drive Type | Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive (standard) |
| Fuel Economy | Around 26/33/29 mpg (city/highway/combined) |
| Seating | 5 passengers |
| Cargo Space | Competitive for class |
| Hybrid Option | Available in select trims |
| Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi basic, 5 yr / 60,000 mi powertrain |
| Starting Price | ~$29,995+ (varies by trim) |
Redesigned for 2025: What’s New
Subaru updated the Forester for the 2025 model year with fresh exterior styling and an upgraded interior layout. The newest generation features a sleeker design, a quieter cabin thanks to improved sound insulation, and a more refined overall feel while keeping its rugged appeal.
Subaru also introduced a hybrid powertrain option that pairs the tried‑and‑true 2.5‑liter engine with electric components, improving fuel efficiency and broadening its appeal to eco‑minded buyers without sacrificing the SUV’s core strengths.
Engine, Performance and AWD Capability
Under the hood, nearly all 2025 Forester trims come with Subaru’s signature 2.5‑liter horizontally opposed Boxer four‑cylinder engine.
This layout helps lower the center of gravity and contributes to balanced handling, giving the SUV stable road manners and confidence in varied conditions.
The naturally aspirated engine makes around 180 horsepower and 178 lb‑ft of torque, paired with a CVT automatic that prioritizes smoothness and efficiency.
Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard on every trim, offering better traction in rain, snow, gravel or light off‑road terrain — a Subaru hallmark.
For buyers focused on efficiency, the hybrid variants of the Forester use a gas‑electric setup that enhances mileage and driving range while still keeping AWD standard.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Forester lineup spans a broad range of trims, so buyers can choose from basic daily drivers to more feature‑rich versions:
Core Trim Pricing (approx):
- Base: ~$29,995
- Premium: ~$33,385
- Sport: ~$36,105
- Limited: ~$37,695
- Touring: ~$41,595
- Hybrid variants: ~$36,595 to ~$43,295 depending on trim and options
Prices can vary based on region, dealer pricing and optional packages like a hands‑free liftgate, upgraded audio systems or premium interior materials.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The redesigned interior feels more modern and functional compared with previous iterations. Subaru has improved material quality, enhanced sound insulation for a quieter cabin, and boosted passenger comfort with supportive seating and spacious legroom for both front and rear occupants.
Tech features are generous, particularly on higher trims. Many models include a high‑resolution touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, wireless device charging, and available connectivity functions like Wi‑Fi hotspot.
Subaru also offers practical interior design elements such as easily adjustable rear seats and plenty of cargo space, making the Forester a sensible choice for families and weekend gear hauls.
Safety Features: What You Get
Subaru’s commitment to safety is a strong selling point for the Forester. All 2025 models include the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology suite, which combines adaptive cruise control, lane‑keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and more to help prevent accidents before they happen.
Additional available safety upgrades include:
- 360‑degree Surround View Monitor for easier parking
- Blind‑Spot Detection and Rear Cross‑Traffic Alert
- Reverse Automatic Braking on select trims
These features improve confidence for daily driving and longer family trips, particularly in busy or unfamiliar environments.
Real‑World Driving Experience
In real‑world use, the 2025 Subaru Forester delivers a comfortable ride with secure handling thanks to its AWD system and stable chassis.
The Boxer engine’s 180 hp figure is not class‑leading, but the vehicle’s focus is more on smooth, predictable performance and traction rather than sporty acceleration.
Fuel economy figures hover around 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for gasoline versions, with hybrid trims offering improved combined numbers. This makes the Forester a strong choice for daily commuting combined with weekend getaways.
One real‑world area some drivers notice is that the infotainment system can feel sluggish compared with rivals, and road noise at higher speeds isn’t as suppressed as in some premium competitors.
Worth Considering If You Want
- Confidence in Adverse Conditions: Standard AWD and X‑Mode make the Forester capable in rain, snow and light off‑road situations.
- Interior Practicality: Spacious cabin and cargo area for passengers and gear.
- Strong Safety Technology: Robust suite of driver aids is standard.
- Hybrid Efficiency: Fuel savings with hybrid variants without sacrificing AWD.
Summary
The 2025 Subaru Forester remains a compelling choice in the compact SUV category. Its standard Symmetrical AWD, practical interior, advanced safety features and optional hybrid powertrain give it broad appeal for families, outdoor enthusiasts and daily commuters alike.
While not the sportiest or plushest SUV in the class, the Forester’s balance of capability, comfort and confidence makes it a very complete package for 2025.