Subaru Forester 2025: A Conservative Redesign
The 2025 Subaru Forester has arrived with a clear mission. It aims to refine what owners already love rather than reinventing the wheel. While the chassis is stiffer and the interior technology is significantly upgraded, the exterior styling has sparked debate for being perhaps too cautious. For loyal Subaru fans, however, this conservative approach might be exactly what the doctor ordered.
The Exterior: Evolution Over Revolution
The first thing you notice about the sixth-generation Forester is that it still looks undeniably like a Forester. Subaru has moved away from the rugged, plastic-heavy cladding of the “Wilderness” trend seen in previous years. Instead, the 2025 model offers a smoother, more integrated look.
The front grille is larger and connects seamlessly to the LED headlights. This creates a wider stance visually, even though the vehicle’s dimensions have barely changed. Some critics argue the front end now resembles a Ford Explorer or a generic crossover, lacking the quirky distinctiveness of older Subarus. However, functional updates accompany these aesthetic choices. The new bodywork includes flush-mounted glazing and aerodynamic air outlets behind the front wheel wells to reduce lift and improve driving stability.
Performance: Stiffer Chassis, Familiar Engine
The snippet you read mentioned a “stiff chassis,” and the numbers back this up. The 2025 Forester utilizes the Subaru Global Platform, but with a 10% increase in torsional rigidity. The engineers achieved this by using stronger welding techniques and structural adhesives.
What does a stiffer chassis mean for you?
- Quieter Cabin: A tighter body structure reduces road noise and vibration.
- Better Handling: The suspension works more efficiently, resulting in less body roll during cornering.
- Safety: A rigid frame generally performs better in crash scenarios.
Under the hood, Subaru kept things predictable. The 2025 model retains the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Boxer four-cylinder engine. It produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers are adequate for daily commuting, they do not offer the punch of the turbocharged engines found in competitors like the Mazda CX-50. The engine pairs with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that includes an 8-speed manual shift mode on higher trims.
Technology: The 11.6-Inch Upgrade
The most noticeable interior change is the infotainment system. The 2025 Forester finally adopts the vertical, tablet-style 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen found in the Outback and Crosstrek. This screen is standard on all trims except the Base model, which uses dual 7.0-inch screens.
The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, eliminating the need for messy cords. Subaru also listened to customer feedback regarding usability. While the climate controls are integrated into the screen, physical buttons remain for volume, tuning, and temperature adjustments. This hybrid approach ensures you can adjust basic settings without taking your eyes off the road.
Safety Features: EyeSight Improvements
Subaru has built its reputation on safety, and the 2025 Forester introduces the latest version of the EyeSight driver-assist system. Previous versions used two cameras. The new system adds a third, wide-angle monocular camera. This allows the car to detect pedestrians and cyclists much sooner at intersections.
Additionally, the new Forester includes an electric brake booster. This works with the EyeSight system to apply braking force faster and more smoothly when a potential collision is detected. If you opt for the Touring trim, you also get the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which monitors your face to ensure you are looking at the road.
Comfort and Utility
Subaru knows its buyers use their vehicles for hiking, camping, and grocery runs. The 2025 model features new front seats bolted directly to the chassis rather than the floor rails. This design reduces head sway and improves overall comfort on long drives.
Cargo space remains a strong selling point. With the rear seats folded flat, the Forester offers 74.4 cubic feet of storage. A new feature for 2025 is the kick-sensor-activated hands-free power rear gate. Unlike previous systems that required you to use your elbow on the badge, you can now simply kick your foot under the rear bumper to open the hatch.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2025 Subaru Forester is available in five distinct trim levels. The pricing reflects a slight increase over the previous generation, justified by the added standard technology and structural improvements.
- Base: Starts at approximately $29,695. Includes standard AWD and EyeSight.
- Premium: Adds the 11.6-inch screen, power driver’s seat, and panoramic moonroof.
- Sport: Features bronze exterior accents, sport-tuned suspension, and StarTex water-repellent upholstery.
- Limited: Adds leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, and the foot-activated liftgate.
- Touring: The top tier, priced near $39,995, features heated and ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and premium audio.
Note: Prices listed usually exclude destination charges, which are roughly $1,300.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Subaru Forester Hybrid for 2025? No, not at launch. Subaru has confirmed that a Forester Hybrid is coming, but it will arrive roughly a year after the gas model, likely as a 2026 model. It will utilize Toyota-sourced hybrid technology.
Did Subaru drop the Forester Wilderness trim? The rugged Wilderness trim is not part of the initial 2025 launch lineup. Subaru is continuing to sell the previous generation (2024 model year) Wilderness alongside the new 2025 models for a limited time. A redesigned Wilderness based on the new platform is expected later.
Is the 2025 Forester bigger than the 2024 model? The dimensions are nearly identical. The wheelbase remains 105.1 inches. The 2025 model is slightly heavier due to the increased sound dampening and structural reinforcements, but interior passenger volume remains roughly the same.
Does the 2025 Forester have a turbo option? No. The turbocharged XT engine was discontinued years ago and has not returned for 2025. The only engine option is the 2.5-liter non-turbo Boxer engine.