The Subaru Forester has long been one of the most well-rounded and budget-friendly compact SUVs on the market, offering strong value and dependable performance. For 2025, Subaru introduces the sixth-generation Forester — a refreshed and refined model that builds on its predecessor’s strengths while adding thoughtful updates inside and out.
Although Subaru markets the 2025 Forester as a completely new model, the changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary. It retains the solid foundation of the 2024 version but introduces enough refinements to keep it competitive in an increasingly crowded SUV segment.
Rugged New Styling and Subtle Exterior Changes
At first glance, the 2025 Forester looks familiar, but several key design tweaks set it apart. The SUV now wears a bolder, more rugged-looking front fascia, with a redesigned grille and sharper headlights that emphasize its adventurous personality. The side doors feature a simpler, more sculpted surface, which contrasts nicely with the muscular fenders. Around back, the liftgate maintains its overall shape, but the taillights have been reimagined and now sit lower beneath redesigned roof pillars, giving the vehicle a broader, more stable stance.
Dimensionally, Subaru hasn’t made drastic changes. Both passenger space and cargo capacity have grown slightly, maintaining the Forester’s reputation for practicality and spaciousness.
2025 Subaru Forester
Interior Comfort and Technology Upgrades
Inside, the cabin feels instantly recognizable to Forester fans, but several key enhancements make it more inviting. The most noticeable upgrade is the new 11.6-inch vertical infotainment display, which includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The base model retains a 7.0-inch touchscreen, but even that setup benefits from Subaru’s latest software and interface improvements.
Subaru also redesigned the front seats to provide better long-distance comfort and improved support. Cabin insulation has been upgraded as well, resulting in a noticeably quieter ride.
Stronger Structure and Improved Ride Quality
The 2025 Forester’s underlying structure is now 10% stiffer, thanks to enhanced welding techniques and increased use of structural adhesives. This rigidity improves safety, comfort, and handling precision. The suspension has been retuned to balance comfort with control, all while preserving the Forester’s class-leading 22 cm of ground clearance.
Another welcome addition is a new steering rack derived from the performance-oriented Subaru WRX, delivering sharper response and better feedback on the road.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine remains. It produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Drivers can also use available paddle shifters to manually engage eight simulated gear ratios for a more connected driving feel.
Fuel efficiency is rated at 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 7.2 on the highway, and 8.2 combined — strong numbers for an all-wheel-drive SUV.
Subaru has confirmed that a hybrid variant is in development but isn’t expected until the 2026 model year.
Subaru Forester 2025 – images: Subaru
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Off-Road Capability
True to Subaru tradition, all 2025 Foresters come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The system includes active torque vectoring, which lightly brakes the inside front wheel during turns to enhance cornering stability.
Every trim above the base version adds a hill-descent control mode, which automatically maintains a steady speed when descending steep grades — a valuable tool for off-road or winter driving conditions.
Safety, Technology, and Driver Assistance
Safety remains one of the Forester’s strongest points. Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist suite comes standard across all trims. It includes forward collision avoidance, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder system.
Higher trims unlock more advanced safety tech, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, a 360-degree camera system, and reverse automatic braking. A new addition for 2025 is automatic emergency steering, which can help avoid collisions at speeds under 80 km/h.
Also available is the updated Emergency Stop Assist system — an expansion of adaptive cruise control that intervenes if the driver becomes unresponsive, bringing the vehicle safely to a halt.
Pricing and Features
The base 2025 Subaru Forester starts at $34,900, including destination fees. Standard equipment includes roof rails, remote keyless entry, and a clever “welcome lighting” system that illuminates the front door handles via LEDs in the side mirrors when unlocking at night.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard as well, optimized to prioritize occupied seats for better efficiency.
Optional upgrades include a hands-free power liftgate, which opens or closes with a simple wave of your foot under the rear bumper — perfect for when your hands are full with groceries or gear.
The 2025 Subaru Forester might not be a ground-up redesign, but the cumulative updates make it feel fresher, more refined, and more capable than ever. With its combination of all-weather confidence, practicality, and value, it continues to be a top choice for drivers seeking a dependable, go-anywhere compact SUV.
Subtle yet meaningful enhancements to comfort, safety, and design ensure that the latest Forester remains one of the most well-rounded vehicles in its class — a true testament to Subaru’s philosophy of continuous improvement.
2025 Subaru Forester – A Smarter, Stronger, and More Refined Compact SUV
The 2025 Subaru Forester builds on one of Subaru’s most successful formulas — combining safety, practicality, and all-weather capability in an affordable package. This sixth-generation Forester isn’t a full redesign, but Subaru has made enough smart updates to keep it competitive against rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-50.
Bold New Styling with Practical Design
At first glance, the 2025 Subaru Forester looks more rugged and athletic than before. Subaru redesigned the front end with a larger grille, sharper LED headlights, and a tougher bumper design that gives it a more adventurous look. The side panels feature clean, sculpted lines that emphasize the SUV’s stance, while the rear gets a wider liftgate and restyled taillights positioned below reshaped roof pillars.
Although the dimensions and cargo space haven’t changed drastically, the Forester still offers one of the most versatile and spacious cabins in its class — perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Cabin Upgrades and Advanced Infotainment
Inside, the 2025 Forester interior feels familiar but upgraded. A new 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen now dominates the center console, offering built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The base trim still comes with a 7-inch display, but it also benefits from improved software and faster response times.
Subaru redesigned the front seats for better long-distance comfort and support, while additional insulation and acoustic glass make the cabin noticeably quieter.
Stronger Platform and Smoother Ride
Subaru has reinforced the Forester’s body structure, making it 10% stiffer than before thanks to better welding and more structural adhesives. This results in improved crash safety, reduced vibration, and a more stable feel on uneven roads.
The suspension has been retuned for a smoother, more composed ride without sacrificing off-road ability. The 22 cm of ground clearance remains unchanged, keeping the Forester one of the most capable small SUVs for dirt roads and snow.
The steering system also gets a notable upgrade — it now uses the WRX-inspired steering rack, delivering sharper handling and a more confident driving experience.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Subaru Forester carries over the reliable 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine. It produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that includes paddle shifters for eight simulated gear ratios.
Fuel economy remains efficient for its size — rated at 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 7.2 L/100 km on the highway, and 8.2 L/100 km combined.
Subaru is also preparing a Forester Hybrid, expected to arrive in the 2026 model year, offering better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
All-Wheel Drive and Off-Road Systems
Every 2025 Forester features Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, ensuring consistent grip and stability on wet, icy, or uneven terrain. The system includes active torque vectoring, which lightly brakes the inside front wheel during turns for more precise cornering.
Higher trims also add hill-descent control, maintaining a steady speed when descending steep hills — ideal for off-road adventures.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety continues to be a Subaru hallmark. The 2025 Forester includes the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard. This system features adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, pre-collision braking, and pedestrian/cyclist detection.
Upgraded trims add features such as:
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Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert
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360-degree surround-view camera
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Lane-change assist
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Reverse automatic braking
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Drowsy-driver alert system
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Automatic emergency steering (active below 80 km/h)
A new Emergency Stop Assist system has been introduced for 2025. It activates automatically if the driver fails to respond to alerts, bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop — a safety innovation rarely seen in this price range.
Pricing and Trim Options
The 2025 Subaru Forester price starts at $34,900 (including destination fees). Standard features include roof rails, keyless entry, and LED welcome lighting that illuminates the door handles at night.
The dual-zone climate control system has been improved to direct airflow primarily toward occupied seats, enhancing both comfort and energy efficiency.
Available upgrades include a hands-free power liftgate, which can be opened or closed with a simple foot motion under the bumper — a thoughtful convenience when your hands are full.
A Smarter, More Capable Everyday SUV
While the 2025 Subaru Forester doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it builds on what owners already love — dependability, comfort, safety, and real-world usability. Subaru’s steady, incremental improvements have made this SUV even more refined and appealing.
From its tougher styling and advanced safety systems to its quiet, comfortable ride, the new Forester remains a standout in the compact SUV market. Whether you’re commuting daily or exploring off the beaten path, the 2025 Subaru Forester continues to deliver all-season confidence and value.