The Subaru Forester has been a favorite among SUV enthusiasts since its debut in 1997. Over the years, it has seen numerous updates and redesigns, with the latest being the 2025 model.
This sixth-generation Subaru Forester brings a mix of familiar elements and new enhancements, ensuring it remains a competitive option in the compact SUV market.
Let’s dive into the details of the 2025 Subaru Forester redesign and explore what makes this new model stand out.
Table of contents
Exterior Updates
The 2025 Subaru Forester features several exterior updates that give it a fresh and sophisticated look. The overall body shape remains upright and familiar, maintaining the classic Forester silhouette. However, there are notable changes, especially in the front fascia and headlights.
Front Fascia and Headlights
The new front fascia is more pronounced, giving the Forester a bold and confident appearance. The headlights have been redesigned, contributing to a more modern look. These changes, while subtle, enhance the vehicle’s overall aesthetic appeal, making it look newer and more refined.
Fender Flares and Cladding
The fender flares are more pronounced in the 2025 model, adding to its rugged charm. The typical Subaru cladding is still present, providing protection and a robust look. These updates ensure that the Forester retains its adventurous spirit while looking more polished.
Upright Greenhouse
The upright greenhouse design remains, but with slight modifications. The more defined snout and upright windscreen give the Forester a more grown-up appearance. This blend of familiar and new elements strikes a perfect balance, appealing to both long-time Subaru fans and new customers.
Interior Enhancements
The interior of the 2025 Subaru Forester has received significant upgrades, focusing on comfort, technology, and aesthetics. Subaru has made sure that the cabin feels more modern and inviting, using a variety of materials, textures, and colors.
Multi-Dimensional Dashboard
One of the standout features of the new Forester is its multi-dimensional dashboard. This design element adds depth and interest to the cabin, making it visually appealing. Subaru has used different textures and colors to create a dynamic and engaging interior space.
Infotainment System
The 2025 Forester comes equipped with an 11.6-inch infotainment screen on all models except the base trim. The base model features two 7-inch screens, one for HVAC controls and the other for infotainment. This setup ensures that even the most basic model offers a decent amount of technology.
The infotainment system is user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This allows drivers to connect their smartphones seamlessly and access their favorite apps, music, and navigation.
Seating and Comfort
Subaru has reworked the seats in the 2025 Forester, providing more bolstering for enhanced comfort and reduced fatigue on long trips. The seats now offer better support, making long drives more enjoyable. Additionally, the sport trim features StarTex interior materials, adding a touch of luxury and durability.
Second-Row Comfort
The second-row seating in the new Forester is spacious and comfortable. Even with the front seats in a reclined position, there’s plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers. The tall structure and upright greenhouse design contribute to this spacious feel, ensuring that rear passengers have a comfortable ride.
Performance and Powertrain
While the powertrain in the 2025 Subaru Forester remains largely unchanged, Subaru has made several adjustments to improve its performance and efficiency.
Engine Specifications
The 2025 Forester is powered by the same engine as the previous model, but with slight modifications. The engine now produces 180 horsepower, down from 182 in the previous model. Despite this decrease in horsepower, the Forester feels more responsive, thanks to the way Subaru has tuned the engine.
The peak torque range has been adjusted to 3,700 RPM, down from 5,400 RPM. This change makes the Forester feel quicker and more agile, even with the slight reduction in horsepower. The naturally aspirated engine ensures smooth acceleration without the lag often associated with turbocharged engines.
Transmission
The Forester comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which has been tuned to mimic an 8-speed automatic transmission. This tuning provides a more engaging driving experience, with paddle shifters available on the sport trim and above. While CVTs are not typically known for their driving excitement, Subaru has done an excellent job refining this one to deliver a smooth and quiet ride.
All-Wheel Drive
One of the standout features of the Forester is its standard all-wheel-drive system. This system provides additional confidence when driving in inclement weather or on challenging terrains. Subaru has retuned the all-wheel-drive system for quicker reactions, enhancing safety and performance.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2025 Forester offers impressive fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates looking generous. The sport and limited trims sacrifice one digit in fuel economy compared to other trims, but this slight difference is negligible. Additionally, Subaru has announced that a hybrid powertrain will be available later in the year, although details are still under wraps.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Forester’s handling and ride quality have been improved, thanks to several updates in the steering and suspension systems.
Steering System
The new dual-pinion steering setup, derived from the Subaru WRX, makes the Forester’s steering quicker and more responsive. While it may not be as precise as a sports car, the improved steering system provides a more engaging driving experience, particularly in a compact SUV like the Forester.
Suspension and Noise Reduction
Subaru has made significant efforts to reduce cabin noise in the 2025 Forester. By using extra damping materials and improving the suspension system, the new Forester offers a much quieter and more serene driving experience. The suspension has been tuned to provide a smooth ride, even on rough roads, making it a comfortable vehicle for long trips.
Safety Features
Safety has always been a priority for Subaru, and the 2025 Forester is no exception. All models come standard with Subaru’s improved EyeSight suite of camera-based driver assistance features.
EyeSight Driver Assistance
The EyeSight system now has a wider field of vision and includes features such as:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
These features work together to enhance the safety of the vehicle, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Additional Safety Features
Depending on the trim level, the Forester also offers additional safety features such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. These advanced safety features further enhance the vehicle’s safety profile, making it one of the safest options in its segment.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Subaru Forester is available in several trim levels, each offering a unique set of features and pricing.
Base Model
The base model starts at $31,900 and includes:
- 17-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Dual-zone climate control
- Roof rails
Premium Trim
The premium trim, priced at $33,390, adds:
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Larger center screen
- Panoramic power moonroof
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Additionally, the premium trim offers a $1,200 package that includes a power tailgate, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Sport Trim
The sport trim starts at $35,840 and includes unique bronze accents, bronze wheels, and bronze badging. This trim level is designed to appeal to younger buyers and offers a sportier look. The dual-function X-Mode, which includes modes for deep snow and mud, as well as snow and mud, is also available on the sport trim.
Wilderness Trim
The Wilderness trim, confirmed for 2025, is the ultimate off-roading Forester. It features additional exterior cladding, increased ground clearance, and other off-road enhancements. While not yet available, the 2024 model is still an excellent option for those seeking adventure.
Limited Trim
The limited trim, priced at $37,390, offers:
- Leather seats
- 18-inch wheels
- Available 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
- Navigation
Touring Trim
The top-tier touring trim comes in at $41,900 and includes every available option without needing an additional package. Features include:
- 360-degree camera system
- Rearview mirror monitor
- 19-inch wheels
- Perforated leather seats (heated and ventilated)
- Advanced driver safety features
Competitors
The 2025 Subaru Forester faces stiff competition in the compact SUV market. Some of its main competitors include:
- Hyundai Tucson
- Nissan Rogue
- Mazda CX-5
- Toyota RAV4
- Honda CR-V
Each of these vehicles offers its own set of features and benefits, making the compact SUV segment highly competitive.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Subaru Forester redesign brings a host of updates and enhancements that make it a strong contender in the compact SUV market.
With its blend of familiar design elements and new features, the Forester appeals to a wide range of buyers. The updated exterior, enhanced interior, improved performance, and advanced safety features all contribute to its appeal.
Whether you’re a long-time Subaru fan or new to the brand, the 2025 Forester is worth considering if you’re in the market for a compact, two-row, five-passenger SUV.
