The redesigned, sixth-generation 2025 Subaru Forester is the compact SUV it was born to become
The redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester is sold in five all-wheel-drive trim levels. Starting prices range from $31,115 to $41,415. (Photography courtesy of Subaru or as credited)
Jump To Special Features
2025 Subaru Forester Pricing
2025 Forester Powertrain and Fuel Economy
Safety Features and Technologies
Observations and Considerations
Interior Function
Ride and Handling
Why Buy the 2025 Subaru Forester?
2025 Subaru Forester Sport Specifications
The Subaru Forester has a fatherly backbone of trust and no-nonsense. Since this compact SUV’s U.S. debut in 1998, it has pursued function over fashion and durability over gimmicks. It is Subaru’s approach of knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing. However, Forester’s unadorned cosmetics never flirted with sexiness, which was a turn-off to many motorists, including me. Its exterior styling turned few heads, until now.
Forester’s new body styling is conservatively modern, with no odd cutouts, slashes, or swoops. The statement it makes is just what it needs to turn a few heads. The redesigned, sixth-generation 2025 Subaru Forester is the compact SUV it was born to become.
I have tested Foresters since 1998, when the first generation went on sale in the U.S., and I valued its driver-centric vehicle design. And it continued to improve. Subaru led Consumer Reports’ annual brand report card for the second time in four years. It is an assessment that measures such factors as performance, safety, and reliability.
The Forester’s main competitors include the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-50, and Toyota RAV4.
The contoured dashboard is designed to avoid visible damage from daily use.
2025 Subaru Forester Pricing
The 2025 Subaru Forester is sold in five all-wheel-drive trim levels. Starting prices range from $31,115 to $41,415 for the top-line Touring. Manufacturer’s suggested pricing includes the $1,420 freight charge from Gunma, Japan.
All 2025 Forester trim levels have the same 180-hp, 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine and Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The Sport, Limited, and Touring trims add a manual-shift mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters that simulate eight ratios.
The Base and Premium come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels. The Limited has 18-inch wheels, and the Sport and Touring are on 19-inch wheels.
Today’s tester is a midrange Forester Sport in the no-cost bold paint of Sapphire Blue Pearl. Forester Sport pricing starts at $35,915. The tester with one $1,700 option package came to $37,615. Option package O24 included:
- Reverse Automatic Braking; (RAB)
- 11-speaker, Harman Kardon premium audio with 576-watt equivalent amp;
- Power rear gate with automatic close, height memory, and hands-free foot activation;
- SI-Drive Engine Performance Management with Intelligent and Sport Sharp Modes.
Check current Forester pricing here.
At the time of publication, many trim levels had financing incentives of 4.9 percent APR for 36 and 72 months. There were also special offers for some 2024 Forester trims.
Find special offers here.
The 180-hp Forester 2.5-liter flat-four cylinder engine.
Forester Powertrain and Fuel Economy
Until the 2026 Forester Hybrid goes on sale, there is one strong four-cylinder powertrain and continuously variable automatic transmission.
Step on the gas, and the 180-hp Forester Sport scoots. Its 2.5-liter flat-four cylinder has an eager 178 foot-pounds of torque at 3,700 rpm. And torque is what puts the zip in Forester’s buzz saw launch. It is liberating to step on the gas without the hand-wringing hesitation of electronic intervention.
While the power punch is appreciated around town, a 0-to-60 run might seem disappointing. Car and Driver clocked the run at 8.3 seconds. However, I found freeway merging power more than adequate.
The Lineartronic CVT has been refined for smoother and quieter performance. This is an outstanding CVT for its actual shift feel, simulating eight gear shifts. There is no “rubber banding” as the CVT belt catches up to acceleration force. In my first drive, before reading up on the Forester Sport, the transmission gave the response of a traditional stepped transmission. Not all CVTs have such palpable performance.
Fuel Economy Ratings
Official fuel economy ratings are 25 mpg city, 32 highway, and 28 mpg combined on the recommended 87 octane fuel. I worked up to 28.5 mpg over a week of driving 200 miles.
With cruise control set at 67 mph, I noticed no big drop in mpgs on long mountain grades.
The 16.6-gallon tank beats the top competitors by more than two gallons! That could translate to a driving range of more than 470 miles. Happy trails to us.
SI Engine Performance Management
If you are going to have a Sport model, it should be more than badging, black wheels, and a bump in shift points. Subaru made its Forester Sport define the term for a compact SUV with its Sport Sharp (S#) Mode.
However, S# is part of Option Package 24 ($1,700), and it is an odd mix of features. It includes SI-Drive with Sport Sharp (S#) mode, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, hands-free power rear gate, and reverse automatic braking (RAB).
Some of us might prefer a stand-alone choice for SI-Drive with Sport Sharp (S#) mode. I don’t care about a hands-free liftgate, but I want RAB, and I’ll take the audio system with a 576-watt amp.
Selectable Performance Modes
All Foresters have selectable performance modes through SI-Drive — Subaru Intelligent Drive. Three modes adjust throttle response, engine mapping, and transmission characteristics.
Intelligent (I) Mode. Subaru says the more gradual acceleration in I Mode (Normal) can give a 10 percent boost in fuel economy.
Sport (S) Mode. An everyday jolt to throttle response. However, I drove in Normal mode for most of my driving. Acceleration pickup in I mode was quick.
Sport Sharp (S#) Mode. Quicker throttle response while holding upshifts for stronger acceleration.
All-season Bridgestone Turanza EL450 tires on 19-inch bronze finished aluminum alloy wheels.
X-Mode for the Trail Ride
Subaru’s X-Mode all-wheel-drive system is the electronic building block for a capable trail explorer. There is a basic X-Mode and a more electronically sophisticated Dual-Function X-Mode.
X-Mode is a driver-engaged electronic hub for foul-weather and off-road finesse. It monitors engine output and CVT ratio position to increase all-wheel drive engagement and Hill Descent Control.
The system functions through Vehicle Dynamics Control to enhance stability and reduce individual wheel spin.
The Forester Sport, Limited, and Touring add dual-function X-Mode for Snow or Dirt and Deep Snow or Mud.
The tires have a wide footprint for street or trail. And note the air outlet at the trailing edge of the front wheel opening contributes to reduced lift on the front tires and improved driving stability. (Mark Maynard photo)
Forester Safety Features and Technologies
Standard on all 2025 Forester models is the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The improved system has a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. EyeSight can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and will alert the driver and apply braking to avoid collisions.
Level 2 semi-autonomous driving gives spot-on lane centering and no drifting across the Botts’ dots or white lane markings.
Optional active safety features for Forester include Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
The front seats have slimmed-down shoulder areas for better visibility and access to the rear seats.
Observations and Considerations
- Barely warming seat heaters;
- Slow power seat lift adjustments;
- No heated steering wheel. (But standard on the Forester Limited and Touring models);
- No happy thrum of the boxer four-cylinder.
The Forester Sport interior design has levels of textures and colors.
Forester Interior Function
Whether on the street or on the trail, the Subaru Forester has open sightlines, some of which are due to the low dashboard. Side mirrors are offset from the body and have a corner glass for more visibility when turning.
With its turning circle of a trim 35.4 feet, the Forester treads lightly on the trail or the mall parking lot. Some SUV crossovers are pushing 40 feet in a curb-to-curb circle.
Members of the Big and Tall Club take note:
- Headroom of 40 inches — with the panoramic sunroof — is remarkably tall for a compact SUV crossover;
- Front legroom of 43 inches is as long as in any big sedan at 43 inches;
- Front shoulder room of 57.7 inches is just a tenth or so less than the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
Inside, there is a definite improvement in the appearance of plastics and trim materials. The Sport model features include a 10-way power driver’s seat, floor mats with the Sport logo, and dark gray StarTex upholstery with brown stitching.
Somewhat uncommon in an import vehicle is the eight-way power front passenger seat.
The vertical clipboard-size infotainment display is not the best design for on-the-go temp changes. The only exterior buttons are for volume control. And making heat-AC-vent adjustments requires a two-tap entry.
The vertical Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch multimedia-plus system.
Other Sport model features include:
- Keyless locking and push-button ignition
- Rearview camera
- Electric parking brake
- Panoramic power moonroof,
- Retractable cargo cover,
- Floor mats with Sport logo
- Reclining rear seatbacks
- Gloss black grille.
The Forester back seat back seat has generous legroom of 39.4 inches.
Back Seats and Cargo Space
There is an easy step-in and out of the back seat with generous legroom of 39.4 inches. The seatbacks have a comfortable angle and have a few notches of recline.
Back seat amenities include bottle slots in door panels and can holders in the pull-down center armrest. A pair of USB charging ports accommodate a 2.4 amp Type A and 30 amp Type C.
The cargo space has generous dimensions and many accommodating details. The liftgate entry is 4 feet wide and 32 inches tall at entry. Fold the 60/40 split seatback for 6 feet in length, and the seatbacks fold almost flat for car camping. There is also a 12-volt plug to power an air compressor or lights. However, there is a light in the cargo area and a light in the liftgate.
There are two bag hooks on both sides and two headliner hooks (which I’d not seen in other SUVs). Also helpful is a slot under the cargo floor to stow the roller cover.
Steering responsive LED headlights.
Forester Sport Ride and Handling
Highway cruising is quiet without tire harshness or sensitivity in noise transfer from varying road surfaces.
Subaru’s four-wheel independent steel suspension provides compliant and athletic control over broken city streets. The raised ride height has no compromise in sporty handling through fast cornering or evasive maneuvers.
All-season Bridgestone Turanza EL450 tires (235/50) have a wide footprint and a compliant treadwear rating of 400 (with 700 UTQG being the hardest).
Braking is secure and steady from four-wheel ventilated discs, 12.4 inches front, and 11.8 inches rear.
Fold the 60/40 split seatback for 6 feet in length.
Why Buy the 2025 Subaru Forester?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is a class leader for its safety, reliability, and drivability. I respect Subaru’s engineering to go just a bit farther to get it right. The Forester’s attention to detail will be rewarding for long-term ownership.
This is the compact SUV I would buy. Or maybe I’d wait for the 2025 Forester Hybrid, which goes on sale in late spring, starting at $34,995.
Tap into the Subaru Forester community at subaruforester.org.
The redesigned sixth-generation 2025 Subaru Forester is the compact SUV it was born to become.
2025 Subaru Forester Sport Specifications
Body style: Compact, five-seat, five-door AWD SUV crossover
Engine: 180-hp, DOHC 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (‘boxer’) 4-cylinder with direct injection; 178 lb.-ft. torque at 3,700 rpm
Transmission: Lineartronic CVT with eight-speed manual mode; X-Mode (dual-function) with hill descent control
Fuel economy: 25/32/28 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended
Max. towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
BY THE NUMBERS
Fuel tank: 16.6 gallons
Cargo space: 27.5 to 69.1 cubic feet
Front head/leg room: 40*/43.3 inches *w/panoramic sunroof
Rear head/leg room: 37.7/39.4 inches
Length/wheelbase: 183.3/105.1 inches
Width/height: 72*/68.1 inches *81.2 inches w/mirrors
Minimum road clearance: 8.7 inches
Curb weight: 3,611 pounds
Turning circle: 35.4 feet
FEATURES
Standard Forester Sport equipment includes: Keyless Access with push-button start, panoramic power moonroof, electric parking brake with auto vehicle hold, 10-way power driver’s seat, 8-way power front passenger seat, all-weather package (heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer), dark tint privacy glass, Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch multimedia-plus system, reclining rear seatbacks, retractable cargo area cover, USB-C input/charge port and wireless charger in front center console, USB-A and USB-C charge ports in rear center console, Wi-Fi in-vehicle hotspot (monthly service fee required);
Interior design: Sport models have a unique dark gray with brown stitching and bronze accents throughout, gray StarTex water-repellent upholstery with brown stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel with brown stitching, shift lever boot in simulated leather with brown stitching, carpeted floor mats with Sport logo;
Exterior Styling: dark gray interior with brown stitching and bronze accents, low profile gloss-black roof rails, lower body underguards in black with bronze accents (front, rear, and sides), 19-inch alloy wheels in the bronze finish, and LED fog lights.
Safety features include: 8 air bags, electronic traction control with active torque vectoring, driver-assist technologies, automatic emergency steering, blind-spot detection with lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
CHASSIS COMPONENTS
Brakes: 4-wheel ventilated discs, front rotors 12.4 inches, rear 11.8 inches, electronically controlled dual diagonal-wheel brake system. With electronic brake-force distribution and 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS with brake assist and brake override; incline start assist;
Steering: Electric power assisted rack-and-pinion (dual-pinion); 35.4-foot turning circle
Tires-wheels (Sport model): 19-by-7.5-inch bronze finished aluminum alloy wheels; all-season Bridgestone Turanza EL450 235/50; 400 treadwear rating
Suspension: 4-wheel independent, raised; front, MacPherson-type struts, lower L-arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar, hydraulic engine mounts; rear, double wishbone, coil springs, stabilizer bar
PRICING
Base price: $35,915, including $1,420 freight charge; price as tested $37,615
Options on test vehicle: Option package O24 $1,700
Where assembled: Gunma, Japan
Warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper; 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain; 24/7 roadside assistance with free towing to nearest Subaru dealer if stranded
