Along with the Outback and Crosstrek, Subaru has one of the most popular SUV lineups available. So, when they announced an all-new Forester, you know we had to give it a test. Does the all-new keep the Forester at the top of the SUV pack? Let’s find out!
Familiar but Fresh
While Subaru says this is an all-new design, it looks very Forester to us – no problem as we’ve always liked the sharp, capable vibe.
Up front, the fascia echoes the traditional Subaru pentagon-shaped grille, which now looks further pushed out to the corners, while two-tiered LED compact headlights look more aero and aggressive. The previous 6-point style fogs are now a simpler more integrated look. And for those playing at home, the Forester is also the debut of the updated Subaru star cluster emblem, although we’d have to say it’s pretty subtle.
The profile has some added muscle with more prominent fender flares bracing blacked-out wheel arches that have their own textured pattern to enhance aerodynamics. Really helping to sell the new look were our Sport model’s unique, 19-inch bronze-finish alloy wheels and bronze-finish exterior accents.
Like the front, the rear taillights are slimmer, more horizontal, and integrated to give a sleek horizontal line below the rear window, and Subaru notes that the steeper rear glass offers increased cargo capacity. More newness includes F O R E S T E R being carved into the hatch in bold letters that looks modern and upscale, while a chunky lower fascia gives some added off-road cred. Finishing things off our tester was dressed in a handsome Sapphire Blue Pearl that’s very Subie.
Upscale and Refined
Inside, the Forester continues with the positive improvements.
Open the door and you’re greeted by StarTex water-repellent upholstery that’s unique to the Sport trim. Plop down into the comfy power adjustable seats – redesigned for 2025 – and you’ll feel right at home – especially if you’ve spent time in any modern Subaru.
While previous models leaned on common-sense design over flash, the new model looks more upscale with cleaner lines and added goodies.
The familiar starts with crisp analog gauges in front of the driver, including an 8,000-rpm tach and 160-mph speedometer. Info-tainment gets an upgrade with a new vertical tablet style 11.6-inch touchscreen that reminds us of the Outback. It’s a nice, complete system that’s easy to decipher and find what you need. On our tester, that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless charging for your phone. Wi-Fi capability is standard as well.
We also like that Subaru kept the climate control as a dedicated part of the display, so there’s no fishing around among the screens for temp or heated seats or other controls. We also liked the optional Harmon Kardon audio system.
Also making our tester a nice place to spend time were copper-colored interior accents and stitching that are unique to the Sport model.
While the Forester is physically smaller than the Outback, rear seat is adult-friendly and features reclining seatbacks, with plenty of cargo space when they are up. They also flip forward easily and create an impressive 75 cubic feet of cargo space. We also loved our tester’s optional rubber cargo mat. Stylish.
There’s also an available hands-free power rear tailgate, and Subaru also features a dark headliner to hide scuffs from loading passengers and cargo. Rear dark tint privacy glass is now standard on all models to help keep your valuables from prying eyes.
Comfy On-road and Off
Driving the new model is more Subie goodness.
Under the hood is Subaru’s familiar 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine, putting out 180 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft of torque. Backed up by a CVT automatic transmission, the Forester feels perky around town, while steering wheel mounted paddle shifters let you “shift” through eight preset ratios for added fun.
Fun is relative though, and at higher speeds and with heavier loads the Forester does feel a little pokey, and it makes us miss previous models that had a turbo engine that was much more powerful. The trade-off is here is excellent mpg, with a 33 mpg EPA rating for highway, with 30-mpg being an attainable goal for everyday mixed driving.
There’s still plenty of other things to enjoy. The Subaru Symmetrical All Wheel Drive with standard Active Torque Vectoring AWD has been revised for more agile handling, and it doles out the power smoothly, and lets you make the most of the horsepower.
Our experience with this system makes the little Subie surprisingly capable in serious off-road conditions, and our tester also featured dual function X-MODE for added capacity in diverse conditions. Those going off-road or living in San Francisco will also enjoy Incline Start Assist that briefly holds the Forester while the driver pulls away from a stop on a hill. Nice!
That supple off-road suspension pays off dividends in the on-road world with a plush, smooth ride. Subaru says the new model has a significant reduction in cabin noise, and it is noticeable – this is a very quiet ride.
And while it doesn’t really goad you into hitting twisty roads, there’s a new dual-pinion power steering rack borrowed from the sporty WRX sedan. Steering feel is good and a bit more precise than before, so we’ll take that as a win.
While Forester buyers may not be looking for ultimate performance, we’re confident they are very interested in Subaru’s robust list of safety features.
All ’25 Forester models feature the latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The system has gotten an update to operate more quickly and smoothly over a greater range of conditions, including a wider field of view. The system is state of the art, and can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner, and can also alert driver and apply braking to avoid collisions. Our tester also had optional Reverse Automotive Braking – a real bonus in the shopping mall lot!
Another big deal – For the first time on a Subaru, Emergency Stop Assist activates if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. The system will even stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and unlock the doors. SUBARU STARLINK® Connected Services will then place a call to emergency services. That’s amazing technology and could be an actual lifesaver!
New Model, New Price?
Well let’s take a look. A 2024 Forester Sport started at $31,865, and the 2025 Sport starts at $34,495, so you are paying more for the added goodness. Our tester also featured a $1,700 option package that included Reverse Automatic Braking, Harmon Kardon premium audio and Power Rear Gate. Add in $1,420 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $37,615.
Cross shopping would include the Toyota RAV4 at $39,755. And the Honda CR-V at $39,791. To get a Sport model on the Honda you have to opt for the Hybrid model. Both are also excellent choices, but we’d point out that the Forester has that special Subie-ness – it just feels a little off the beaten path, a little special and unique. We love that.
With fresh looks, more interior space, a tech upgrade and enhanced safety, the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester is a fun, refined SUV with its own unique vibe!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.