The Subaru Forester’s boxy exterior has been recognizable for generations, and the generous cabin space has been a highlight for owners for years. Quietly moving towards 30 years of production, it has always been an SUV for the woodsy sort. While the sixth generation gets plenty of updates, some of the Subaru stand-bys remain, making it a top competitor in the segment while retaining what has made so many loyal to the Subaru brand.
Under the hood of the 2025 Subaru Forester, the same naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four engine carries over from the previous generation. Tied to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) the numbers are slightly different, dropping to 180 horsepower while getting a little more torque, now putting out 178 lb-ft. Every Forester comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and higher trim levels get X-MODE with multiple drive modes. Sport and Touring models get a fuel economy of 35 MPG city and 32 MPG highway, while all other models get 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway.
There’s a clear difference from the outside between the outgoing model and the new 2025 Subaru Forester. It has a burlier appearance, with a redesigned grille up front bracket by compact LED headlights. Fender flares are more defined than ever before, with the prominent wheel arches giving the Forester a broader appearance from the front. The trademark tall greenhouse and steeply pitched rear glass maximize interior space.
Seating for five includes 39.6 inches of headroom in the second row for base models, and 37.7 inches for all other trims. Regardless of trim level, second-row passengers get 39.4 inches of legroom. Similarly, base trim models have more cargo volume versus other trims. With the second row in place, there’s 28.9 cubic feet of space in the base trim and 26.9 cubic feet in all other trims. Dropping the second row opens up 74.2 cubic feet in the base trim and 69.1 cubic feet in the rest.
An 7-inch touchscreen display is standard with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and HD Radio technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone and streaming audio via four speakers. This can be upgraded to a 11.6-inch display with wireless CarPlay and Auto. Front-row USB ports are provided for media and charging, while second-row USB ports are available.
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on all 2025 Subaru Forester models. This assistance suite combines Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure with Sway Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Automatic Emergency Steering and Pre-Collision Throttle Management to help mitigate the impact in a collision. Other standard safety features include pedestrian detection, a rearview camera and a rear-seat alert. Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a distraction mitigation system.
Five trim levels are available for the 2025 Subaru Forester, while the 2024 Forester Wilderness also remains available.
The entry-level Base model features all the standards mentioned already and sits on 17-inch alloy wheels. Cloth upholstery is standard, trimmed with blue contrast stitching. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard for comfort, while remote keyless entry provides convenience.
The biggest change in the Premium trim is the step up to the 11.6-inch touch screen with six speakers, with wireless smartphone connection. The driver’s seat gets 10-way power adjustability, and the all-weather package adds heated front seats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is provided, while a panoramic moonroof opens up the cabin to the outdoors. A power rear liftgate is available as part of a package that included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Sport trims sit on 19-inch bronze-finish alloy wheels with bronze-accented badges and chrome side accents. Inside, the gray synthetic leather upholstery is accented with brown stitching. A gray dash panel and a bronze steering wheel insert further dress up the inside. The CVT transmission gets an eight-speed manual shift mode, and a retuned suspension provides improved stability. An available package adds on a power liftgate and an 11-speaker harman/kardon premium audio system.
The Limited trim level upgrades to genuine leather upholstery with perforated leather trim and blue contrast stitching. The passenger seat gets upgraded as well to eight-way power adjustability. Outside, 18-inch alloy wheels are standard and a foot-activated hands-free power liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo. The harman/kardon premium audio system is also available on this level.
At the top of the model range, the Touring trim gets 19-inch alloy wheels and chrome badging outside. Inside, the driver’s seat and mirrors get two-position memory, front seats are heated and ventilated, and rear outboard seats are heated. These are all clad in black or brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with suede bolsters. The harman/kardon premium audio is standard on this trim, as is the DriverFocus distraction mitigation system.
The 2025 Subaru Forester updates the model with some new tricks, but retains all the features that have made it a favorite for years in the compact SUV category. Schedule a test drive today at Delaney Subaru!