Subaru Forester 2025: What Has Actually Changed?

The 2025 Subaru Forester marks the beginning of the sixth generation for this wildly popular compact SUV. If you are wondering whether this total redesign keeps the Forester competitive against heavyweights like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, you need to look past the surface. Let us explore the specific updates to the design, performance, and technology to see exactly what Subaru brings to the table this year.

A Bold New Exterior Design

At first glance, the 2025 Subaru Forester looks significantly different from the outgoing model. Subaru opted for a more traditional, boxy SUV appearance. The front end now features a much larger grille that merges seamlessly into the LED headlights. This creates a wider, more planted stance.

While the overall dimensions are almost identical to the 2024 model, the styling makes the vehicle appear more muscular. The wheel arches are more prominent, and Subaru added new aerodynamic vents behind the front wheels. These functional vents help extract air from the wheel wells, which reduces aerodynamic lift and improves high-speed stability.

Underneath the new body panels, Subaru upgraded the global platform. The 2025 chassis is 10% stiffer than the previous generation. A stiffer chassis directly translates to better handling, a smoother ride, and a noticeably quieter cabin on the highway. Despite the changes, the Forester retains its excellent 8.7 inches of ground clearance, keeping it capable on dirt roads and snowy trails.

Major Interior Upgrades and Technology

Subaru focused heavily on modernizing the cabin for 2025. The most obvious change is the introduction of the 11.6-inch vertically oriented Starlink touchscreen. This large screen serves as the command center for audio, climate, and vehicle settings. It comes standard on the Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims. The entry-level Base model receives a dual 7.0-inch screen setup instead.

If you opt for the 11.6-inch screen, you also get wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. A wireless phone charging pad is now available in the center console.

Passenger comfort saw significant improvements as well. Subaru entirely redesigned the front seats. The new seat structure is mounted directly to the chassis, which reduces the amount of vibration transferred to the driver and passenger. The seats offer better lower back support, making long road trips much less fatiguing.

Additionally, the climate control system is now smarter. It focuses its heating and cooling efforts solely on occupied seats rather than attempting to condition the entire cabin when you are driving alone. This minor tweak improves both comfort and fuel efficiency.

Cargo space remains highly competitive. You get 29.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. When you fold the rear seats flat, that space opens up to a maximum of 74.4 cubic feet. For the first time, Subaru is offering a kick-sensor power rear tailgate on higher trims, allowing you to open the back even when your hands are full of groceries.

Engine, Performance, and the Promised Hybrid

While the design and technology are completely new, the powertrain will feel very familiar to loyal Subaru owners. The 2025 Forester carries over the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four Boxer engine.

The specifications have been slightly tweaked. The engine now produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While the horsepower is technically down by two compared to the 2024 model, the torque peaks at lower RPMs. This means the 2025 Forester feels slightly more responsive when you press the gas pedal from a complete stop.

A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is the only transmission option, but Subaru engineers refined it for smoother and quieter operation. Subaru also updated the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The system now reacts faster to slipping wheels and provides better torque distribution in poor weather conditions.

If you want better fuel economy, patience will pay off. Subaru confirmed that a hybrid Forester will join the lineup about a year after the initial 2025 launch. This upcoming hybrid will utilize Toyota battery and motor technology paired with a Subaru Boxer engine.

Next-Generation Safety Features

Subaru built its reputation on safety, and the 2025 Forester expands on that legacy. The standard EyeSight suite of driver-assist technologies received a major hardware update. The cameras now feature a wider field of view and are supported by an electric brake booster. This allows the system to recognize cyclists and pedestrians at intersections much faster than before.

A brand new feature for 2025 is Emergency Stop Assist. If you are using the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and become unresponsive to alerts, the Forester will automatically bring itself to a safe stop, turn on the hazard lights, and unlock the doors.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2025 Subaru Forester is available in five primary trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. It is important to note that the rugged Wilderness trim carries over the older 2024 body style for the 2025 model year while it waits for its own total redesign down the line.

Here is a breakdown of the starting pricing (excluding the standard $1,395 destination and delivery fee):

• Base: Starts at $29,695. Includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual 7-inch screens, and LED steering responsive headlights.
• Premium: Starts at $31,995. Adds the 11.6-inch screen, a 10-way power driver seat, and a panoramic moonroof.
• Sport: Starts at $34,495. Features unique bronze exterior accents, 19-inch bronze wheels, and sport-tuned suspension dampers.
• Limited: Starts at $35,995. Upgrades the cabin with leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power passenger seat, and an available hands-free power liftgate.
• Touring: Starts at $39,995. The luxury tier includes perforated leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Subaru Forester bigger than the 2024 model?

No, the physical dimensions are almost exactly the same as the previous generation. However, the new exterior styling features a flatter roofline and wider grille, which creates the optical illusion of a much larger vehicle.

Does the 2025 Forester have a hybrid option?

At launch, the 2025 Forester is only available with a traditional gas-powered 2.5-liter engine. However, Subaru officially announced that a hybrid version will be available for the Forester roughly one year after the standard models hit dealership lots.

Did the towing capacity change for the new generation?

The towing capacity remains unchanged for the redesigned trims. The standard 2025 Forester models can tow up to 1,500 pounds. If you need to tow more, the carryover 2025 Forester Wilderness model can still handle up to 3,000 pounds.