Subaru Forester 2025 First Look Subaru pulled the covers off the all-new 2025 Forester at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year, and now it’s hitting dealerships this fall. Folks, this isn’t just a refresh; it’s a full sixth-generation overhaul that keeps the rugged heart of the old one but adds a ton of modern flair. Think boxy charm meets sleek lines, all wrapped in Subaru’s famous all-wheel drive that laughs at bad weather. With a new hybrid option on the way, better safety tech, and a roomier cabin, the Forester is ready to take on rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Starting around $31,000, it’s priced right for families who want adventure without breaking the bank. If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that can haul gear to the mountains or kids to soccer, this first look might seal the deal.
A Fresh Face for an Old Friend
The 2025 Forester keeps that tall, upright stance we all know, but the designers smoothed out the edges for a more polished vibe. Up front, a bold grille flows right into slim LED headlights, giving it a shield-like look that’s tough yet classy. Fenders bulge out a bit more for that muscular feel, and the rear glass slopes steeper to cut wind and boost style. Wheel sizes jump to 19 inches on higher trims, wrapped in all-season tires that grip like glue. Colors pop too, from Horizon Blue Pearl to a deep Crystal Black Silica. It’s still got 8.7 inches of ground clearance, higher than many in the class, so you won’t scrape on speed bumps or dirt roads. Subaru says the new body is lighter yet stronger, thanks to tweaks on their Global Platform, making it handle city streets or twisty backroads with ease.
Power Under the Hood
No big shocks here; the base Forester sticks with the trusty 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, cranking out 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission that feels smooth, not droney like some CVTs. All-wheel drive is standard, of course, with Subaru’s Symmetrical system that splits power evenly for top stability. Expect around 26 miles per gallon city and 33 highway, solid for the segment. But the real game-changer is the new hybrid version, debuting spring 2025. It blends that same engine with electric motors for about 40 percent better city mileage, pushing totals near 35 mpg combined and a range over 500 miles. Zero to 60 takes about 8.5 seconds, not race-car fast, but plenty peppy for merging or passing. Towing stays at 1,500 pounds, enough for a small trailer or bikes.
For a quick rundown on the basics, check this spec table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $31,415 |
| Engine (Base) | 2.5L 4-cyl, 180 hp |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 26/33 |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches |
| Cargo Space | 28.9 cu ft behind seats |
| Drive Type | Standard AWD |
Inside Scoop on Comfort and Space
Climb in, and the cabin feels bigger and quieter than before. Subaru bumped up rear legroom by a couple inches, so adults won’t complain on long trips. Up front, seats are supportive with available heating and power adjustments on most trims. The dash is clean, with soft-touch materials that don’t scream cheap. A massive 11.6-inch touchscreen runs the infotainment, wireless for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so syncing your phone is a breeze. Voice commands work great for navigation or tunes, and there’s a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster on top models for that high-tech dash feel. Cargo holds 28.9 cubic feet behind the seats, expanding to 69.1 with them folded flat. New for 2025, a hands-free tailgate kicks open with your foot, perfect for grocery hauls. Families love the optional StarTex upholstery, which wipes clean like a champ after muddy hikes.
Tech and Safety That Save the Day
Subaru loaded the Forester with goodies that make drives safer and smarter. EyeSight Driver Assist is standard across the board, now upgraded with better cameras for adaptive cruise control that reads traffic lights and stops signs. Lane centering keeps you steady on highways, and automatic emergency braking spots pedestrians day or night. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come on higher trims, plus a 360-degree camera for tight parking. For fun, there’s wireless charging, a Harman Kardon sound system with 12 speakers, and even a built-in dash cam on some models. The hybrid adds eco modes to stretch battery life in stop-and-go traffic. Subaru claims the stiffer frame cuts noise by 20 percent, so road trips feel more like chilling at home.
Trims and Pricing Breakdown
Buyers have five main trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring, starting at $31,415 and climbing to $40,000-ish for the loaded ones. The hybrid kicks off around $36,000, a smart pick if gas prices stay high. Premium adds roof rails and blind-spot tech, while Sport gets bronze wheels and sporty seats. Touring tops it with leather, a panoramic sunroof, and navigation. All come with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty, plus five years on the powertrain. Subaru’s resale value holds strong, so it’s a solid long-term bet. Dealers are seeing buzz, especially for the hybrid, so test drives are booking up fast.
Why the 2025 Forester Wins Big
In a sea of flashy crossovers, the 2025 Subaru Forester stands tall as the reliable workhorse with fresh tricks. It’s got the power for daily grinds, the space for weekend getaways, and tech that keeps everyone safe. Whether you’re dodging snow in the Rockies or cruising suburbs, this SUV delivers without drama. If Subaru nails the hybrid rollout, it could steal sales from the usual suspects. Head to your local lot soon; this one’s built to last, just like the brand’s rep.