© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
What is it?
It has been almost 30 years since Subaru added the Forester to its lineup, and it remains one of the most popular models the company has ever sold. The Japanese car company hopes to continue this trend with the introduction of the updated 2025 Forester. With fresh styling inside and out, as well as a range of new features and updated chassis, the Forester moves into its sixth generation with a bright future ahead. Subaru also plans to offer a hybrid version of the Forester, but details of the hybrid won’t be released until next year.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Fresh Styling
Still recognizable as a Forester, the SUV gets a bold new grille and stylish LED headlights that give it a more streamlined, modern look.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Bold Look
Large wheel arches emphasize the Forester’s capabilities, giving it a strong presence. Subaru will offer new wheels ranging from 17-inch to 19-inch.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Aerodynamic
Air outlets behind the front wheels allow air to freely exit the wheel, improving aerodynamics and handling.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rear View
The rear of the Forester gets a cleaner design with slim LED taillights, a refreshed rear bumper, and FORESTER in large font across the width of the hatch.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Upgraded Chassis
Under the new skin is an enhanced version of the Subaru Global Platform. With stronger welds and additional structural adhesive, the chassis is 10 percent stiffer, which should translate to an improved ride with better performance.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Capable
Like its predecessor, the Forester comes standard with full-time all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Subaru’s X-MODE is also available, which can be engaged at slower speeds to increase the SUV’s capabilities when dealing with slick roads or off-pavement excursions.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Inner Space
The updates to the Forester’s cabin are significant, headlined by the new 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen display – the largest ever offered in the Forester. Most functions are accessed via the screen, including climate control and audio, so almost all physical buttons and knobs have been eliminated. We were happy to see that the volume and tuning knobs, as well as buttons for changing the cabin temperature, have remained. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard with a wireless connection.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Front Seats
Front seats are redesigned to offer improved support, which adds comfort while reducing fatigue. The design is quite stylish, with an available two-tone treatment, which gives the Forester a premium feel. Seats can be heated or ventilated.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rear Seats
Like the previous version, the 2025 Forester offers up a spacious back seat with plenty of legroom and headroom. Two adults will fit comfortably, but the middle seat has limited legroom, and the seat cushion is rather stiff. Dual USB ports are located in the center console.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Cargo Space
With a wide cargo opening and low lift-over height, loading gear into the Forester is easy. With slightly more room than the outgoing model, the Forester provides 29.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which expands to almost 75 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat. The rear hatch can also be opened hands-free by sweeping a foot below the rear bumper – a first for Subaru.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Under the Hood
Powering the 2025 Forester is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission. A manual mode is provided on higher trim levels, simulating an 8-speed automatic activated with paddle shifters. All-wheel drive is standard, as is active torque vectoring for added control in adverse conditions.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Safety
Subaru’s EyeSight advanced driver assist system has been updated on the 2025 Forester to provide a wider field of view with quicker response. EyeSight is standard on all Foresters, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, reverse automatic braking and rear cross-traffic alert. Also standard is Emergency Stop Assist, which will slow the vehicle to a stop, unlock the car, and put on the hazard lights if the driver becomes unresponsive while using adaptive cruise control.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
