2025 Subaru Forester

[deanstevenson]

Do the 2.5 engine revisions include a fix to the Thermo Control Valve issue?

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[YungBoba]

Originally Posted by wck21

Should I pick this over CX-5?

For full disclosure, I have not seen or driven the new Forester in person. I did recently purchase a 2024 Forester and cross-shopped it with quite a few other vehicles. In the end it was between the Forester and CX-5.

I really wanted to like the CX-5 and to be fair, it does a lot of things better than the Forester. It's a bit peppier (although both are still slow, comparing just the NA motors, didn't drive the Turbo CX-5), steering feels more direct and responsive, interior materials feel more premium, sound system is way better. However, it's much smaller both in the cabin and the trunk, visibility is quite poor, I wasn't a fan of the rotary dial infotainment system, the key fob is kind of weird to use with its buttons on the side, and the ride wasn't as comfortable or plush as the Forester. It also lacked a few small but IMO nice-to-have/QoL features; for example, the Forester has two buttons on the power liftgate, one that just closes it and one that closes it + locks the entire car. The CX-5 only has one button to close it, you still have to lock the doors yourself after it closes.

They are both good cars for what they are, it just depends on what features you value most. Go test drive both and see for yourself. I probably would have been happy with the CX-5 as well, but the Forester came out just a bit ahead for me.

Originally Posted by deanstevenson

Do the 2.5 engine revisions include a fix to the Thermo Control Valve issue?

To my knowledge and from what I've seen on the Forester forums, the TCV issue was fixed for any Foresters made from June 2021 and onward. It was only an issue for early model years of the current (outgoing) generation.

https://www.subaruforester.org/threa...-issue.842304/

Here is the TSB for the issue which shows which models and years were affected:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...08664-0001.pdf

Also there is a post on Reddit from someone who claims to be a Subaru Master Tech stating that the 2025 Foresters do not use a TCV.

https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comm...control_valve/

I'd also like to add here some interesting news on the thermo valve front: the 2025 Foresters that have been seen at various auto shows this year do not have a TCV, and instead are returning to a traditional thermostat. This is confirmed in the '25 Forester service manual, which has recently gone live in STIS. (No other '25 service manuals are available at time of writing.)

[Brahmzy]

Still blows me away Stupid-roo didn't put the 24DIT motor in yet, another brand new Forester. It's in the grocery-getter Legacy's and Outbacks for goodness sakes.

[deanstevenson]

Originally Posted by YungBoba

To my knowledge and from what I've seen on the Forester forums, the TCV issue was fixed for any Foresters made from June 2021 and onward. It was only an issue for early model years of the current (outgoing) generation.

Much thanks for the detailed reply!

[RobM]

Originally Posted by Brahmzy

Still blows me away Stupid-roo didn't put the 24DIT motor in yet, another brand new Forester. It's in the grocery-getter Legacy's and Outbacks for goodness sakes.

+1 on this

That deficiency is why I have a CX-5 and not a F-XT.

[chanomatik]

I mean, as an enthusiast, I get it. I appreciated having the FXT around, even after they killed the manual. Would a new FXT be nice to have? Sure. Do they need to have it? Apparently not, as the Forester sells consistently well without it. I'm not sure what's stupid about that except for hurting the feelings of 10% of their fickle potential customers.

The current Forester drives very well and feels better to drive than the stock Impreza and Outback, in my experience.

[JustyWRC]

Finally got to drive one today. Now, from the comfort side of it, there is a noticeable improvement. I mean, I was feeling the difference in the drive by my first turn 50 yards from my retailers entrance. I "think" I could tell it's more quiet; but, since I am listening to music loud enough most of the time, it's not something I'm "sure" of. Would turbo be nice? Absolutely. Would have loved to see what the 2.4 could do in it.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Brahmzy

Still blows me away Stupid-roo didn't put the 24DIT motor in yet, another brand new Forester. It's in the grocery-getter Legacy's and Outbacks for goodness sakes.

Keep in mind it's the replacement to the 3.6 that sold well enough. That's not the same case as the FXT.......though I think THIS motor running on 87 would turn those sales around.

[AVANTI R5]

The Subaru Forester won't blow you away, but it's still excellent.

With a popular product like the Subaru Forester, it's best not to shake up the formula too drastically - no-one wants to alienate loyal buyers who already love what's being offered. Despite being called an "all-new" sixth generation, the 2025 Forester shares a lot in common with last year's model. Since it was starting to feel a little old, it gets various styling and technology improvements to bring it more in-line with the rest of the Subaru lineup. Even with popular rivals like the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V vying for customers, the Forester managed to sell 152,000 units in 2023, making it one of Subaru's top three bestsellers, alongside the Crosstrek and Outback.


Under the hood sits a carryover boxer four-cylinder engine that actually produces less horsepower but more torque than the previous model year. Subaru announced that a hybrid powertrain will join the 2026 lineup, but few details are known about it as of this writing. What we have then is a fairly straightforward updated Subaru to evaluate; no frills, and no crazy plot twists.



Base MSRP
$29,695
Engine
2.5L Flat 4 Gas
Horsepower
180 hp
Torque
178 lb-ft
Transmission
CVT
Drivetrain
AWD
Exterior Design
7 / 10
Performance
7 / 10
Fuel Efficiency
8 / 10
Interior & Cargo
8 / 10
Infotainment & Features
8 / 10
Reliability
9 / 10
Safety
9 / 10
Value For Money
9 / 10


Pros
Dual nature: city car and mild off-roader (best ground clearance)
Roomy cabin - especially for occupants up front
Easy to use infotainment system - upgraded for 2025
Pet friendly interior, but a premium interior is available
Reasonable price tag
Improved ride and handling


Cons
Boring and somewhat anonymous appearance
Cargo space is near the bottom of the class
Subaru sent us a 2025 Forester Limited to review - a mid-level trim that should be more representative of what the average consumer will purchase. Are Subaru's changes enough to keep Forester buyers loyal, and are they enough to attract new customers to the brand? We found out.

Exterior: Simplicity and Anonymity

Since the Forester's inception back in 1997, the model has always maintained a distinct shape and appearance. The Forester is meant to look like a tall station wagon, which the current model continues. It's longer than other compact crossovers like the Toyota RAV4, but the wheelbase is similar. It's not significantly taller than its contemporaries, but the wagon-like shape gives it a more open greenhouse that yields more light in the cabin. As standard, the Forester boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is better than most of its rivals.


Length
183.3 inches
Wheelbase
105.1 inches
Width
72 inches
Height
68.1 inches
Ground Clearance
8.7 inches
2024 Toyota RAV4

Length
180.9 - 181.5 inches
Wheelbase
105.9 inches
Width
73.4 inches
Height
67 - 68.6 inches
Ground Clearance
8.1 - 8.6 inches
2024 Honda CR-V

Length
184.8 inches
Wheelbase
106.3 inches
Width
73.5 inches
Height
66.5 inches
Ground Clearance
8.2 inches (AWD)

Base and Premium trims ride on 17-inch wheels, while the Limited gets 18-inch wheels that look slightly more impressive. Buyers who want the most visually appealing Forester should opt for the Sport or Touring trims, both of which have 19-inch wheels filling the arches. The Sport is paired with bronze wheels that look similar to a Honda Trailsport model, while the Touring gets two-tone black and silver wheels. Subaru offers nine mostly subtle exterior colors, including our tester's Horizon Blue Pearl, which is among our favorites. River Rock Pearl (a type of gray) is the only premium paint, priced at $395.

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Subaru Forester Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place

The Subaru Forester has endured through six generations to become one of the best sellers in the lucrative compact crossover segment.

We jokingly mention how the Forester Sport looks a bit Honda-ish to us because the whole design seems a bit generic to our eyes. It could just as easily come from Ford or Honda, and lacks any distinct Subaru DNA to help it stand apart. The updated fascia and LED headlights are inoffensive, but we wish Subaru would have taken a bolder step with the design language; the Forester looks like any other crossover on the road, and is unlikely to leave an impact visually.
Interior: Catching Up With The Times

Aside from the BRZ sports car, the Forester was the last Subaru model to get the company's latest interior layout and technology. The 2025 refresh rectifies that. The base trim now gets dual seven-inch touchscreens, while every other trim comes with an 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system that is vertically oriented. While not our favorite infotainment system in the business, Starlink remains simple to use, so it won't be a shock to outgoing Forester owners when they hop in to use it for the first time. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless so long as you get the 11.6-inch screen and built-in TomTom navigation is also available.


As you'd expect from Subaru, the Forester's interior feels well-built but somewhat utilitarian. Durable surfaces should stand up to wear and tear, which feeds into Subaru's pet-friendly image. The Forester Base comes with a gray cloth interior, while the Premium upgrades the premium gray or black cloth. The Sport trim includes gray StarTex (fake leather) and the Limited comes with the real stuff in either black or a lovely two-tone gray (pictured). Stepping all the way up to the Premium brings black or brown leather with heated and ventilated seats, so technically, there's something for everyone.

Step into the 2025 Forester and you are treated to what is possibly the best greenhouse (the glass area above the fender line) in any new vehicle. So much sunlight enters this cabin, and the outward visibility is top-notch. Subaru offers what it calls a panoramic moonroof that barely stretches into the back seat; it's either the smallest panoramic roof in the industry, or one of the largest regular moonroof designs, depending on your outlook. Whatever you call it, the area that opens is enormous, letting in a ton of fresh air.


Practicality: Airy and Spacious

The Forester's tall, airy shape yields plenty of space for people and their equipment. EPA passenger volume is rated at a substantial 110.8 cubic feet, which stacks up favorably against the compact crossover segment's best-selling models like the RAV4 and CR-V. Headroom and legroom are impressive for the segment in the front and the rear, making the Forester a great option for space-conscious buyers.

Subaru Forester Interior Dimensions vs. Rivals
Models
Headroom Front | Rear
Legroom Front | Rear
Hiproom Front | Rear
Cargo Space
Subaru Forester
40 - 41.2 | 37.7 - 39.6 inches
43.3 | 39.4 inches
54.7 | 53.7 inches
29.6 - 74.4 ft³
Honda CR-V
38.2 - 40 | 38.2 inches
41.3 | 41 inches
55.6 | 52.6 inches
39.3 - 76.5 ft³
Toyota RAV4
37.7 | 39.5 inches
41 | 37.8 inches
54.3 | 47.7 inches
37.6 - 69.8 ft³

Subaru says the Forester has 29.6 cubic feet of space behind its second row seats, or 74.4 cubes with those seats folded. The CR-V has more in both measurements and although the RAV4 is smaller overall, it has a larger area behind its rear seats. Buyers who need more space should consider upgrading to the larger Subaru Outback, while empty nesters who want a smaller vehicle may enjoy the Crosstrek.

Powertrain: Carryover With A Hybrid Coming

Subaru currently sells the Forester with a single powertrain: a 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder producing 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Most automakers increase power in a new generation, but the 2025 Forester actually drops by two horses compared to the outgoing model. This was done in an effort to improve torque by two pound-feet and also improve the torque curve. In other words, the new model now requires fewer revs to get going, which will make it feel smoother and less stressed during acceleration.

All Forester models send their power out through a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission to Symmetrical all-wheel-drive. Premium trims and above get paddle shifters to control eight simulated gear ratios, a feature we doubt many Forester owners will ever use. We do like how the CVT shifts ratios during acceleration to avoid the typical drone associated with this transmission type. Fuel economy is average for the class at 26/33/29 MPG city/highway/combined, dropping to 25/32/28 in the Sport or Touring trims with the 19-inch wheels.
A hybrid model is coming and should offer superior fuel economy, but no other details are known about it. Subaru will build the Forester Hybrid in the US at its Lafayette, Indiana plant alongside the gas model starting in 2026.



OFFICIAL: Subaru Will Build The New Forester And Forester Hybrid In The US

Both variants will be built at the brand's production facility in Lafayette, Indiana, with the hybrid model arriving in 2026.
Driving Impressions: Quieter Utility

Though the Forester was in no way designed to be sporty, it is quietly fun to drive, like most Subaru models. Subaru always engineers some handling prowess into its cars, and we are always surprised by how athletic they feel even though they are not designed for an enthusiast audience. The steering is well-weighted, though the suspension rolls significantly through the corners with limited grip from the tires. We also felt too high up in the seating position with no ability to get low enough, a detail that some owners might prefer.

Subaru's biggest improvements to the driving experience are things that you will only notice by listening closely. There was a concentrated effort to make the cabin quieter through various means. There is more welding in the chassis and sound deadening throughout the vehicle, resulting in a 39% noise reduction. We instantly noticed the lack of wind, road, and engine noise at city and highway speeds, something we complained about in the previous Forester. Outgoing Forester owners looking to upgrade should be happy with this improvement.



Ian Wright - Automotive Journalist
Expert Opinion

On the road, two things struck us straight away. First, and as with the previous generation, the Forester's engine isn't peppy and has to exert itself to get up to a hustling freeway speed. Second, the redesigned suspension is, as the manufacturer claims, much improved - it now offers some of the smoothest ride qualities in the segment. Before handing over the keys, Subaru impressed on us that interior noise levels have been improved, and that is definitely the case in the real word - at least in terms of road noise from the tires. Wind noise is still apparent, but it's not overbearing.



First Drive Report

2025 Subaru Forester First Drive Review: More Capable Than It Looks

Subaru's next-gen Forester isn't about horsepower - but it's one of the most capable in the class on the rough stuff.



Pricing & Verdict: Affordable AWD

Starting at $29,695 for the Base trim (excluding $1,395 destination), the Forester is among the most affordable ways to get standard AWD in the compact crossover segment. There are some rivals that undercut Subaru on price, but very few come with AWD as standard. We'd recommend at least stepping up to the Premium trim for $31,995 to get the larger screen, keyless access, heated front seats, the panoramic moonroof, and an available power liftgate and blind spot detection. The 2024 Wilderness trim will be sold alongside the 2025 lineup, but Subaru has no confirmed plans to create a Wilderness trim for 2025.

2025_Subaru_Forester_Reveal_SantaBarbara013
Subaru
The Sport trim costs $34,495, adding 19-inch bronze wheels, blind-spot detection, StarTex upholstery, and more. While less visually interesting, the $35,995 Limited trim gets real leather and power driver and passenger seats. A $1,600 package adds rear automatic braking, a Harmon Kardon premium audio system, and built-in navigation. We'd personally skip the $39,995 Touring trim since there are more luxurious options in this segment for a similar price. If you want heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree camera, this trim is the only way to get those features.

2025_Subaru_Forester_Reveal_SantaBarbara009
Subaru
Subaru doesn't break any new ground with the 2025 Forester, but it improves on an already beloved formula. This update may not attract hoards of new buyers to the brand, but it will certainly appease current customers who want better tech and a quieter cabin. The upcoming hybrid should give Subaru a broader appeal, since this model will combine everything we love about the Forester with more competitive fuel economy.

[20WRX20]

Needs FA24DIT, 6-speed manual and a hood scoop. Enough of this 182 hp CVT nonsense.

[chanomatik]

I met an older couple this weekend who had just purchased a 2025 Forester. I asked them what they thought of it. It's mainly the wife's and she said she'd always had luxury cars like Mercedes and BMW, so she was afraid she might be majorly downgrading. However, they both REALLY like it.

We chatted next to the Forester and I realized it was the first one I'd seen in person. It's a lot smaller than it looks in pics.

[20WRX20]

Yes I also noticed how small it is in person. The proportions are very odd. The top trim is also over 40k; you’d have to be crazy to get this (and all it’s 180 hp glory) over an Ascent or Outback.

“The all new Subaru Forester” literally the same thing underneath as the prior car.

[chanomatik]

Funny you mention the Ascent as that older couple specifically chose the Forester over the Ascent and Outback. The Ascent is too big and the Outback liftgate isn't big enough.

I appreciate the basic variety. I just wish Subaru embraced their image as a utilitarian manufacturer. Then we'd have an Impreza "WRX" hatchback, Crosstrek XT, Forester XT, and everyone would be happy. No sedans, and a sporty trim for each model (minus Ascent).

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by 20WRX20

Yes I also noticed how small it is in person. The proportions are very odd. The top trim is also over 40k; you'd have to be crazy to get this (and all it's 180 hp glory) over an Ascent or Outback.

"The all new Subaru Forester" literally the same thing underneath as the prior car.

Wrong

[20WRX20]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Wrong

Oh, please enlighten us on how this is an all new car. Changing shock tuning and interior bits and loading the chassis with more adhesive doesn’t count.

Same engine, same drivetrain, same chassis (now with more adhesive! So stiff!) It’s literally lipstick on a pig.

Regardless, still looking forward to your ridiculously biased response.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by 20WRX20

Oh, please enlighten us on how this is an all new car. Changing shock tuning and interior bits and loading the chassis with more adhesive doesn’t count.

Same engine, same drivetrain, same chassis (now with more adhesive! So stiff!) It’s literally lipstick on a pig.

Regardless, still looking forward to your ridiculously biased response.

Go drive one.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by 20WRX20

.... Changing shock tuning and interior bits and loading the chassis with more adhesive doesn’t count....

And if this is your outlook, then Subaru hasn't changed but a few times in their history.

[20WRX20]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Go drive one.

I have no desire to drive a 180 hp crossover that goes 0-60 in almost 10 seconds. I drove the old one and there was a 2025 in my driveway a few days ago. Zero interest in it. It’s one of the most uninspiring cars I’ve ever seen and looks like a rental car in person. 42k sticker is also a joke for what you get, although there may be some value in the cheaper trims.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by 20WRX20

I have no desire to drive a 180 hp crossover that goes 0-60 in almost 10 seconds. I drove the old one and there was a 2025 in my driveway a few days ago. Zero interest in it. It's one of the most uninspiring cars I've ever seen and looks like a rental car in person. 42k sticker is also a joke for what you get, although there may be some value in the cheaper trims.

Name ANYTHING that gives you EVERYTHING this does(any trim) with AWD that is cheaper. I'll wait.


And if you're not going to go drive one, then just shut up about anything about it.

[20WRX20]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Name ANYTHING that gives you EVERYTHING this does(any trim) with AWD that is cheaper. I'll wait.


And if you're not going to go drive one, then just shut up about anything about it.

THE OUTBACK!

I’ll drive the “all new” Forester around the block though if it makes you feel better. Then I’ll continue to comment about how much of a failure it is (even though Subaru will sell hundreds of thousands of them to their brainwashed customers.)

If you’d take the blinders off and stop getting sucked into these YouTube videos that over-glamorize every review you’d be able to see the car from an outside perspective.

Have you ever driven one? Driving around the lot at work going 5 mph doesn’t count.

[chanomatik]

The Forester is my favorite loaner car next to the Ascent. If you need 300 hp to drive around, then the problem isn't the car, but rather a skill set issue.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by 20WRX20

THE OUTBACK!

I’ll drive the “all new” Forester around the block though if it makes you feel better. Then I’ll continue to comment about how much of a failure it is (even though Subaru will sell hundreds of thousands of them to their brainwashed customers.)

If you’d take the blinders off and stop getting sucked into these YouTube videos that over-glamorize every review you’d be able to see the car from an outside perspective.

Have you ever driven one? Driving around the lot at work going 5 mph doesn’t count.

I don't think this guy knows who I am.

[chanomatik]

You wanted Launch Control? They give you Launch Control!

YouTube (Short URL)

YouTube (Short URL)

[JustyWRC]

Xtronic? Seriously? All the hype these guys get, I'd certainly expect better than this flub.

[chanomatik]

I was thinking the same thing, but, to be fair, you might want to double check with your source(s) at Subaru to make sure YOU'RE not behind on Subaru's marketing strategy. It wouldn't surprise me if their contact for Subaru told them to call it something other than a CVT. And would it really surprise you, after the debut of the "SPT" in the VB WRX GT? Marketing is key and Subaru REALLY wants to separate their CVT from others.