2025 Subaru Forester

[YungBoba]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

I don't know how I missed this post before.


That's all that I was getting at about the Wilderness. It doesn't have the ground clearance of the Outback for that one reason. Which DOES affect it's ability to do this or that. And many people pick the Forester for that visibility. Sooo many complaints over the years of the competitors bad to horrible visibility and how much more they like the Forester because it's better.

I can attest to this.

I'm cross-shopping the Forester and CX-5 currently. Spent a bit of time in both doing test drives and the thing that bugs me about the CX-5 the most is the poor visibility. The C pillar is huge, the rear hatch window is tiny, and the A-pillars are long and positioned in a way such that I'd have to really poke my head to the left or right of it to watch for pedestrians/bikes/etc. as I turn. The gauge cluster hump is also quite large and obtrusive. The Forester is a greenhouse and I love it for that.

Everything else about the CX-5 is mostly great. Way nicer interior materials, better sound system, powertrain is more lively (make no mistake, both of them are still turds), it looks a bit more elegant, etc. If it had the same visibility the Forester did, I would take it in an instant, but as of now I'm still undecided and honestly leaning Forester for a variety of other reasons.

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[20WRX20]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

Do you really want cars to be taller? I get more ground clearance, but overall heigh should be low for better CG. Subaru's ridiculous greenhouse (it was so bad in 2008) is way too tall. They need high belt lines, and low slung roofs. To hell with visibility.

High belt lines and low roofs? Hell no. I want my car to be ergonomically functional. I want to be able to see out of it. I don’t want my car to look like something out of a comic book. One of the best things about the WRX is the ergonomics and visibility.

Ever drive a 5th or 6th gen Camaro? Looks great in the parking lot. Absolutely horrible from an ergo standpoint. Quite possibly one of the worst cars to drive due to the visibility. It gets old fast.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by 20WRX20

High belt lines and low roofs? Hell no. I want my car to be ergonomically functional. I want to be able to see out of it. I don’t want my car to look like something out of a comic book. One of the best things about the WRX is the ergonomics and visibility.

Ever drive a 5th or 6th gen Camaro? Looks great in the parking lot. Absolutely horrible from an ergo standpoint. Quite possibly one of the worst cars to drive due to the visibility. It gets old fast.

I hear you on extremes, but the WRX and other Subarus have had so much excess headroom since 2008.

[20WRX20]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

I hear you on extremes, but the WRX and other Subarus have had so much excess headroom since 2008.

I’ll have to check when I’m driving mine again but I don’t recall there being that much excess headroom. One thing I do love about the car is how much room is in the back seats. It’s fun driving people around, they always comment on how roomy it is back there lol. Obviously a hatch would be best but I love how much room the car has for technically being a compact car.

[SCRAPPYDO]

Originally Posted by KC

I'll watch almost any other review other than these two. Other than surfer/valleygirl "like voices like you know that like voice, right?" upspeak, I cannot stand nasal speech. Their cadence and lack of capability to control their volume (not speaking from the diaphragm, but instead just the upper register) is a total turn off. Come off as rich spoiled brat upbringing mailing it in.

Yes. Get off my lawn.

I have always liked you.

[WRX4US]

Originally Posted by YungBoba

I can attest to this.

I'm cross-shopping the Forester and CX-5 currently. Spent a bit of time in both doing test drives and the thing that bugs me about the CX-5 the most is the poor visibility. The C pillar is huge, the rear hatch window is tiny, and the A-pillars are long and positioned in a way such that I'd have to really poke my head to the left or right of it to watch for pedestrians/bikes/etc. as I turn. The gauge cluster hump is also quite large and obtrusive. The Forester is a greenhouse and I love it for that.

Everything else about the CX-5 is mostly great. Way nicer interior materials, better sound system, powertrain is more lively (make no mistake, both of them are still turds), it looks a bit more elegant, etc. If it had the same visibility the Forester did, I would take it in an instant, but as of now I'm still undecided and honestly leaning Forester for a variety of other reasons.

I’m ticked off about a lot Subaru decisions. But, I really have to tip my hat to them when it comes to real life visibility. They seem to constantly get it right.

[RobM]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

I hear you on extremes, but the WRX and other Subarus have had so much excess headroom since 2008.

Those of us over 6’4” would like to disagree on any claims of excessive headroom.

[chanomatik]

That's an exceptional height for a Japanese manufacturer to consider.

[WRX4US]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

That's an exceptional height for a Japanese manufacturer to consider.

But their biggest market is here.

[chanomatik]

Originally Posted by WRX4US

But their biggest market is here.

I considered that in my comment. I still think 6' 4" is exceptional for a Japanese manufacturer to consider. Now, if a 6' 4" person can't fit comfortably in a European vehicle, then I'd be concerned. My sister and my nephews are tall, the tallest being 6' 7", and they've only ever owned European and luxury American vehicles. I'm 5' 8" and don't like vehicles that are too big, so Japanese manufacturers get my primary consideration.

[YungBoba]

I'm 5'6" on a good day. 95% of the time it sucks being this short, but I appreciate my height (or lack thereof) when it comes to car stuff because I never have an issue with legroom or headroom. Same with flying, while many people struggle in economy class seats, I do just fine.

[Apb_pools]

Originally Posted by RobM

Those of us over 6’4” would like to disagree on any claims of excessive headroom.

6’7”+ here no sunroof and never been any issue in my wrx.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by RobM

Those of us over 6'4" would like to disagree on any claims of excessive headroom.

I mean, that's not common haha. Let's call 6' average. There's a ton of excess headroom.

You might not fit in a Giulia haha. I only had a few inches of headroom.

[WRX4US]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

I mean, that's not common haha. Let's call 6' average. There's a ton of excess headroom.

You might not fit in a Giulia haha. I only had a few inches of headroom.

https://www.worlddata.info/average-b...oogle_vignette

[Apb_pools]

Originally Posted by WRX4US

https://www.worlddata.info/average-b...oogle_vignette

Lets just say i am from 2 of those top 5 countries, or 5 out of top 11 last name rhymes with Doncic or Jokic.

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

I mean, that's not common haha. Let's call 6' average. There's a ton of excess headroom.

You might not fit in a Giulia haha. I only had a few inches of headroom.

Also at 6'7"+ I fit into a 2018 giulia q2 no problem whatsover, it has no sunroof though.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by WRX4US

https://www.worlddata.info/average-b...oogle_vignette

5'8" is average in the US? That means there is a truly excessive amount of headroom for the average male in the US.

Originally Posted by Apb_pools

Lets just say i am from 2 of those top 5 countries, or 5 out of top 11 last name rhymes with Doncic or Jokic.


Also at 6'7"+ I fit into a 2018 giulia q2 no problem whatsover, it has no sunroof though.

Sunroof takes a couple inches away. Also depends on how angled your seat is, etc. With a sunroof, upright position and my chair to the floor w/ a few clicks up, I have about 2.5" of headroom in the Giulia.

[SoDealer]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

5'8" is average in the US? That means there is a truly excessive amount of headroom for the average male in the US.

1.77m is 5'9" almost 5'10"

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by SoDealer

1.77m is 5'9" almost 5'10"

Thank you. I was mistaking 5.8' to be 5'8".

Still, not tall. I stand by my point, the amount of headroom in modern Subarus is a lot. I recall my 2005 and 2008 being very different in terms of greenhouse.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

Thank you. I was mistaking 5.8' to be 5'8".

Still, not tall. I stand by my point, the amount of headroom in modern Subarus is a lot. I recall my 2005 and 2008 being very different in terms of greenhouse.

And it's made a HUGE difference when it comes to the customer. Before the switch to focus on USDM, it was a near daily thing to lose a tall customer. Shoot, one of them wasn't even head room. With the seat all the way back, his knees would get hit by the cruise control stalk. Just a couple months later, the 2008s came out and moved that to the thumb position as they are now. His timing was just a bit off. But, since all the models made the switch? I can't think of a single one.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

And it's made a HUGE difference when it comes to the customer. Before the switch to focus on USDM, it was a near daily thing to lose a tall customer. Shoot, one of them wasn't even head room. With the seat all the way back, his knees would get hit by the cruise control stalk. Just a couple months later, the 2008s came out and moved that to the thumb position as they are now. His timing was just a bit off. But, since all the models made the switch? I can't think of a single one.

Not asking for Japanese-cetric cars. I get it, the GD and all the other cars in the line up were on the small side, but we don't need a massive bubble over our heads. At 6'1 it always felt like too much space.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

Not asking for Japanese-cetric cars. I get it, the GD and all the other cars in the line up were on the small side, but we don't need a massive bubble over our heads. At 6'1 it always felt like too much space.

Friendly sarcasm here........go buy another car that has less space!!

I'm just glad I don't have to apologize to customers anymore about not enough space. Which was a regular thing back when we sold only 190 cars a year at this retailer versus 1800 now between us and our young sister store. Subaru made the right move and has reaped that reward.

[SoDealer]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

Not asking for Japanese-cetric cars. I get it, the GD and all the other cars in the line up were on the small side, but we don't need a massive bubble over our heads. At 6'1 it always felt like too much space.

a person's absolute height isn't the only consideration. % torso to legs varies amongst people even of the same height. Subaru's tall roofline continued to all for more compact dimensions on the outside than competitive cars while still allowing for good leg and headroom with great visibility.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Friendly sarcasm here........go buy another car that has less space!!

<--- WRX was the only option.

Originally Posted by SoDealer

a person's absolute height isn't the only consideration. % torso to legs varies amongst people even of the same height. Subaru's tall roofline continued to all for more compact dimensions on the outside than competitive cars while still allowing for good leg and headroom with great visibility.

That is true, but I have long limbs and torso. Oh well, it's just my opinion.

[AVANTI R5]

2025 Subaru Forester First Drive: Modernized for the Masses

The next-gen Forester's silkier looks and upscale interior should appeal to most buyers - for everyone else, there's still the rugged Wilderness.

Summary

The Subaru Forester evolves with a sleek design, improved interior, and the same reliable 2.5L engine now better for fuel economy.

While offering a polished look and premium feel, the 2025 Forester retains its rugged image with off-road capabilities and refined styling.

The Forester lineup boasts a range of trims with pricing differences between the US and Canada, a potential hybrid variant, and the anticipated Wilderness trim.
For decades, the Forester has proven its off-road chops as a rugged, family compact SUV. Alongside its Subaru Outback sibling, the duo have been a potent one-two punch for outdoorsy types seeking something different in the market – SUVs before SUVs were really even a thing.

Now, the Subaru SUV lineup is a crowded space. The subcompact Crosstrek has skyrocketed since it arrived in 2012 (the brand’s top-seller), and the mid-size Subaru Ascent fills the gap for a larger, three-row family hauler. As an Outback owner myself, I feel it's the low-slung, wagon looks that set it apart.


So, where does that leave the long-running Subaru Forester? Once a distinct, boxy looking SUV, now boasts a more polished and sleek design, the interior feels more premium, while the 2.5L engine goes relatively unchanged. Are these changes enough to keep the Forester relevant in the busy compact SUV segment?

I got behind the wheel of the range-topping Forester Touring (or Forester Premium in Canada) and the mid-range Forester Sport you see here in blue. Here's the 2025 grade walk for both markets along with respective pricing (excluding the destination and delivery charge, $1,395 in the US):
US
Canada
Base - $29,695
Convenience - $33,495
Premium - $31,995
Touring - $38,495
Sport - $34,495
Sport - $40,995
Wilderness (Coming)
Wilderness (Coming)
Limited - $35,995
Limited - $42,995
Touring - $39,995
Premier - $44,995


2025 Subaru Forester

The Forester enters its sixth-generation with a refined look, more premium interior, and the same 2.5L naturally aspirated engine with updates. Subaru says a hybrid variant and the off-road ready Wilderness trim will arrive at a later date.


Pros
Improved torque at lower RPMs
Sleeker looks with redesigned front
More premium interior
19" wheels now available (4 new wheel designs)
Outgoing 2.5L engine gains updates, better fuel economy


Cons
No Wilderness trim or hybrid Forester, yet (arriving later)
Styling swaps rugged for refined
One engine available

Eccentric wheels designs not for everyone
In order to provide you with an honest and unbiased review, the vehicle reviewed in this article was driven on a daily basis throughout the course of daily life for a period of one week. For detailed insight into testing procedures and data collection, please review our methodology policy.
Everything That's New On The 2025 Subaru Forester

The Forester has been one of Subaru's best-selling vehicles for 30 years and here's what the sixth-gen model packs for the 2025 model year
2025 Subaru Forester First Impressions

At first glance, this is the glossiest, most streamlined looking Forester since it arrived in 1998. Granted, the previous two Forester SUV generations also saw the sharper edges round out with more aerodynamic lines, but the 2025 model is completely different.


A Shiny, Polished Design Most People will Like
From a distance, it blends into the sea of compact SUVs that, frankly, all begin to look the same. Subaru counteracts the sleeker looks with interesting cladding details along the side sills and rear bumper — a look that may not appeal to all buyers.

In my view, the new Forester design caters to the masses, borrowing design cues from competing compact haulers. While it's a departure from previous Foresters, Subaru didn’t veer too far from the traditional. The burlier Forester Wilderness, arriving at a later date, will ramp it up in terms of aggressive looks with high ground clearance, rugged cladding, copper touches, and more.
Up front, the new headlight treatment with the slender design does look sharp, and works well with the 2025 Forester’s wider, lower stance. From the side, the larger windows offer a sense of volume, overall, retaining Forester’s well-balanced proportions all these years.
New 19-inch Wheels


For the first time, the Forester offers 19-inch wheels, available on the Forester Sport (seen here on blue color model) and range-topping Forester Touring (or Forester Premier in Canada). It gets four new wheel designs for 2025, including these larger rims with a bronze color look.

I asked Subaru why they’re offering larger wheels on a compact SUV as it may impact on-road handling and noise, and the answer was simple: because other compact SUVs are offering them. Fair enough.
Exterior Dimensions

Length
183.3 Inches
Width
72 Inches (81.2 Inces with mirrors)
Height
68.1 Inches
Wheelbase
105.1 Inches
Min. Road Clearance
8.7 Inches
Curb Weight (lbs.) with Std. Equipment
Base: 3,510, Premium: 3,569, Sport: 3,611, Limited: 3,613, Touring: 3,664
Front 3/4 view of a 2025 Subaru Forester Sport
Related
10 Things To Expect From The 2025 Subaru Forester

Set to go on sale in Spring '24, here's what we can expect to see on the all-new sixth-gen Subaru Forester
2025 Forester Driving Impressions and Performance

2025 Subaru Forester Touring driving front view
Amee Reehal | TopSpeed
Same 2.5L Forester Engine Gains Enhanced Internals, Tuning, and Transmission

Unlike its looks, the 2025 Forester engine changes are less dramatic. It gets the same naturally aspirated 2.5L as before, now with two less horsepower and two extra lb-ft of torque.

Changes under the hood are less radical. The same 2.5L engine carries over for 2025, adding two lb-ft of torque while shedding a couple horsepower. Over 80-percent of the outgoing engine was significantly improved, Subaru says, while updating the CVT (transmission). Further below, we have a 2024 vs 2025 performance spec comparison.

It maneuvers more crisply through tight corners on the twisty highway, accelerates more swiftly than before, and simply hugs the road more securely.
On the road, the reduced power is nominal, but the small torque increase at lower RPMs means the engine now produces more power earlier in the range. Passing the massive, fulload logging trucks along the gorgeous BC coast, this extra low-end power was a nice-to-have during my drive.
Refined Drive with Each New Forester Generation

I have tested the last three Forester generations, and one thing I notice: each new next-gen model drives and handles better than before – significantly. And while the older Forester handled well, the 2025 Forester simply tightens things up.

It maneuvers more crisply through tight corners on the twisty highway, accelerates more swiftly than before, and simply hugs the road more securely. My riding partner, a seasoned writer at a national Canadian paper, remarked on the enhanced smoothness of the updated CVT; he’s probably right but I didn’t notice a big difference.

Forester Touring vs Forester Sport Off the Beaten Track



Off the paved highway, we took a turn onto a long, windy, unpaved path of large rocks and small ditches. We pushed our top-of-the-line Forester Touring (Premier in Canada) pretty hard here, accelerating through the turns while doing our best to avoid large, sharp rocks. Unfortunately, we got a flat tire halfway through – that’ll happen when you’re riding all-season tires.

Fortunately, we swapped the Touring for the Sport and continued on our way along the rocky trail. The differences between the two trims are evident. The Forester Sport’s dampening and suspension are enhanced for a more spirited drive.

Performance Specs: 2024 vs 2025 Forester

Spec
2024 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Forester
Engine
2.5L 4-cylinder BOXER
2.5L 4-cylinder BOXER
Horsepower
180 hp @ 5,800 RPM
182 hp @ 5,800 RPM
Torque
176 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM
178 lb-ft @ 3,700 RPM
Transmission
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Towing Capacity
1,500 lbs
1,500 lbs
Payload Capacity
1,115 lbs
1,115 lbs
0-60 mph
8.5 seconds
8.4 seconds
Top Speed
120 mph
120 mph
2025 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy Improves

During my drive, I didn’t closely observe the fuel ratings or compare my numbers with the EPA-ratings. We’d need more time on the road for that. But Subaru did strive to improve fuel economy for this next-generation Forester. Specifically, as follows:

Transmission: The tweaked CVT strives to improve fuel economy at high-speed cruising

Torque: Reaching peak torque at the new, lower RPM can potentially lead to better fuel economy as the engine doesn’t need to work as hard
Aerodynamics: the addition of small fins and air outlets improves air flow, thus, maybe save a few bucks in fuel each year


A Forester Hybrid is Coming

The word is, a hybrid-powered 2025 Subaru Forester is on its way. Good news for Subaru fans seeking optimal fuel efficiency. The Japanese automaker isn’t a big player in the PHEV and hybrid game; the smaller Crosstrek Hybrid has come and gone, and the Subaru Solterra is the sole EV. A Forester hybrid just makes sense, setting this model apart.

Forester EPA Rated Fuel Economy

City
Highway
Combined
EPA Rate Economy:
26 MPG
33 MPG
29 MPG
Redesigned 2025 Forester Interior And Comfort

Inside, the new Forester’s higher quality cabin is evident, especially in our range-topping Forester Touring (Premier in Canada). But our mid-range Forester Sport wasn’t far behind. Across the gradewalk, Subaru incorporated more premium materials throughout while adding new design features for a touch of contemporary style.

3D Texturing Details and Other Design Tweaks


Features like three-dimensional molding and stronger design motifs on the door inserts, a more prominent horizontal axis across the front dash, and seamless contours running from the instrument panel through the doors.

The new 3D texturing on the passenger dashboard and door panels adds a bit of personality without going overboard. It’s nothing crazy, and that’s the point if Subaru plans to sell a bunch of these things.

Seat Design Improvements with Rear Passengers in Mind

For those longer treks, the new seats are designed to reduce fatigue and head vibrations. The cushion edges feature a new 3D shape, while the center U-shape wraps around for extra support. Unlike before, the seats are now directly attached to the chassis.


For families with kids or those with rear passengers, the new slimmed down headrest and shoulder areas opens up space between the seats, allowing for better access to the back. This makes the cabin space feel more open and airy, while improving rear visibility.
Interior Dimensions

Spec
Front
Rear
Headroom
Base: 41.2 Inches Other: 40 Inches
Base: 39.6 Inches Other: 37.7 Inches
Shoulder Room
57.7 Inches
56.7 Inches
Hip Room
54.7 Inches
53.7 Inches
Legroom
43.3 Inches
39.4 Inches
Technology And Ease Of Use


The good news is, Subaru leveled up their interior tech, infotainment, and connectivity systems years ago – something missing from the utility-focused family SUVs. The 2025 Forester builds on this.

For Forester Touring (Premier in Canada) – sitting just above the base models – the 11.6 inch tablet style display is still on offer (an 8-inch screen comes standard) with a more advanced and integrated user experience, including enhanced navigation, multimedia, and connectivity features. These trims and above also get available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging.
There’s now an expanded Harman Kardon premium sound system for Forester Sport and up, plus the usual rear USB type A and C ports as standard across all trim.
Cargo And Storage Space


In terms of cargo space capacity, nothing has changed since 2024. But 2025 does add the debut of a foot-activated Hands-Free Power Rear Gate (on certain trims) – another feature missing in the Forester’s arsenal and offered with the competitors.

More importantly, the lowest minimum tailgate headroom has increased by 30 mm. It enhances accessibility and comfort, making it easier to load and unload larger items and reducing the risk of bumping your head. This improvement also boosts the vehicle's versatility and ergonomic usability, appealing to a broader range of users.


Cargo Volume
Base: Rear seatbacks up/down: 29.6 cu. ft./74.4 cu. ft. All others (standard panoramic moonroof): 27.5 cu. ft./69.1 cu. ft.
Cargo Liftover Height
28.9 Inches
Cargo Area Height
Base: 34.9 Inches Other: 32.4 Inches
Cargo Area Width Between Wheel Housing
43.3 Inches
Max. Load Length at Floor
Rear seatbacks up: 36.5 Inches, Rear seatbacks down: 70.7 Inches
Rear Gate Max. Opening Width
49.2 Inches (at lower area: 47.5 Inches)
Is The 2025 Subaru Forester Worth Buying?


Once the OG of the SUV world, the Forester now has a lot of competition – both within its own Subaru family and the overcrowded compact SUV segment. In response, Subaru created a new Forester that attempts to retain its rugged persona while adding a dose of contemporary style. Inside, it steps up the premium with better materials, improved seats, and massive touchscreen from 2024.

Despite the same 2.5L engine carrying over, it’s a relatively good one focused on fuel economy and linear power delivery, with significant updates for 2025 including improved low-end torque (sorry, turbo Forester XT).

Worth noting, we can expect a hybrid-powered Forester to arrive in the near future – and we’re sure this will be a hit. And for those seeking adventure, expect the 2025 Forester Wilderness sometime later this year or early 2025.
The refined frontend looks sharp, rendering a more streamlined variant that is, however, now blending into the background. But it’s a safe bet, and one that will appeal to most buyers seeking a well-built, all-wheel drive SUV known to hold its value.

*****

[wck21]

Should I pick this over CX-5?