2025 Subaru Forester: Five Things to Know
Introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester is redesigned inside and out, more technologically advanced and also more refined on the road, the company claims.
Before we get the opportunity to drive one and share our first impressions, here are five things you need to know about the sixth-generation Forester:
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- Also: Subaru Officially Unveils 2025 Forester in Los Angeles
1. Not the Prettiest
Aesthetically, the new Forester marks an evolution from its predecessor, but not everyone will love the result, especially when it comes to the front grille. The fenders are more sculpted and feature extra cladding around the wheel arches for a more rugged look. The headlights and taillights sport a new design, as well, while ground clearance is unchanged at 220 mm.
Inside, contoured dash elements and textured trim pieces are intelligently designed to avoid visible damage from daily use. In typical Subaru fashion, strategically designed pillars and a generous glass area ensure an excellent all-around view. The cargo area offers up to 2,107 litres of useable space with both rear seatbacks down.
2. Same Engine
The 2025 Subaru Forester carries over the 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine, although output is down to 180 horsepower (-2) and torque is increased to 178 lb-ft (+2). Standard on all models is a Lineartronic CVT. A manual mode (eight preset ratios) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters is available on every Forester except the base model.
Handling is enhanced with a version of the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic power steering rack, providing a more direct and natural steering feel and greater responsiveness, Subaru says. Meanwhile, the drivetrain is further improved with standard Active Torque Vectoring and SI-Drive performance management system.
Standard on the Forester is X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, which maximizes wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. Sport and higher trim levels upgrade to dual-function X-Mode for increased capability in a wider range of adverse conditions.
3. Extra Safety
Safety has always been a priority at Subaru, and the 2025 Forester is no exception. First of all, he Subaru Global Platform has been enhanced with 10 percent stiffer torsional rigidity. A full inner frame construction with stronger welding techniques and additional structural adhesive contributes to better body rigidity and lighter weight.
All Foresters benefit from the latest version of the EyeSight driver assistance technology, which features a wide-angle mono camera and operates more smoothly and quickly under a greater range of conditions. It can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alerts the driver and applies braking to avoid collisions.
Additional active safety features are available for the new Forester including Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
4. New Displays
For the first time, the Subaru STARLINK 11.6-inch infotainment system is available with the Forester. The large, tablet-style touchscreen is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless smartphone charging is also included.
Standard in base Convenience trim are dual 7.0-inch touchscreens. The top screen controls smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity, while the bottom screen provides controls for climate and vehicle settings.
5. Pricing TBD
The 2025 Subaru Forester will arrive in Canadian dealerships sometime in the spring of 2024, with Convenience, Touring, Sport, Limited and Premier trim levels to choose from. Pricing will be announced closer to launch. As a reminder, the 2024 model ranges from $34,511-$45,111 including freight, PDI and dealer fees.
There is no information about the return of the adventurous Wilderness model yet. What we can tell you is that the long-awaited Forester Hybrid is expected to join the lineup for the 2026 model year, using a Toyota-based system.
