The Subaru Forester is always one of my top picks for people looking for a safe, comfortable vehicle. That doesn’t change with the 2025 model year. If anything, the new Forester becomes my top, top, pick. Here’s why: It’s chockful of advanced safety technology, has a smooth and comfortable ride, offers functional cargo space, and provides excellent visibility out all windows. Plus, for 2025 it adds some nice tech features.
2025 Subaru Forester
At first blush, you might think the 2025 Subaru Forester is just a simple refresh because it doesn’t look drastically different–and that’s on purpose. But it’s actually a next-generation vehicle, and pretty much everything is new.
Safety
Let’s start with safety. The upgraded “EyeSight” safety system gets a wider field of view, and the entire structure of the 2025 Subaru Forester has been upgraded to meet newer, more-stringent crash test standards, as developed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Additionally, there is a new emergency stop assist feature that will bring the vehicle to a complete stop, and turn on the hazard lights, if the vehicle detects that the driver is unresponsive.
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Engines
Moving on to the powertrain, you might assume this is the same because both the 2024 and 2025 model have a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder “boxer” engine. But the 2025 engine is revised to add more torque and a broader torque curve. The transmission is still a CVT, but it has some updated ratio programming and a wider “gear” spread. Models with paddle shifters (Sport trim and above) even get an 8-speed manual mode (up from 7 on the current model). Even the “Symmetrical” AWD gets tweaked for smoother response and greater stability in slippery conditions.
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Design
In terms of exterior design, the upright and boxy stance should be familiar to Forester fans, but the new styling adds presence without adding bulk. Plus, roof rails are now standard on every trim level. The more upright grille and wrap-around headlights and taillights update the overall look without making a huge change. The overall effect is more of an evolution than complete re-do.
The interior is where you’ll see some of the most drastic changes. Seen throughout the lineup, the dash design is eye-catching with nice textures and patterns. Starting at the Premium trim level, which is the volume seller and one level off the base, you’ll see the upgraded infotainment system with a 11.6-inch touch screen. Leveling up to the Sport gets you leatherette seats and 19-inch wheels. At the Limited trim level, you’ll add things such as leather seats and a heated steering wheel.
When you top out at the Touring level, you’ll get sueded seat inserts, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats – and much more.
One thing to note for vegans: Only the base trim doesn’t have a lick of leather.
Of course, with everything being new, and more content being added, you might expect a price increase–and you’d be right. The increase is between $1,700 and $2,630, depending on model. The trim/price breakdown, including destination, is as follows:
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Prices and Trim Levels
Base ($31,090): Comes standard with AWD, EyeSight driver-assist system, dual-zone climate control, 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels, raised roof rails, LED steering responsive headlights, XM Satellite radio, a front USB port, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
Premium ($33,390): Adds 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, panoramic moonroof, 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charger, 4 USB ports, heated front seats, passive entry, push-button start, reclining rear seats with armrest, fog lights and X-Mode. Options package available with power liftgate with foot activation sensor, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Sport ($35,890): Adds 19-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, gloss black and bronze exterior accents, leatherette seats with bronze accents, low-profile roof rails, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, paddle shifters, side mirrors with turn signals and dual-function X-Mode. Options package available with Harmon Kardon premium audio, power liftgate with foot activation sensor and reverse automatic braking.
Limited ($37,390): Adds 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power liftgate with foot-activation sensor, power passenger seat, heated steering wheel, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and raised roof rails. Options package available with Harmon Kardon premium audio, navigation, reverse automatic braking.
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Touring ($41,390): Adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces with suede inserts, Harmon Kardon premium audio, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 2-position memory driver’s seat, “DriverFocus” driver distraction mitigation system, 360-degree surround-view camera, rear camera mirror, low profile roof rails, reverse automatic braking.
Neither the Base nor Touring trims offer any package options, and there is no word on a Wilderness edition–but we’d be super surprised if it wasn’t coming. Soon.
Power and Performance
During the press preview, I was able to snag a Sport and a Limited model for driving, and while the Sport trim does have a stiffer suspension, I’ll be honest, the difference between Sport and Limited isn’t glaringly obvious. Both provide a comfortable ride. We spent a lot of time off pavement on gravel and dirt roads, and I was impressed at how smooth the Forester was on rougher surfaces.
On the pavement at higher speeds, I was also impressed with the reduced road and wind noise. Previous generations got dinged a bit for extraneous sound creeping into the cabin, but Subaru did a good job of reducing the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) by adding sound insulation and incorporating structural adhesive into the Forester’s chassis. It’s a noticeable difference.
Speaking of higher speeds, even though the engine gets tweaked, don’t expect a lot more power from the 2025 Forester. Acceleration is acceptable, and it does the job, but I wouldn’t call it peppy.
Summary
Overall, the 2025 Subaru Forester is a nice package. With a base price around $30,000 and all-in pricing just toping $40,000, you get a lot for your money – especially considering that the average transaction price for a new vehicle these days rings in at about $48k.
Subaru owners tend to like the low techiness of their vehicles, so the analog gauges and Nineties-style graphics aren’t necessarily a miss. It has the right tech (large screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) in the right places. Plus, the low cargo load floor, standard EyeSight safety suite, and general comfort work together to create a winning combination.
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2025 Subaru Forester Gallery
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