By Eric Peters
2025 Subaru Forester: Still Practical, Now Polished
The Forester is one of Subaru’s most important models—one of its best-selling, in fact. And that makes it critical—not to change what isn’t broken.
Of course, not changing anything runs the risk of a model aging poorly and eventually not selling well. But change too much, and you alienate the loyal fans who liked it just the way it was.
You see the problem?
Has the just-updated 2025 Forester solved it?
What It Is
The Forester is a compact crossover with two rows and seating for five. It stands apart from competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson in a few key ways. Notably, it’s the only crossover you can buy—outside of a Porsche—with a boxer engine instead of an inline engine. It also boasts standard all-wheel drive and more ground clearance (8.7 inches) than most of its peers, making it more capable in deep snow and on rugged terrain.
Pricing for the redesigned 2025 model starts at $29,995 for the base trim. Other trims include Premium ($33,385), Sport ($36,105), Limited ($37,695), Touring ($41,595), and Wilderness ($36,285). A hybrid drivetrain is now available on the Premium, Limited, and Touring trims. The top-trim Touring Hybrid starts at $43,945.
What’s New for 2025
The Forester receives a significant cosmetic refresh inside and out, plus the introduction of a hybrid powertrain option.
What’s Good
Unique boxer engine in a segment full of sameness
Best-in-class standard ground clearance (up to 9.2″ with Wilderness trim)
Tows up to 3,000 lbs.—more than most others in the class
What’s Not So Good
Nearly $3,000 increase in base price from last year
Only the Wilderness trim offers max towing capability
No optional engine or transmission
Under the Hood
All Foresters, including the hybrid, come with a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed “boxer” four-cylinder engine. In contrast to inline engines, this layout allows for a lower center of gravity and better balance. The opposing pistons also naturally cancel out vibration, reducing the need for heavy balancing shafts and improving smoothness.
The downside? Boxer engines tend to retain oil in the cylinder heads when not running, which can lead to increased oil consumption as the engine ages.
Unlike many rivals, the Forester doesn’t rely on turbocharging. Its 2.5-liter engine produces 180 horsepower—about the same as turbocharged 1.5-liter engines in competitors like the Honda CR-V, which makes 190 hp. Yet the Forester delivers similar fuel economy (26 city / 33 highway) without the complexity or cost of a turbo system.
The available hybrid version adds a small electric motor that boosts total output to 194 hp and improves fuel economy to 35 city / 34 highway. However, the hybrid costs at least $6,600 more than the base model, and real-world savings may take years to recoup.
All trims come with standard AWD and a CVT automatic transmission.
On the Road
CVTs often get a bad rap for sounding like they’re “slipping”—especially when paired with underpowered engines. But with the Forester’s well-sized engine and well-tuned CVT, the result is smoother acceleration with minimal gear “shock.”
Acceleration is decent: 0–60 in just over 8 seconds for the gas version and slightly quicker in the hybrid. No, it won’t outrun a WRX, but that’s not the point. What it does offer is confident performance in all weather and road conditions.
And with 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.2 in the Wilderness), the Forester is much more capable than other crossovers on rough roads, gravel, or even standing water. It’s this blend of practicality and durability that appeals to buyers more than raw speed.
At the Curb
The 2025 Forester is slightly longer than the previous model (183.3″ vs. 182.7″) but looks bolder and more SUV-like, thanks to its updated front fascia and body cladding. It retains a car-like driving experience but with the rugged aesthetics of a small SUV.
Inside, space is generous. You get 27.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. That’s far more than an SUV like the Jeep Wrangler, which offers just 12.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Rear-seat legroom is also solid at 39.4 inches, beating the RAV4 and just behind the Tucson’s 41.3 inches.
Tech & Comfort
All but the base Forester come with an 11.6-inch touchscreen. Thankfully, Subaru retained physical knobs for volume and tuning, plus dedicated buttons for climate control. USB-A and USB-C ports are included to support both new and old devices.
Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite is standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Forester is still the practical, capable, and confidence-inspiring crossover it’s always been—but now with a little more polish and tech. The price bump may sting, but for buyers who value balance, space, and genuine versatility, it remains one of the best all-around picks in the class.
Eric’s Website: https://www.ericpetersautos.com
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