2025 Subaru Forester: Evolution of a Safety Icon

The compact SUV segment is crowded, but few vehicles command the loyalty and trust associated with the Subaru Forester. For 2025, Subaru has launched the sixth generation of this best-seller, bringing a refined aesthetic, improved chassis rigidity, and significant technology updates. While it retains the rugged capability owners expect, the all-new Forester offers a quieter ride and advanced safety features that set a new benchmark for the brand.

A Fresh Take on a Familiar Design

At first glance, the 2025 Forester looks familiar, yet clearly modernized. Subaru has moved away from the more rugged, plastic-heavy cladding of previous years in favor of a sleek, cohesive look. The most obvious change is the front fascia. The grille now merges seamlessly with the LED headlights, creating a wide, shield-like appearance that emphasizes the vehicle’s width.

The body itself is more aerodynamic. Subaru has incorporated functional air outlets behind the front wheel tires to reduce lift and improve driving stability. These subtle changes contribute to a drag coefficient that is arguably better for fuel economy, though the distinct boxy shape remains to preserve visibility and cargo space.

Under the metal, the changes are even more substantial. The 2025 model utilizes a full inner frame construction method. This technique involves welding the body panels together before the outer panels are attached. The result is a 10 percent increase in torsional rigidity. For the driver, this translates to a vehicle that feels tighter in corners, quieter on the highway, and more responsive to steering inputs.

Tech Upgrades: The 11.6-Inch Starlink System

One of the biggest complaints about the outgoing model was the aging interior technology. The 2025 Forester addresses this directly by adopting the massive 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Plus system. This high-definition touchscreen serves as the command center for the vehicle.

Here is what you can expect from the new tech suite:

• Wireless Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are now available. This allows you to project navigation and music apps onto the screen without fumbling for cables.
• Vertical Orientation: The portrait-style screen mimics a smartphone or tablet, allowing for a split-screen view where you can see navigation and audio controls simultaneously.
• What3Words Integration: The navigation system now includes What3Words, a location technology that allows you to navigate to a precise 10-foot square anywhere in the world using just three words. This is particularly useful for finding trailheads or campsites that lack traditional street addresses.
• Physical Controls: Fortunately, Subaru kept physical knobs for volume and temperature tuning, ensuring you do not have to take your eyes off the road to make basic adjustments.

EyeSight Driver Assist: Safer Than Ever

The Forester has built its reputation on safety, largely due to the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. For 2025, this system has been overhauled. The cameras now have a wider field of view, updated control software, and an electric brake booster.

This updated hardware allows the system to identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections much sooner than before. If a collision seems imminent, the system alerts the driver and applies the brakes if necessary.

Additionally, the 2025 Forester introduces Emergency Stop Assist. If the driver becomes unresponsive while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, the vehicle will gradually slow down, activate the hazard lights, and come to a complete stop within its lane. It will then unlock the doors and call emergency services via Starlink.

Performance and Handling

While the technology and design have leaped forward, the powertrain remains conservative. The 2025 Forester is powered by a revised 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine. It delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers are similar to the previous generation, peak torque arrives at lower RPMs, which should help the vehicle feel more responsive during city driving.

The engine is paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). This version of the CVT is smoother and quieter than previous iterations. On trim levels like the Sport, Limited, and Touring, the transmission features a manual mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, simulating an 8-speed manual transmission for drivers who want more control on steep descents.

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive remains a staple. The system actively distributes power to the wheels with the best traction. This is paired with X-MODE on Premium trims and above, which optimizes engine output and transmission ratios for dirt, snow, and mud.

Interior Comfort and Utility

Subaru focused heavily on driver fatigue for this generation. The front seats feature a new design where the seat rails are attached directly to the chassis. This reduces the amount of body sway the driver feels during cornering, which significantly lowers fatigue on long road trips. Also, the seat design has been slimmed down at the shoulders to improve visibility for rear passengers.

The cabin is noticeably quieter. Sound absorption materials have been increased in the roof panel, floor, and wheel wells. According to Subaru, the rate of noise reduction in the cabin frequency range has been reduced by 39 percent.

Cargo space remains a priority. The Forester offers up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. A new hands-free power rear gate is available, allowing you to open the trunk by simply sweeping your foot under the rear bumper cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the 2025 Subaru Forester be available? The 2025 Subaru Forester began arriving at U.S. dealerships in late spring 2024.

Is there a hybrid version of the 2025 Forester? While the initial launch features the 2.5-liter gas engine, Subaru has confirmed that a Forester Hybrid is in development and is expected to join the lineup roughly a year after the gas model launches.

What are the available trim levels? The 2025 Forester is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels.

Did the ground clearance change? The 2025 Forester maintains its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is standard for the model and sufficient for most light off-road adventures and deep snow.

Does the 2025 Forester have a 360-degree camera? Yes, the Surround View Monitor is available on the Touring trim. It stitches together images from four cameras to create a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle, which is incredibly helpful for parking in tight spaces.