🚙 2025 Subaru Forester Review – Features, Performance & Trim Breakdown (Part 1)
📌 Introduction: What’s New in the 2025 Subaru Forester?
The 2025 Subaru Forester marks a significant refresh of the brand’s iconic compact SUV. Known for its symmetrical all-wheel drive, rugged durability, and safety-first engineering, the new Forester delivers more refinement, updated tech, and an even bolder design. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a city commuter, the 2025 Forester promises to be a versatile companion for all lifestyles.
🆕 Highlights for 2025:
-
Fully redesigned exterior and interior
-
Upgraded infotainment with new features
-
Improved driver-assistance systems
-
Retuned suspension for a smoother ride
-
New Wilderness trim with off-road upgrades
🚘 Exterior Design: More Rugged, More Refined
The 2025 Forester takes a step forward in design while maintaining its signature SUV silhouette. It balances toughness and sophistication, appealing to both adventure-seekers and suburban families.
🔍 Exterior Highlights:
-
Wider front grille with active shutters for better aerodynamics
-
LED headlights standard across all trims
-
Sharper body lines and more muscular fenders
-
Raised ride height (8.7 inches standard, 9.2 inches for Wilderness)
-
Redesigned taillights and tailgate
-
New alloy wheel designs (17" to 19" depending on trim)
-
Standard roof rails for utility and outdoor gear
The Forester’s revamped design gives it more road presence and aligns it with the modernized look of the latest Subaru models like the Outback and Crosstrek.
🧰 Trims & Configurations
Subaru continues to offer a versatile lineup to suit different driver needs. The 2025 Forester is available in the following trims:
| Trim | Description |
|---|---|
| Base | Great for budget buyers. Still includes AWD and EyeSight safety. |
| Premium | Adds comfort and convenience features like heated seats and moonroof. |
| Sport | Sportier design, paddle shifters, orange interior accents. |
| Limited | More premium interior and added driver-assist tech. |
| Wilderness | Off-road focused, with increased clearance and rugged styling. |
| Touring | Fully loaded with leather, navigation, and premium audio. |
⚙️ Performance & Powertrain
While still running on Subaru’s tried-and-true engine, the 2025 Forester sees refinements that improve overall ride quality and responsiveness.
🛠 Engine Specs:
-
2.5L Subaru BOXER® 4-cylinder engine
-
Horsepower: 182 hp
-
Torque: 176 lb-ft
-
Transmission: Lineartronic® CVT
-
Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard)
⚡ Performance Enhancements:
-
Revised throttle tuning for better response
-
Improved engine mounting for reduced vibration
-
Better sound insulation for a quieter ride
-
New dual-pinion electric power steering (from WRX) for more precise handling
⛽ Fuel Economy (est.):
-
City: 26 MPG
-
Highway: 33 MPG
-
Combined: 29 MPG
-
Wilderness: Slightly lower due to higher clearance and off-road tires
🌄 For those who need all-terrain capabilities without sacrificing daily comfort, the Wilderness trim is a standout choice.
🛋️ Interior Comfort, Tech & Utility – 2025 Subaru Forester (Part 2)
🖼️ Interior Design: Practical Meets Premium
The 2025 Forester’s cabin stays true to Subaru’s practical roots but gets a modern refresh. It emphasizes function, visibility, and ergonomics, but also introduces higher-quality materials and a more tech-focused layout.
🎨 Key Interior Upgrades:
-
Redesigned dashboard with soft-touch surfaces
-
Sleeker air vents and updated trim accents
-
Increased insulation for reduced road noise
-
More seat cushioning and lumbar support
-
Heated front and rear seats (on Premium trim and above)
-
Power-adjustable front seats (8- or 10-way depending on trim)
💡 Subaru kept the upright, airy feel of the cabin that drivers love—especially for taller occupants.
📱 Infotainment & Connectivity
Technology in the 2025 Forester is more accessible and intuitive than ever before. Subaru continues using the Starlink infotainment system, now more responsive and packed with features.
🧠 Display Options:
-
Dual 7.0-inch screens (Base trim)
-
11.6-inch vertical touchscreen (Premium and above)
-
Fully digital driver display available on higher trims
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
-
Voice recognition with natural language processing
-
Physical knobs for volume and tuning (a win for traditionalists!)
🎵 Audio & Navigation:
-
6-speaker standard audio system
-
Harman Kardon® 9-speaker premium audio system (Limited & Touring)
-
Integrated navigation available on Touring trim
-
Real-time traffic and weather updates with connected services
📶 Subaru also includes available Wi-Fi hotspot capability, over-the-air software updates, and remote vehicle access via the MySubaru app.
📦 Cargo Space & Practical Utility
The Forester has always been a class leader in practicality—and the 2025 model continues that tradition.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cargo Volume (Rear Seats Up) | 29.6 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume (Rear Seats Folded) | 74.4 cu ft |
| Rear Seat Fold Ratio | 60/40 split |
| Rear Seat Legroom | 39.4 inches |
| Total Passenger Volume | 111.6 cu ft |
Additional convenience:
-
Hands-free power rear liftgate (on Limited/Touring)
-
Low, wide cargo floor for easy loading
-
Four tie-down hooks and underfloor storage
-
Standard roof rails with optional crossbars
🛻 Perfect for weekend getaways, dogs, bikes, camping gear, and everything in between.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Features
Subaru has built its reputation on being a family-first brand, and it shows:
-
Rear Seat Reminder System
-
Child safety seat anchors (LATCH) in all rear positions
-
Rear sunshades available on Touring
-
Rear-seat USB ports standard from Sport trim upward
-
Panoramic moonroof for a more open cabin feel
🛡️ Safety, EyeSight Tech & Competitive Comparisons – 2025 Subaru Forester (Part 3)
🧠 Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
Subaru’s EyeSight® system has long been one of the safest and most reliable driver-assistance suites in the market, and the 2025 Forester introduces an updated version.
👁️ Standard EyeSight Features (All Trims):
-
Pre-Collision Braking
-
Pre-Collision Throttle Management
-
Lane Departure and Sway Warning
-
Lane Keep Assist
-
Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
👏 EyeSight is now faster and smoother in operation, thanks to improved cameras and software.
🧩 Additional Available Safety Tech:
-
Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist
-
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
-
Reverse Automatic Braking
-
DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System
-
Surround View Monitor (Touring trim)
These features combine to help reduce fatigue on long drives and lower the risk of rear-end or lane-change accidents—especially in busy urban environments.
🏅 Safety Ratings & Recognition
The previous-generation Forester consistently earned top marks, and the 2025 model is expected to perform similarly well.
🏆 Expected Safety Ratings:
-
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
-
NHTSA 5-Star Overall Rating
With its suite of standard safety tech, robust structure, and high visibility, the Forester continues to be a go-to choice for safety-conscious buyers.
🔄 How the 2025 Forester Compares to the Competition
Here’s how the Forester stacks up against other popular compact SUVs:
| Feature | 2025 Forester | Honda CR-V | Toyota RAV4 | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard AWD | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Ground Clearance | Up to 9.2” | 8.2” | 8.6” | 7.6” |
| Infotainment | 11.6” touchscreen | 9” touchscreen | 8” (base) / 10.5” (higher) | 10.25” (select trims) |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 29 combined | 30 combined | 30 combined | 26–28 combined |
| Max Cargo Space | 74.4 cu ft | 76.5 cu ft | 69.8 cu ft | 59.3 cu ft |
| Off-Road Trim | Wilderness | TrailSport | Woodland Edition | None |
| Warranty (Basic) | 3 yrs / 36K mi | 3 yrs / 36K mi | 3 yrs / 36K mi | 3 yrs / 36K mi |
🔍 The Forester stands out for standard AWD, rugged design, and practical interior layout, making it especially attractive for outdoor enthusiasts and winter drivers.
🚨 DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
Exclusive to the Touring trim, this system uses facial recognition to detect signs of drowsiness or distraction and alerts the driver. It can also remember seat and mirror settings for up to five drivers.
🧳 Real-World Use: Why Safety Matters
For families, frequent road trippers, and anyone dealing with challenging weather, the Forester’s predictable AWD handling and advanced safety tech provide peace of mind that few rivals can match.
💰 Pricing, Warranty, Pros & Cons – 2025 Subaru Forester (Part 4)
💸 2025 Subaru Forester Pricing by Trim
Subaru has managed to keep the 2025 Forester competitively priced while adding even more value through standard features and AWD. Here’s a breakdown of MSRP for each trim (estimated):
| Trim | Starting Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|
| Base | ~$29,000 |
| Premium | ~$31,500 |
| Sport | ~$33,500 |
| Limited | ~$35,900 |
| Wilderness | ~$36,500 |
| Touring | ~$39,500 |
💡 These prices are estimates and may vary based on location, options, and destination fees.
🛡️ Warranty & Maintenance Coverage
Subaru offers a standard warranty that aligns with most mainstream competitors:
-
Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
-
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
-
Rust Perforation: 5 years / unlimited miles
-
Roadside Assistance: 3 years / 36,000 miles
-
Complimentary Maintenance: None (available at cost through Subaru plans)
🛠️ Extended warranties and prepaid maintenance plans are available through dealers.
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons of the 2025 Subaru Forester
✅ Pros:
-
Standard AWD on all trims
-
Strong resale value and reliability
-
Spacious, practical cabin with great visibility
-
Top-tier safety ratings and driver-assist tech
-
Wilderness trim is perfect for light off-roading
-
Fuel-efficient despite AWD
❌ Cons:
-
Engine could use more power (no turbo option yet)
-
Infotainment lacks wireless charging on lower trims
-
No hybrid or plug-in version (yet)
-
Some interior plastics still feel basic in lower trims
🧠 Final Verdict: Is the 2025 Forester Worth It?
The 2025 Subaru Forester hits a sweet spot in the compact SUV market by offering:
-
Legendary AWD performance
-
Impressive practicality and space
-
Class-leading safety
-
Adventure-ready options like the Wilderness trim
If you value safety, reliability, and all-weather capability, and don’t mind skipping turbocharged power or a hybrid option (for now), the Forester remains one of the most well-rounded SUVs in its class.
Whether you’re a daily commuter, weekend camper, or someone buying their first family car, the Forester is an excellent investment for 2025.
