Our Opinion - 2025 Subaru Forester Review On paper, the all-new, compact Forester SUV set to debut in 2025 is a significant departure. The sixth version of the two-row, five-seat Forester offers additional passenger capacity and a more comfortable ride than the fifth model. Even with a fresh design, it is still clear that it is a Forester, adhering to the tried-and-true recipe that has allowed it to thrive for so long. Every Forester comes with all-wheel drive, a continuously variable transmission, a flat-four engine, and enough extra ground clearance to participate in modest off-road activities safely. Furthermore, the Forester is small, as are many of its competitors. This makes it easier to park in congested metropolitan areas and store than larger three-row SUVs such as Subaru’s Ascent. The 2025 Forester is much improved in many respects. However, it lacks the most important improvement: a better driving experience. What's New? The Forester will be released in 2025 with a redesigned body and significantly modified frame. All-wheel drive is standard, and the powertrain is remarkably similar to that of the Forester that is being replaced. However, a hybrid model will be added to the roster at some point. The new electric power-steering rack on board is expected to share components with the feisty WRX racing car. The option of a foot-activated, hands-free motorized tailgate has been added. The redesigned Forester will go on sale in the spring of 2024. Pros and Cons Pros Modern style that is easily recognizable. More infotainment screen sizes are available. Finally, it is in a mixed form. Cons Prioritizes pragmatism over what works. The late arrival of hybrids. Simple models have small screens. Engine, Transmission, and Performance A 2.5-liter flat-four engine, all-wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission power the vehicle. It only produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Subaru plans to ship a hybrid engine in 2019. The Forester’s dual-pinion electric power steering rack is similar to that of Subaru’s sports car, the WRX. However, the Forester isn’t as enjoyable to drive. The steering isn’t particularly good, and the suspension is largely set up for ease. If you swiftly spin the Forester into a corner, the back end may wobble slightly, which can be unsettling until it gets used to it. If you enjoy a pleasant ride and don’t get stressed out when driving, the Forester is the automobile for you. Safety EyeSight, a suite of camera-based driver assistance features, is standard on all Subaru vehicles. For more details on the Forester’s crash test results, you can visit the IIHS and NHTSA websites. Important safety elements include the following: Automatic brakes that function normally in an emergency. Normal lane exit warning with aid staying in your lane. Comes with adaptive cruise control. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The Forester, with two rows of seats, is an extremely comfortable vehicle. Inside, it boasts a superb mix of materials. The front seats are heated and cooled, and the gear selector is upholstered in leather on higher-end models. The back seat is exceptionally spacious for adults, with enough room for their heads, hips, and legs. Even when the second row is folded down, the back luggage area is quite spacious. Folding the back seats flat creates 75 cubic feet of interior space. There were 60/40 seats. According to Subaru, the new Forester features greater soundproofing than the previous model, which should make the interior quieter. Every Forester also includes roof rails. The trunk may now be opened and closed without using your hands. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG An estimated 26 city mpg and 33 highway mpg are forecasted for the 2025 Forester by the EPA. There is a 1% decrease in MPG for the Sport and Touring models in both instances. At 75 miles per hour, the Sport Trim managed an average of 31 miles per gallon on our fuel efficiency test route. For additional information regarding the Forester’s fuel efficiency, you can visit the EPA website. Infotainment and Connectivity Except for the most cheap, they all include a large 11.6-inch tablet for entertainment. The system also includes a wireless charging station and an integrated wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model, like the previous Forester version, includes two 7.0-inch screens that are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The test Forester Sport took 8.3 seconds to reach 60 mph on our test track, with its flat-four engine groaning the entire time. However, acceleration is more than enough around town, and the engine’s gruff behavior is less obvious at low speeds. Price and How to Choose The Forester includes many standard features. These include LED headlights, remote keyless entry, and “welcome lighting,” which illuminates the exterior of the front door handles at night. The Sport trim level is the greatest option since it strikes a solid balance between features, style, and pricing in the Forester portfolio. In addition to its distinctive wheels and elegant bronze trim, the Forester Sport includes a number of appealing features, including heated front seats and a large 11.6-inch tablet for entertainment. It’s worth noting that Subaru says the current 2024 Forester Wilderness will be available until an unspecified point in the future, alongside the new 2025 Forester versions. We anticipate that the Wilderness trim level will transition to the new model in 2026. The fee for the 2024 Forester Wilderness will remain at $36,265.
