2025 Subaru Forester Changes




Official 2025 Forester gallery, click images to enlarge




2025 Subaru Forester release date at Planet Subaru: it's here!



First-ever Forester Hydrid:

  • Next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid system combining newly developed 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine with electric motors and high-capacity lithium-ion battery
  • 194 total system hp, up from 180 hp on 2025 Forester
  • Up to 40% better fuel economy than non-hybrid model
  • Standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • Hybrid model available spring 2025

Visit out dedicated Forester Hybrid page, or read on:

The popular SUV is equipped with a next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid system and Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced range and capability. The next-generation Subaru hybrid powertrain is designed to integrate seamlessly into the existing all-wheel architecture without any loss to all-wheel-drive capability. The 2025 Forester Hybrid comes standard with Subaru's award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, a tablet-style Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is the first model in the Subaru lineup to be powered by a next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid powertrain that integrates a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine and electric motors with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The hybrid compact SUV delivers 194 total system horsepower, coupling Subaru's legendary off-road capability with up to 40% better fuel efficiency compared to its non-hybrid counterparts. With up to 581 miles of range on a single tank of fuel, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earns an EPA-estimated rating of 35 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, 35 mpg combined, which is an improvement of 10 mpg in city fuel economy. The 2025 Forester Hybrid arrives at Planet Subaru in spring 2025, starting at $34,995 MSRP.

The 2025 Forester Hybrid delivers the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-MODE® Dual Mode with Hill Descent Control, Active Torque Vectoring and Vehicle Dynamics Control. The standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance is greater than that of many SUVs, yet the compact SUV maintains a comfortably low step-in height for both front and rear passenger entry.

Next-generation Subaru Hybrid Powertrain

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid uses the automaker's latest series-parallel hybrid powertrain for enhanced efficiency without sacrificing capability. The hybrid SUV's newly developed 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle SUBARU BOXER® engine and transaxle are paired with an electric motor generator and electric traction motor for efficient power. Rated at 194 combined horsepower, the system uses the electric motor, engine, or both to power the 2025 Forester Hybrid on and off the pavement.

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is mechanically coupled to the front and rear wheels for reliable and responsive performance. The Forester Hybrid utilizes a high-capacity, sealed lithium-ion battery for enhanced efficiency. Thanks to the next-generation hybrid system's efficiency, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is expected to return up to 40% better fuel economy in the city, and up to 25% better fuel economy in combined city and highway cruising, compared to the non-hybrid model.

Subaru Forester Hybrid Safety

All 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid trim levels are equipped with the latest version of Subaru's award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. The newest version of EyeSight operates more smoothly and quickly and under a greater range of conditions than prior versions. These improvements are thanks to a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. EyeSight can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alerts the driver and applies braking to avoid collisions. Additional active safety features are available for Forester Hybrid, including Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid also includes Emergency Stop Assist if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. The new standard safety feature will stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and unlock the doors. Subaru Connected Services will then place a call to emergency services.

Subaru Forester Hybrid Connected Services

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with navigation and Apple Maps compatibility in addition to a Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system. The 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility with full-screen display. The multimedia system also works as a center information display with combination meter integration and on-screen controls for audio, climate and vehicle functions. Additional features include Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; rear vision camera; SiriusXM® All-Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link® (4-month free Platinum Plan); HD Radio®; and over-the-air updates.

Subaru Forester Hybrid Styling

The Forester Hybrid will be available in an exclusive new exterior color, Daybreak Blue Pearl, as well as a contrast Crystal Black Silica roof (for certain colors). The exterior is further distinguished by HYBRID badging on the fenders and power rear gate. High-durability, animal-free StarTex® interiors will also be available on select trim levels.

Highlights for the other 2025 Forester models:

  • Sleek, new, contemporary interior and exterior design
  • Advanced EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology standard on all trims
  • Improved dynamic performance and ride quality from a 10% stiffer chassis
  • Available 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Autoâ„¢ available
  • Debut of kick sensor-activated Hands-Free Power Rear Gate
  • Wilderness model continues to be available, but as previous-generation 2024 model


More Details and Pricing

The 2025 Subaru Forester is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels. All are equipped with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the latest generation of award-winning Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The Forester's standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance gives the SUV impressive capability, while an available 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility offers creature comforts everywhere it goes.

Outside, the all-new design steers the 2025 Forester into a sleek, contemporary shape while retaining the SUV's classic, rugged proportions. The front of the Forester wears a bold grille with compact LED headlights and Subaru's new star cluster emblem. The Forester's flared wheel arches emphasize strength and capability off-road. The new chassis for the 2025 Forester is based on the Subaru Global Platform and has been strengthened to deliver 10% stiffer torsional rigidity compared to the outgoing model.

Contoured dash elements and textured trim accents are designed to withstand the rigors of everyday life, while a dark headliner was strategically intended to hide scuffs and scratches from loading gear, people, and pets into the Forester's spacious rear seats and cargo area. The interior is quieter and more comfortable now thanks to more sound-absorbing materials, more robust welding techniques, and additional structural adhesives, including a 39% reduction in the rate of noise attenuation from the roof panel.

Standard on every 2025 Forester, the latest version of EyeSight is designed to operate more smoothly and quickly and in a broader range of conditions. That is due in part to a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. EyeSight can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alert the driver and apply braking to avoid collisions. Additional available safety features include Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

For the first time on Forester, Emergency Stop Assist can stop the SUV if it detects an unresponsive driver when the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control is active. The system will stop the SUV, activate hazard lights, and unlock the doors. SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services can then call emergency services for help.

All 2025 Foresters have a Rear Seat Reminder that can alert drivers to check the rear seat for occupants or pets to prevent trapping them alone in the vehicle.

Automatic Emergency Steering is equipped on all models with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The system can help drivers avoid collisions with objects within their lane of travel at speeds 50 mph or slower. An available Surround-View Monitor offers a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings to better maneuver the Forester into parking spaces.

The Forester Wilderness carries over from the 2024 model year, continuing in production alongside the all-new 2025 Forester.

2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester SUV is well-equipped with impressive standard features including Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for $29,695. Those features include 17-inch alloy wheels with dark metallic with machine finish, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Steering Responsive LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, roof rails, and SI-DRIVE Engine Performance Management.

All 2025 Forester models are powered by a revised 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER® engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque paired to a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission.

Dual 7.0-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia System touchscreens handle infotainment duties with USB-based Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming, AM/FM radio, Rear-Vision Camera, USB-A charge port, SiriusXM and SiriusXM Travel Link (4-month free trial of SXM Platinum Plan included), and HD Radio®.

Additional standard features include Auto Vehicle Hold, dual-pinion electric power-assisted steering, electronic parking brake, body-color exterior door handles, auto on/off headlights, Incline Start Assist, power windows, 60/40-split folding rear seats, remote keyless entry system, tire pressure monitoring system with individual wheel pressure display, cloth upholstery with blue contrast stitching, Welcome Lighting and more.

Forester Premium

Starting from the Forester's impressive roster of standard equipment, the 2025 Forester Premium goes further with added comfort and convenience features for $31,995. The Forester Premium adds the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, SiriusXM with 360L and Travel Link (4-month free trial of SXM Platinum Plan included), wireless charging, dual USB-A and USB-C charge ports, Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required after initial trial), AM/FM radio, and HD Radio.

A 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, panoramic power moonroof, rear USB-A and USB-C charge ports, reclining rear seatback, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and all-weather package including heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper deicer improve interior comfort. Standard X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control increases capability off-road and in slippery conditions.

An options package for Forester Premium adds a power rear liftgate and Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert for $1,200.

Forester Sport

With unique styling elements and exceptional curb appeal, the 2025 Subaru Forester Sport stands out as a stylish SUV for $34,495 to start. The Forester Sport adds 19-inch alloy wheels with a bronze finish, a gloss black front grille, a rear "Sport" badge with a bronze finish, and chrome and bronze side badges. Inside, the Forester Sport adds gray StarTex® upholstery with brown stitching, dark gray dash panel, and a unique bronze steering wheel insert.

To further support drivers, the Forester Sport upgrades to dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, and 8-speed manual shift mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. In addition to the enhanced styling, the Forester Sport delivers sharper handling with a re-tuned suspension that delivers improved driving stability while retaining ride comfort.

A $1,700 options package adds to Forester Sport a Harman Kardon® premium audio system with a 576-watt equivalent amp and 11 speakers, power rear gate, Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking, and SI-Drive Engine Performance Management (Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes).

Forester Limited

The 2025 Forester Limited adds more creature comforts inside, including leather-trimmed upholstery and driver assistance features for $35,995. Building on features found in the Premium trim level, the Forester Limited adds 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with blue contrast stitching, dual-function X-MODE, foot-activated hands-free power rear gate, 8-speed manual shift mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a 360-degree heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Forester Limited also adds Automatic Emergency Steering and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
 
An options package for the Forester Limited adds a Harman Kardon premium audio with 576-watt equivalent amp and 11 speakers, Navigation powered by TomTom®, and Reverse Automatic Braking for $1,600.

Forester Touring

On top of the 2025 Forester lineup, the Touring trim level adds exceptional equipment for comfort and style for $39,995 to start. The Forester Touring rides atop 19-inch alloy wheels and adds a luxury touch with a 360-Degree Surround View Monitor, two-position memory driver's seat and exterior mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, low-profile roof rack, smart rearview mirror, rear chrome badging and Black or Brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with suede bolsters.

The Forester Touring also adds a SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation System with Harman Kardon premium audio with 576-watt equivalent amp and 11 speakers, DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, and Reverse Automatic Braking.

2024 Forester Wilderness

The rugged 2024 Forester Wilderness will continue in production alongside the all-new 2025 Forester and has an unchanged starting price of $34,920. 

The Wilderness maintains its unique front fascia with hexagonal front grille and hexagonal LED fog lights, as well as a useful anti-glare hood decal in matte black to diffuse direct sunlight on the trails. 

Inside, water-resistant StarTex seating surfaces, all-weather mats, and a cargo tray are all well-prepared for muddy feet and gear with wash-and-ready attitudes.

The Wilderness offers a smart option package with an 8.0-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Navigation system, Harman Kardon premium audio system with a 576-watt equivalent amp and nine speakers and power rear gate for $1,850.

All 2025 Subaru Forester models are assembled at Subaru's Gunma, Japan, facility. 
 
2025 Subaru Forester
Model/Trim Transmission Applicable Option MSRP MSRP plus Destination and Delivery ($1,395)
Forester CVT 01 $29,695 $31,090
Forester Premium CVT 11 $31,995 $33,390
Forester Premium CVT 15 $33,195 $34,590
Forester Sport CVT 21 $34,495 $35,890
Forester Sport CVT 24 $36,195 $37,590
Forester Limited CVT 41 $35,995 $37,390
Forester Limited CVT 42 $37,595 $38,990
Forester Touring CVT 51 $39,995 $41,390
 
2025 Forester Option Packages
Forester
01 Standard Model N/A
Forester Premium
11 Standard Model N/A
15 Power Rear Gate, Blind-Spot Detection/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert $1,200
Forester Sport
21 Standard Model N/A
24 Harman Kardon® Audio, Power Rear Gate, Reverse Automatic Braking $1,700
Forester Limited
41 Standard Model N/A
42 Harman Kardon® Audio, Navigation, Reverse Automatic Braking $1,600
Forester Touring
51 Standard Model N/A
         
 
2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness
Model/Trim Transmission Applicable Option MSRP MSRP plus Destination and Delivery ($1,345)
Forester Wilderness CVT 21 $34,920 $36,265
Forester Wilderness CVT 22 $36,770 $38,115
 
2024 Forester Wilderness Option Packages
Forester Wilderness
21 Standard Model N/A
22 8.0-inch STARLINK® Multimedia Navigation System, Harman Kardon® Speaker System, Power Rear Gate $1,850



These are the changes that Subaru has made to prior Foresters.



Forester Links:
  • See current pricing and trim levels.
  • Visit our Forester Center with pics and links.



Search our inventory for your Forester
or place a factory order:



    






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Foresters through the years:   


 
2025 and newer
Subaru stiffened the chassis by 10% to improve ride and handling, further refined the award-hogging Eyesight driver assistance technology, installed an 11.6" infotainment system with wireless CarPlay/AndroidAuto capability, and even added a kick sensor for the rear tailgate.



2019 through 2024
 
The first Forester built on Subaru's "Global Platform," handling agility improves and cabin noise decreases. It's Subaru's safest-ever Forester, loaded with technology including first-in-its-class DriverFocus, a driver-distraction mitigation system. Eyesight active safety suite is standard. Horsepower increases to 182 and fuel economy lifts to 33mpg highway.


 
2014 through 2018



Slightly larger inside and out than the generation it replaces,  Introducing a continuously variable transmission lifted fuel economy to 32 mpg from 27.  Other new features include the Eyesight driver assistance system, power tailgate, and X-Mode traction control. Outward visibility remains tops in the industry.  







2009 through 2013





Prior Foresters felt a little cramped, but sales took off with this larger Forester, bigger than its predecessor in every dimension.
Subaru poured on the technology, with standard Vehicle Dynamics Control and six airbags.  Optional equipment included touchscreen navigation and Bluetooth.



2003 through 2008






Size remained the same, but Subaru modernized everything. Side air bags became standard on every model, the interior moved upscale, ride quality improved, and appearance moved from utilitarian to stylish. 



1998 through 2002

Subaru created the Forester on the Impreza platform, installing a square body and bigger engine.  Along with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V (both introduced in 1997), Subaru pioneered the "Small Crossover" segment.  It combined the  ride height, style, and versatility of a truck-based SUV without the poor fuel economy and sloppy handling.











          





 





For anyone in the Boston metro area, including the north shore and south shore, Planet is your source for info about revisions to the 2025 Forester, including sale and release dates, leasing info, and great deals.

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