A comfortable family crossover
The popularity of the crossover segment has essentially pushed sedans to the side. The 2025 Subaru Forester rolls out as an outstanding value with plenty of amenities, including popular tech and safety systems.
2025 Subaru Forester
Subaru
The 2025 model year arrives with a refreshed exterior design and updated chassis. The crossover now shares an electronic power-steering rack with the WRX performance sedan, and a hands-free power tailgate joins the list of available amenities. The Forester is also available as a hybrid crossover for the 2025 model year. While the Subaru Forester may excel in some areas, it falls short in others that may make you consider one of its competitors.
2025 Subaru Forester
Subaru
Reason to love it #1: All-wheel drive comes standard
The crossover segment is a competitive one, and automakers need to do whatever they can to stand out. The Subaru Forester manages to differentiate itself with standard all-wheel drive across all trim levels. Getting all-wheel drive in the Chevrolet Equinox will cost you an additional $2,000, while an all-wheel drivetrain in the Hyundai Tucson will run you another $1,500.
2025 Subaru Forester
Subaru
Reason to love it #2: Priced from $29,995
The 2025 Subaru Forester is available from $29,995, making it one of the most affordable family vehicles on the market. The base model rolls out with Subaru’s standard suite of safety tech, as well as LED steering-responsive headlights. In addition to Subaru Starlink, the Forester comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
2025 Subaru Forester
Subaru
Upgrading to the range-topping Touring trim, available from $40,295, nets you leather-trimmed upholstery and an 11.6-inch touchscreen display. The Touring trim also comes equipped with Subaru’s All-Weather Package, which adds more comfort features like heated front and rear seats to the family-ready crossover. To top it all off, the top-spec trim rides on athletic 19-inch alloy wheels.
Reason to love it #3: New hybrid option improves efficiency
Huzzah! Subaru is bringing a more efficient crossover to the road in the form of the new Forester Hybrid. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor bumps performance up to 194 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. Power comes channeled through a CVT, and fuel economy measures in at an EPA-estimated 35 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s a 25% increase from the standard Forester’s 28 mpg combined. In addition to improved fuel economy, the Subaru Forester Hybrid matches the standard version’s 1,500-lbs. maximum towing capacity. The entry-level Premium Hybrid trim starts at $34,995.
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
Subaru
Reason to think twice #1: The engine needs more power
The Subaru Forester arrives with a fresh face, but a different story lies beneath the hood. The sole powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT and all-wheel drive. That powerhouse puts out 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which is a good deal less than the Nissan Rogue’s 201-horsepower and the Toyota RAV4’s 203-horsepower engines.
2025 Subaru Forester
Subaru
Reason to think twice #2: Fuel economy lags behind
While there’s a hybrid version available, the standard Forester’s fuel economy lags behind its competitors. The 2025 Subaru Forester is rated for 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Even when equipped with all-wheel drive, the Toyota RAV4 earns one more mpg in both categories, while the Nissan Rogue earns two more mpg.
2025 Subaru Forester
Subaru
Final thoughts
The 2025 Subaru Forester arrives with a fresh face, standard all-wheel drive, and a starting price just shy of $30,000. As far as family crossovers go, the Forester is a comfortable model fit for road trips. While it may offer plenty of tech and comfort amenities, its powertrain could be a turnoff. Give the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4 a test drive before you decide on the Subaru Forester!
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