2025 Subaru Forester Unveiled

Subaru has unveiled the all-new 2025 Forester, featuring a sleek redesign, enhanced safety features, and improved capability while retaining its rugged charm and versatility. As reported by Car and Driver, the sixth-generation compact SUV is set to arrive at dealerships in spring 2024, offering five trim levels and boasting a stiffer chassis, upgraded technology, and the latest version of Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance system.

Bold Rugged Styling

The 2025 Subaru Forester showcases a bold exterior redesign that balances modern aesthetics with the model's rugged heritage. The new design features sleek LED headlights, an updated front grille, and more pronounced body lines that give the SUV a more assertive presence on the road. Subaru has maintained the Forester's signature tall roof and large windows, prioritizing excellent visibility while refining the overall silhouette. The exterior dimensions remain similar to the previous generation, with the vehicle measuring 183.3 inches in length, 72.0 inches in width, and 68.1 inches in height. This redesign aims to appeal to a broader audience while retaining the practical elements that Forester owners have come to appreciate, such as its spacious interior and versatile cargo area.

Enhanced Interior Comfort and Quietness

The 2025 Subaru Forester boasts a completely redesigned interior that prioritizes comfort, quietness, and practicality. The cabin features premium soft-touch materials and improved visibility, creating a more refined atmosphere. Subaru has maximized interior space, offering up to 110.8 cubic feet of passenger room, which surpasses competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson. The redesigned interior also incorporates new technology, including an available 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. For enhanced comfort, the top-tier Touring trim offers ventilated front seats, heated front and rear outboard seats, and available two-tone leather-trimmed upholstery with Ultrasuede inserts. Additionally, the Forester is built on the Subaru Global Platform, which utilizes high-strength steel to provide a quieter cabin and improved crash safety.

Efficient Boxer Engine

The 2025 Subaru Forester retains its familiar 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system as standard. Despite a slight decrease in horsepower compared to the previous model, the 2025 Forester delivers improved performance thanks to a 10% stiffer chassis for better handling and an updated steering system. The SUV maintains its fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway and 26 mpg city. Subaru has announced plans to introduce a hybrid powertrain option in the future, expanding the Forester's lineup to cater to more environmentally conscious consumers.

Stiffer Chassis for Improved Handling

The 2025 Subaru Forester features a significantly upgraded chassis, boasting a 10% increase in torsional rigidity compared to its predecessor. This enhancement is based on the Subaru Global Platform, which has been strengthened to improve both ride quality and handling dynamics. The stiffer chassis works in conjunction with an updated Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and a new dual-pinion electronic steering rack borrowed from the WRX model. These improvements collectively contribute to better overall performance, despite a slight decrease in horsepower, by providing more responsive steering, enhanced stability, and a smoother ride. The chassis upgrades also aim to reduce cabin noise, further enhancing the driving experience of the new Forester.

Advanced Infotainment Features

The 2025 Subaru Forester offers a significant upgrade in technology and infotainment features, centered around the SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia system. A newly available 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen serves as the hub for entertainment and vehicle controls, providing intuitive access to navigation, apps, and settings. The system now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing for seamless smartphone connectivity without the need for cables. For added convenience, wireless device charging is available, eliminating the need for charging cords. The base model comes equipped with dual 7-inch touchscreen displays, while higher trims feature the larger 11.6-inch screen. These technological enhancements, combined with available features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and a Harman Kardon premium audio system, create a modern and connected driving experience in the new Forester.

Advanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

The 2025 Subaru Forester will feature an advanced version of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, building upon the system's proven safety record. EyeSight utilizes dual color cameras near the rearview mirror to constantly scan the road for potential dangers, offering features such as Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Braking, and Lane Departure Prevention. Subaru is developing a next-generation EyeSight system that will incorporate artificial intelligence to improve computer recognition in poor visibility conditions, with plans to introduce this AI-enhanced version in 2025 model year vehicles. The new system will leverage AMD's Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 devices, which are designed to bring pre-processing, AI inference, and post-processing together in a single chip for more efficient and advanced driver assistance capabilities.

Luxurious Amenities and Space

The 2025 Subaru Forester offers a range of comfort and convenience features designed to enhance the driving experience. The interior boasts premium soft-touch materials and excellent visibility, with up to 110.8 cubic feet of passenger space, surpassing competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. A newly available foot-activated hands-free Power Rear Gate allows for easy loading and unloading, standard on Limited and Touring trims and available on Premium and Sport models. The Forester also offers available heated front and rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats on select trims. For added convenience, the SUV includes wireless device charging capabilities and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to stay connected on the go.

Trim Options and Cost

The 2025 Subaru Forester is available in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring, with prices ranging from $29,695 to $39,995 MSRP. All trims come standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The Premium, Sport, and Limited trims offer optional upgrade packages, adding features like a power rear gate, Harman Kardon audio system, and navigation for an additional cost between $1,200 and $1,700. While the Base and Touring trims do not have upgrade packages, the Touring comes fully equipped with premium features. Subaru has also announced a Wilderness trim for the 2024 model year, starting at $34,920, which is expected to continue into the 2025 lineup.

Impressive MPG Ratings

The 2025 Subaru Forester maintains competitive fuel economy ratings, with the standard AWD model achieving an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined (26 city/33 highway). The Sport and Touring trims see a slight decrease in efficiency, rated at 28 mpg combined (25 city/32 highway). These figures position the Forester as a fuel-efficient option in the compact SUV segment, with its 16.6-gallon fuel tank providing an estimated range of up to 547.8 miles on the highway for the standard model. The Forester's efficiency is attributed to its 2.5-liter BOXER engine and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which work together to optimize fuel consumption while maintaining the vehicle's all-wheel-drive capability.

Smooth and Capable Ride

The 2025 Subaru Forester delivers a comfortable and capable driving experience, balancing everyday practicality with light off-road prowess. Its 2.5-liter boxer engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, provides adequate power for most driving situations. The Forester's ride quality is notably soft, making it ideal for commuting and family use, especially in areas with poor road conditions. The SUV's handling benefits from the 10% increase in chassis rigidity, offering improved stability and responsiveness. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, coupled with the available dual-function X-MODE, enhance the Forester's capability in various weather and terrain conditions. While not thrilling, the drivetrain's uncomplicated nature and torquey characteristics suit the Forester's practical purpose, delivering a claimed fuel efficiency of 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Subaru Forester represents a significant evolution for the popular compact SUV, blending its traditional strengths with modern refinements. While retaining its rugged capability and practicality, the new Forester offers improved comfort, advanced technology, and enhanced safety features. The redesigned interior with premium materials and a larger touchscreen, combined with the upgraded EyeSight system and stiffer chassis, elevate the overall driving experience. Despite maintaining its familiar powertrain, the Forester's improved handling and efficiency make it a compelling option in the competitive crossover segment. With its balance of versatility, comfort, and value, the 2025 Forester is poised to appeal to both loyal Subaru customers and new buyers seeking a well-rounded compact SUV.

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