Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Subaru Forester Touring
Specs
Class: Compact Crossover
Nation of Manufacture: Japan
Colour: River Rock Pearl
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 131
Actual-world gasoline financial system: 23.3 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | B- |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gasoline Financial system | B- |
| Worth | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not replicate Client Information’s impressions of your entire mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Huge & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 180-horsepower 2.5-liter |
| Engine Sort | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT-automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 25/32/28 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline kind: Common fuel
Base value: $39,995 (not together with $1420 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Particular paint ($395) mats ($152)
Worth as examined: $41,962
Execs and Cons
The nice: Confirmed foul-weather capacity, roomy cabin
The nice: Up to date inside feels extra upscale
The not so good: Middling gasoline financial system, we miss the ‘tude
Overview
Our little Forester is all grown up. Looks as if solely yesterday Subaru rolled out its first crossover, however that was greater than 25 years in the past, and our little SUV is now in its sixth era, and as well-liked as ever.
New for the 1998 mannequin 12 months, the small and reasonably priced Forester exploded into the American market promising sensible all-weather efficiency, Subaru reliability, and only a twinge of non-conformist ‘tude. Only a twinge.
Final 12 months the Forester was the twond-best-selling U.S.-market Subaru mannequin, however the numbers are so shut, it’s kind of a three-way tie.
The subcompact Crosstrek lead in 2024 with 182,000 gross sales, adopted by the Forester compact crossover at 176,000, and the Outback midsize wagon at 169,000. Whatever the end order, that is an enviable triumvirate of strong-selling, well-loved autos with which to inventory a showroom.
Not precisely all new, the up to date Forester rides on a modified model of its previous-generation structure, although is usually unchanged dimensionally. The 2025 rides on the identical wheelbase, and is sort of the identical because the 2024 when it comes to width and size. The brand new truck is a bit heavier nevertheless, with the added mass seemingly utilized to structural enhancements and sound deadening.
Styling has been up to date in and out, and the brand new Forester appears proper at dwelling amongst different autos within the model lineup. Take a look at the 2026 Outback for a greater take a look at the place the model is heading design-wise.
Returning for 2025 is the Forester’s tried-and-true 2.5-liter “boxer” 4-cylinder engine, down 2 horsepower this 12 months, to 180. To not fear, although, because the up to date engine produces extra torque, so will name the ability scores change a push. As earlier than, all Foresters are fitted with a CVT-style computerized transmission, and true to model, all include AWD.
New for 2025 is a hybrid drivetrain. That setup is rated at 198 horsepower, and returns EPA-estimated mileage not less than 20 % higher than typical Foresters. Look ahead to our evaluation of the Forester Hybrid within the subsequent few weeks.
When you have difficultly making choices, you might be concerned by Subaru’s ten-trim-level Forester lineup, which incorporates hybrid variants of all however the entry-level base mannequin, and the off-road-ready Wilderness. The roster appears like this:
- Base ($31,415)
- Premium ($33,730)
- Premium Hybrid ($36,415)
- Sport ($36,230)
- Sport Hybrid ($39,415)
- Wilderness ($36,415)
- Restricted ($37,830)
- Restricted Hybrid ($40,830)
- Touring ($41,715)
- Touring Hybrid ($43,115)
Client Information just lately spent per week behind the wheel of a 2025 Forester Touring in River Rock Pearl. All advised, together with vacation spot cost, our take a look at automobile got here to $41,962.
Inside, the Forester nonetheless appears like a Subaru, which implies the sprint focus in on the massive, vertically oriented touchscreen. As earlier than, the touchscreen is simple to learn and the icons displayed are simple to learn at a look.
Our sole connectivity subject is a Bluetooth connection that continuously dropped, forcing us to relink, at a value of a number of minutes every time. That mentioned, the Harman Kardon-brand audio system, commonplace on the Touring, lives as much as the identify, cranking out premium sound stunning in a automobile within the value vary.
The cabin, particularly on topline Touring trim comes off as purposeful and premium—a pleasant enchancment over the earlier era. Area, like earlier than, is ample for the category, on the Forester will present snug long-trip transportation for 4 grownup. Moreover, regardless of a claimed 8.7-inches of floor clearance, entering into and out of the Foresters is simple sufficient. And, the dialog can be a bit simpler now, because the cabin is notably quieter than the 2024 mannequin. Extra on this in a second…
The up to date 2.5-liter engine doesn’t really feel appreciably totally different for 2025, nevertheless it does sound totally different. And for those who’re an old-school Subaru loyalist, you might miss the grunty-purposeful motor growl that the model is know for. Maybe sadly(?) the up to date engine sounds, properly, refined, and does little grunting at low pace, or when passing or merging. The powerplant does produce sufficient energy for moderately fast getaways from a cease, and has sufficient energy to enter onto freeways with little fuss.
Dealing with is class common, with a number of the Forester’s spunky nimbleness gone for 2025. The compact Subaru nonetheless handles properly, nevertheless it’s rather less sharp edged in corners, and the steering is extra uninteresting than communicative. This isn’t to say that there’s something mistaken with the Forester, it’s simply that the general commuting expertise is a bit softer for ’25.
Our noticed gasoline financial system got here in at round 23 mpg, a bit disappointing for a small crossover, however our numbers had been possible impacted the Chicago-typical winter temperatures that marked the Forester’s go to with Client Information.
Usually, we wouldn’t bemoan a redesigned automobile being quieter and higher using than its predecessor, however on this case, we relatively miss the outdated Forester and its feisty angle. However, that’s us. For buyers seeking to faucet into Subaru’s wonderful snow-and-foul-weather prowess, and its fame for reliability and resale worth, the 2025 Forester is well the very best instance of the mannequin but.
Now a greater long-trip small-family hauler, the Forester is compelling choice for folk not completely dedicated to buying a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. However for those who’re searching for spunky handing and a bit engine growl, properly, time marches on.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2025 Subaru Forester Touring Footage
Click on under for enlarged photos
