The Subaru Forester is popular because as the more affordable utility models in the segment, it represents solid value. That continues with the updated sixth-generation 2025 version.
Subaru touts the five-passenger Forester as “all new,” but that’s a bit of a stretch considering the degree of commonality it has with the 2024 edition. Still, there are several areas of change that are likely to increase the Forester’s appeal.
The 2025 model retains the same basic shape, but most noticeable is the redesigned nose and grille that give it a rugged appearance. The doors have a more straightforward design that contrast with the fenders and their pronounced bulges. The liftgate has a mostly similar look but the redesigned taillights are now positioned below the reshaped roof pillars.
The updated Forester’s key dimensions, including passenger and cargo volume, have increased only slightly.
The interior is also a familiar spot, but the dashboard is now offered with an 11.6-inch touch-screen display with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A 7.0-inch screen remains standard. The front seats have been redesigned for improved comfort and the cabin is claimed to be quieter.
According to Subaru, the Forester’s basic architecture has been made 10 per cent stiffer with improved welding and more structural adhesives. The suspension has been retuned for a more comfortable ride while still providing 22 centimetres of ground clearance. A new steering rack based on the version used in the sporty Subaru WRX sedan has also been installed.
The standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine makes 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It’s linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with available paddle shifters to control eight preset ratios. Fuel economy is rated at 9.1 l/100 km in the city, 7.2 on the highway and 8.2 combined.
A hybrid power system option is reportedly in the works for the Forester, but it likely won’t be available until the 2026 model year.
All-wheel-drive is standard, as it is for all Subarus except the BRZ coupe, which is rear-wheel-drive. For the 2025 Forester, the system has active torque vectoring that applies light braking to the inside front wheel when turning, which makes for more precise cornering.
Standard on all but the base trim is a driver-selectable hill-descent mode that maintains a fixed speed when travelling down a steep incline.
The base Forester starts at $34,900, including destination charges. It comes with the usual equipment plus roof rails, remote keyless entry and welcome spotlights. These are built into the outside mirrors and illuminate the front door handles when you unlock the doors at night using the fob. The dual-zone climate control system is designed to focus primarily on occupied seats for improved efficiency.
Subaru’s basic Eyesight technology suite comes standard and includes collision avoidance, rear-seat passenger reminder and pedestrian/cyclist detection. You’ll need to select one of the pricier trims – there are four more – to get blind-spot detection with rear-cross-traffic alert, 360-degree surround-view camera, drowsy-driver alert, reverse automatic braking and lane-change assist. The same goes for automatic emergency steering control that helps avoid a collision at speeds below 80 km/h.
For 2025 Emergency Stop Assist, which is part of the adaptive cruise control, is available with the Forester. It’s automatically activated if the driver fails to respond when it determines a collision with a person or object is imminent.
Another Forester option is a hands-free power liftgate that opens and closes by extending your foot beneath the bumper. This is handy when your arms are loaded with grocery bags or other items.
Steady improvements have kept the versatile Forester attractive to buyers over the years. The updates might be considered minor for 2025, but the cumulative effect is a more refined all-season machine that could prove the ideal solution for buyers.
