The 2025 Subaru Forester: Everything You Need to Know

It’s new. It arrives early next year. And it’s very much exactly what you’d expect from a Subaru.

a white car parked on a dirt road with trees and grass

Published December 9, 2023

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Subaru has already unveiled the new Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Next up in line for the model updates: the Forester. On November 16th, Subaru unveiled the all-new sixth-generation 2025 Forester model. It’s staying on the same Subaru Global Platform for the new model year, though — and overall, it should feel quite familiar to current and prospective Subaru buyers.

Here’s what we know about the new 2025 Subaru Forester.

Is the Subaru Forester getting a new engine?

Not yet. Subaru is sticking with internal combustion for now. The Forester retains the 2.5-liter boxer four engine from the previous generation, with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. That engine still pairs with a CVT. And as you’d probably guess, the Forester will pack Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and offer 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

But there is a hybrid coming, eventually

Subaru has confirmed plans to offer a hybrid engine on the sixth-generation Forester, but it won’t be available until a year after the combustion model launches. Subaru has not provided information about what that will look like yet; however, an Australian report suggested the Forester could get the engine from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2025 Forester should be nicer to drive

Subaru says the chassis for the 2025 Forester is 10 percent stiffer, which should help improve ride quality. The Forester also gets a version of the electric power steering system in the WRX which should feel more responsive and direct. Subaru also says it put considerable effort to improve the sound deadening this time around.

And the 2025 Forester does score a bigger touchscreen

graphical user interface of subaru forester

As expected, the 2025 Forester is tracking with the interior upgrades other recent Subarus have received, including an available 11.6 vertically oriented touchscreen with big, easy-to-press buttons (including a fixed front one to remove the auto stop/start).

Does the 2025 Forester have a Wilderness model?

Subaru had a major hit with the more off-road-focused wilderness edition of the Forester. There isn’t a Wilderness trim yet; Subaru is launching the Forester with Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trim levels. But we would be shocked if the Forester didn’t offer one in the next couple of years.

Will the Subaru Forester go electric?

Eventually … maybe. Subaru has not confirmed plans for the Forester to go electric. But the brand has announced that three new electric SUVs will join the Solterra in the lineup by 2026. And we’d be surprised if Subaru didn’t employ the Forester and Outback branding on them.

When will the 2025 Subaru Forester arrive?

Soon. Subaru says the 2025 Forester will hit dealers nationwide in spring 2024.

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