The Redesigned 2025 Forester Doesn’t Mess with the Formula

Many car companies talk about listening to their customers, and while they most likely do, it’s hard to see a clearer indication of this than when Subaru redesigns a vehicle. Each Subaru redesign reveals much about what owners wish to change and what they definitely do not want to change. Twin Falls Subaru highlights a strong example in the 2025 Subaru Forester. 

For the 2025 model year, the Forester has entered its sixth design generation since its debut in 1997. An exception is the Wilderness model, which continues to be based on the fifth-generation design. While the Forester’s design has added sophistication and refinement across its six iterations, some elements remain consistent. Most noticeable is the tall greenhouse. Sure, Subaru could have opted for something sleek, rounded, and more swept back. But that’s not what Forester owners want. They appreciate the tall windows that provide everyone with a good view of the world around them. This brand made its mark in mountainous areas where there is plenty to see when you look up. It also helps with cargo space, which is a generous 27.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats down. 

Much of the same can be said for the drivetrain, which carries over from the fourth generation. There are more powerful engines in this category. However, the Subaru faithful find the 180-hp 2.5-liter Boxer-4 engine to be just fine for their needs and appreciate its simplicity; it still gets 32 mpg on the highway and 28 combined. Once filled up, the Forester may outlast you on the highway, with an estimated range of 465 miles.   

Of course, the big news for 2025 is the Forester Hybrid. Its highway mpg rises to 34, but the significant difference is in city driving, which increases from 28 in the non-hybrid to 35, resulting in a combined figure of 35. Horsepower on that model also increases to 194. Both drivetrains are paired with a continuously variable transmission and feature a shiftable capability that is particularly useful on mountain roads, which is Subaru’s home turf. The conventional Forester has eight set ratios, while the hybrid has six, which is sufficient due to the added motor. And by the way, those cargo figures above? They also apply to the hybrid, since Subaru was careful to ensure that the battery does not encroach on interior space. 

Inside, the Forester features an 11.6-inch center touchscreen for all but the base model, which continues to use two 7-inch screens. The large screen is easy to use and provides wireless compatibility for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  

Many automotive reviewers tend to focus on the Sport trim level, which is positioned in the middle of the lineup. It features bronze-finish wheels and trim accents, blind-spot detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, dual-function X-MODE drive mode selection, and upgraded StarTex® cloth seats that look and feel great while being easy to clean. Your preferences may vary, but you should be able to find all these options at Twin Falls Subaru’s extensive Forester inventory.