Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid
Specs
Class: Compact Crossover
Nation of Manufacture: Japan
Coloration: Autumn Inexperienced Metallic
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 188
Actual-world gas economic system: 35.4 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | B |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gas Economic system | A |
| Worth | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not replicate Client Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | A- |
| Tall Man | A |
| Large & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 194-horsepower 2.5-liter |
| Engine Sort | 4-cyinder hybrid |
| Transmission | CVT computerized |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 35/34/35 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas kind: Common fuel
Base worth: $41,695 (not together with $1420 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Particular paint ($495)
Value as examined: $43,610
Audio-System Model
Harman Kardon
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Glorious
Execs and Cons
The good: Confirmed foul-weather potential, roomy cabin, wonderful gas economic system
The great: Up to date inside feels extra upscale
The not so good: Too refined? Some traditional Subaru character appears lacking
Evaluate
You’ll usually learn within the description of a Subaru, that it is likely one of the carmaker’s most-popular fashions. And whereas that declare is probably going true, it’s necessary to grasp that Subaru sells three fashions that aren’t solely fashionable, however carry out in shut proximity to one another by way of gross sales.
By means of June of 2025, these are the three most-popular Subaru fashions:
- Forester (compact crossover) 95,972 gross sales
- Crosstrek (subcompact crossover): 90,334
- Outback (compact crossover/midsize automobile) 73,257
The fourth best-selling Subie, the Ascent midsize crossover, hardly blips on the gross sales chart compared to the model’s large three, coming in at simply 21,479 items bought for a similar interval.
Subaru’s different fashions (BRZ, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, and the electrical Solterra) mixed for simply 17,669 gross sales by June. So, when a mannequin is described as one in every of Subaru’s best-selling automobiles, we’re speaking a couple of crossover (they’re all crossovers) that’s instrumental to the maker’s U.S. presence.
And, when a kind of three core fashions is redesigned, it’s a very large deal. Enter the 2025 Forester, a Subaru mannequin that has not solely been redesigned, however has been made obtainable with a hybrid drivetrain for the primary time. Foreshadow: It’s a very good hybrid powertrain.
The 2025 replace contains recent inside and exterior styling, up to date connectivity options, and, as famous above, an obtainable hybrid setup.
Whereas the conventionally powered 2025 Forester is obtainable in a beneficiant array of six trim ranges, hybrid variants are restricted to 4. Right here’s the lineup:
- Premium ($38,015)
- Sport ($41,015)
- Restricted ($42,430)
- Touring ($44,715)
The extra value for going hybrid runs between $1700 and $3500 relying on trim degree. Word, too, that the Wilderness trim degree for 2025 is predicated on the previous-generation Forester. It will likely be up to date for 2026, and isn’t anticipated to be obtainable in hybrid guise.
The up to date Forester’s customary engine is basically unchanged. That powertrain pairs a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT-style computerized transmission. Hybrid fashions make use of a model of the identical engine mated to a pair of electrical motors for a mixed 194 horsepower. A CVT computerized can be a part of the hybrid setup. All Foresters come customary with Subaru’s branded Symmetrical AWD.
Word: Subaru turned to Toyota for assist in growing a hybrid system for the Forester, with fascinating outcomes. Whereas AWD Toyota fashions (suppose RAV4) make use of electrical motors on the rear axle to realize the specified torque distribution, Subaru selected to make use of its personal AWD system, incorporating a standard switch case, drive shaft, and axles. The results of this effort is a hybrid Forester that includes the automobile’s well-known snow and dust functionality, however considerably decreased gas economic system. In comparison with an AWD RAV4 Hybrid, the Forester returns gas economic system roughly 2 mpg decrease. We predict the gas economic system tradeoff is definitely worth the effort, and respect Subaru staying true to its heritage.
Client Information not too long ago spent a while behind the wheel of a 2025 Subaru Forester Touring in Autumn Inexperienced Metallic. Together with the vacation spot cost, our check automobile got here in at $43,610. That determine represents about all the cash you’ll be able to spend on a brand new Forester, not together with comparatively reasonably priced dealer-installed equipment.
Inside, the Forester nonetheless appears to be like like a Subaru, which suggests 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 ceaselessly dropped, forcing us to relink, at a price of a number of minutes every time. That stated, the Harman Kardon-brand audio system, customary on the Touring, lives as much as the title, cranking out premium sound that’s stunning in a automobile within the worth vary.
The cabin, particularly on topline Touring trim comes off as practical and premium—a pleasant enchancment over the earlier technology. House, like earlier than, is ample for the category, on the Forester will present comfy 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 might be slightly simpler now, because the cabin is notably quieter than the 2024 mannequin.
Having already sampled a conventionally powered 2025 Forester (you’ll be able to learn that overview right here) we are able to say with out hesitation that the hybrid setup is the way in which to go. Right here’s why:
- Higher gas economic system (35 mpg versus 23)
- Higher energy, particularly round city
- Improved engine cease/begin operation
Whereas we respect the improved gas economic system, we’re extra impressed by the improved low-speed energy, which makes for faster and simpler begins from a cease. Additionally, the engine cease/begin operation, which is often fairly crude in Subaru automobiles, is now very clean.
In any other case, the hybrid powertrain will get the job accomplished, it’s just a bit quieter and smoother than the non-hybrid engine.
In the very best method, the 2025 Forester feels acquainted to us. Whereas there was nothing actually improper with the outdated Forester, we respect the up to date inside, and general quieter cabin. The brand new hybrid powertrain is each slightly extra refined than the usual engine, and significantly extra environment friendly. In the event you’re procuring on this class—as so many People are—we suggest including the Forester Hybrid to your test-drive listing.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2025 Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged pictures
