The Subaru Forester has been around a long time, and it’s one of the brand’s best-sellers, and along with the popular Outback, it’s the go-to brand for folk who want something capable, but maybe a little different, from the regular SUV suspects.

So, when Subie announced an all-new Forester for 2025, featuring a hybrid for the first time, we were excited to see how a little electrification would treat a long-time friend.

Fresh, yet Familiar

Subaru does an admirable job of making the 2025 model look updated, but still instantly recognizable as a Forester.

The front features a wider grille flowing into compact LED headlights for what Subaru calls an “integrated shield”. Lower fog lights now sit wider while a rugged-looking lower fascia with underguards give an off-road capable vibe. There’s also an updated star cluster emblem for those playing at home.

The profile is the familiar boxy design, and overall, it’s just a skosh larger – less than an inch in key dimensions. But it is handsomely re-envisioned – we really like the squared-off wheel wells with a bit of muscular bulge to them. And the lower cut-ins in the doors look more aggressive as well. High style points go to the hybrid’s unique dark gray machine finish 19-inch alloy wheels, and the optional Crystal Black Silica roof.

Out back (not to be confused with the Outback!) the lines are also simplified with a slender, horizontal taillight treatment and simplified hatch design. Lower lights now brace the lower fascia and underguard, giving a greater feeling of width. Subaru says the steep rear glass also serves up added cargo capacity.

All in all, a clean, re-do that the Forester faithful will still like. Finishing off our tester’s handsome redesign was an Autumn Green Metallic/ two tone paint scheme that still looks outdoorsy but adds an elegant feel as well.

Upscale Interior

The new model gets some serious upgrades, while still feeling much like a Subaru.

Open the door, and the look is more upscale, starting with new front seats that are more supportive, and on our Touring tester, heated and ventilated as well.  Classy, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery and suede bolsters make this a welcoming place to sit.

The rear seats are adult comfy and heated on our Touring trim. Folding the rear seats is easy, and you get one of the largest cargo holds in the class. Even better, for the first time on any Subaru, a new kick-sensor-activated, hands-free, power rear gate makes loading even easier.

The biggest changes are noticeable from the driver’s seat. On the Touring there’s a 12.3-inch digital LCD gauge cluster that can even show navigation, while a first-for-Forester Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system is large and in charge in the center of the dash. That large screen brings the Forester in line with other models like the Outback and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with full-screen display.

It’s an all-inclusive system that includes combination meter, and controls for audio, climate and other vehicle functions. A dedicated section at the bottom of the screen puts all the climate controls within easy reach, no hunting required. We also appreciate that Subie still gives you traditional knobs for both volume and tuning.

Other goodness comes from available voice-activated navigation that  includes what3words (W3W) integration, an innovative location technology that provides a simple way to communicate precise locations using just three simple words. 

 Now with Hybrid Power!

Adding power and efficiency to that Subie goodness is an all-new hybrid powertrain for the Forester.

The system starts with a 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter, Atkinson/Miller-cycle boxer engine that bumps the Forester’s horsepower to 194 (up 14 ponies from non-hybrid models). While some hybrid systems give a massive performance bump, this one seems more focused on efficiency – Subaru estimates 40% better fuel economy in the city, and 25% better in combined than non-hybrid models. The EPA rates the hybrid at 35 mpg combined, which is excellent.

The drive is really improved as well. The hybrid powerplant gives extra added oomph at the low end, and that makes the Forester feel notably stronger off the line, and like many modern systems will switch over to pure EV running when able, and it’s super smooth and quiet when it does. Actually, the hybrid model comes across much quieter in the daily drive all the time, feeling decidedly upscale as you glide along.

This is still a Subie though, and that means Symmetrical AWD is on board and unlike other AWD hybrids, the hybrid system drives all 4 wheels – Toyota’s RAV4 drives only the front wheels and uses an electric motor to drive the rears.

This translates into impressive grip, and during a rare but useful rainstorm here in Southern California, we drove with a great feeling of confidence and control. All in all, the Hybrid feels quieter, more refined and upscale. The downside, it’s hard to put a finger on exactly where, but it’s lost a little of that unique Subaru vibe. Maybe we just like our granola more crunchy

How much, Hybrid?

Subaru remains a smart value. If you can forgo the Hybrid, you can get into a Forester starting at $29,995. With the handsome new looks and added tech, and standard AWD – it’s a great value in a small SUV/Crossover.

Hankering for the Hybrid will set you back at least $36,595, a fair charge for the added tech and efficiency. Our Touring tester was the fully loaded model and started at $41,695. With the sole option of the Autumn Green Metallic/Two Tone paint ($495) and Destination ($1,420), we rang the bell at $43,610.

Competitors would include the RAV4 hybrid at $47,015. That extra money will give you more power (219hp) and fuel economy (40 mpg combined), though. We also like the CR-V hybrid, which offers just a little more power than the Forester at 214 hp, and a tad more efficiency (37 mpg combined). Comparably equipped, it comes in at $44,145. 

We like both the Toyota and Honda, but we’d point out that the Forester still has that unique Subaru vibe – it just feels a little different and more special than the mainstream competitors.

Handsome new looks, upgraded tech and interior comfort, and an impressively efficient hybrid powertrain puts the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester at the top of its class.