2025 Subaru Forester: Where we are now

Subaru unveiled the redesigned Forester on Thursday, and it certainly looks different.

The company has opted for a more aggressive front fascia on one of its core crossovers, a departure from the play-it-yourself style of recent Forester models. But Subaru is moving into a new design generation, and with it comes a slightly revised version of the star cluster logo. The new look is a welcome risk from a company that’s usually safe, though we can’t say the risk has paid off. The large grille makes the front end look massive, giving the Forester the appearance of a prominent chin. The back looks like a salted Toyota.

There’s more to the interior, as the Forester gets a complete redesign. It is simpler and more elegant than the previous model. The entire cabin hinges around the 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system on upper models. Opt for the base model and you’ll get a split design system, with one screen for climate and controls and another for media. We don’t like either system for its functionality, but we’d definitely choose the higher-end models on looks alone.

All Foresters get the latest generation of Subaru’s EyeSight driver safety system, with things like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring with lane-keeping assist is optional, and this package includes a new automatic emergency steering system that helps drivers avoid obstacles within their lanes. Forester Tourings also get Subaru’s DriverFocus system. It monitors driver attention and fatigue, and the system’s camera can also be used for basic gesture control. Using only his hands, the driver can raise or lower the temperature in the cabin.

Don’t expect much more space. The new Forester is 0.6 inches longer (183.3 inches) and 0.5 inches wider, but has the same wheelbase, track, height and ground clearance as the outgoing model. Passenger volume is down 0.8 cubic feet, and maximum cargo volume with both seats folded is up just 0.2 cubic feet, to 74.4 cubic feet.

The only powertrain option is a carryover from 2024, a 2.5-liter Boxer 4 that produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque in this tune. That’s 2 hp less and up to 2 lb-ft less torque, so it’s pretty much a wash. Subaru’s continuously variable transmission remains the only gearbox available, and Subaru says it has been retuned for smoother, quieter performance. Fuel economy has not yet been announced. Expect it to land close to the outgoing model’s EPA rating of 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Pricing and additional specifications will be announced closer to the 2025 Forester’s launch in spring 2024.