Subaru builds some of the most popular cars in the Pacific Northwest, and there are good reasons why people choose the brand, including the highly capable symmetrical all-wheel drive system and the general utility of the vehicles. Among the various Subaru models, the Forester occupies a special place – it's kind of in the middle of everything. It's not the largest and not the smallest, it's among the most affordable models, and it offers plenty of space for people and cargo. And of course, it will easily conquer tough terrain where other SUVs can't go. All of that has made the Forester one of the best-selling Subaru models in Oregon and across the country.
Now for the 2025 model year, Subaru has completely updated the Forester with the latest technology and comfort features, while maintaining an affordable price point. The new Forester will start at $29,695 for the base trim, with upgrade options available in small price increments.
The heart of the Forester is Subaru's 2.5-liter boxer engine, which has been developed for almost 30 years now. The engine produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and powers a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and the sophisticated all-wheel drive system. We recently had a chance to drive the new Forester in the high country, and even on summer tires, the Forester had no trouble with deep snow, mud, and rocky terrain.
In the cabin, Subaru has updated the Forester with every modern convenience. The base trim offers dual 7-inch screens, but every upgrade trim level comes with a large vertical-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen with plenty of screen space and support for wireless Apple and Android phone integration.
Campers and DIY enthusiasts should note that the new Forester offers up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo area behind the front seats. That's equivalent to much larger SUVs and plenty of space to make a trip to the home supply or big box store, or carry a week's worth of outdoor gear.
Subaru's EyeSight safety and driver assistance system is standard on all Foresters, and includes support for adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Additional available safety features include reverse automatic braking, blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.
One new feature worth mentioning is that the emergency stop assist can stop the forester if it detects an unresponsive driver when the adaptive cruise control is active. The system will stop the car, activate hazard lights, and unlock the doors. Also, the available surround-view monitor offers a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings when backing up.
On the road, the new Forester maintains everything you love about the older generations. It's not a particularly fast car, but power is adequate and the car is spacious, comfortable, and drives with confidence on pavement or off road. Visibility is excellent, and the Forester is remarkably quiet inside.
When it arrives at area dealers in the next month or two, the 2025 Forester will start right around $30,000 when destination fees are included. For another $2,000, buyers can select the Forester Premium, which is expected to be the best-selling trim. This will include the big touchscreen, panoramic moonroof, power driver's seat, heated front seats, and X-Mode for off-road traction. Blind spot monitoring and a power rear liftgage can be added to Premium trim at extra cost.
Above Premium is Sport trim at $34,495, Limited trim at $35,995, and the top Touring trim at $39,995. So the entire trim walk is about $10,000. At the top end you get heated and ventilated leather front seats, heated rear seats, Harman Kardon audio system, camera-based rear view mirror, foot-activated power liftgate, heated steering wheel, as well as the full functionality of blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency steering. You really cannot go wrong by upgrading your Forester.
If you're a fan of the Forester Wilderness trim as we are, you'll have to wait a bit. Subaru plans to continue to sell the 2024 Forester Wilderness at $34,920 until the new generation Wilderness arrives at some point in the future.
The bottom line on the 2025 Forester is that this car will continue to be a best-seller for Subaru, with more of what Northwest drivers value at a bargain price.
2025 Subaru Forester
Base price: $29,695
Price as tested: $31,995
Type: Compact crossover SUV
Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder (180 hp, 178 lbs-ft)
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission
EPA estimated mileage: 26/33
Overall length: 183.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,569 pounds
Final assembly: Gunma, Japan
Most Popular
Comments / 0