​​​​​​​2025 Subaru Forester: Full Review

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The 2025 Subaru Forester is all about Subaru’s reliability, versatility, and safety. A mainstay in the compact SUV market for years, the Forester has a big following. This latest one has more improvements and refinements to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Here are the key features, performance, interior and exterior, tech, and safety of the 2025 Subaru Forester.

Features
The 2025 Subaru Forester has a lot of features to make both driver and passenger happy. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is still standard, so you get optimal traction and stability in any condition. The Forester also has multiple trim levels to suit different tastes and needs, from the base to the luxurious Touring trim.
 

Performance and Fuel Economy

Engine and Transmission
Under the hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that delivers smooth and efficient power. According to Car and Driver, the CVT has been tuned to have better response and more fun to drive than before.

Fuel Economy
​​​​​​​Fuel economy is still a strong suit of the Forester. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the 2025 Forester 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. That’s competitive in the compact SUV segment so if you want fuel economy without sacrificing performance, the Forester is a good option.
 

Interior and Comfort

Interior Design and Materials
The 2025 Subaru Forester interior is designed for comfort, practicality, and quality. High-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces are everywhere in the cabin making it feel premium. The spacious interior can seat up to 5 passengers with plenty of legroom and headroom, especially in the rear seats. Road & Track says the Forester is all about creating a comfortable and cozy space for drivers and passengers.

Cargo
​​​​​​​Cargo space is another plus of the Forester. With all seats up, it has 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded down, it has 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s perfect for a daily commute and weekend getaways.

Tech and Connectivity

Infotainment
The 2025 Subaru Forester has Subaru’s STARLINK Multimedia system with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen. Higher trims have a 10.1-inch display. It has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity so your smartphone integrates seamlessly. Navigation, premium audio, and Wi-Fi hotspots are available in higher trims to make your drive more enjoyable.

Driver Assist
​​​​​​​Subaru has packed the 2025 Forester with a full suite of driver-assist technologies. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking, is standard on all trims. These features make driving safer and easier, especially on long drives and heavy traffic.

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Exterior
The exterior of the 2025 Subaru Forester is a mix of rugged and modern. Subaru has made subtle yet significant updates to the Forester’s design, a new front fascia with a bigger grille and updated LED headlights. The overall shape is still the same as before, still practical and tough just like what Forester owners love.
 

Safety and Reliability

Safety Ratings
Safety has always been part of Subaru’s DNA and the 2025 Forester is no exception. It continues to live up to Subaru’s safety promise with good crash test ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have given the Forester high safety ratings making it a safe family vehicle.

Advanced Safety Features
In addition to the standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the 2025 Forester has several advanced safety features. These include blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking. These technologies work together to create a safety net to prevent accidents and protect occupants.

Market and Competition
The 2025 Subaru Forester is in the compact SUV segment. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. Each of these models has its unique features and capabilities. But the Forester stands out with its standard AWD, robust safety features, and practicality.

Driving Experience

Handling and Ride
The driving experience of the 2025 Subaru Forester is balanced and comfortable. The suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections well, so the ride is smooth and composed. According to Road & Track, the Forester’s steering is responsive and well-weighted so you feel confident.

Off-Road
Subaru’s off-road capability is still present in the 2025 Forester. The standard AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance can handle various terrains with ease. Plus the Forester has X-MODE with Hill Descent Control that optimizes the engine, transmission, and other components for tough driving conditions. So the Forester is a great option for those who love outdoor adventures.

Value
​​​​​​​The 2025 Subaru Forester has a great value proposition, a robust set of features, good safety ratings, and Subaru’s reliability. Its competitive pricing across the trims means there’s a Forester for every budget and preference. For those who want a well-rounded compact SUV that excels in safety, practicality, and performance, the 2025 Subaru Forester is still the top choice.