When it comes to compact SUVs, few names carry as much weight as the Subaru Forester. For years, it has stood out as a rugged, reliable, and versatile vehicle designed for people who love both city driving and weekend adventures. In this detailed Subaru Forester review, we’ll explore its design, performance, features, and value, while also comparing it to competitors like the Toyota RAV4.
The 2025 model year marks an important evolution for this iconic SUV. The 2025 Subaru Forester blends practicality with innovation—offering impressive mileage, top-tier safety features, and a modern interior that feels more premium than ever. Whether you’re considering a brand-new Forester or a used Subaru Forester, this guide will help you understand why it remains a top choice.
Subaru Forester Reviews
Across multiple auto magazines, consumer reports, and online forums, Subaru Forester reviews consistently highlight its strengths. Owners love the commanding view of the road, the all-wheel-drive system that comes standard, and the vehicle’s confidence in all weather conditions.
Experts often praise its practicality:
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Spacious cabin with excellent rear-seat room
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High ground clearance that makes it adventure-ready
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Dependable AWD performance without extra cost
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Resale value that beats most rivals
While some critics mention that acceleration could be more powerful, the Forester’s balance of safety, comfort, and reliability keeps it ahead of the competition.
Subaru Forester Specs
When buyers search for Subaru Forester specs, they’re usually interested in what lies under the hood and how it performs daily. Here’s what the 2025 model delivers:
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Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine
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Horsepower: 182 hp
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Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
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Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all trims)
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Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches (best in class)
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Towing Capacity: Up to 3,000 lbs with the Wilderness trim
This setup ensures stability and smooth handling whether you’re cruising on highways, tackling city traffic, or exploring off-road trails.
Subaru Forester Mileage
Fuel economy is one of the Forester’s biggest strengths. The Subaru Forester mileage numbers for 2025 are highly competitive:
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City: ~26 MPG
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Highway: ~33 MPG
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Combined: ~29 MPG
For an SUV with standard AWD, this efficiency is remarkable. Subaru’s engineering ensures that drivers don’t have to choose between rugged performance and fuel savings.
Subaru Forester Safety Features
If there’s one thing that sets Subaru apart, it’s safety. The Subaru Forester safety features for 2025 make it one of the most secure SUVs on the market.
Key highlights include:
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EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (standard)
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Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
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Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management
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Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
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DriverFocus™ Distraction Mitigation System
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Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS
These features aren’t optional extras—they’re standard across most trims, ensuring every Forester driver gets maximum protection.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester arrives with a bold redesign, better aerodynamics, and a more refined interior. Updates include:
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Sharper front fascia and LED headlights
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Larger infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Upgraded materials inside the cabin
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Improved noise insulation for quieter rides
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Expanded driver-assist functions
This year’s model doesn’t just refresh the look—it elevates the Forester to a new standard of comfort and capability.
Subaru Forester Price
One of the key reasons buyers choose this SUV is affordability. The Subaru Forester price for 2025 is expected to start around $29,000 for the base model, while higher trims like Touring may go above $38,000.
When compared to Toyota and Honda, the Forester offers more standard features—especially AWD—at a lower or similar cost. And thanks to Subaru’s strong resale values, even a used Subaru Forester tends to command higher prices, which is good news for long-term ownership.
Subaru Forester Hybrid
The upcoming Subaru Forester hybrid aims to combine the best of both worlds: Subaru’s rugged AWD performance with hybrid efficiency. Expected to deliver over 40 MPG, the hybrid Forester will be a game-changer for eco-conscious adventurers.
Features to expect:
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Electric-assisted acceleration for smoother drives
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Lower CO2 emissions
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Improved fuel efficiency for city commutes
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Retains the Forester’s off-road confidence
This hybrid model is set to rival the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid directly, giving Subaru fans an environmentally friendly choice.
Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4
Shoppers often compare Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 before making a decision. While the RAV4 has strong hybrid credentials, the Forester edges out in several areas:
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Standard AWD vs optional AWD on RAV4
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More cargo space and rear passenger room
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Higher ground clearance for off-road trips
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Better visibility with large windows and upright design
For families and outdoor enthusiasts, the Forester provides more all-around practicality.
Subaru Forester vs Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is another key competitor, but the Forester still holds advantages:
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Subaru’s AWD is more advanced and standard
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Better safety tech comes included
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Forester’s rugged trims like Wilderness outperform CR-V off-road
If you’re more about adventure than just city commutes, the Forester edges ahead.
Best Subaru Forester Years
When considering a used Subaru Forester, buyers often ask about the best Subaru Forester years. Models from 2016 onward are often recommended for their balance of modern features and proven reliability.
The 2025 Subaru Forester is already shaping up to be one of the best, thanks to new tech, safety, and efficiency improvements. If you’re in the market for a second-hand SUV, the 2018–2021 models are also excellent choices.
Interior Comfort & Technology
Inside, the 2025 Forester impresses with:
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Spacious seating for five adults
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Premium materials with soft-touch finishes
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Large 11.6-inch infotainment screen
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Heated and ventilated front seats
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Panoramic moonroof option
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Advanced Harman Kardon® audio system
Practical touches like wide-opening rear doors and generous cargo capacity make it ideal for both families and adventurers.
Adventure-Ready Features
The Forester’s DNA is built on adventure. Features like X-Mode, Hill Descent Control, and symmetrical AWD mean it can handle snow, gravel, and rough terrains with ease. Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance surpasses many rivals, making it one of the most off-road-capable compact SUVs available.
Why the Subaru Forester Dominates Every Road
From city streets to mountain trails, the Forester adapts to every environment. Here’s why it dominates:
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Superior AWD system
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Class-leading safety tech
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Excellent mileage for its size
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Affordable pricing with strong resale
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Hybrid option for eco-friendly buyers
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Comfortable, spacious, and feature-rich interior
In short, it combines rugged reliability with modern convenience—something Toyota and Honda often split between trims.
Conclusion
The Subaru Forester review for 2025 proves that this SUV isn’t just surviving in a competitive market—it’s thriving. With outstanding specs, impressive mileage, industry-leading safety features, and a versatile hybrid future, the Forester continues to outsmart Toyota and Honda rivals.
Whether you’re buying the 2025 Subaru Forester, exploring the Subaru Forester hybrid, or even considering a used Subaru Forester, one thing is clear: this SUV remains one of the smartest, most reliable, and most adventurous choices on the market.
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