2025 Subaru Forester: Trail-Tested Refresh

For years, the Subaru Forester has been a trusted companion for families who crave adventure and value dependability. Whether navigating city streets, shopping malls, or exploring mountain roads, it’s built a reputation for being reliable you can always count on. The 2025 Forester arrives with a fresh look and promises better tech, and enhanced comfort with the same rugged spirit.

The Forester we used to know back in the early 2000s is completely different than today. Even though the latest generations may proudly stand as an SUV today, it hasn’t forgotten its station wagon roots. Earlier generations had a boxier and low-slung profile that felt more like a lifted wagon than a crossover. The latest generation fully embraces its evolution with its taller stance and more sculpted lines that clearly signal its modern SUV identity.

Even though the 2025 Subaru Forester has a completely new front fascia, it is using the same platform with the outgoing model year. The redesigned grille is larger, and more assertive which gives the Forester a wider stance. It’s flanked by sleek, angular LED headlights that enhance the premium yet aggressive look which sets it apart from the earlier generations.

There aren’t many things changed from the side profile, as it still uses the same platform. Subaru has slightly changed and sharpened the side creases for a more sculpted and modern look. The wheel arches and lower claddings feature a more integrated look and offers a nice balance of ruggedness with some urban appeal.

The changes in the back are much more drastic. The most obvious one is the new signature C-clamp taillights which have been reshaped with a sleeker and more angular design that looks more of a one-piece design. The revised bumper now features a more sculpted appearance with extra cladding to underline the rugged aesthetic. The only gripe I had the exhaust tip cover on the left that exists for no reason.

Stepping inside the 2025 Subaru forester feels familiar yet pleasantly refreshed. The most noticeable change is the larger infotainment display, which integrates smoothly into the dash without looking oversized. There are significant improvements when it comes to the material choices and finishes, with a lot of soft-touch surfaces where they matter most like the armrest and center console.

Even though the dashboard is completely different, the utilitarian vibe remains as is, with plenty of storage options and straightforward controls. I wish Subaru used different hard plastics in the lower dashboard and door panels that feel unchanged and slightly behind its rivals. Even though the interior design is an improvement compared to the outgoing model, the layout is starting to feel dated compared to other entries that embrace sleeker and minimalist design language.

Another area that needs improvement is the tech. It still comes with an analog cluster with a tiny screen in the middle. Most of the entries offer fully digital cluster in their top trims, which is not available with the Forester. The infotainment system can also occasionally lag, but it is very easy to get used to the layout. For a model with such a strong reputation, the interior could benefit from a bolder evolution rather than incremental tweaks.

As expected from a compact crossover, the Forester offers tons of interior space. However, what makes the Forester unique and appealing to its potential buyers is the overall visibility. The belt line is quite low, and it gives you an open feeling for all occupants. The seats are a combination of suede and leather, and the overall comfort is also good. The rear seat passengers also have tons of space even for the middle row passengers, and they can enjoy nice creature comforts such as the heated seats, air vents and USB ports.

The trunk of the 2025 Subaru Forester remains one of its standout features with impressive cargo space and large trunk opening. With the rear seats in place, it offers 28.9 cubic feet (818 liters) of cargo space which is more than enough for more than a few full-size luggage, and outdoor gear. When you fold down the rear seats, the overall cargo space expands to 74.2 cubic feet (2101 liters), making it exceptionally roomy and versatile for larger items. It may not have the best vertical storage space, but it’s wide opening along with a low load floor, making it quite appealing for families and people with active lifestyles.

The 2025 Forester sticks with the tried-and-true 2.5-litre naturally aspirated flat-four engine, which delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Like other Subarus, it is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it is not the most thrilling setup, it offers an adequate amount of power for daily driving. Subaru’s well-known Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system remains a highlight with its excellent grip and confidence on all types of surfaces.

Even though it feels adequate, the powertrain feels a little bit outdated compared to its rivals, which they offer turbocharged engines for more performance or hybrid options for better fuel economy. Even though 182 horsepower isn’t too low, the way the naturally aspirated engine delivers torque at the top of its powerband, which requires a lot of effort to accelerate. The continuously variable transmission helps the engine utilize the powerband efficiently, but it still doesn’t change the fact that it is time for Subaru to implement the turbocharged 2.4-litre engine for the Forester, at least for the top trim.

As expected from a compact SUV meant to be driven in regular traffic, the Forester isn’t particularly engaging to drive. The steering is light, the suspension is tuned for road comfort, it is very easy to drive casually. The ride quality is a standout, as it soaks up the bumps and road imperfections quite well. The noise, vibration and harshness levels are quite good for an SUV. The 8.7-inch ground clearance is class-leading, making it much easier to drive it off the beaten path.

The 2025 Subaru Forester continues to shine as a practical, dependable compact SUV without reinventing the golden formula. It has a spacious interior, excellent cargo space, great practicality, one of the best all-wheel-drive systems – the main four features that make it an easy choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. On the road, it prioritizes comfort and capability over excitement, which makes it a terrific daily driver but falling short in spirited driving. Though it could benefit from a more modern overhaul, it remains as a solid pick for those seeking reliability and practicality.