Subaru has done a complete clean-sheet revamp of its successful 2025 Forester, except for one thing: the flat-four engine, which carries over from the previous model. But the rest has gotten vast improvements like a 10% stiffer unibody, standard vectoring, and a hybrid option coming next year.

The 2025 Forester body is all-new and, in some ways, exaggerates details of the previous version. Lots of angle breakups make for a busy presentation. This extends to the wheel openings with still more angles and in front, sneaking in vents. The angled wheel opening design carries into the rockers, front valence, and exhaust. 

What does Subaru “EyeSight” do for the Forester driver?

There are now standard 17-inch alloy wheels that get an assist with torque vectoring for better handling. Optional traction software improves on the standard Forester suspension. The 2025 Forester now takes advantage of the WRX variable-ratio electric power steering, with almost nine inches of ground clearance. 

There is also a somewhat unusual new unnamed feature. With Subaru’s EyeSight, it senses if the driver is unresponsive, which stops the car and contacts emergency services. Here’s what Subaru says about this safety feature:

“For the first time on a Subaru, Emergency Stop Assist activates if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. The new standard safety feature will stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and unlock the doors. SUBARU STARLINK® Connected Services will then place a call to emergency services.” 

Will the 2025 Subaru Forester have hybrid power?

As standard safety features become the norm, we guess Subaru felt the need to get more elaborate with the tech’s abilities. While a nice idea, we’ll be curious just how many drivers will ever use this feature.

At the beginning of the year, Subaru said it was stopping the development of plug-in hybrid powertrains to focus on electric alternatives. Of course, right now, hybrids are hot as the EV market cools off. But Subaru says the 2025 Forester won’t initially be available with a hybrid option. Its traditional hybrid system that incorporates an electric motor-assist will show up later in 2025. 

Which Subaru Forester trims return for 2025?

The new Forester carries over the current 2.5-liter flat-four. Its 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque transfer through a CVT transmission for an all-wheel drive system. All of the trims, including the base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring iterations, get this driveline. 

Inside, dual-zone climate control is standard. Two 7.0-inch touchscreens greet the driver and front passenger, with the option of becoming a single screen at 11.6 inches. Though clean-looking, the interior seems pretty tame overall but isn’t a dealbreaker. Buyers will focus more on the 74.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity with seats in the down position. 

The new Forester will become available in a few months. As we get closer to Spring, we’ll find out pricing and an update on hybrid availability.