2025 Subaru Forester | First Drive

For the latest Subaru Forester pricing and information:

The Subaru Forester is mostly new for 2024 and we got it out in some dirt to see if it's just as easy and capable as before. #KBB

00:00 2025 Subaru Forester
00:20 What's new?
00:37 Exterior changes
01:11 Interior Changes
02:37 Driving Impressions
02:57 Cargo and passenger space
04:21 Safety features
06:33 Fuel Economy numbers
07:45 Pricing
10:28 Competitors

[Thenevisian]

That whole front end is screaming Ford explorer

[FlyGuy]

2018 Forrester owner. In MN, when we get a 3+ ft of snow fall, the Subaru is the one we take out and have never been disappointed. Its a good value proposition. Average 32 MPG on the highway. Zero issues. Is it fun, no-is it reliable and predictable-yes.

[farcinue]

It looks better than the previous generation. The big windows really make a difference from the inside.

[menguardingtheirownwallets]

It's a pretty good value if you buy the 'BASE' trim. The base trim has the 2.5L engine. If you want a Crosstrek with the 2.5L engine you have to buy a mid-level trim, and with that you are paying the same price as the base Forester, except with the Forester you have a lot more room inside of it, so that's why the base Forester is the best buy.

[davescott]

Excellent review. Thank you. Looks like a very strong contender.

[maciejszumny]

I’m driving my 2016 Forester since new and I really like it. I wasn’t impressed by the styling of the newest generation in the beginning, but the longer I was watching the video, the more I’ve come to appreciate it.
What I would improve in my car would be the road noise, so I’m happy Subaru is constantly moving in that direction.

[clevelog]

Thank you for the fine review AND road test. Rear automatic emergency braking is a big plus. I worry about the CVT.

[carmel]

Subaru is putting a hybrid powertrain in the Forester. However, I’m wondering if Subaru will put the 2.4L turbo-4 and will make it an XT version.

[moisetopaz]

Mazda does offer AWD standard in North America for the CX5 and etc.

[randywatkins]

So glad I researched this ‘25 vs. the ‘24for my wife . Bought a 2024 Geyser Blue Wilderness right off the showroom floor. Got physical climate controls, extra half inch of ground clearance, lower gear axle ratio, smaller screen, skid plates, gold interior accents with custom floor mats, full size spare tire (with matching Enkei wheel)and transmission oil cooler which enables the vehicle to tow up to 3000 pounds. Talk about a win ! No wilderness model this year is strange 🧐 . Could not be happier with our purchase! Subaru…WTF Yo????

[rustlebruxz]

That new dash console is awful. One of the nice things about the previous version was physical knobs to control temp and vents. Now you have to hope you're pressing the right area for the virtual controls. Hey Subaru, pay the extra dollar and give us knobs, not more touch screens. We're driving a car, not piloting a space ship. I'll hang on to my '23 Forester as the new model is now off my list of possibles.

[ivanestiler]

Iam still love my 2017 forester xt 2.0 until now I have 138.000 miles

[hereigoagain]

Great review! I'm pumped for the hybrid.

[kbolosan]

Wow. A sporty looking Subaru. I am glad Subaru is finally migrating some of the WRX coolness to other models.

[AllStars]

Subaru did fantastic work with the interior and exterior. At these price points with standard AWD, you have to admit they compensate for the low HP/torque and the CVT. Great review, Lynne!

[ericpizarro]

I will seriously consider this one but the hybrid. The only problem is that I love sooo much my 2021 Crosstrek Sport what will only make me have the two of them or convince my wife to sell her Ascent and get this one. Probably the way to go. Still her car have give her zero issues with almost 70, 000 miles.

[josephfaircloth]

There are no words that can describe how disappointed I am to see the physical knobs and buttons going away on these newer cars. As someone in the market for a new Subaru (since I just totaled my ‘21 outback), I was really hoping to look at the foresters physical buttons because the infotainment system is so laggy. It even shows in this video. For a company so focused on safety, these laggy screens are clunky and frustrating to do even simple things like change climate controls or operate any form of entertainment.

[saul]

Turbo/hybrid sounds like fun. Hating the grill looks like a explorer

[billyrock]

We are getting sick of car manufacturers brain washing us to buy high profit margin massive trucks and SUVs! 😡

We just want a hybrid sedan for $25, 000. 😡

[bradnewcomb]

I’ve got to know what camera you shot this one. The dynamic range is amazing!!!