Subaru finally showed the 2025 Forester at this year’s LA Auto Show. While it’s the sixth generation and wears an all new face, it’s like seeing a friend who’s had some plastic surgery work done: something is off, but something is so familiar.
One thing the new design does is solidify the Forester as an SUV. For years the Forester always came across as more of a tall wagon. Not anymore. This design fully declares the Forester as an outdoorsy SUV. Up front, an all new facia showcases the Subaru star emblem flanked by newly designed LED headlights while from the side there’s bold wheel arches with black surround trim which also emphasize the Foresters ride height. There’s an all new D-pillar badge that says “symmetrical AWD” while around back, new clear lens tail lights are joined by a black bar that runs the width of the tailgate. Annoyingly, Subaru continues the trend of fake exhaust outlets with whatever those things are designed into the lower bumper.
Inside, the Forester follows the same playbook as other modern Subaru’s. That means a huge portrait oriented screen and lots of tech. Standard Forester’s have a 7-inch split touchscreen while higher trims get the 11.6-inch screen you see here. Subaru’s Starlink is available as an option while EyeSight driver assist tech is standard on all trims.
This new Forester has a 10 percent increase in torsional rigidity. Combined with better welding techniques Subaru says there’s a smoother, quieter ride and improved “dynamic performance.
Not everything is new however. Subaru’s 2.5-liter Boxer engine is carried over and is the sole engine option this time around, (a hybrid is coming but not until 2026.) The 2.5-liter engine makes 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque and gets paired to Subaru’s Lineartronic transmission. If none of that is sporty enough for you, the all wheel drive system has a torque vectoring system and there’s a version of the same electronic power steering rack as the WRX. So, that’s something.
No word on pricing yet, but the 2025 Forester will be available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trims when it hits dealers in spring 2024.