Come spring 2024, there will be a fresh Forester sitting in Subaru showrooms. The 2025 Subaru Forester gets an updated wardrobe, a revised tech package and more of what keeps the faithful flocking back to Subaru showrooms.
And while Subaru’s true believers have never much been into fashion – it could be argued the brand is as much anti-fashion as fashion – the Forester does get an updated look. Designer squared up its shape, taking the curvaceousness out of its flanks. It seems a bit more serious for 2025, although it’s a conservative redo, one that’s sure not to shock anyone. The Forester’s revised shape does help increase overall interior space, although not by anything significant.
Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trims, the 2025 Forester employs the Subaru Global Platform and comes with 8.7-inch ground clearance. The platform’s been stiffened by 10 percent, providing improved body rigidity while shedding weight.
The makeover continues inside, where designers have added thoughtful details. It’s fitted with textured materials designed to hide the scuffs, scrapes and wear that comes with the sort of use that Foresters experience. The seatbacks narrow at the top to make viewing and accessing the second row easier. Dual-zone climate control is standard. And there’s space, lots of it. Fold the rear seats down and you’ll get 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Thoughtfully, the cargo area now comes with heavy-duty utility hooks, while a hands-free power lift gate is offered for the first time.
And what would a modern instrument panel without an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto? You can also opt for a voice-activated TomTom navigation system. That said, base Foresters get a 7-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine generating 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque through a continuously variable transmission. Paddle shifters are standard on all but the Base model, providing eight pre-set gear ratios. All-wheel drive and torque vectoring are standard. Wheels range in size from 17-to-19 inches depending on model.
Look for prices to be announced closer to the 2025 Subaru’s on-sale date in the spring.
