One of the most senior nameplates in Subaru's current lineup, the Forester has received a thorough makeover for the 2025 model year. Emphasis on thorough makeover because the sixth generation rides on a slightly updated Subaru Global Platform.
Similar to the Impreza and Crosstrek, the Forester had its unibody chassis stiffened for a number of reasons. 10 percent more torsional rigidity has been achieved by means of additional structural adhesive (88.5 feet as opposed to 26.2 for the fifth generation), as well as improved welding techniques. In addition to a safer passenger cell in the event of a crash, these changes also result in better dynamic performance and a quieter cabin. All in all, a welcomed update.
Having touched upon safety, the 2025 Subaru Forester comes with the latest iteration of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The Japanese automaker from Tokyo waxes lyrical about smoother and quicker operation in a greater range of conditions. Part of the reason EyeSight is better than before is the wider field of view, combined with better control software. An electric brake booster is also featured.
Available safety features worthy of your attention come in the form of Blind Spot Detection with Land Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking. As to what's happening up front, EyeSight is programmed to identify cars, cyclists, and pedestrians sooner than the previous version.
From the standpoint of design, a few peeps can't help but associate the Forester's new design language with the Explorer, as in Ford's best-selling utility vehicle. The rear-biased crossover doesn't compete with the Forester, though, for it’s a midsizer with three rows as opposed to a compact crossover with two rows.
Photo: Subaru
In terms of exterior styling, the area where Subaru could have done better is black plastic cladding. Too much of something is never a good idea, especially in the world of automotive design. This problem carries over to pretty much all Subaru vehicles redesigned in the past handful of years, including the WRX. As you might have already heard, there will be no high-performance STI for this generation of the WRX.
Slotted between the Outback and the redesigned Crosstrek, the Forester boasts textured interior trim pieces and contoured dash elements designed to avoid scratches and other damage from daily use. Be that as it may, the bezels of the touchscreen infotainment system and the gloss-black trim in the area of the gear lever will scratch very, very easily.
The centerpiece of the interior is – of course – the 11.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Base trim level gets a dual 7.0-inch setup with wired CarPlay and Auto. Another perk of upgrading to the 11.6-inch system is wireless charging for your mobile phone.
Gifted with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the 2025 Subaru Forester is going on sale in the spring of 2024. Pricing information sadly isn't available at press time. Last but not least, a 2.5-liter boxer will have to make do across the board. Connected to a continuously variable transmission, the naturally-aspirated lump develops a respectable 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet (241 Nm) of twist.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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