Subaru redesigned the Forester for the 2025 model year, packing more connectivity, safety tech and cargo room into a footprint that barely changes from the outgoing model year. The overall effect nudges the Forester ever closer to the compact SUV norm, but the increased content also pushes the base price up nearly $3,000 from last year, to $31,090 (all prices include $1,395 destination).
One thing that isn’t changing for 2025 is the powertrain. The Forester hangs onto its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four engine, which sends 180 horsepower and 178 pounds-feet of torque through a continuously variable automatic transmission to a standard all-wheel-drive system. In its base and Premium trim levels, the Forester returns an EPA-rated 26/33/29 mpg city/highway/combined, while the Sport and Touring are rated at 25/32/28 mpg.
The 2025 Subaru Forester will go on sale later this spring. Full line pricing is as follows:
Base: $31,090
Premium: $33,390
Sport: $35,890
Limited: $37,390
Touring: $41,390
The base Forester rides on dark-gray 17-inch wheels and is fitted with LED headlights. Standard equipment also includes keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery with blue contrast stitching, and an infotainment system with dual 7-inch touchscreens and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Subaru’s EyeSight advanced driver-assist system is standard on all 2025 Foresters. It includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering and, new for the Forester, Emergency Stop Assist. This function can detect if the driver has become unresponsive and will automatically stop the vehicle in its lane, activate the hazard flashers, unlock the doors and place a call to emergency services for help. A rear-seat reminder is also standard.
Stepping up to the Premium nets a panoramic moonroof, wireless device charging, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a reclining rear seatback, and heated front seats, side mirrors and windshield wiper rest. The Premium trim also upgrades the infotainment system to a single 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring. For $1,200, buyers can add a package that includes a power liftgate, blind spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Sport gets a unique look thanks to a black grille, bronze 19-inch wheels, and bronze and chrome badging. It’s upholstered in gray synthetic leather with brown stitching. To help deliver on the name, the Sport rides on a retuned suspension and gets paddle shifters to shift the CVT through eight simulated gears. It adds the Premium’s optional safety equipment, as well as emergency steering assist. Like the Premium, the Sport offers one option package, which costs $1,700 and includes an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, power liftgate and reverse automatic emergency braking.
The Limited rides on more conservative 18-inch wheels and features hands-free liftgate operation with a kick sensor, perforated leather upholstery with blue contrast stitching, a power-adjustable passenger seat and a heated steering wheel. Its big option package runs $1,600 and adds the Harmon Kardon sound system, reverse automatic braking and navigation.
At the top of the lineup is the Touring, which rides on 19-inch wheels and includes all the standard and optional equipment from the lesser trim levels. Additionally, it features heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a 360-degree parking camera and a driver attention monitor.
Subaru will continue to offer the off-road-oriented Wilderness variant from the outgoing generation alongside the model’s five trim levels. For $36,265, it includes a unique front end and glare-reducing hood decal, as well as water-resistant upholstery and floormats.
