Solid Performance

Even with its new “sophisticated” style for 2025, the Subaru Forester retains the boxy, rather utilitarian look for which it is known. It’s not particularly fast or sporty either.

But that doesn’t stop folks (especially adventurous ones to whom Subaru directs its marketing) from returning to the compact Subie crossover. For many in hilly or snowy regions, it’s the standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system which delivers continuous power to all four wheels. No front or rear bias here, and no waiting for sensors to detect wheel slippage.

Retirees like the easy access with wide-opening doors, hip-level seats and high rooflines for more headroom. And the practical-minded say it’s more about the reliability. With proper care, a Subaru can deliver at least 200,000 miles, the Japanese carmaker says.

Whatever their reasons, there’s more to like in the completely redesigned, sixth-generation Forester, especially in Limited trim. It gets mild exterior enhancements, updated safety features and technology (including a much bigger touchscreen).

Up front is a wider grille that merges into thinner LED headlights; on the sides, angular fender flares encase the wheel wells. New trapezoid-shaped tail lights are connected by a thick black strip. A new hands-free power lift gate has Forester stamped into it.

The powertrain is similar to last year with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 180 hp and 178 pound-feet of torque. If anyone’s counting, that’s two fewer horses this time around but two more pound-feet of torque. The good news is that Subaru retuned the powerplant to get more punch at lower rpm.

The result is a surprising launch from stoplights and up highway ramps. It doesn’t feel as slow as it actually is — 0-60 mph in over eight seconds, and the quarter-mile in twice that. More power would help, of course, especially to boost current towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. 

All Foresters have a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with an eight-gear simulation, plus paddle shifters on the steering column.

More important for Subie buyers, perhaps, is the comfortable and quiet ride. Wind and road noise are but an afterthought thanks to extra sound-deadening materials under the roof and floor. That makes it easier to hear conversation or the 576-watt Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Meanwhile, a 10% stiffer chassis helps improve ride quality and handling. Forester also has a new steering system which is based on Subaru’s sporty WRX. It offers more precision but lags on feedback.

On slick or loose road surfaces, Forester’s dual-function X-Mode traction works with the standard all-wheel-drive system to maximize grip. Push the touchscreen settings for Dirt/Snow or Deep Snow/Mud and the system monitors wheel spin and directs torque to the wheels in need. Ground clearance of 8.7 inches helps to avoid deep ruts and rocks.

In spite of the AWD, Forester fares well on fuel economy: The EPA estimates 33 mpg highway, 26 city, for 29 mpg combined.

The cabin this year is decidedly more upscale, especially in Limited and Touring trims, with ventilated leather seats, a new dash with softer materials and rear camera-mirror. Odd but playful accents dot the interior, like scattered paw prints and a tiny bird in the top corner of the windshield. 

Two-tone seats feature Alcantara inserts and were redesigned with extra bolsters and comfort for backs, hips and thighs. Driver gets 10-way power adjustment, while front passenger has 8-way power.

Rear-seaters can’t complain either, with plenty of room for body parts all around. They have a comfortable fold-down armrest with cupholders, and their own AC vents and USB and USB-C ports. 

But the elephant in the room - er, cabin - is the large tablet-style infotainment screen. The 11.6-inch touchscreen houses Subaru’s StarLink multimedia system and includes climate controls, too. 

It gets mixed reviews. Some think it’s too big and looks like it belongs in a pickup truck, but that’s only half the story. The resolution could be better and it can be tedious to menu-hop, especially while driving. It does, however, offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The driver can find data like speed, navigation and warnings on an exceptional Augmented Reality head-up display. Unchanged are the gauge cluster, steering wheel and rest of the cockpit. 

Cargo volume is impressive at 26 cubic feet behind the second row and nearly 75 cubes with the 60/40-split seats folded flat. That’s among the best in class. Access is easier with the new hands-free lift back — just swipe a foot under the bumper to raise it. And a rubber cargo floor is ready to protect against grungy boots, fishing and camping gear.

Safety is enhanced with the latest iteration of Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, standard on all trims. It offers a wider field of view, says Subaru, and is one of the more user-friendly adaptive-cruise systems on the market. A new feature, Emergency Stop Assist, monitors driver awareness and responds, if necessary, with alerts first. Eventually it will stop the car, put on hazard lights and unlock the doors.

The compact crossover field is a crowded one: The Mazda CX-50, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage are among the top contenders. But the Subie crowd knows what they like and the 2025 Forester delivers with a roomy, practical crossover that doesn’t get shy when the pavement ends. 

Barry Spyker was the automotive editor and columnist for the Miami Herald

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