New Forester hybrid outperforms gas-powered model
Roseville, Calif.- Its last full redesign was 11 years ago, so one can surmise Subaru was overdue in updating the popular Forester SUV.
This year's redesign addressed multiple areas, yet none were more significant than adding the 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid to the lineup. Although the gas-powered Forester has consistently been Subaru's best-selling SUV, the new hybrid version delivers more overall quality to the brand.
More powerful, quieter, and fuel efficient
The Forester hybrid is more powerful, quieter, fuel efficient, and comes with more standard equipment than the regular model. We must add, the hybrid is also more expensive, starting at approximately $36,700, roughly $6,700 more than the standard Forester ($30,000).
For 2025, it appears sales of the Forester should exceed last year's total of 175,521, the fifth best in the vehicle's 20-year history. If that takes place, the Subaru brain trust can take a bow for adding the appealing hybrid, which comes in four trims – Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring.
Every 2025 Forester will have the new sixth-generation exterior styling, which has a bolder reshaped grille that some say is reminiscent of a Ford Explorer. The compact SUV also comes with more defined fender flares and a beefier overall look.
Off-road chops
Unlike most of its competition, the Forester hybrid has real off-road chops, thanks to the standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system that Subaru equips in all its SUVs. Don't expect the hybrid to climb rocks, but it's very capable on dirt trails and roads. It comes standard with hill descent control, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and will plow through mud and snow.
What also continues to distinguish the Subaru brand is lack of performance. Even though the hybrid outperforms the gas-powered Forester, it still only goes a sluggish 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. The hybrid has two electric motors that combine with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder to generate 194 horsepower (14 more than gas-powered engine) and 199 pound-feet of torque.
Fuel economy increases with the hybrid – an estimated 34-35 mpg versus the regular Forester's 28-29 mpg. Yet this hybrid SUV is s not as fuel-efficient as some rivals. The CR-V hybrid gets a reported 36-43 mpg and the Toyota RAV4 delivers 38-41 mpg.
We like that the Forester hybrid can be taken off road for a modest adventure and provides refinement in every-day driving situations. Driver safety assistance features include pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and advanced adaptive cruise control.
AT A GLANCE – 2025 SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID
- Performance: two electric motors, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 194 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 34-35 mpg
- Price estimate: $36,700 to $43,400
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside Assistance: 3 years/36,000; Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited
Interior
All Forester models have a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a new 11.6-inch touchscreen, which replaces the undersized 6.5-inch version. While the crisp graphics and large icons are easier on the eyes, the SUV has many of the controls on the screen and that can be a distraction when driving.
We found the center console storage rather small and the wireless phone charger inadequate because the phone slides around in certain driving situations. The hybrid offers standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity and convenient over-the-air software updates.
Seating is good for all five passengers, providing comfort and solid head and leg room throughout the front and back. While not as roomy as some competitors, the Forester cargo area is more than adequate with 27.5 cubic feet behind the second row that enlarges to 69.1 cubic feet when the seats are folded to the floor.
The 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid is a nice lineup addition, giving its loyal customer base another reason to stay at home. It maintains the brand's off-road capability and is a step up from the gas-powered Forester, providing more performance and better gas mileage.
