The Subaru Forester enters this year with a complete redesign that signals a significant shift in interior philosophy. The cabin transformation represents perhaps the most dramatic evolution in this compact SUV’s history. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Forester interior stand out from its predecessor and examine how these changes impact the overall driving experience.
2025 White Subaru Forester
Design Evolution: From Functional to Sophisticated
The previous Forester interior prioritized straightforward functionality with a horizontally-oriented dashboard featuring physical controls and a sensible layout. The new model, however, embraces a more sophisticated approach with a completely reimagined dashboard that conveys maturity and refinement.
The most striking difference is the dashboard architecture. Where the older model featured a traditional layout with a separate instrument cluster and infotainment screen, the current Forester presents a more integrated design. The flat dashboard made of soft-touch materials creates an upscale atmosphere that was missing in the previous generation. Its clean, modern lines and reduced visual clutter immediately communicate a more premium feel.
The current model’s cabin ergonomics are excellent, with most controls positioned intuitively. The new design creates a more driver-focused environment while simultaneously appearing more spacious. This perception of increased room is reinforced by the thoughtful placement of storage compartments and the more efficient use of available space.
Technology Interface: Digital Transformation
Perhaps the most controversial change between generations involves how drivers interact with the Forester technology. The previous model featured physical knobs and buttons for climate control and audio functions – an approach many drivers appreciated for its tactile feedback and ease of use while driving.
The new Forester takes a decidedly different approach with higher trim levels featuring a portrait-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen that dominates the center console. This tablet-style display houses controls for virtually all vehicle functions, from climate settings to drive modes. Base models still utilize dual 7.0-inch screens, but the move toward touchscreen integration is clear across the lineup.
The new model also introduces a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster on upper trims, replacing the traditional gauges found in the older version. This screen can display navigation directions alongside vehicle information, putting more data directly in the driver’s line of sight.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now come standard in the current model, eliminating the need for cables that cluttered the previous interior. A wireless charging pad adds further convenience that was unavailable in the previous generation.
Material Quality and Comfort Features
Material quality takes a substantial step forward in the Forester. While the previous model offered durable and practical materials, the new generation emphasizes a more premium feel throughout the cabin.
The 2025 Forester features:
- Soft-touch materials across the dashboard and door panels
- Available perforated leather seating with contrast stitching
- Piano black and brushed aluminum-look trim pieces
- Available UltraSuede upholstery with contrasting stitching
- More substantial sound insulation for reduced cabin noise
Seating comfort also improves in the new model. The older Forester already offered supportive seats, but the redesign brings more adjustability and better cushioning. Upper trims now feature both heated and ventilated front seats – the latter being a new addition that significantly enhances comfort during warm weather driving.
The new model retains the excellent outward visibility that Forester owners have come to expect, with the tall windows and optimal seating position providing commanding views in all directions.
Practicality and Storage Solutions
Despite its more upscale appearance, the Forester remains highly practical. The 60/40 split rear seats continue from the previous generation, but the folding mechanism has been refined for easier operation.
Cargo capacity actually improves slightly, offering up to 780 litres behind the rear seats compared to the previous model’s 762 litres. With the rear seats folded, the Forester provides approximately 2,100 litres of cargo space – a small but welcome increase over its predecessor.
Storage solutions within the cabin show thoughtful evolution:
- Larger front door pockets that accommodate 1-litre bottles
- A redesigned center console with more usable space
- Additional USB-C ports throughout the cabin, replacing older USB-A connections
- A more accessible wireless charging pad placement
- Improved cupholders that better secure different container sizes
Technology Features and Connectivity
The technological leap between generations extends beyond the screens themselves to the capabilities they offer. The new Forester 11.6-inch multimedia system includes:
- Enhanced voice recognition capabilities
- Over-the-air update functionality
- Improved navigation with more detailed maps
- Higher resolution display with quicker response times
- Integration with expanded Subaru connected services
The older model’s smaller infotainment system lacked the processing power and visual clarity of the new generation. While functional, it represented technology that was beginning to show its age compared to competitors.
Upper trims of the Forester also feature an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system with 11 speakers, delivering notably improved sound quality over the previous model’s system. The speaker placement has been optimized for the new cabin architecture, creating a more immersive listening experience.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Interior comfort extends to peace of mind, and here the new Forester makes significant advances. The latest generation of the Subaru EyeSight driver assistance technology benefits from:
- Wider camera field of view
- Updated control software
- New electric brake booster for smoother operation
- Improved cyclist and pedestrian detection
- More natural-feeling adaptive cruise control
The older system, while effective, operated with more noticeable interventions. The refinements make the safety systems feel less intrusive during daily driving while actually providing enhanced protection.
A new 360-degree camera system offers superior visibility when parking – a feature unavailable on the previous model. The image quality and viewing angles significantly improve on the latest model, making tight parking situations considerably easier to navigate.
Interior Space Utilization
Both generations of Forester offer generous interior space, but the newer model makes more efficient use of its dimensions. While the overall passenger volume remains similar between generations (approximately 2,900 litres), it redistributes this space for improved comfort.
Front headroom in both vehicles measures about 1,040 mm, which is well suited to taller drivers. However, the newer model improves rear legroom by approximately 15 mm, bringing the total to around 1,010 mm. This small but noticeable increase makes the back seat more comfortable for adult passengers during longer journeys.
The redesigned front seats are slightly thinner while maintaining comfort, contributing to the perception of increased interior space. They also offer 10-way power adjustment on higher trims compared to the 8-way adjustment available in the previous model.
Climate Control and Comfort Systems
The climate system itself has been upgraded, with more effective heating and cooling performance. While the older model utilized a straightforward system with physical controls, the new generation implements:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on more trim levels
- More precisely controllable temperature settings
- Improved defrosting performance
- Enhanced filtration system for better air quality
- Redesigned air vents for more efficient cabin air distribution
The seat heating and ventilation systems also operate more efficiently, warming up more quickly in winter conditions and providing better cooling during summer heat.
2025 Subaru Forester: Evolution or Revolution?
The new Subaru Forester interior represents both evolution and revolution. It maintains the Subaru commitment to practicality and durability while delivering a substantially more premium experience than the previous model.
For traditional Subaru owners who value straightforward controls, the transition to touchscreen-dominant interfaces may require adjustment. However, the improved material quality, enhanced technology, and refined design provide compelling reasons to embrace this new direction.
The Forester interior demonstrates the Subaru recognition that compact SUV buyers increasingly expect upscale appointments alongside practical capability. It delivers this balance more effectively than the older model while maintaining the essential character that has made the Forester a popular choice for those seeking versatility with a touch of sophistication.
The Forester transformation ensures it remains competitive in a crowded segment while offering a distinctively Subaru approach to interior design – one that prioritizes comfort, visibility, and user-friendliness above all else. The redesign successfully modernizes the Forester experience without abandoning the practical DNA that defines the brand.
5 Facts About the 2025 Subaru Forester Interior
- The redesigned cabin hides several interesting features and design decisions.
- The portrait-oriented touchscreen required engineers to completely redesign the climate control ducting system behind the dashboard.
- The new digital instrument cluster can display over 20 different information screens, allowing drivers to customize their view with unprecedented detail.
- Subaru designers tested over 30 different seat cushion materials before selecting the final composition used in the new model.
- The ambient lighting system offers 10 different colour options – the first time Subaru has offered this level of interior personalization.
- The Forester cabin uses approximately 35% more sound-deadening material than the previous model, resulting in a 3-decibel reduction in road noise at highway speeds.
*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*