The Subaru Forester marks a significant milestone as it enters its fifth generation with a complete redesign that balances rugged capability with refined comfort. The all-new Forester maintains its reputation for practicality and all-weather performance while introducing fresh styling, enhanced technology, and improved versatility. This comprehensive transformation represents the Subaru commitment to evolving with changing consumer preferences while staying true to the core values that have made the Forester a standout in the competitive compact SUV segment.
2025 Grey Subaru Forester
Exterior Design: Muscular Presence with Practical Intent
The Subaru Forester showcases a more assertive exterior design compared to its predecessor. The new model projects a more confident presence on the road by featuring a bolder front fascia with a redesigned grille and striking LED headlights. The silhouette maintains the Forester characteristic tall greenhouse—a design element that prioritizes visibility and interior space over sleek aesthetics—but with more defined character lines and SUV-like proportions.
Standing 1,730 mm tall and stretching 4,655 mm, the new Forester is slightly longer than competitors like the Toyota RAV4 while offering a taller profile that contributes to its excellent visibility. The design isn’t just about looks—aerodynamic improvements help reduce wind noise and improve fuel efficiency.
All models come standard with raised roof rails with tie-downs, making it easy to transport adventure gear. Depending on the trim level, the Forester rides on different aluminum alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 inches on the Convenience and Touring trims to 19 inches on the Sport and Premier models. The Wilderness variant features distinctive 17-inch matte black wheels designed for off-road use.
One of the most practical exterior features is the available power liftgate with hands-free operation on Touring trims and above. This convenient feature allows owners to open the rear hatch with a simple kick motion under the bumper when their hands are full, though this functionality won’t work when a hitch is installed.
Interior: Spacious, Versatile, and Technologically Advanced
Inside, the Forester delivers a completely redesigned cabin emphasizing comfort and functionality. The interior space is generous, with specific attention to visibility through large windows and commanding seating. Premium soft-touch materials throughout the cabin create an upscale atmosphere, particularly in higher trim levels.
The most notable interior upgrade is the available 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that dominates the center stack on Touring trims and above. This tablet-style display replaces the previous dual 7-inch screen setup on the base Convenience trim and serves as the command center for the vehicle’s infotainment system. The system now offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, eliminating the need for cables while keeping drivers connected.
Cargo capacity remains a Forester strength, with 838 litres behind the rear seats—enough space for multiple suitcases or outdoor gear. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats expands the cargo area to an impressive 2,107 litres, making the Forester an ideal companion for weekend getaways or home improvement projects.
The seating is designed for long-distance comfort, with available heated front and rear outboard seats depending on trim. The Premier trim adds ventilated front seats for additional comfort in warmer weather. The Forester Sport features water-repellent StarTex upholstery, while the Limited and Premier trims offer leather upholstery with Ultrasuede inserts for a more premium feel.
Performance: Balanced Power and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Forester continues with a proven 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed (BOXER) four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This power is delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with quieter operation and improved response. The engine’s peak power is developed at 5,800 rpm, just 200 rpm shy of the redline, encouraging drivers to use the rev range when needed.
As expected from a Subaru, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard across all trim levels. This system continuously evaluates driving conditions and transfers power to the wheels with the most grip, providing confident handling in all weather conditions. The balanced layout of this AWD system contributes to the composed road manners and predictable handling characteristics.
Fuel efficiency is respectable for an all-wheel-drive compact SUV, with combined ratings of approximately 8.2 L/100 km (9.0 city / 7.2 highway). With its 63-litre fuel tank, the Forester can achieve a theoretical range of over 800 kilometres on highway journeys—perfect for extended road trips without frequent fuel stops.
The new e-BOXER Hybrid Premier trim introduces the Subaru series-parallel hybrid system for improved fuel economy while maintaining the brand’s all-wheel-drive capability. This variant represents a commitment to reducing environmental impact without compromising the performance expectations of its customer base.
Safety: Enhanced Protection Through Innovation
Safety has always been a cornerstone of the Subaru brand, and the Forester continues this tradition with an impressive array of standard and available safety features. At the foundation is the Subaru Global Platform, which utilizes high-strength steel to create a rigid structure that absorbs and redirects impact energy away from the passenger compartment.
All Forester models come standard with the latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This system has been significantly enhanced with a wide-angle mono camera that works alongside the dual-camera setup to provide a broader field of view. This improvement allows the system to detect pedestrians and cyclists at intersections sooner and respond more quickly to potential hazards.
The EyeSight suite includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane centring assist, lane departure prevention, and lead vehicle start alert. Higher trim levels add Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, providing additional awareness of vehicles in hard-to-see areas.
The available DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System uses infrared sensors and facial recognition technology to identify signs of driver fatigue or distraction. This advanced system can recognize up to five different drivers and automatically adjust seat position, climate settings, and mirror angles based on stored preferences.
The Forester earned a top 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in both frontal and side impact categories.
Trim Levels: Options for Every Lifestyle
The Subaru Forester lineup includes seven distinct trim levels, each tailored to different priorities and preferences:
- Convenience: The base trim establishes a strong foundation with standard features including dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and the EyeSight safety suite.
- Touring: Adds the 11.6-inch touchscreen, power sunroof, power liftgate, fog lights, and enhanced safety features like Blind-Spot Detection.
- Sport: Features exclusive bronze-coloured 19-inch wheels, special exterior accents, water-repellent upholstery, and SI-DRIVE performance management with sport-specific tuning.
- Wilderness: Designed for off-road enthusiasts with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and enhanced X-MODE settings for tackling challenging terrain.
- Limited: Offers a more premium experience with leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, and additional convenience features.
- Premier: The luxury flagship with ventilated front seats, exclusive 19-inch wheels, brown leather upholstery options, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
- e-BOXER Hybrid Premier: Combines the luxury features of the Premier trim with hybrid powertrain for improved efficiency.
Capability: Ready for Adventure
The Forester has always prioritized all-weather capability and light off-road prowess, and the latest model enhances these traits further. With 220 mm (8.7 inches) of ground clearance—more than many competitors—the standard Forester can confidently navigate rough terrain. The specialized Wilderness trim increases this to an SUV-rivalling height.
The Subaru X-MODE system optimizes the AWD system for challenging conditions and is standard on most trim levels. This system includes specific settings for snow/dirt and deep snow/mud, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s response to different surfaces. The system also incorporates Hill Descent Control, which maintains a constant speed when navigating steep downhill sections.
Towing capacity is 680 kg for most trims, suitable for small trailers or recreational equipment. The balanced chassis and responsive steering make it comfortable on highways and back roads alike, striking a balance between on-road refinement and off-road capability that few competitors can match.
Is the Subaru Forester Reliable?
Absolutely! The Subaru Forester is one of the most reliable compact crossovers on the market today. With the Subaru reputation for building vehicles that last, this family SUV continues this tradition with impressive dependability statistics that give owners peace of mind for the long haul.
The Forester reliability stems from several key factors. First, its proven BOXER engine design has been refined over decades of engineering development. This horizontally-opposed configuration naturally balances the forces that can cause engine wear, resulting in less vibration and improved longevity. The engine’s accessible position also makes maintenance simpler for technicians, ensuring proper service throughout the vehicle’s life.
With comprehensive safety features including the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the Forester further enhances owner confidence through active accident prevention systems. This focus on safety contributes to lower insurance costs and fewer repair expenses over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Overall, the Subaru Forester represents one of the smartest choices for buyers seeking a dependable, capable, and versatile compact crossover that will provide years of trouble-free service and adventure-ready performance.