The redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester arrives on dealer lots later this spring with a new look, updated tech, and a starting price that increases $2,900 over the 2024 model, Subaru disclosed Thursday.
That brings the popular compact crossover’s starting price to $31,090, including a $1,395 destination fee, for the base 2025 Forester. That’s still about $300 less than a base Toyota RAV4 LE with AWD.
Every Forester runs on a 2.5-liter flat-4 making 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission doles out power to all four wheels for standard all-wheel drive that Subaru says is more responsive, likely due to software upgrades. Subaru marries the carryover powertrain with a new dual-pinion steering rack borrowed from the Subaru WRX and a stiffer chassis with a quieter cabin that promises to make for improved ride quality.
Subaru equips each Forester with an enhanced version of its EyeSight radar and camera safety suite that now has a wider field of view and updated software that should make it operate more smoothly and responsively. The driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, and active lane control. Other safety features include adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams and a rear-seat reminder. Blind-spot monitors are available on the Premium grade, and standard on Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring grades.
The base Forester has 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, cloth upholster, and dual 7.0-inch touchscreens for infotainment and navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard, as do USB-A ports and a satellite radio trial. It appears Subaru has finally ditched the CD player.
2025 Subaru Forester
The $33,390 Premium upgrades to a tablet-style 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone compatibility, USB-A and USB-C ports, a wifi hotspot, heated front seats and side mirrors, a 10-way power driver’s seat, roof rails, a sunroof, and an off-road mode with hill descent control. Add a power tailgate and blind-spot monitors for $1,200 more.
The 2025 Forester Sport costs $35,890 and flashes 19-inch wheels trimmed in bronze, some chrome and bronze badging inside and out, and a $1,700 option that adds Harman Kardon audio, and a couple of drive modes. For that sporting vibe, the Sport also has paddle shifters that mimic an 8-speed automatic.
The Forester Wilderness carries over unchanged, and carries the same $36,315 price. It stands taller with 9.2 inches of ground clearance (8.7 inches is standard) on larger coil springs and shocks, and wears even more body cladding to protect the body from off-road elements. It rides on black 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolander tires, and a full-size spare rides under the cargo area.
2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Forester
The Limited swaddles the Forester in more comforts, such as perforated leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a surround-view camera system. It rolls on 18s and costs $37,390.
The $41,390 Touring tops the lineup with memory front seats that are heated and cooled, heated rear seats, a lower profile roof rack, and the Harman Kardon sound system.
Imported from Japan, the 2025 Subaru Forester goes on sale later this spring.