Model tested: 2025 Subaru Forester Touring
Engine: 2.5-liter DOHC horizontally opposed 4-cylinder
Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 180
Torque: 178 lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 25 mpg/city, 32/highway, 28/combined
Base price: $39,995
As tested: $41,390
Overview: The 2025 Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV that’s so well suited to the Pacific Northwest, it could have been named Subaru PNW. This region was one of the first to embrace Subaru’s common-sense, go-anywhere practicality. The Forester is all new for 2025 and is the model’s sixth iteration. Passenger space has increased. Styling has been updated and all-wheel drive is still standard. The Forester comes in five trim levels, with a $10,000 price spread. We drove the top-of-the-line Touring edition.
Walkaround: The 2025 Subaru Forester styling is a little lumpy, in our opinion. The wheelwells are overly exaggerated with bulges above the black wheelwell cladding. Black cladding also covers the lower body panels. The stance is low enough to be city-friendly, so styling cues seem aimed at implying ruggedness. All Subarus are very nimble and capable offroad, so the cladding appears more about style than substance. Outward visibility is excellent and the foot-activated rear gate was a welcome feature.
Interior: The Subaru Forester interior is both comfortable and practical. The higher up the trim level you go, the better the features get. Both seating rows have ample leg and knee room. Even with the rear seats up, there is still copious cargo space. Sound dampening has increased, according to Subaru, but the noisy flat-four engine can still be heard. The quantity and quality of driver-assistance features is impressive. Diverting our attention or any lane drifting was quickly noted and remedied. Our Touring model had a great panoramic moon roof that lightened the interior.
Behind the wheel: The 2025 Forester is a fine-driving SUV. It’s not exciting, but it excels at functionality. The Forester is ideal for the constantly changing Pacific Northwest weather and road conditions. The new electric power steering rack is said by Subaru to share components with the wildly fun-to-drive Subaru WRX. We didn’t notice that transformation, but the Forester drove fine with no complaints. The Forester size is excellent for city driving as well as tight offroad trails. Even though the Forester has easy ingress and egress, it provides an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
Bottom line: The Subaru Forester was fully redesigned for 2025. The new model is more refined without compromising its well-known all-wheel-drive capabilities. The driver-assist technology (called EyeSight) is impressive and includes an electric brake booster. Subaru’s commitment to safety is commendable, and Forester’s popularity is well-deserved.
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