My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Subaru Forester
I’ve seen this at the MAMA Rally and wondered how it was like to drive. I circled it a few times, but never got the chance to actually sit in it.
Whenever I attend the Midwest Automotive Media Association’s Spring Rally, I will see some vehicle and think, “yeah, that’ll will show up at my doorstep eventually.”
This past May, one of the meal presentations was from Subaru, talking about the 2025 Forester. I had a few questions with their communications team, and we had a good conversation about this new edition of their popular compact SUV.
Little did I know that the same white 2025 Forester Sport that was inside the Tufte Center at Road America during that presentation would end up on my doorstep.
That really is a good thing. I’ve seen this at the MAMA Rally and wondered how it was like to drive. I circled it a few times, but never got the chance to actually sit in it.
Finally, I got to not only sit in it – but to drive it. And, drive I did.
Let’s start with the visible changes. The body is an all-new design with elements that are new to Subaru. That includes a new headlamp design, a larger grille area, a new glasshouse and C-pillar design. The liftgate gets a more three-dimensional design along with a complimenting taillight design.
What you do not see is that the Forester gains some increased torsional rigidity by 10% from the outgoing model. Now, the Forester has a more solid feeling than before.
This Sport tester adds some bronze details to its mostly blacked-out trim. For example, the 19-inch alloy wheels are finished in that bronze color.
What I appreciate in the Subaru Forester is its large glass area all around. I will say that the rearward vision is the absolute best in its SUV size class. These days, visibility matters.
If there was one thing that brought me some joy in the 2025 Forester is that it finally received the 11.6-inch portrait-oriented Starlink infotainment screen. This was a game changer in every Subaru this has been a feature on. Believe me, it works very well.
The instrument cluster is easy to read with its mix of sizable analog dials and an excellent set of graphical center displays. The center set of screens offer loads of information for the driver. The rest of the Forester cabin is equipped with familiar tactile and logical controls all around.
Seating for the Sport is done with a soft StarTex leatherette upholstery. The main color is black, but you will find some bronze stitching and cloth inserts in a few places. Very tastefully done. The front seats are very comfortable with plenty of support. Rear seat room is very good for most bodies. Four adults or a family of five can sit comfortable inside across two rows of seats.
Cargo space has been increased slightly. Behind the rear seats, you have 27.5 cubic feet of volume available. It does a good job with the rollator in that space. Fold down the rear seats, and get up to 69.1 cubic feet – exactly the same volume as the outgoing model. The big advantage the Foresyer has over the competition is the liftgate’s opening. The taller space means less crouching for loading and unloading of items.
The Forester continues to be powered by a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with direct injection. It also puts down 178 pound-feet of torque. For those keeping score, that is a two horsepower down and two pound-feet of torque up from last year’s Forester. Subaru’s continuously variable transmission now has eight manually accessible shift ratios that are enabled through the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. This is all connected to its Symmetrical all-wheel drive. X-Mode
The thing is that I found no difference in the driveline than before. It is a solid system that never disappoints. It does not lag or scale to the red line. Highway cruising is just fine, as well as when you take the Forester on errands around town. We averaged 27.4 MPG when it came to fuel consumption.
The ride quality of this newest Forester is really good. You get to enjoy a smooth ride that absorbs over the worst roads it has driven over. We noticed that the front suspension would do most of the work to manage cracks and joints on the road, while the rear simply adjusts with more of a subtle action. This also lent to softer handing with some lean and roll through the corners.
We found a good turning radius thanks to a better steering system. The action was precise and on-center feel was just fine. Braking was also good with excellent pedal feel and solid stopping power in practically every situation. That included some wet scenarios throughout our time with the Forester.
Starting at $29,695 you have a choice of five 2025 Subaru Foresters. Our Sport tester – the SUV’s middle trim – came with a sticker price of $37,590.
There are a few things you can count on a Subaru to do. Take your pets around town or out to the family. Get to the fishing spot at the lake when it’s not paved. Load up on your daily trip to the home and garden center. Do all of this and more without a lot of complaints.
The 2025 Forester is also a progression for the brand towards creating better vehicles. The reputation for nailing crash tests is a given. Yet, it also wants to be your companion to your life. With the space, sharper design, solid driveline, and easy drivability – the Forester is a worthy choice.
I’m just glad it showed up at my doorstep for a week’s worth of tasks to ensure the new 2025 Subaru Forester is the right vehicle for the job.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Subaru of America
All photos by Randy Stern