• by Tanya Gazdik , Staff Writer, May 6, 2024

Subaru of America’s refreshed version of its Forester takes everything that customers love about the rugged SUV and makes it even better. 

I recently had a chance to test drive the vehicle on some difficult terrain, and handling it is was easy as pushing a button. Choices include “Dirt and Snow” or “Deep Snow and Mud.” It’s part of dual-function X-Mode, which is available on Forester Sport model. 

The nimble vehicle climbs over unplowed roads with ease, giving the driver a complete sense of control and security. The 2025 Forester offers improved dynamic performance and ride quality from a 10% stiffer chassis compared to the outgoing model. 

From the outside, the vehicle — which competes against the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucscon — doesn’t look dramatically different from its previous generation, but that’s by design, says Bill Stokes, Subaru of America, carline planning manager. 

As the saying goes, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. The Forester has been one of the best-selling Subaru vehicles for nearly 30 years, with more than 2.6 million vehicles sold in the U.S. alone. 

That said, there are some enhancements in the sixth-generation Forester that current owners and prospects are likely to appreciate. The completely redesigned SUV features sleeker exterior styling, a quieter and updated interior, improved ride and handling, and enhanced safety. Advanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is now standard on all trims, as is Rear Seat Reminder, which alerts drivers to check the rear seat for occupants or pets to prevent trapping them alone in the vehicle.

“Safety is important to most new vehicle buyers, but Forester customers have a stronger desire for both passive safety and active safety,” Stokes says. “Improving both area of safety was a vital goal of 2025 Forester development.”

Engineers were tasked with maintaining the right mix of size/space and maneuverability that customers appreciate, while retaining great all-wheel drive and safety performance and adding new features for outdoor use, he says. 

The 2025 Forester will be available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trim levels, and it is arriving at Subaru retailers nationwide. Prices start at $29,695 for the Base, which includes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. 

The 2025 Forester Premium, starting at $31,995 includes an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System touchscreen, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and panoramic power moonroof. The Sport, starting at $34,495 adds 19-inch alloy wheels with a bronze finish, a gloss black front grille, gray StarTex upholstery with brown stitching and a unique bronze steering wheel insert.  

Finally, the Limited which starts at $35,995, adds leather-trimmed upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with blue contrast stitching, a foot-activated hands-free power rear gate and a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel.