Subaru is using the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show to display its newly redesigned Forester SUV, though initial reactions from the public aren't so pleasant. That's most likely due to its unimaginative styling, but those who can look past it will see that everything else remains quite familiar, whether that's for better or for worse.
Taking a look at the 2025 Forester won't exactly give off Subaru vibes. While it has the same plastic-clad wheel arches that have been slapped onto the rest of the brand's model lineup, many have associated its reshaped bodywork with that of the 2011 Ford Explorer. The SUV's front fascia has been smoothed out, especially near the headlights, which are now much slimmer and underlined by a thin chrome line that spans the entirety of the grille. The Forester retains the upright proportions of its predecessors, and it still features those distinctively tall side windows. Along the sides, the SUV's character lines are more pronounced, and the overhangs have been lengthened, while the rear end now appears to sit higher.
While the same Subaru Global Platform can be found beneath the skin, the automaker claims that it's 10 percent stiffer in the new Forester. Additional welds and structural adhesive have been added to the platform's inner frame, and the SUV's reworked chassis claims to ensure a quieter, more stable ride. The former will be especially true with extra insulation added around the cabin area. Subaru also added an air vent behind the Forester's front wheel opening, directing air flow out of the wheel well and decreasing lift at higher speeds as a result.
It's not just the underpinnings that are familiar, as the powertrain is also the same as before. In other words, the 2025 Forester is still propelled by a 2.5 liter boxer engine, which produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While that's a small downgrade compared to last year's numbers, peak torque is now delivered in a lower rpm, which is said to result in improved responsiveness. As in all Subarus, all-wheel drive comes standard, as does hill-descent control and a modified version of the dual-pinion electric power steering from the WRX. Power is sent to all four wheels through a CVT automatic transmission, which adds an interesting manual mode with paddle shifters on the more expensive trims.
As for the cabin, you know the drill. The Forester gains the same 11.6-inch infotainment display offered on the rest of the lineup, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SUV's large climate control knobs bid farewell, as remaining physical controls have been pushed to the flanks of the vertical screen. Meanwhile, lower trims are still limited to a smaller 7.0-inch unit, which is similar to the one offered in last year's model. The rest of the dashboard boasts nothing special over any other Subaru, still featuring the brand's scuff-free materials that are designed to be wiped clean, and retaining its slim shelf on the passenger side of the dash for small-item storage. Anything larger can be stuffed into the Forester's cargo area, which offers 74 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down. Accessing the trunk is now easier with the swipe of a foot below the rear bumper, and the cargo area has eight tie-down points.
Subaru also made changes to the driver's seat, adding more support for the hips and lower back and featuring a narrow upper section for an easier view of the rear passengers. All models now benefit from dual-zone automatic climate control, while the Forester Touring gains heated and ventilated front seats.
Speaking of trims, the Forester will come in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims at launch. A rugged Wilderness model is likely to arrive later, and Subaru has also confirmed a new hybrid model coming for the 2026 model year. At the lower end of the lineup, Base and Premium models can be identified by their skimpy 17-inch wheels, while the Limited upgrades to 18-inch wheels. The higher-end Sport and Touring models get even larger 19-inch wheels, with the ones on the Sport featuring a new bronze finish.
The Forester also gains updates to its EyeSight driver-assistance suite, which is said to react more quickly overall. The upgrades also include improved recognition of cyclists and pedestrians for emergency braking, along with a newly-optional 360-degree surround view camera.
Dealers should expect to begin receiving their 2025 Foresters by spring of 2024. While pricing hasn't been announced yet, a jump from the current model's $28,390 starting price is very likely.
Image Credits: Subaru
Revealed
Nov 19, 2023
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2025 Subaru Forester Revealed With Divisive Looks And Upgraded Tech
While it's vastly different on the outside, the Forester sticks with the same bones.
Subaru is using the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show to display its newly redesigned Forester SUV, though initial reactions from the public aren't so pleasant. That's most likely due to its unimaginative styling, but those who can look past it will see that everything else remains quite familiar, whether that's for better or for worse.
Taking a look at the 2025 Forester won't exactly give off Subaru vibes. While it has the same plastic-clad wheel arches that have been slapped onto the rest of the brand's model lineup, many have associated its reshaped bodywork with that of the 2011 Ford Explorer. The SUV's front fascia has been smoothed out, especially near the headlights, which are now much slimmer and underlined by a thin chrome line that spans the entirety of the grille. The Forester retains the upright proportions of its predecessors, and it still features those distinctively tall side windows. Along the sides, the SUV's character lines are more pronounced, and the overhangs have been lengthened, while the rear end now appears to sit higher.
While the same Subaru Global Platform can be found beneath the skin, the automaker claims that it's 10 percent stiffer in the new Forester. Additional welds and structural adhesive have been added to the platform's inner frame, and the SUV's reworked chassis claims to ensure a quieter, more stable ride. The former will be especially true with extra insulation added around the cabin area. Subaru also added an air vent behind the Forester's front wheel opening, directing air flow out of the wheel well and decreasing lift at higher speeds as a result.
It's not just the underpinnings that are familiar, as the powertrain is also the same as before. In other words, the 2025 Forester is still propelled by a 2.5 liter boxer engine, which produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While that's a small downgrade compared to last year's numbers, peak torque is now delivered in a lower rpm, which is said to result in improved responsiveness. As in all Subarus, all-wheel drive comes standard, as does hill-descent control and a modified version of the dual-pinion electric power steering from the WRX. Power is sent to all four wheels through a CVT automatic transmission, which adds an interesting manual mode with paddle shifters on the more expensive trims.
As for the cabin, you know the drill. The Forester gains the same 11.6-inch infotainment display offered on the rest of the lineup, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SUV's large climate control knobs bid farewell, as remaining physical controls have been pushed to the flanks of the vertical screen. Meanwhile, lower trims are still limited to a smaller 7.0-inch unit, which is similar to the one offered in last year's model. The rest of the dashboard boasts nothing special over any other Subaru, still featuring the brand's scuff-free materials that are designed to be wiped clean, and retaining its slim shelf on the passenger side of the dash for small-item storage. Anything larger can be stuffed into the Forester's cargo area, which offers 74 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down. Accessing the trunk is now easier with the swipe of a foot below the rear bumper, and the cargo area has eight tie-down points.
Subaru also made changes to the driver's seat, adding more support for the hips and lower back and featuring a narrow upper section for an easier view of the rear passengers. All models now benefit from dual-zone automatic climate control, while the Forester Touring gains heated and ventilated front seats.
Speaking of trims, the Forester will come in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims at launch. A rugged Wilderness model is likely to arrive later, and Subaru has also confirmed a new hybrid model coming for the 2026 model year. At the lower end of the lineup, Base and Premium models can be identified by their skimpy 17-inch wheels, while the Limited upgrades to 18-inch wheels. The higher-end Sport and Touring models get even larger 19-inch wheels, with the ones on the Sport featuring a new bronze finish.
The Forester also gains updates to its EyeSight driver-assistance suite, which is said to react more quickly overall. The upgrades also include improved recognition of cyclists and pedestrians for emergency braking, along with a newly-optional 360-degree surround view camera.
Dealers should expect to begin receiving their 2025 Foresters by spring of 2024. While pricing hasn't been announced yet, a jump from the current model's $28,390 starting price is very likely.