The challenge of evolving a well-loved model without alienating its core audience is a delicate balancing act, and Subaru’s 2025 Forester walks that tightrope with a steady hand. This sixth-generation Forester embraces a sportier design while retaining the familiar elements that have made it a favorite among its loyal customer base. However, while Subaru has made notable updates in design and technology, the lack of significant improvements in performance may leave it much to be desired for outsiders. 

COLORING INSIDE THE LINES

Visually, the 2025 Forester is a charming, well-crafted crossover that manages to stand out without straying too far from the design language that Forester owners have come to appreciate. The changes are noticeable but not overwhelming—enough to give it a fresh appeal without alienating long-time fans. Inside, the cabin reflects Subaru’s modern styling, similar to what you’d find in the latest Impreza and Crosstrek models. The interior mixes textures and colors that strike a balance between chic and functional, making it a pleasant space to be in. 

The Forester excels in practicality, ticking nearly all the right boxes for a crossover. It’s designed for ease of entry and exit, the upright roofline creates a spacious, airy cabin with headroom that even Marge Simpson and her big blue hair would appreciate. Visibility is another strong suit, with the Forester offering more 360-degree sightlines than a bus. The backseat is roomy too, enough for passengers to stretch out comfortably, and the cargo area is generous, providing ample space for all manner of gear. 

LIKES: Sporty design, quality interior materials and colors, EyeSight safety technology. 

Subaru has also upped the ante in technology. The Forester now comes with an 11.6-inch vertical screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s paired with an advanced suite of safety features, including an impressive adaptive cruise control system and a pre-collision system, through Subaru’s Eyesight system, which is standard. 

PERFORMANCE LEFT UNCHECKED

However, despite the Forester’s many strengths, its performance remains its Achilles’ heel. Subaru has opted to carry over the 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine from the previous generation, and it’s about as thrilling as watching paint dry. Tthe engine’s 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque is probably adequate to the average driver. But in the land of Phoenix where everyone always seems to be in a rush,  the added weight of the new Forester, coupled with its continuously variable transmission, results in a sluggish driving experience. The Forester takes a leisurely 9 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is hardly inspiring. 

The Forester’s lack of speed is almost comical. Off the line, it exhibits a brief burst of enthusiasm, like a bunny hopping excitedly at the start of a race. But once you pass the 1,000 rpm mark, that enthusiasm quickly fades. Under 4,000 rpm, the Forester feels gutless, struggling to maintain momentum. Put your foot down, and the engine’s response after 4,000 rpm feels like its running of breath. The low-end torque is the real culprit here. Around town, the Forester feels lethargic, and Subaru’s attempt to simulate an 8-speed gearbox with the CVT feels as convincing as a social media influencer’s contrived luxury lifestyle. 

DISLIKES: Slow infotainment system, wish the vinyl seats were perforated for better breathability, sluggish performance 

Handling-wise, the Forester is equally unremarkable. It’s not particularly athletic, but given its target demographic, it doesn’t need to be. The steering is firm enough to provide a sense of control, and the ride quality is smooth, absorbing most road imperfections with ease. However, hit a pothole or a larger bump, and you’ll feel the suspension rebound, reminding you to approach off-road adventures with caution. One area where the Forester pleasantly surprised us was in fuel economy. Despite our lead-footed attempts to coax more speed out of it, we averaged just 1 mpg shy of the EPA’s 28 mpg combined estimate, achieving 27.1 mpg.  

Ultimately, the 2025 Subaru Forester feels like that trusty, loyal household appliance. You press a button, it starts up, and you can count on it to get the job done, albeit at a leisurely pace. It checks all the right boxes for a crossover: it’s spacious, comfortable, and dependable. But while it will reliably get you from Point A to Point B, don’t expect it to add any excitement to the journey. The Forester remains a solid, safe choice, but for those who crave a bit of thrill, it might leave you wanting more. 

2025 SUBARU FORESTER SPORT 

 STARTING PRICE: $29,695 (Base Trim)
AS-TESTED: $37,590 

PERFORMANCE: 

 ENGINE: 2.5-LITER BOXER FOUR-CYLINDER 
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 180-HP / 178 LB-FT 
TRANSMISSION: CVT AUTOMATIC 
DRIVETRAIN: SYMMETRICAL ALL-WHEEL DRIVEE 
EPA MPG: 25-city / 32-highway / 28-combined 
AS-TESTED MPG: 27.1-MPG Combined (225-mile test)