2025 Subaru Forester

Price Range: $29,995 - $43,295

Keith Buglewicz | Edmunds

Below Average

The 2025 Subaru Forester's boxy styling, unencumbered visibility, extra ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive make it an OK choice for outdoorsy types. But it's slow by any standard and generally feels unsophisticated when compared to its more well-rounded rivals.Read full review

72 Owner Reviews

29 mpg

Combined MPG

2 Offers Near Ashburn, VA

Check out current offers on the Subaru Forester Wilderness.

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$269/mo lease found!

This exceptionally rare deal is $128 below typical

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Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$28,926

Prices based on sales in VA thru 3/2/26

Final assembly in Japan

4 Colors
5 Trims
1 Package

Build & Price Subaru.com

Pros

Better off-road capability than most other small SUVs
Spacious interior
Plenty of standard advanced safety features

Cons

Slow acceleration
Overly firm and uncomfortable ride quality
Cargo area is significantly smaller than top-tier rivals

What's new

The Forester is fully redesigned for 2025
Restyled exterior and cabin, with a handful of new tech features
New hybrid version
Off-road-oriented Wilderness trim is still based on the previous-generation Forester
2025 model kicks off the sixth Forester generation

Subaru Forester Video Shorts

by Edmunds Test Team

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

3/9/2026

The Subaru Forester is one of the automaker's most popular SUVs, along with the smaller Crosstrek and larger Outback. And for 2025, it's all-new. Well, mostly new — the engine is a carryover, and the off-road-capable Wilderness trim is still based on the previous model. But for the rest of the sixth-generation Forester lineup, the exterior styling has a burlier look, with more defined fender flares and a reshaped grille that reminds us of a Ford Explorer. Altogether, the new Forester is more of an evolution of the previous model rather than a significant step forward.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$142/mo

$199/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Edmunds spotlight: What's different for 2025?

Many of the 2025 Forester's changes are subtle. It's pretty much the same size on the outside and the inside. Subaru has upgraded the Forester's touchscreen. Every trim level except the base one gets a new 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display. This is the same screen that Subaru has been using in the larger Outback for a few years now. The most significant change for 2025 is the new Subaru Forester Hybrid. Its hybrid powertrain makes 194 horsepower — 14 more hp than the base engine — and gets an estimated 35 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's a nice bump from the regular Forester's 29 mpg but still a few mpg below what most other small hybrid SUVs get.

Competitors to consider

The small crossover segment is awash with highly regarded vehicles that offer spacious interiors, fuel-efficient powertrains and — in some cases — thrilling performance. The Mazda CX-50 is one of our favorites; three powertrains are available, including a sporty turbocharged four-cylinder and a Toyota-derived hybrid. The Honda CR-V answers the call if you need something a little roomier, and the Kia Sportage is hard to beat for sheer value. The Forester has long held an advantage for its enhanced off-road abilities when compared to more conventional SUVs, but competitors have caught onto the growing appetite for off-roady variants. The CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition, Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and Nissan Rogue Rock Creek are all more adventurous than other models in their respective lineups.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr

Below Average

5.6

out of 10

We drove the 2025 Subaru Forester on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

4.5/10

How does the Subaru Forester drive? Despite having the name Sport, the Forester trim level we tested wasn't. Every Forester makes do with an anemic 180-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Even when subjected to our test driver's lead foot, the Forester still took 9.2 seconds to hit 60 mph and couldn't even muster 85 mph in the quarter mile. Multiple editors noted the drivetrain's sluggish acceleration and lazy responses around town, and merging onto LA's freeways was much more stressful than it needed to be. SUVs don't have to be fast, but the Forester always feels too slow.

The ride quality also disappoints — it's busy, pitches about and just feels unsophisticated. The driver assistance systems seem unsophisticated as well — the adaptive cruise control is slow to get back up to speed and the lane centering system doesn't do what it promises. Handling and braking are better; there's decent levels of grip and emergency stopping power, but it's only average at best.

If your route does lead to some unpaved roads, the Forester will have an advantage over most of the competition, but other compact SUVs are starting to offer Subaru levels of off-road capability.

Comfort

6.5/10

How comfortable is the Subaru Forester? Thanks to wide door openings and agreeable seat heights, it's very easy to get in and out of the Forester. You won't need to climb up, slouch down, or duck your head to get inside. Once inside, passenger space is typical for the segment apart from headroom, which is 10-gallon-hat ready. The interior's highlight is the comfortable front seats. Nicely shaped and well padded, they can accommodate a wide variety of body types.

Owners of any recent Subaru will immediately feel at home in the Forester. Its interior is dominated by the 11.6-inch tablet-style display, and the large icons and clear graphics make it easier to read and operate than other systems. The mostly digital climate controls are always visible and coverage from the vents is decent. Other physical controls (the shifter, heated seat switches) are old-school in their simplicity.

Road noise is acceptable, and despite the Forester's boxy shape, wind noise isn't much more pronounced than what you'll hear in other compact SUVs. Engine noise is largely subdued, but when you ask for significant acceleration, as you do when merging on the highway, the engine sounds coarse and gets fairly noisy.

In-cabin tech

7.8/10

How’s the tech? The portrait-oriented touchscreen isn't as flashy or modern as what's in competitors like the Kia Sportage. Indeed, the graphics and fonts are almost comically antiquated. Responses can be slow. Yet, the Forester's tech is easy to use and understand. The available Harman Kardon audio system is definitely worth the extra money.

There are USB-A and USB-C ports, and a wireless charge pad is available, though the latter isn't grippy and looks unfinished. Wireless connectivity to phone mirroring worked without issue.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2025 Subaru Forester pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

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$38,385
Starting MSRP
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness.
See All Trims
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*MSRP is subject to change and varies based on availability, trim level, option packages, and retailer-installed accessories. MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, registration, and other fees. Retailer sets actual price. See your retailer for details.

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2025 Subaru Forester for March

Here are some buying and negotiating tips for the 2025 Subaru Forester that could help you make an informed decision:

The Edmunds True Market Value for the 2025 Subaru Forester is approximately 8% less than the MSRP across several trims. Depending on the trim level, this could mean savings ranging from about $1,799 to $3,537. Use this information to negotiate for a better deal, especially since certain trims offer more savings.
If you’re in the military, you can take advantage of a $500 cash rebate. Be sure to mention your eligibility for this rebate during negotiations to reduce the overall cost.
There are special 1.9% APR financing offers available for 48, 60, and 72-month terms, which are significantly lower—over 5%—than the usual market rates. This can save you a considerable amount over the life of your loan, so it's worth inquiring about these rates when you're at the dealership.
The Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid trim is moving quickly, spending only 21 days on dealer lots on average—much less than the typical 69 days. This indicates high demand, which might limit your negotiating power. Try to act quickly if this trim is your preferred choice, as there’s less room for negotiation on price.

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Storage & cargo

5.6/10

How’s storage and cargo? For something intended for outdoorsy people, the Forester's cabin has disappointing storage for small items. The center console storage is small, door pockets are average, the wireless phone charger will have your phone sliding around, and the cupholders can't accommodate big, trendy cups.

Rear cargo space is excellent despite a low cargo volume that undersells the amount of space present. In our testing, we could fit more luggage than in a hybrid Honda CR-V even though the latter has substantially more volume on paper. In cargo room, it's about equal to the Toyota RAV4 and only bettered by the Hyundai Tucson. Many Foresters also include more functional raised roof rails.

Towing capacity of 1,500 pounds is OK for the segment.

Value

5/10

Is the Subaru Forester a good value? The Forester's standard all-wheel drive and other features make it a decent value for the money. But in other areas, such as performance, efficiency and refinement, the Forester comes up short. Most other SUVs in the class can be had with all-wheel drive at the same price point and offer higher-quality cabins, better storage and newer tech. Warranty coverage offered by Subaru is typical, with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper and five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Roadside assistance is for three years/36,000 miles. No free maintenance is offered.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? We tested the Forester Sport, which the EPA estimates gets 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving. After our time in the Forester, we think those numbers are a bit optimistic or require very low speeds and a light foot. Keeping up in busy city traffic, or even matching a faster flow of traffic on a highway, saw the Forester's efficiency plummet; we rarely saw anything over 25 mpg. On the plus side, the Forester has a pretty big fuel tank, so there's plenty of range for road trips. Also, the Forester only asks for 87 octane; no premium fuel required. Note that the Forester Hybrid, rated separately, gets an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined.

X factor

3/10

While other manufacturers have made significant changes to styling and infotainment technology, the Forester remains steadfastly, or stubbornly, predictable. The boxy shape, standard all-wheel drive, and extra ground clearance make the Forester more appealing to buyers who deal with a lot of wintry weather or have an adventurous spirit. But those features can only take the Forester so far. Most of its competitors offer all-wheel drive as well as better technology and feel generally more sophisticated. At its best, the Forester feels familiar and competent, but the overall driving experience is dull and dated.

2025 Subaru Forester trim level differences

Most versions of the 2025 Subaru Forester constitute the redesigned sixth-generation model; the lone exception is the off-road-oriented Wilderness, which is based on the outgoing fifth-generation Forester. All are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, though with slightly different power outputs. The new Forester is good for 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the carryover Wilderness is rated at 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sends power to all four wheels. A Forester Hybrid comes out midway through the 2025 model year. Its powertrain makes 194 hp. Compare the 2025 Subaru Forester trim levels in-depth.

Which Forester trim does Edmunds recommend?

If you connect with Subaru's adventure-bound vibe, the Sport trim represents a good value for the added features you get. We'd also consider adding the available option package that includes premium audio, a hands-free power liftgate, and reverse automatic braking. If your excursions are more demanding, the previous-generation Wilderness trim is your best bet even though it lacks the latest improvements.

Subaru Forester Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

72 reviews

5(71%)

4(12%)

3(4%)

2(7%)

1(6%)

Owners Say

The overall sentiment for the 2025 Subaru Forester is mixed. Owners love its comfortable ride, great visibility, and safety features, and many found it spacious and quiet. Some negatives include complaints about the infotainment touchscreen being slow and heated seats not working consistently. A few owners were also unhappy with maintenance costs and some design features like the steering feel and missing traditional buttons.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 72 reviews of the Subaru Forester

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Most Helpful Owner Review

Solid. Responsive. Safe.

SubaruNewbie, 03/08/2025

2025 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

My first Subaru. In dealership, a lady showed us pics of the Forester she was replacing. Her daughter had been in a head-on collision. Inside you could not tell it had been in any accident, while the front end was unidentifiable -just bits of metal. Daughter was untouched. I wanted something smaller and safer than my minivan. I'd call my Forester a compact suburban SUV I can take out … fishing -but probably not tow a large boat. LIKES: Front windshield and door posts don't block view. For short people, screen and instrument panel do not block view of front of car (like a Mazda CX-5/50). First test drive I felt sensors by rearview mirror were in the way. Then I realized they would only block my view if I was watching a bird or plane while driving. So not an issue. ENTRY: Very easy to get in and out. Doors open wide and car is higher than a sedan so you slide right in. RIDE: Smooth for an SUV. It doesn't float, but let's be fair; it's not a Cadillac boat. STEERING: Responsive and sporty. You feel in control. Turn wheel a smidge, and car will turn. Fantastic turning radius. Try it. QUIET: Haven't driven in a windstorm, but so far it's quiet on both the freeway and streets. I don't have to yell to have a conversation driving on freeway. You do of course hear the engine growl when entering freeway, but it's not a roar like our minivan or truck. When parked, it takes effort to hear it running. We've almost forgotten to shut it off because we assumed we already had, it's that quiet. POWER: It's not a racecar. More than enough power to get on the freeway. You won't be holding anybody up -you will be held up by small cars in front of you. Yes, really. I wouldn't try a tight pass, but a thoughtful one is no problem. ROOMY: This car concentrates on passenger space over cargo. Plenty of cargo room for a Costco run. 6'2" son can sit in back seat very comfortably. This is a COMPACT SUV, so if you're a big-time camper you already know you need something else. SAFETY: Blind-spot and back up warning is a must. Auto-dimming rear and heated side mirrors (options) are fantastic. Auto headlights are a treat. Great nighttime vision, but I do wonder if I'm one of those annoyingly bright headlight people? They are LED and take some getting used to. Take a test drive at night if you can. BOONS: Garage door opener in rear view mirror (option). Liftgate automation a nice thing, but not really needed. The manual lift one was very easy. Heated seats (if yours don't heat within 2 minutes, something is wrong). Auto seat adjust driver side, passenger is manual. I prefer manual and wish that was an option. All weather mats: A must if you have pets, pine needles, mud, dirt, etc. DISAPPOINTMENTS: First tank of gas, mileage is 21 in mostly city driving. And I'm no lead foot aggressor. Blind-spot, heated/dimming mirrors, remote start, and bumper guard should be standard. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT: I despise you have to negotiate a fair and decent price on their extended warranty. This practice drags the Subaru brand way down in my book. Get it together, Subaru! You're better than this. Overall very happy and feel safe in my Forester. The only sour note about buying this car has been trying to get Subaru's Gold Warranty without feeling ripped off.

Helpful shopping links

2025 Subaru Forester videos

Honda CR-V TrailSport vs. Toyota RAV4 Woodland vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness: Off-Road Comparison

The Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester are some of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. Historically, the Forester, especially the Wilderness model, has been the most capable off-roader of the bunch, but now, the RAV4 Woodland and CR-V TrailSport are looking to grab a slice of the Forester’s pie. In this comparison test video, Edmunds’ Nick Yekikian takes…

2025 Subaru Forester Features & Specs

Type:

SUV

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$142/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2025 Subaru Forester has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #22 out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average

#22 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$525/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

1.07x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

15%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

Recalls

2 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V419000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WRC-25
Manufactured from:: 2024-11-28 to 2025-03-05
Number of vehicles affected:: 2938
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
Defect Consequence:: A loose child seat anchor bolt increases the risk of injury to a child during a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect the child seat anchor bolts and, if necessary, tighten the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-25.

Recall Number:: 25V033000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WRB-25
Manufactured from:: 2024-04-05 to 2024-10-15
Number of vehicles affected:: 20366
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Compare the Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester
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2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness.

At a Glance:

4 Colors
5 Trims
1 Package
$38,385starting MSRP

Build & Price Subaru.com

*MSRP is subject to change and varies based on availability, trim level, option packages, and retailer-installed accessories. MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, registration, and other fees. Retailer sets actual price. See your retailer for details.

Safety

Key safety features on the Forester include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	17.4%

FAQ

Is the Subaru Forester a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Forester both on the road and at the track, giving it a 5.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 Forester gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 72 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Forester ranges from 26.9 to 29.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru Forester. Learn more

What's new in the 2025 Subaru Forester?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Subaru Forester:

The Forester is fully redesigned for 2025
Restyled exterior and cabin, with a handful of new tech features
New hybrid version
Off-road-oriented Wilderness trim is still based on the previous-generation Forester
2025 model kicks off the sixth Forester generation

Learn more

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

To determine whether the Subaru Forester is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Forester. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Forester's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2025 Subaru Forester a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Subaru Forester is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Forester and gave it a 5.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 Forester gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 72 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Forester is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2025 Subaru Forester?

The least-expensive 2025 Subaru Forester is the 2025 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,995.

Other versions include:

4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $29,995
Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $33,385
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $36,105
Wilderness 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $36,285
Premium Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $36,595
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $37,695
Sport Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $39,595
Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $41,010
Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $41,595
Touring Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $43,295