2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid

Price Range: $36,595 - $43,295

Keith Buglewicz | Edmunds

Average

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is a real improvement over the gas-only model. It's quicker, quieter, comfier and significantly more efficient. It still suffers from lackluster tech and an overall lack of polish, though, making it a solid yet unremarkable choice for a small hybrid SUV.Read full review

1 Offer Near Ashburn, VA

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Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$34,148

Prices based on sales in VA thru 3/30/26

Final assembly in Japan

4 Colors
5 Trims
1 Package

Build & Price Subaru.com

Pros

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

Cons

Fuel economy falls short of other hybrid SUVs

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

3/24/2026

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

$147/mo

$243/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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

Average

6.1

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

5.8/10

How does the Subaru Forester drive? The Forester Hybrid's powertrain is a big improvement over the standard model's. At the Edmunds test track, our test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. That's only 0.4 second quicker than the non-hybrid, but in regular city driving, the hybrid powertrain feels smoother and more responsive when you press on the gas pedal. Interestingly, the Hybrid's ride is also substantially better than the standard version's. It's notably smoother without being overly floaty at freeway speeds. Visibility remains exceptional, but the performance of the various driver assistance systems is subpar. For instance, the adaptive cruise control system is slow to respond and accelerate after slowing down, while the lane centering system had our test vehicle constantly wobbling around in its lane

Despite our test vehicle's Sport badge, nothing about the Forester Hybrid is particularly sporty. The Subaru's handling is on par with the likes of Honda's CR-V and Hyundai's Tucson, and its brakes are easy to use to get consistent, smooth stops. Standard all-wheel drive and higher-than-average ground clearance mean the Forester is a bit more capable on dirt trails and roads than most other small SUVs.

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.

Happily, noise and vibration are far better than in the standard Forester thanks to the hybrid powertrain. Road noise is just as acceptable, and despite the Forester's boxy shape, wind noise isn't much more pronounced than what you'll hear in other compact SUVs.

In-cabin tech

7.1/10

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 available, though the latter isn't grippy and looks unfinished. Wireless connectivity to phone mirroring worked without issue.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $4,546 with Edmunds

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

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$38,385
Starting MSRP
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness.
See All Trims
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.

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2025 Subaru Forester for April

Here are some helpful tips for buying the 2025 Subaru Forester.

Buyers can save around 8% off the MSRP on the 2025 Forester, which translates to roughly $2,075 to $3,540 depending on the trim.
Subaru is offering a special APR as low as 1.9% for 48 to 72 months, significantly below the market rate, which can save you money over the life of your loan.
New 2025 Subaru Foresters have a high inventory with a slower sale rate than average, giving you more negotiation power with dealers.
There are 53 new models and 245 used models available nationwide. Used models tend to sell quickly, averaging 28 days on dealer lots, so act fast for a better deal.

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Storage & cargo

5.6/10

How’s storage and cargo? For something intended for outdoorsy folks, the Forester's cabin has disappointing small-item storage. The center console storage is small, the 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 volume is equal to the non-hybrid (it lacks a spare tire, though), meaning it equally 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. Only the Hyundai Tucson has bettered it in our testing. The Premium and Limited trims also include more functional raised roof rails.

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

Value

5.4/10

Is the Subaru Forester a good value? The Forester Hybrid commands a not insignificant price premium over the standard Forester. But in our opinion, the Hybrid is worth the extra money. The Forester's interior isn't plush and is antiquated in several areas (interior controls and storage in particular), but everything feels well built.

Warranty coverage offered by Subaru is typical. Bumper-to-bumper coverage is for three years/36,000 miles, with powertrain coverage extending to five years/60,000 miles. Roadside assistance is for three years/36,000 miles. No free maintenance is offered.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

MPG

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Forester Hybrid achieves 35 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's a significant improvement over the standard Forester, though ultimately a few mpg below what you get from rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. We were able to match the EPA's estimate in our own real-world testing.

X factor

5/10

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. The addition of a hybrid powertrain is a welcome one, but the Forester's driving experience never rises above familiar and competent.

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

Never thought I'd buy another Forester

Elizabeth, 07/06/2025

2025 Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

4 weeks ago I purchased a 2025 Forester Hybrid Touring model. It's my 3rd Subie; my 1st was a 2005 Forester. I liked everything about it but the backseat leg room and road noise, which was bad. I decided I wouldnt buy another. My 2nd Subaru was a 2015 Outback; I've truly loved everything about it. I have never had a repair or day's trouble with it. The only reason I decided to …

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:

Hybrid

Trim:

Premium Hybrid

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$36,595
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	35 MPG
Cost to Drive	$147/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.5 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
Hybrid component Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Where the Subaru Forester ranks:

#12 in Small hybrid SUVs

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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%

Research other Forester years

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 6.1 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Forester has 27.5 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 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 6.1 out of 10. 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 Premium Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $36,595.

Other versions include:

Premium Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $36,595
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 Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $43,295

Learn more

What are the different models of Subaru Forester?

If you're interested in the Subaru Forester, the next question is, which Forester model is right for you? Forester variants include Premium Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Sport Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Touring Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of Forester models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid

Pricing

Pros

Cons

What's new

Subaru Forester Video Shorts

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: What's different for 2025?

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Buying Tips for the 2025 Subaru Forester for April

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

2025 Subaru Forester trim level differences

Which Forester trim does Edmunds recommend?

Subaru Forester Reviews

Owner Reviews

Owners Say

Most Helpful Owner Review

2025 Subaru Forester videos

2025 Subaru Forester Features & Specs

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Where the Subaru Forester ranks:

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Forester include:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

FAQ

Is the Subaru Forester a good car?

What's new in the 2025 Subaru Forester?

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

Is the 2025 Subaru Forester a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2025 Subaru Forester?

What are the different models of Subaru Forester?