2025 Subaru Forester | Consumer Reports
The CR Recommended Forester is one of Subaru’s top-selling models, so it’s not surprising that the automaker has made sure the revamped 2025 model builds on the strengths that have made it so popular. Here at the 2024 New York Auto Show, we talk about its improved standard safety features, more available active safety features, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and even a tiny bit more cargo room are all sure to keep the ball rolling a while longer as American consumers try to squeeze value out of increasingly expensive new cars.
More on the 2025 Subaru Forester: www.consumerreports.org/cars/...
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I recently bought a Forester and I’m loving it! It’s a 2024 model. I chose it over a Mazda CX5 which also proved to be good when I test drove it. I was thinking of getting a Toyota RAV4 but all dealerships were selling the most expensive ones. Right when I test drove the Forester, I just fell in love with it. It felt manly because to me, it felt like and looked like a tank! I will say this the top brands for affordable SUVs are Subaru, Mazda and Toyota. Maybe Honda too but I’ve heard their SUVs display problems. But you definitely can’t go wrong with a Subaru Forester(Outback or Crosstrek).
Nope. Other's are trying to catch up with Subaru.
Mrs. Stockburger said that there is 40% noise reduction in the cabin compared to previous models. Is this still an issue? Do you feel the car is well insulated? Thanks for your feedback!
We got a 2023 RAV4 Hybrid and love it. 42mpg all day long. My wife did love the Forester we test drove but they wanted $500 over sticker and wouldn't budge.
40% quieter cabin would be very welcome, my 2019 is loud on interstates.
Maybe change the tires
Try the Outback or Ascent. It’s markedly more premium and quieter inside.
many people told me the same thing about subarus..now I'm used to sportscars so hearing the engine noise is normal for me, about tires I really like my current michelin both sports tire but lower tire noise than most other cars I am a passenger in ps4s in summer alpin 5 in winter, silent tires do help a lot on highway
@@phunk8607 I second that. My 2015 Forester XT Touring is fairly quiet. Enough so that when I switched from Toyo Open Country ATs to BFG Trail Terrain ATs I could hear the blower motor for the first time in 40k miles. The Toyos totally drowned it out.
Are there any dash cams available as options?
I’ve had 3 Subaru Foresters all great
Mrs. Stockburger said that there is 40% noise reduction in the cabin compared to previous models. Is this still an issue? Do you feel the car is well insulated? Thanks for your feedback!
I have a 2023 Forester Sport that has been great so far for the year I've owned it. I actually like the way this new one looks, but I know I would miss some of the physical controls. I like how mine has HVAC knobs and buttons, and X Mode has physical controls as well.
I just bought a used 2020 Forester Touring, white with brown leather. I do like it so far. A lot of bells and whistles. My first Subaru in family. !
Looking forward to the review. Heard that Forester will be coming out with PHEV 25/26 model - same electrification as Toyota RAV4 Prime. Toyota has 20% share in Subaru.
That's what i am talking about
won't be cheap if its going to be a plug in. however a regular hybrid will be more price competitive. that being said, regardless it will have Toyota's hybrid system with ECVT and that's reassuring
I would have thought it was Honda that had shares with Subaru, that nose looks like a Pilot.
I think they are holding back on the PHEV version until the new RAV4 redesign comes out first?
I have to see it in real life. Often in these videos I don't like the look then I see it in real life and they look better. From the video not really digging the look, but I like Subaru overall.
I have the larger touchscreen. I hear your concern and I agree with the concerns with most touchscreens - too many menus, eyes off the road too long, etc. I have not had an issue with this one as it still has buttons for the most used features and most other features are only one touch away. For less used features that are more than a touch away, you have to stop to use them (for safety reasons). I’ve really not had an issue. It’s quick and simple to use - very intuitive. My Rivian on the other hand - way too reliant on the touchscreen to do most common functions. Pain in the neck.
It looks like a mini Ford Explorer 🥲
But, it has a good awd system, reliable, well made & good resale. 😂
Lol…not really
@@chrisb9478so true.
0:24 It's serving me Ford Edge
...but it will last forever, operate economically, and NOT be a Ford! My 2006 had 296k on it when I sold it to a guy from Louisiana who was going to make it into his "mud" car!
A nice calm easy to listen to presentation.
I have a '22 Crosstrek Limited. Thinking about trading it in for one of these later this summer.
A relatively nice look and would take over a Rav 4, Honda CRV or claustrophobic Mazda 5. A bit more power would be nice but excellent safety features and the best in class awd make up for it. Hopefully CVT drone is minimized to a large extent.
*CX-5
The duel 7" screens are only on the base trim Forester, all other trims will come standard with the 11.6" screen.
Is that a new green color shown on 0:20? Or is that autumn green? I didn’t see a new green on the Subaru website for 2025
Love how the crash vehicle is all polished up too😂 Subaru is a very good car on my list for my next one
I love my 2023 Forester, first Subaru I’ve ever owned. I didn’t want a huge screen and am happy I didn’t wait. Aside from that this looks very nice…
Same underwelming powertrain = not worth a test drive = no sale Where is the 1.8T from Japan? Where is the hybrid? Have no plans to buy another normally aspirated 4 cyl again as they are like vanilla ice cream when it comes to performance.
Turbos are trouble. Especially if you want to keep the vehicle beyond 150k miles.
If you want performance why are you buying a Subaru forester 😂 I heard hybrid is coming in a year though at least
I agree….if you want to create “buzz” or excitement -add the turbo or at least add 20-30 hp. My wife’s 230hp BRZ 4 cyl isnt boring I’ll tell you that.
@@0HOON0Just do more frequent oil changes. Also, be sure to give the turbo time to cool down before turning off the engine.
If they dumped that CVT and replaced it with a traditional automatic transmission I would really consider it.
No.
For the premium, is it a wireless apple carplay/android connection?
the Premium will have the 11.6" screen and I would be surprised it Apple carplay/Android Auto are not wireless.
Please add an optional turbo engine or maybe a hydrid with more power. If not, I'm sticking to my 2018 XT Touring.
Nope. It's all about fuel efficiency these days.
Well-said. I am sticking to my 2015 XT touring.
Apparently, a hybrid is coming in 2025.
Wilderness model please! Also a cvt fluid cooler or a manual.
Nope. Probably not this year.
Which trim levels include 360 view as default?
Only Touring I guess or may be in Limited trim as well.
For the love of god, can they please hire people who can design attractive cars?
When is Subaru going to bring back its excellent Forester model? Forester Turbo XT!
As the owner of the current gen Forester, I am annoyed by the reflections on the infotainment screen from the pano roof. Now that the screen is so much bigger, this problem will probably be worse.
The reflection isnt going to be worse, quite the opposite actually, Subaru already used this tablet in Outback and now in crosstreck 2024, after test driving Outback with the same big tablet I didn't have any issues with reflection, but after test driving old forester 2024, the reflection was very HIGH. I think they are using different screen type so it will be definitely better then in old forester You know you can test drive Outback and old forester and compare if you don't believe me
There is aftermarket anti-glare film available for Subaru infotainment screens.
I have a 2023 Outback and the glare on the screen is pretty bad. It’s fine mostly, but if you are driving away from the sun the reflection can be eye-piercing. Not fun to use when you’re wearing sunglasses either. Very hard to see, and you have to take your eyes off the road for to long to use it. Honestly, the large screen is my least favorite feature of an otherwise awesome car.
What about off road capability, any change? How many horse power is the new engine?
Same engine as the outgoing model, just north of 180.
@@ReticentEchoyeah for whatever reason, I think Subaru dropped the horsepower from 182 to 180. But gave it 2 lb-ft of torque. Strange.
@@lennygarrison6836Yeah they did, which is strange. I wish they would have moved it closer to 200 hp, but oh well.
The styling is certainly not offensive in any way, but it is the definition of neutral and stirs no emotion within me. I remember reading a review years ago of some car and the reviewer described the design as "utterly failing to incite a pulse" or something to that effect. Kind of how I feel about this re-design--and I know a hybrid is coming, but come on Subaru, just no excuses for being this late to the game. Awesome AWD system and crash protection, though, and for the majority, that will be enough--they'll sell a ton of these. For me, the Rivian R2 will be worth the wait.
Any word on a Wilderness version yet?
So far there is no 2025 Wilderness, it is going to still be a 2024.
I've seen so many coomplaints about the new design... I love it personally! But this is also coming from someone who likes the old curvier Hyundai Santa Fe and think the Tesla Model 3 should look more like a Camry
Subaru is operating in some other planet or age….the new design of Subaru looks 10year old Hyundai Kia or even Ford. Wake up guys!
Nope. Nothing wrong with 'timeless' designs.
It’ll be fine. Lesbians will be lining up for blocks to wait their turn to purchase this.
It's very underpowered. It needs different powertrain
I just love that Jen is doing the first look video on this. She gets this vehicle and the people who love it.
I’m gonna wait for the hybrid version, supposedly being introduced 2026.
This year my choice between Subaru Forester 25 and Toyota Highlander Hybrid.... but it depends on my budget 😊😻
Nope. Wait a year or two to see.
Most of the underlying critical components are carry-over. Not a bad thing. Reliability shouldn't be too far off the previous gen. It's essentially a 2024 with an updated wardrobe.
The Explorester
I really like how it looks, but the design is so reminiscent of the Explorer that if Ford released this as the Escape I wouldn't have batted an eye lol
I see the vehicle as a tool so the attractiveness (or lack thereof) is not an issue for me. The godawful huge screen and removal of tactile controls is the real deal breaker.
I want a new gen 1 model like the one in the background with a manual transmission.
Don’t hold your breath. I had one of the last manual transmissioned Foresters in 2019, the last year for the manuals. One of the main reasons for dropping the manual for the CVT was that many of the safety features found in the new models can only be active with the CVT. I agree with you, though. I miss my 6 speed manual Forester.
@@chrisford9237 Subaru recently unveiled it's Manual Transmission eyesight tech. Does that mean a manual FXT could come back? Who knows. It would be nice, but noone buys manuals anymore, and the CVT's not nearly as bad as people say. People say it's fragile, but I've been running my 16 like an outright hoon and she's still running like a top.
Disappointed. Hoping subaru leads the charge back to physical, tactile controls for infotainment and environment.
Nope. The trend is to go touch screen, which I hate as well.
@@davidjymTrend is going back to physical knobs due to Infotainment Fatigue from drivers. I hate my 11.6” on my 2023 OB Touring, it just sucks. I drive many models and brands during the year (rentals for business) and all of them have physical knobs, even the Rav 4 that I rented yesterday for a few days.
The hard buttons should have included fan speed not just temp
Owned 5 Subarus , outbacks and x treks. Touch screen is horrible. Slow and many times in responsive. A sales man told be all functions except the radio volume know are being moved to the touch screen. If they don’t do a better job with the touch screen I’ll be moving on.
Great job Subaru, really liked the Tribeca...
Nope. It's not a Tribeca.
Today's Subaru designs make me miss the B9 Tribeca. Also, 0:27 makes me dizzy just watching that.
I was there in person. Can confirm, motion sick for sure.
"I won't change until people say my design is cool." -SUBARU- 👍
Not having a hybrid version is inexcusable
Subaru has tried hybrids before. The customer take rate in North America wasn’t worth the investment.
Looks like an explorer in the front!! All cars are looking the same!
Nope. You can only tell with the large badges these days.
This was debuted at the LA auto show already last year!?
I like it, but with Subaru put their new 1.8 Turbo in that has more torque & better mpg. They sell it in Japan, why didn’t they put it in this new model?? Or do we have to wait a couple years 🙄
Rumours had it with an available Toyota Hybrid system for 2025.
Hood rod? The last time I used this in a car was a 1947 Ford. Modern???
Weird because my friend’s 2018 base model has gas struts for the hood, dunno why the 2025 would go backwards. It does say it’s a prototype though.
That touchscreen is the deal breaker ... phew...
Nope. They're keeping that huge screen, I would buy the current version just because of a smaller screen.
Subaru cars is the only Japanese car manufacturer that still make cars looks they are from the 90s.
Why would a manufacturer release a prototype so early before being available in the showrooms? By the time it is the novelty of the new appearance has worn off. The "NEW" factor is gone. Styling wise the new model is an improvement on the current model which from some angles looks unresolved in a design sense. Having said that the new models styling is very safe and does not break any new ground design wise which is a shame because Subaru in the past have always been a little quirky. Perhaps the Toyota influence is permeating through Subaru? Looking forward to the Hybrid down here in Australia and a turbo model would be nice! :)
Oh my! So dramatic! Don’t go to the big auto shows, they’ll ruin every new car for you!
Not early at all IMO.
Wonderful SUV
good! Thing is too loud. What a bout the trans? seemed to grind.
Sure hope it doesn't have the auto start system when you stop for lights or signs.
Sorry, but it looks like it too will have the auto stop/start system. But there is a button on the home screen that you will be able to turn it OFF each time you start the car.
The front looks like a Ford Explorer
Nope. It's because the Explorer 'copied' from somewhere as well.
I want to go back to the 2007 forester.....
Nope. That version was too small and boxy.
That voice!
Yes indeed. Sexy & sultry. Always had a weakness for redheads! ❤❤❤
Nails down a chalkboard
Sorry, not a voice for video. Maybe write articles?9
This is a much better then the crv The honda has a little turbo motor that is going to be problem after a few years Have a 2020 limited great gas mileage and hybrid is a extra cost on ther brands
Nope. Honda is overpriced and overrated.
Love❤🎉
Subaru needs hybrid yesterday.
Nope. They might go straight to EVs
They've had the Crosstrek Hybrid for several years. Recent news indicates that they have moved away from PHEV development and will go forward with standard hybrids and EV in order to offer less expensive cars (PHEVs are more costly.)
The previous gen Forester was also on display at the Auto Show, the one with a smaller screen (but still plenty big) and two large knobs for climate control. I prefer that interior design, and FWIW, I find it a little dull that EVERY Subaru (except the BRZ) has the exact same infotainment, shifter, steering wheel, etc now. It made checking out all the Subarus boring-snoring.
If you want a quieter cabin? get rid of the CVT, plain and simple.
I had Subaru Legacy Outback, and I only buy Toyotas now! My problems were average reliability and poor acceleration of 4 cylinders engine.
I wanted a larger subi to upgrade my 15 XV, but engine options were the reason I went with a different maker altogether. Great little car but absolutely unacceptable performance for everyday driving and long trips.
The infotainment screen size is ridiculous!
Nope. It's smaller than some, but it's pretty bad.
It's on every Subaru now (except the BRZ). They had a previous gen Forester on display with a "right sized" screen and two large HVAC control knobs. That was the best design IMO.
You mentioned the 2025 Forester should be available summer of 2024. That seems too soon since the 2024 models have only been available for a few months now.
Nope. Some car companies are like that coming out with 2025 models already.
look, i love my 2023 legacy, but the huge screen is awful. i think it should be an option.
11” screens making me double thinking of Subaru in general. Really annoying to use. Plus CVT
Nope. Not a fan of large screens.
Is that have Hybrid ?
Not the one shown, but they are supposed to release a hybrid version later in the year
Subaru is really a mystery to me. You have car brands people all loved, Toyota. Car brands people all hates, Nissan. Then you have Subaru. Mix of Great and terrible. Which one is it?!
I've owned two Toyoyas and a Subaru and the Toyotas were crap compared to the Crosstrek.
Subaru has the highest customer loyalty in the industry. Not sure where you think people hate Nissan. It’s literally one of the most popular brands and sells millions annually. I could understand Fiat, or Mini which sells minuscule numbers each year. Your comment is a mystery to me.
@@haroldbeauchamp3770 Really depends on which study you look at. The latest one I saw had Rivian as number one, followed by Mini, then BMW...
2024, when people are excited about a volume and a tune analog dials vs touchscreen crap. good going subaru, follow the idiotic trends of the germans
What I don't understand is why it takes so long for these car companies to make changes like noise dampening. Also, it takes most Asian car manufacturers, specifically Japan, forever to update the awful infotainment systems.
If people are curious about the large touch-screen, go try any new Subaru with one. The Forester was the last model to hold on to physical controls. I am not a fan of Subaru's large screens at all.
I don't mind hearing the engine
Hope Subaru won’t become the next Nokia or Blackberry🥱
It’s a shame that Subaru brand doesn’t offer a single Hybrid model! They keep making all these wilderness versions of everything, what’s next? A wilderness BRZ? The CEO needs to get removed from his position.
Comes with a free pair of Burkenstocks.
Ford?
It looks like a warthog.
I personally like it a lot * they didn't remove any physical buttons, they are all there! (Some misplaced same as in current gen Outback) * it is NOT a new technology! They've been using this technology for years, in Outback and now in crosstreck 2024 * large screen is good for google maps and camera usage * non reflective screen is a big welcome! I hate old forester very reflective small screen * the new gen shouldn't have many problems as again not a new technology and using same engine
Not sure how you figure that they have not removed any physical buttons? The current clearly has physical buttons for the climate control, while the upcoming model only has temperature up/down buttons. You'll have to use the touchscreen for fan speed, mode, recirculation etc. Then there's the other buttons that have gone touchscreen like brake hold, X-mode. I'm probably forgetting some others...
The lack of physical controls prevents me from buying an otherwise decent vehicle. The touchscreen is slow and downright dangerous because you now need to take your eyes off the road to long. The 2024 model had simple dials and knobs to perform functions that are now included in the idiotic massive touchscreen. I thought Subaru was all about safety. What a disappointment. As an aside the European New Car Assessment Program starting in January 2026 requires vehicles to have physical controls in order to receive a full five star saftey rating. Was Consumer Reports not aware of this safety requirement?
1:53 There are physical controls.
all the physical buttons are there! They moved some of them, eg on the steering wheel but THEY DIDN'T REMOVE PHYSICAL BUTTONS!
I keep hearing this from people who probably don’t own a Subaru. The touchscreen is responsive enough. It’s not an iPad. If you need to increase/decrease temps, there’s still a physical button. As others mentioned, there are also buttons on the steering wheel.
One of the worst touch screens out there
It does have both physical controls and voice assist button on the steering wheel for when you feels it's unsafe to use those buttons, or for the advanced features that do not have a physical buttons(temp up/down and front/rear defrost are the only physical buttons as they are the primary ones)
Would be nice is the updated the body…looks the same and just boring.
Nope. There's not much can be done with this SUV body style.
Subaru sti for 2025
Nope. Forester is better.
transmission was trash on the last model...
I’m Subaru lover, specifically Forester, owned, driven since inception of the SUV in 1997. However since longtime CEO of Subaru (you didn’t know?) quit, things have really changed. The design element of the Forester, regardless of trim level, is a mix of body type relationships between Ford, Toyota and more. Currently the public majority output is, “Can you do better with body design next time?” This indeed is unfortunate & I Am A Devoted Subaru lover. I have a 2020 Forester & it gives slight sporty feel in the darker exterior paint I’ve selected. This new model, along with 2026, YES! No mistake…2026 model is at best ‘Milk Toast’. There’s no…how can I mildly say this…no Bull Brass Body Design Anymore.
The narrator is both upspeaking and a vocal growl.
She needs to be retired to a farm
Looks like a rav4...
Nope. This Forester is much bolder.
I don't see it.
Yeah NO TURBO!
At 2:39, cameras that look at you and report to your insurance company. "Driver Focus" my ass. Then there's the annoying beeps every time to you take a sip of water or coffee. Sorry Subaru. It's a pass.
Agree. I have that driver monitoring system in my Outback and I literally turn it off every time I get in the car. I no longer take my eyes off the road to look at the dash to read the pay attention message (irony of ironies), when I occasionally forget to turn it off and it beeps at me, but the thing is extremely aggressive and beeps much more than it should.
Still waiting for the full electric Forester.
Never
First look it’s like ford
Flat 4 killed deal for me.
Fugly and no turbo. Current gen looks way better.
The engine is crap. The only forester worth buying is XT touring which Subaru discontinued years ago. She spent 3 seconds talking about the engine and 3 minutes on bells and whistles just to distract the consumer.
CR is heavily biased towards Subaru. Dated engine. Slow.
Nope. CR is telling the truth.
CR isn’t biased towards Subaru. Its customers are. Subaru buyers, for some reason, flock to CR for data which skews its conclusions. I’m a Subaru owner, but only take CR recommendations with a grain of salt.
@@haroldbeauchamp3770 And here I am trying to reduce my salt intake.
This woman should not have a speaking role with her company.
why ! her videos are great !
no. not this time. this looks too much like a toyota rav4
Looks like a Ford product.
Nope. That's the worst insult ever. Apologize NOW !!!