2025 Subaru Forester -- ALL-NEW and Ready to Take on RAV4 & CR-V!
Here's our Part One Review of the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring!
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Subaru has redesigned one of their most popular models, the Forester, for 2025! With brand new looks, features, and tech, is this Forester making its way up in the segment? Or should you buy the new competition: the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage? Go ahead: CLICK to find out :) Also, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and tap the notification bell if you enjoyed this review -- it helps us more than you can imagine!
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0:00 Intro
0:43 Detailed Exterior Walkaround
5:30 Interior Design & Technology
13:02 Rear Seats & Cargo
17:05 Powertrain
18:02 Pricing
© Car Confections, LLC 2024. All rights reserved.
“Sampling the Latest Automotive Delicacies!”
Stay tuned for Part 2 where we DRIVE the new Forester on May 6! Also, if you are looking to buy a Subaru Forester or any new vehicle go to carconfections.com/new-car-quotes to get the BEST price and access to invoice pricing information!
I don't know why y'all are hating, I for one like the styling of the 2025 Subaru Explorer.... 😋
😅😅😅
Me too. New Subarus are always criticized when first launched, but later on people act like they never hated on it.😂But I agree, I like the design.
LOL
Absolutely agree!! 🎉🎉🎉
Not sure why this is being compared to an Explorer as it does compare to it at all.
Did the Forester go from 3 12v sockets to only 2 now because of the wireless charging or is the 3rd now in the glovebox? Sad to see they went hard plastic on the top of the rear door panels for even the higher trims.
as usual.., clear n detail review.., goodjob u guys. thanks, i ll wait for part 2
Thanks! Part 2 is available now 👍
A certain classic brutality was removed. The most beautiful, in my opinion, are the SJ restyling and the Sk pre-restyling
Ford did a good job on the Forrester
Ouch! 😂😂😂😂
I agree. Probably the best car introduced by Ford in years.😂😂
it also looks like 24 crv
Not a Ford. Subarus are far superior
I think the 2025 looks super. Own a 2024 and would have waited for the 2025 if aware of the body change. Although I like the instrument display better in the 2024.
On a side note, sad to see the Subaru Legacy get discontinued. The sedan apocalypse claims another.
If they would just have offered it as a lift back, it would have opened it up to buyers looking for better cargo flexibility. Add to that the upcoming hybrid powertrain, and they might have had a winner!
My husband and I had a 2015 Legacy and it was the Worst car we ever had. We had it for 8 years. In the 1st five years we had to get a new engine, and a new transmission. It was ridiculous.
Don't feel too bad. The Accord, Camry, Corolla, K5, etc are still here.
You took the words out of my fingers (because I’m texting).
When was this announced??
Being a current Forester owner, without a more powerful engine, this new model is a non-starter for us.
Agreed! We upgraded our 22 Forester to the 24 OB XT. We cant go back to this engine as the only option 😢 They shpuld offer 3 x engine options (2.5 NA, Hybrid, 2.4 T). That would be competitive in the market and that would lengthen the cycle of thos generation. The turbo boxer 4 is just better, a toyota like hybrid in a Subie would kill the market
Agreed
Fantastic review as always!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Gentlement & Husky Design😊😊😊❤❤❤❤
Great review and POV. Very impressed w Subaru . I'm a Chevy guy,love my Equinox, but this is a good compact entry in a crowded class of SUVS. Thanks guys 😊😊 Look forward to your reviews on the base & other trim levels when available to you.😊😊
It looks like an Equinox though.😂
Thank you! We will have more trims to share soon!
Thanks, nobody seems to give rear floor lgth. I sleep in vehicle and that is helpful as is mention of inside spare tire. Roof l rack load capacity on Touring?
Thanks! That's exactly why we measure because different people use their vehicles for many purposes!
Was there a 12-volt Outlet in that center console like the previous generation has? I would think would be premature to take that away since there are still air compressors and vacuum cleaners that can plug into that as well as some dashcams.
This is one of their better looking vehicles
The Forester is one of the highest rated vehicles by consumers on Edmunds there is. BMW 3 series is another.
Looks like a baby Explorer )
When is the hybrid coming out?❤
supposedly Spring 2025 according to Subaru of America. They’re really making us wait ……….
Subaru estimates about a year but they aren't providing any additional details to us at this time
2:40 Why are brake lights getting so tiny? Put a bike on the back and these are all blocked.
I like the look of it tbh and the color especially
Blind spot monitoring should be standard across the whole lineup, at least they are now doing more leds for brake light. Those incandescent are horrible. Not to mention that hvac is all on the screen which is never a good idea.
I am a semi-tall driver and have always appreciated the taller roofline and good outward visibility of the Forester.. But .. Wow.. For the safety monitoring equipment, Subaru (and others) are taking up way way way too much room at the middle of the windshield. I mean the area between the rearview mirror and the windshield.. See 5:57.. Thanks to the location of all that safety monitoring equipment.. It severely cuts down on the view or outward visibility of the taller drivers and passengers. I am especially concerned that this blocks the driver's own outward visibility which is needed for safe driving..
The take rate for the old Forester Turbo was not high. The issue with the old Turbo was it used Premium fuel. Put the 2.4 liter turbo from the Outback in it (using regular fuel) and it will sell. Do you think Subaru will ever put the Outback Turbo in the Forester?
I wanna see the Wilderness edition, maybe in a hybrid form. Probably we have to wait 1 more year. By the way, it looks very similar to a shorter Honda Pilot.
Thank you SOOO much for starting to measure the height of the cargo area. Amazing
Happy to help!
Beautiful car .
Great review. How would you compare it to the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander gas version in terms of quality, fit and finish and bang for the buck?
Don't buy a mitsubishi, they use a jatco nissan cvt transmission. I learned the hard way!
Thanks! Fit-ans-finish are great on both but the materials are much more luxurious in the Outlander. Both have nice features and the Subaru is less expensive when fully loaded like this one
@@jafaarjafaaryou had horrible luck. Mitsubishi’s cvt is among the best on the market. Jatco actually worked with Subaru to design their cvt in 2003. Jatco makes a very good cvt and some not so good.
@@haroldbeauchamp3770 Mitsubishi dealers are also not great to deal with when warranty work comes around. They will also not provide a loaner car when they keep your car for weeks. No jatco cvt is any good in my opinion.
@@jafaarjafaar I 100% believe you. Mitsubishi dealers are notorious for hiring ex felons and resorting to high pressure sales tactics. Mitsubishi dealers have basically zero guidance for ethical behaviors or repercussions for poor customer service. Kia was also this way and still is in many area. It wasn’t uncommon to have 8-10 ex-cons outside the showroom smoking cigarettes and literally running to the first person that drives on the lot.
Want to get rid of 2014 Forester and was hoping the 2025 Forester comes with hybrid option. I drove a friend's Tucson 2023 hybrid but it does not feel as roomy as forester. I might get a 2024 Forester limited or wait a few more months as the CX50 with a hybrid engine is coming out in the last quarter of 2024.
I love my 2023 Forester Limited. It is roomy, works well with me being a taller fella, is packed with good safety features and I have never had a problem with traction in snow (which I see a fair amount of). That being said! I am kind of dissapointed on how little seems to be changed exterior wise. The infotainment is cool, but that never really was a big deal for me to begin with. I just wish it overall looked a little more sleek and modern. It just isn't the prettiest, and thats ok. Im sure it will still be a really solid choice moving forward for people that aren't wanting to spend extra money for the brand names of some of it's competition.
What a beautiful scenery to test out the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester! Imagine driving at this place at night all alone by yourself on the road in that Subaru Forester! Creepy to the max! Great review as always! But I dislike the new infotainment system, as Subaru is all about safety for the driver.
Why doesn't Forrester put a cubbie shortage place above the glove box on the passenger side, like they do the Outback? If they would ever add that I would consider it.
I’ve owned several Hondas and Subarus and currently own a 2020 CRV. I honestly don’t think any of them are all that good looking ( talking CRV, RAV4, Forrester ) My CRV is at my vacation home and it honorably does its job of grocery runs and other short trips, while being dependable and practical. It can hold quite a lot of stuff and that’s what makes it an excellent vehicle for us. I owned a 2016 Forrester and really liked it. I would definitely consider this new iteration however it would move quickly to the top of my list if they would just offer a turbo version!
You planning on racing it at the track? What's the point? The regular version gets up to speed perfectly fine. You need to get your groceries faster?
Yup, no racing through Trader Joe’s parking lots 😊
Hope quality is better I have a 19 forester with 50k seats are cracking, center armrest material is wrinkling, radio don’t hold memory, auto start stop is very aggressive overall deff will be the last Subaru I own
Thanks for another great video..Mixed feelings..overall it looks better. I guess we can be thankful for the LED front turn signals. But rear signals are still incandescent . OMG! Does the Touring on the Forrester have electric folding outside mirrors like the Ascent and Outlander Touring models have? and 1 tailpipe only? Why not bring back dual exhaust? It would really enhance the look. I didn't see side panel rear cargo lights.?
I find it looks too much like a Ford...negative for me, but maybe not for others
Would be a positive for me, as they have great looking cars, but think it looks what I typically see for Subaru.
Do you have a non-CVT automatic transmission for the Subaru Forester or any other Subaru?
No
the seats will actually recline, its a small loop strap by where the seat back and bottom meet on the door side.
Woah why does this look kinda good😂😂 excited for a Subaru.
I think it looks quite nice!
wow it looks gigantic in this video might be the new wheels as I didn't get that impression with the 2024
Same underpowered 2.5. Please give us more power and refinement
How big is the spare tire?
Rain sense wipers?! Wow. A first for Subaru correct?
I’ve owned a Ford Explorer, Escape, and Edge. I might give the Ford Forester a try.
😂😂😂 Just what I thought. It even has hints of Chevrolet Equinox too.
The biggest advantage is that it's not a Ford.
@@kenhoward3512 Right, that’s why I now own a 4Runner!
One BIG drawback....engine use RTV instead of regular gaskets to save money during production. After 10 years the RTV will fail and will leak oil. Expensive repair job!
Subaru needs to step up their speedometer displays and setup. They look extremely outdated without a fully digital option.
If it keeps prices low who cares? Offer it on the top trim as an option imo.
Did the backseats recline I might’ve missed it but I also heard they gave away with it
They don't
@@CarConfections 😩🤦🏽 ty 🙏🏼
They actually do just like they always have…that’s a mistake in the video. You can see the recline track where the seats latch when they unlatch the back seats from the hatch buttons.
It looks alright
I love my 2020 Forrester Sport, yet I wish they would increase the horsepower to at least 200.
Honestly it doesn’t look too bad. It looks better than the current forester. And it’s probably because it looks more like an explorer lol. Why are they withholding an XT version? It would probably be a best seller behind the crosstrek
Odd that the front turn signal lamps are LED but the rears are incandescent.
From far specially because subaru also has a blue oval, it looks like a mini ford explorer.
Please compare 2025 Toyota crown vs 2025 Camry Thanks for top comparisons
Классный дизайн в стиле первого кузова 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻.Очень удобный .
Will the 2.4T be available in a next gen Forester XT? There’s little joy in driving a gutless 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer.
I'm in a hurry to buy a 2024 after seeing this!
Nah 😊 2025 is great
Does it also have a forward facing camera?
What an amazing backdrop for this review! Prefer the cleaner lines of the 2025 Forester!
Do you not know anything about cars? The Forester doesn’t have clean lines. It’s shaped like an Easter egg. The new Ford Bronco, that has clean lines.
😂
@@user-qu8pd6fu7g Clean Lines: a minimalist design characteristic that contributes to simplicity and clarity, often portrayed with straight, crisp lines that create a sense of order and visual harmony. This Forester is curvy and weirdly shaped. You’re welcome that I was able to teach you something.
Good job Subaru, always old fashion, Exterior looks like design by Engineer😂😂😂
Subaru Forester Hybrid .
Yeap, but Wilderness edition.
No hybrid for 2025.
People crapping on the design, but it looks great.👍
Everybody has an industrial design degree apparently. These same people buy their clothes at Wal Mart.
@@gergnotsloh😂 Absolutely. I mean, it’s not even bad looking at all. I’d at least understand if they’re crapping on a stupid design like the Hyundai Kona with split headlights where the fog lights should be. But this Forester is decent looking. Like you said they all have design degrees.😂
@@mrgurulittle7000 Taste is very subjective, especially when it comes to art and design. This includes car design as well. A lot of times cars back in the 90's were called "ugly" all the time and now they are sought after. The thing about Subaru (and I own two - a 2024 Impreza and a 2023 Forester), is that they aren't trying to be all style and no substance - like the KIAs and Hyundais do. They want good quality builds - hint - listen to the door shut, etc. Without too much of the trendy bling.
@@gergnotslohI absolutely agree.
I like everything about the new Forester, even the looks however, the one thing I do not like is the standard engine's power and torque. It is way too anemic for me and until they offer more substantial engine choices I will pass. I am waiting to see how the hybrid will compare and I wish they would again offer the turbo engine in the Forester.
I own a '23 Forester and it can get up and go just as good as the CR-V it the Rav 4. After a year I've only really wished I had a turbo once 🤷
@@mitchellhuththe new gen non hybrid crv is so slow tho it almost takes 10 seconds to get to 0-60
@@mitchellhuth I drove a Forester and it could barely get out of its own way, especially on take-off, going up ramps, and trying to merge into flowing traffic. Also, passing another car on a two-lane road you better have a least a mile from oncoming traffic to get around the car you are passing. If they don't come out with more powerful choices then I will probably end up with a Mazda CX50 turbo.
@@ctclardyi agree. i own a 2021 limited crosstrek which thankfully has a 2.5 liter engine 182 HP and its adequate for a car of it's size , however i didn't like the forester when i test drove it. At all. incredibly slow and unwieldy. the hybrid may be a completely different vehicle but i definitely think Subaru took a huge step backwards with the 2025 forester. On a positive note, the hybrid will have Toyota's hybrid system and ECVT which is a completely different transmission. Lets hope Subaru doesn't make the same mistake like in the regular forester
You racing? I mean you kind of look like an old guy like myself. You do understand the Forester gets up to 70-80mph just fine. What's your specific need? 0-60 in 5 seconds? Does your wife love you?
For some reason the back of the Forester gives me Honda Pilot Vibes
The ascent definitely does for me
Honda copied the rear Pilot design from Subaru.
@@samdovels1234 The remodeled Honda Pilot was out before the refreshed Subaru Forester
@@randomcarstuff1.0 Correct, I didn't mean specifically the new Forester, but Subaru in general. Whenever I look at the rear end of the Pilot, it reminds me of a Subaru.
How about update the freaking interior too.....which was outdated even during the previous years....
IMO, that is where the Forester shines. Interiors look fantastic compared to the competition. Maybe not as good as Hyundai, but compared to the RAV4 or CRV it looks like something from the future.
@@bobboberton1841 I’m a KIA/Hyundai guy, and I really enjoy their high end interior design and tech. I could never step down now.
@@Ricky-mo6mv We just sold an old high mileage Hyundai, and the interior held up great. Better than any car we have owned and better than some interiors on used cars we were looking at that were just a year or 2 old. It did have the Theta II engine which blew, but they replaced in 3 days with no questions asked.
TFL type of slip Slip test needed.
Ppl say they hate until everyone starts buying them, and see them all over the roads.
People aka car enthusiast, no one cares what they think because they aren't the ones buying it anyways. Plus every best selling car isn't on the car enthusiast list of perfect cars.
@@-----------------------------I also find it ironic because it’s the Subaru enthusiasts themselves that crap on every single new Subaru that is introduced after the year 2000. They crapped on every WRX model, Impreza, and Legacy when the new ones just came out. Non Subaru “enthusiasts” are much nicer about new Subarus. I feel bad for Subaru.
That dirt road you drove in on looks really nice
Would love a hybrid Outback at some point - the Forester's a bit too boxy for my liking.
Boxy? It looks like an Easter egg…
@@Michael-kf7gmCompared to my Outback, it is more boxy - hence why I mentioned it being a _bit_ too boxy. Thankfully it's not some giant brick like a Grand Wagoneer lol
@@Just_a_commenter My bad, I totally misread that lol. Yes, I’d agree that the Forester is boxier than the Outback.
A hybrid outback is in the works.
@@Michael-kf7gm”Easter egg”😂😂😂
For me I'm quite impressed rear LED lamps.Their design is low for me and front LED Headlamps.
THEY NEED TO ADD A DIGITAL GAUGE CLUSTER!!!! IDK KNOW HOW LONG THEY ARE HOLDING ON TO THAT OLD DESIGN BUT IT NEEDS TO GO!!
OMG TRY TYPING IN ALL CAPS
Ugly has become a standard feature. I have a MY15 XT and still love styling of that model.
This model better come with the turbo motor!
The '25 Forester is way to slow off the line for a modern vehicle, maybe the upcoming will fix this shortcoming but at what price
How tf did we go from the masterpiece that is the Mazda CX-5 to this .. this is sad
9:00 dude, where are the donuts ?! 😂 jk jk
The grizzly bears ate them all 😂
@@CarConfections 🤣
they couldnt even tweak the motor for more hp?
The horsepower rating actually dropped by a couple.
@@kenhoward3512 😱
I like it! Just the front reminds me of a ford…😅
how have they not gotten a hybrid yet
How does the River Rock Pearl look in person? Is it like a grey matte color? Is there something sparkling about it (hence the “Pearl”)?
Hard to tell with how dusty it was haha but basically it's the hip low-gloss (not actually matte) gray look
I love that color!
The rear seats DO recline!
I like it, but I’m waiting for the Subaru 1.8 or 2.4 Turbo or a Hybrid model with good power!
It’s screaming for the WRX engine and Geared transmission!
When is Subaru going to bring back its excellent Forester model? Forester Turbo XT!
I wish they would ditch the tablet screen. It doesn't work well, and it is too laggy. Give us buttons and knobs, Subaru!
But that would cost an extra dollar.
Why Subaru gives up the C shape headlight design? Now it just looks like…. ordinary
It looks like a Subaru Flex 😊 but it is better than the last gen.
So really a refresh? No news on body rigidity changes/engineering changes just tweaks?
In Part 2 we get to go into all those details! Definitely some things to talk about there
I find it hilarious the comments trashing it aren't even going to buy it anyway
Nor do they even understand the benefits and quality Subaru offers, especially with their first class AWD.
Subaru Subaru Subaru…….MAKE ALL THE LIGHTS LED😠😠😠
Don’t like the “bold look “ much prefer the humble look, and that is what Forester shines for!
I love this car. It will be the safest, most durable vehicle to take you through the harshest weather conditions. I also love the spacious interior and large screen. And that fabulous Napa and saddleback leather I love! 😍 Unassuming it’s packing more punch than most 🎉🎉🎉
But I like it, I love it , I want some more of it. Great car and great review
Thanks!
The mileage on the Forester is never what is advertised. (Same with Outback and all the Subarus). Acceleration sucks. This has needed a hybrid for years. I finally gave up and I'm driving a Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. Great ride and much, much better mileage. It makes no sense to me that Toyota owns 20% of Subaru and Subaru has failed to provide hybrid engines across the lineup.
180 hp is pathetically inadequate for a vehicle of this size. im curious to see what they do in the upcoming hybrid. my limited crosstrek has182 hp. ridiculous
oh look it's the ford forester! :D
I really like the Forester, but the new model is disappointing. The front-end looks like a Kia Seltos. The new design no longer distinguishes it from its competitors.
Super fancy!
Nope. Glad I went with the 2023 Forester Wilderness last year. HATE the digital screen and digital buttons for everything. A digital rearview is also unnecessary. Just another piece of electronic to sit outside all winter. Don't even get me started on how they lost their signature design. Looking like a 2015 mini Ford Explorer?! What were they thinking? It looks boring.
Exactly, I'm glad I went ahead and bought my 2024 Forester Wilderness. I don't like the looks of the 2025 nor that big iPad screen. Give me some old fashion knobs, specially for the X-Mode.
@@nadaname391 Ditto, glad i purchased a 2021 limited crosstrek. i can't believe i have a 2.5 liter 182 hp engine and get 40-41 mpg on a straight highway road @65 mph at times. 180 hp is seriously underpowered for a car of the foresters size and the mpg isn't too great though not bad. hopefully the hybrid will have better MPG and torque.
@@terrytwo Its a disaster waiting to happen especially as the car gets older. imagine driving in snow and the screen suddenly fails. and it can happen.
Not ECVT?
There's no e because this not electrified in any way
Absolutely looks like a Ford Traverse. You'd think Scooby Roo would not try to look like all the rest.
the XT was the best version ever made... they need an XT version
That's why I'm keeping my 2018 XT Touring.
I'm not sure about the seats "not reclining" as stated in the video. Forester's back seats have always reclined since several generations back so I don't see why they'd take this feature away. There should be little pull strings to the side that reclines the back.
Per other reviews, they still recline using the strap.