The 2025 and 2024 Subaru Forester models offer a compelling blend of functionality and value. While both vehicles share a similar foundation, the 2025 iteration introduces notable enhancements that elevate the driving experience and overall appeal.
The 2025 Subaru Forester boasts a more refined and contemporary exterior design. The front fascia features a redesigned grille and bumper, while the headlights adopt a sharper and more angular profile. The side profile benefits from newly sculpted body lines, giving the Forester a more dynamic stance. The rear end receives a revised taillight design and a more pronounced rear spoiler, adding a touch of sportiness.
Moving inside, the 2025 Subaru Forester’s cabin undergoes a significant transformation. The dashboard has been redesigned with a cleaner and more modern aesthetic. The infotainment system receives an upgrade with a larger touchscreen and improved functionality. The seats have been redesigned for enhanced comfort and support, while the addition of new sound insulation materials creates a quieter and more serene interior. The new model also offers a wider range of standard features, including an improved eyesight safety suite and adaptive cruise control.
Performance Upgrades for Enhanced Driving Experience
New 2.5-Liter Engine with Increased Power and Efficiency
2025 Subaru Forester | 2024 Subaru Forester | |
---|---|---|
Displacement | 2.5L | 2.5L |
Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp |
Torque | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 28 mpg / 36 mpg | 26 mpg / 33 mpg |
The 2025 Subaru Forester debuts with a refined 2.5-liter engine that delivers an enhanced driving experience. The new engine boasts the same 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque as its predecessor, while offering improved fuel efficiency. This is achieved through the implementation of advanced technologies such as direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing. With its responsive and efficient performance, the updated engine empowers drivers with a more exhilarating and eco-friendly driving experience.
Advanced Safety Features for Peace of Mind
The 2025 Subaru Forester builds upon the legacy of its predecessor, offering an even more comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to provide drivers with peace of mind behind the wheel. These enhancements include:
Eyesight® Driver Assist Technology
The 2025 Forester features the latest generation of Subaru’s Eyesight® Driver Assist Technology, which provides a comprehensive range of safety features to reduce the risk of collisions. These include:
- Lane Departure Warning and Prevention: Warns the driver if they start to drift out of their lane and can intervene to keep the car centered.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Pre-Collision Braking: Detects potential collisions and applies the brakes to help prevent or mitigate an impact.
In addition, the 2025 Forester offers a variety of other safety features, including:
- Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist: Monitors the blind spots and alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles that may not be visible in the mirrors.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns the driver when reversing out of a parking space or driveway if there is traffic approaching from the side.
- Driver Monitoring System: Monitors the driver’s attention and provides alerts if they become distracted or fatigued.
Refinements in Technology and Connectivity
Enhanced Infotainment System
The 2025 Forester features a significantly upgraded infotainment system. The standard 8-inch touchscreen now boasts sharper graphics, a more intuitive user interface, and faster processing speeds. Additionally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now seamlessly integrated wirelessly, allowing users to control their favorite apps and access navigation, music, and messaging without the need for a physical connection.
Improved Driver Assistance Features
Subaru’s award-winning suite of driver assistance technologies, EyeSight, has been further enhanced in the 2025 Forester. The new system includes a wider field of view for the cameras, enabling it to detect and react to potential hazards more effectively. Adaptive cruise control has also been improved, offering smoother and more responsive acceleration and deceleration. Furthermore, Lane Keep Assist has been refined to provide more precise lane-keeping assistance, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.
Advanced Safety Features
To enhance overall safety, the 2025 Forester comes equipped with a variety of advanced safety features as standard. These include Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Blind-Spot Monitoring with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The top-of-the-line Touring model also offers features such as Reverse Automatic Braking and a surround-view camera system, providing 360-degree visibility for added peace of mind while maneuvering in tight spaces.
Enhanced Cabin Comfort
The 2025 Forester offers enhanced cabin comfort with a range of upgrades, including improved sound insulation for a quieter driving experience. The redesigned front seats provide better support and reduce fatigue on long journeys, while the rear seats have been widened for greater legroom. The new climate control system ensures optimal cabin temperature and air quality, creating a more comfortable environment for passengers.
Improved Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2025 Forester features an upgraded infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display. The new system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with smartphones. The voice recognition system has been enhanced to provide more intuitive and responsive control of the infotainment functions.
Increased Cargo Space and Versatility
The 2025 Forester boasts increased cargo space thanks to the redesigned cargo area. The tailgate opening has been enlarged for easier loading and unloading, while the height-adjustable cargo floor allows for flexible storage configurations. The rear seats can be folded down with a simple lever mechanism, creating a flat load floor for bulky items.
Enhanced Safety Features
The 2025 Forester offers a comprehensive suite of enhanced safety features. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology has been upgraded with wider-angle cameras and a new lane centering assist function. The reverse automatic braking system has been expanded to prevent collisions with pedestrians and cyclists, while the adaptive cruise control now includes a lane-keep assist feature.
Feature | 2024 Forester | 2025 Forester |
---|---|---|
Cargo Space | 31.1 cu. ft. | 34.1 cu. ft. |
Rear Seat Legroom | 36.5 in. | 38.2 in. |
Cargo Floor Adjustability | No | Yes |
Improved Fuel Efficiency and Sustainability
The 2025 Subaru Forester introduces significant advancements in fuel efficiency and sustainability, offering drivers a more environmentally conscious driving experience.
Refined Powertrain
The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine has been reengineered to optimize performance while reducing emissions. The result is a 10% improvement in fuel consumption, now estimated at 30 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
Advanced Stop-Start System
A new stop-start system automatically turns off the engine when the car comes to a stop, saving fuel during frequent stop-and-go driving.
Idle Reduction Mode
When the vehicle is idling for an extended period, the idle reduction mode engages, further reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
X-Mode with Hill Descent Control
For off-road adventures, the 2025 Forester boasts an enhanced X-Mode system that provides better traction control and stability. Additionally, hill descent control makes descending steep slopes safer and more controlled.
Fuel Economy Estimates | 2024 Forester | 2025 Forester | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
City | 26 mpg | 30 mpg | ||
Highway | 33 mpg | 39 mpg |
Design Updates for a More Eye-Catching Look
The 2025 Subaru Forester has received a significant redesign compared to its 2024 counterpart. This overhaul aims to enhance the vehicle’s overall appeal with a more modern and aggressive aesthetic.
Exterior Enhancements
The front fascia of the 2025 Forester has undergone a dramatic transformation. The previous model’s hexagonal grille has been replaced with a wider, trapezoidal unit flanked by sleek headlamps and C-shaped daytime running lights. The bumper has also been redesigned, incorporating a pair of prominent air dams that contribute to the vehicle’s sporty character.
Side Profile Refinements
Along the sides, the 2025 Forester features a more sculpted profile with sharper body lines and a more pronounced shoulder line. The wheels have been redesigned and come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 17 to 19 inches. The rear end also benefits from a new bumper and taillights, giving the vehicle a more distinctive and recognizable appearance.
Interior Upgrades
The interior of the 2025 Forester has been updated with a focus on comfort and functionality. The dashboard has been redesigned, featuring a larger touchscreen display and redesigned climate control system. The seats have been upgraded with new materials and provide improved support and cushioning.
### Advanced Technology Features
The 2025 Forester is equipped with the latest technologies to enhance the driving experience. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a suite of safety and driver assistance features, comes standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
### Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Forester retains the same 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine as its predecessor. However, it has been retuned to deliver slightly more power and torque, resulting in improved acceleration and fuel efficiency.
### Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Subaru Forester will be available in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. Pricing for the 2025 Forester has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be slightly higher than the 2024 model.
Subaru Forester | ||
2024 | ||
2025 | ||
Exterior Dimensions | 182.1 in. (length) | 180.9 in. (length) |
Engine | 2.5-liter naturally aspirated | 2.5-liter naturally aspirated |
Horsepower | 182 hp | 185 hp |
Torque | 176 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
Fuel Efficiency | 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway | 27 mpg city / 34 mpg highway |
Value Proposition for Cost-Conscious Buyers
The 2025 Subaru Forester is a compelling option for cost-conscious buyers seeking a reliable, versatile, and affordable SUV. Here’s a breakdown of its key value propositions:
Excellent Fuel Economy
The 2025 Forester offers impressive fuel economy estimates. The base engine earns up to 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid model boasts even better figures of 33 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Standard All-Wheel Drive
All 2025 Foresters come equipped with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability in all weather conditions. This feature comes standard, eliminating the need for costly upgrades.
Spacious Interior and Ample Cargo Space
The Forester’s spacious interior offers ample room for passengers and cargo. With a seating capacity of five, the interior boasts comfortable seating and ample headroom and legroom. Additionally, the cargo area provides up to 76 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down, making it ideal for hauling larger items.
Advanced Safety Features
The 2025 Forester comes with the latest EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite as standard. EyeSight includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents.
Well-Equipped Base Model
Even the base model of the 2025 Forester is well-equipped with features such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. This allows buyers to enjoy a comfortable and convenient driving experience without the need for expensive upgrades.
Extended Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Subaru offers a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty on the 2025 Forester. Additionally, complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles is included, reducing the cost of ownership.
Competitive Pricing
The 2025 Subaru Forester has a competitive price point in the compact SUV segment. Buyers can expect to pay around $26,000 for the base model and upwards of $35,000 for the top-of-the-line Touring trim, making it an affordable option for those seeking a versatile and reliable SUV.
Feature | 2025 Subaru Forester |
---|---|
Fuel Economy (mpg) | Up to 33 city/36 highway |
All-Wheel Drive | Standard |
Cargo Space (cubic feet) | Up to 76 |
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | Standard |
Base Model Features | 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, rearview camera |
Warranty Coverage | 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty |
Pricing | From around $26,000 |
Off-Road Capabilities for Adventure Seekers
Both the 2025 and 2024 Subaru Foresters boast impressive off-road capabilities, making them ideal vehicles for adventure lovers. Here’s a detailed comparison:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Both models feature Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides optimal traction and handling in all driving conditions, including off-road terrain.
X-Mode
The 2025 Forester’s X-Mode system has been enhanced with 8 selectable modes, including Deep Snow/Mud and Hill Descent Control. These modes maximize off-road performance by optimizing the engine, transmission, and suspension settings for different terrain conditions.
X-Mode Modes (2025 Forester) |
---|
Snow/Dirt |
Deep Snow/Mud |
Sand/Gravel |
Snow/Dirt (plus) |
Deep Snow/Mud (plus) |
Sand/Gravel (plus) |
Extreme Snow/Mud |
Hill Descent Control |
Ground Clearance
The 2024 Forester Sport and Wilderness offer higher ground clearance than the 2025 model, at 8.7 and 9.2 inches, respectively. The 2025 Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches on the Premium and Limited trims, but the Wilderness trim has a clearance of 10.8 inches.
Hill Descent Control
Both models feature Hill Descent Control, which helps maintain a constant speed when descending steep hills.
Protective Features
The 2025 and 2024 Foresters come equipped with protective features like underbody skid plates and off-road tires, ensuring durability and peace of mind on rugged trails.
Engine and Performance
The 2025 Forester retains the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. However, the 2024 Forester offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine as an option, providing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The non-turbocharged 2.5-liter engine achieves better fuel economy ratings, with an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the turbocharged engine’s 23/29 mpg ratings.
Exterior Design
Both the 2025 and 2024 Foresters feature similar exterior designs, maintaining the boxy silhouette and prominent grille. The 2025 model subtly updates the front and rear fascias, including a refreshed grille, redesigned headlights, and revised taillights. However, the overall shape and dimensions remain largely unchanged.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the 2025 Forester introduces a completely redesigned cabin with a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, updated climate controls, and improved seating materials. The 2024 Forester’s interior remains mostly the same, with an 8-inch touchscreen and less premium materials. Both models offer a wide range of standard and optional features, including heated seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a comprehensive suite of active safety systems.
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The 2025 Forester is expected to achieve better fuel economy ratings than the 2024 model due to its more efficient engine. However, official EPA ratings have yet to be released. The 2023 Forester achieves 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for non-turbocharged models, while turbocharged models get 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Both the 2025 and 2024 Foresters come standard with an array of active safety features, including lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The 2025 model is expected to introduce additional advanced safety technologies, such as a 360-degree camera system and driver-attention monitoring. The 2024 Forester received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and holds the 2023 Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Off-Road Capability
The Forester has a long-standing reputation for its outdoor adventures. Both the 2025 and 2024 models offer all-wheel drive as standard, providing excellent traction in slippery conditions. The 2025 Forester introduces a new “X-Mode” with enhanced torque vectoring for improved off-road performance, while the 2024 Forester’s X-Mode remains unchanged.
Price and Availability
The 2025 Forester is expected to go on sale in late 2024, while the 2024 Forester is still in production. Pricing for the 2025 Forester has not yet been announced, but the 2024 Forester starts at $26,245 for the base model and ranges up to $37,545 for the top-of-the-line Premier trim.
9. Model Year Timeline Comparison
2025 Forester | 2024 Forester | |
---|---|---|
Engine | 2.5-liter naturally aspirated | 2.5-liter naturally aspirated/2.4-liter turbocharged |
Transmission | Lineartronic CVT | Lineartronic CVT |
Fuel Economy (mpg) | 26 city/33 highway (est.) | 26 city/33 highway (non-turbo)/23 city/29 highway (turbo) |
All-Wheel Drive | Standard | Standard |
Safety Features | Updated, with additional advanced technologies | Lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control |
Off-Road Capability | Improved with new “X-Mode” | X-Mode standard |
Price | To be announced | $26,245 – $37,545 |
Availability | Late 2024 | Currently available |
Engine and Performance |
Both the 2025 and 2024 Foresters offer comparable performance, with the former featuring a slightly more powerful 2.5-liter boxer engine rated at 182 horsepower. Both models offer a smooth and responsive ride, with nimble handling and ample power for daily commutes and weekend adventures. |
Fuel Efficiency |
The 2025 Forester slightly edges out its predecessor in terms of fuel efficiency. With its improved engine technology, it boasts an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The 2024 Forester, on the other hand, offers 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. |
Interior Space and Comfort |
The 2025 Forester offers a more spacious and comfortable interior than the 2024 model. It boasts additional legroom and headroom for passengers, along with a larger cargo area. Both models feature comfortable seating and a well-designed cabin, but the 2025 model takes it up a notch with its increased dimensions. |
Safety Features |
Both the 2025 and 2024 Foresters come standard with a full suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2025 model adds an updated EyeSight driver-assist system that offers improved lane departure warning and lane keep assist. |
Infotainment System |
The 2025 Forester boasts an upgraded infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, improved graphics, and more intuitive controls. It also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless connectivity and entertainment options. |
Exterior Styling |
The 2025 Forester features a more rugged and aggressive exterior design than the 2024 model. It has a more prominent grille, updated headlights, and a new rear bumper. The 2024 Forester, while still stylish, has a more conservative design. |
Warranty |
Both the 2025 and 2024 Foresters come with a comprehensive warranty that includes 3 years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage, 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, and 5 years/unlimited miles of roadside assistance. |
Price |
The 2025 Forester is priced slightly higher than the 2024 model, reflecting its upgraded features and improved capabilities. However, the price difference is not significant, making both models competitive options in their segment. |
Availability |
The 2025 Forester is expected to hit dealerships in late 2024, while the 2024 model is currently available. If you are looking for the latest features and technology, the 2025 model is worth waiting for. |
Verdict: Which Forester Emerges as the Superior Choice? |
Based on the comprehensive comparison, the 2025 Subaru Forester emerges as the superior choice over the 2024 model. It offers better performance, improved fuel efficiency, more spacious and comfortable interior, and more advanced safety features. While the 2024 Forester remains a solid option, the 2025 model represents a significant upgrade with its enhanced capabilities and modernity. If you are considering a new Forester, the 2025 model is highly recommended. |
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2024 Forester: What’s the Difference?
The Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV that is known for its versatility, reliability, and safety. The 2025 Forester is a major redesign of the previous model, and it features a number of significant changes. Let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Forester and see how it compares to the 2024 model.
The 2025 Forester has a completely new exterior design that is more rugged and aggressive than the previous model. The front end features a new grille and bumper, and the headlights are now sleeker and more angular. The rear of the Forester also gets a new look, with taillights that are now connected by a thin strip of LED lighting.
The interior of the 2025 Forester has also been redesigned, and it now features a more modern and upscale look. The dashboard is now dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system, and the center console has been redesigned to be more ergonomic. The seats are also new, and they offer more support and comfort than the seats in the previous model.
Under the hood, the 2025 Forester gets a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a new CVT transmission, which provides smoother and more efficient shifting. The 2025 Forester also gets a new all-wheel drive system that is designed to improve traction and stability in all conditions.
Overall, the 2025 Subaru Forester is a significant improvement over the previous model. It has a more rugged and aggressive exterior design, a more modern and upscale interior, and a more powerful and efficient engine. If you’re looking for a compact SUV that is versatile, reliable, and safe, the 2025 Forester is a great choice.
People Also Ask
What are the key differences between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2024 Forester?
The key differences between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2024 Forester include:
- Redesigned exterior with a more rugged and aggressive look
- Redesigned interior with a more modern and upscale look
- New 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque
- New CVT transmission for smoother and more efficient shifting
- New all-wheel drive system for improved traction and stability
Which is better, the 2025 Subaru Forester or the 2024 Forester?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is a significant improvement over the previous model. It has a more rugged and aggressive exterior design, a more modern and upscale interior, and a more powerful and efficient engine. If you’re looking for a compact SUV that is versatile, reliable, and safe, the 2025 Forester is a great choice.
What are the pros and cons of the 2025 Subaru Forester?
Pros:
- Rugged and aggressive exterior design
- Modern and upscale interior
- Powerful and efficient engine
- Smooth and efficient CVT transmission
- Improved traction and stability with new all-wheel drive system
Cons:
- Price may be higher than some competitors
- Fuel economy could be better
- Some interior materials could be higher quality