All New Subaru Forester Hybrid
Since its introduction in the late 1990s, the Subaru Forester has been one of the brand’s most popular and well-known models, combining SUV looks, all-wheel drive confidence, and a spacious interior in a well-priced, efficient package. But, as competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V introduced and improved their hybrid models, the Forester started to lag in the efficiency stakes. For 2025, that is changing, as Subaru is finally bringing a Forester Hybrid to market in the U.S., which is sure to become one of its best-sellers.
Subaru Hybrid System
Subaru says the 2025 Forester Hybrid is the first model in its lineup to be powered by the “next-generation” Subaru hybrid system. The series-parallel hybrid setup integrates a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer gasoline engine with two electric motors, a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive.
Total power output for the new Forester Hybrid is 194 hp, and the hybrid retains the Forester’s excellent bad-weather and rough-roads/off-road capability. The all-wheel drive system offers torque vectoring to improve stability in bad weather, and works in concert with standard vehicle dynamics control for ultimate safety. Off-road, there’s an “X-mode” to lock the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, as well as hill descent control and a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance – more than many other SUVs.
The Forester Hybrid uses a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, which lets it drive short distances on electric power alone and which massively improves efficiency. Fuel efficiency is improved by a staggering 40 percent compared to pure-gasoline Foresters, with EPA fuel economy estimates of 35 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined.
Impressive Safety Features
Based on the latest-generation Forester, introduced in late 2024, the 2025 Forester Hybrid comes equipped with an exceptional array of safety features. Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight driver assistance system, which can automatically detect cyclists and pedestrians, alert the driver, and apply braking to avoid collisions. The newest version of EyeSight operates even more quickly than before, with a wider field of view, and in a wider range of conditions.
Additional active safety features are available, including reverse automatic braking (for when you’re backing out of parking spots), blind spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
There’s even an emergency stop assist feature, if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using the Forester Hybrid’s adaptive cruise control. If the Forester Hybrid detects the driver is unresponsive, it will automatically bring the vehicle to a stop, activate the hazard lights, unlock the doors, and place a call to emergency services.
2025 Forester Interior
The latest Forester’s interior is more spacious, better-equipped, and better-built than ever. There’s plenty of room in the front and rear seats, and the seats themselves are more supportive to increase comfort and reduce fatigue. Subaru says a lot of effort has been expended on reducing noise in the cabin as well.
Drivers face a new, digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster with navigation and Apple Maps capability, while the center of the dash is dominated by an 11.6-inch touchscreen that is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system also works as an information display with additional readouts for audio, climate and vehicle functions.
Dual-zone climate controls are standard on the new Forester, and the climate control system cleverly detects which seats are occupied, improving efficiency. Standard convenience features include power locks, windows, and mirrors, remote keyless access, tire pressure monitors, and a power liftgate that can be activated by waving your foot under the rear bumper. Available features include wireless phone charging, an all-weather package with heated seats, mirrors, and wipers, and ventilated front seats.
Subaru Forester Hybrid Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Forester Hybrid is on sale now, and the first vehicles will be arriving at retailers across the country this spring, with a starting MSRP of $34,995.
You’ll be able to distinguish the Forester Hybrid by the Hybrid badging on the fenders and power liftgate, and there’s an exclusive new exterior color, called Daybreak Blue Pearl, as well as an available black contrasting roof.
