What is a Forester? The Forester is a compact SUV built in the Gunma, Japan assembly plant and sold worldwide by Subaru. While Subaru does have an assembly plant in Lafayette, Indiana, and it will be producing the 2026 Forester there, for now the hybrid Forester model is built in Japan. The hybrid system in the Forester is a result of collaboration with Toyota, sharing powertrain and manufacturing technology.
The 2025 Subaru Forester Sport Hybrid is a compact, all wheel drive (AWD) crossover SUV that combines a hybrid powertrain with the popular Forester model. It features a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder gas engine paired with electric motors and a battery pack, delivering 194 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain enhances fuel efficiency, with an estimated 35 mpg combined. The Sport trim adds unique styling elements with a set of hybrid bronze finish 19″ alloy wheels and StarTex interior upholstery with brown stitching.
Here are some of the key features on the new 2025 Forester Sport Hybrid SUV:
Hybrid Powertrain: The 2025 Forester Hybrid features a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder gas engine and 2 electric motors, delivering 194 horsepower, bolted to a 6 speed CVT automatic transmission with X-Mode manual shift steering wheel paddles.
Fuel Efficiency: The hybrid system offers improved fuel economy compared to the standard gasoline powered Forester, with an EPA estimated 35 mpg combined.
Sport Trim Specifics: The Sport trim includes 19″ bronze finish alloy wheels, StarTex upholstery and other unique design elements.
All Wheel Drive: Standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive provides enhanced traction control and positive handling in various road conditions.
Advanced Safety Features: The Forester Hybrid comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, and high tech safety features like Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Interior Technology: The Sport trim features a 11.6″ touchscreen display, a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster and a Harman Kardon premium audio system with 11 perfectly placed speakers.
Cargo Space: The battery pack is located under the cargo floor, and the cargo space is still very generous and comparable to the non hybrid Forester.
The base price for the 2025 Subaru Forester is $29,995. The price can vary depending on the trim level and any additional option packages selected. For example, the Premium Edition starts at $31,995, the Sport at $34,495, the Wilderness at $37,705 and the Sport Hybrid at $37,995. These prices are MSRP and do not include destination fees, options, dealer markups, factory discounts, sales tax, or license plates and registration fees.
To showcase this model, this week Subaru sent me a 2025 Forester SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this Sport Hybrid edition is $37,995. The options on the test SUV are: none. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) , including the $1,420 delivery charge, is: $39,415.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to $44,342. At just 342 bucks over $44 Grand, you get a top of the line Subaru compact crossover SUV that costs $4,458 less than the average sales transaction price of $48,800. And being a hybrid SUV, it gets 35 MPG in city driving, 34 MPG on the highway and 35 MPG in combined everyday driving. That’s a pretty good deal for a compact crossover SUV with AWD and X-Mode.
The 2025 Subaru Forester comes standard with Symmetrical AWD. This system continuously distributes power to all 4 wheels, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions like rain, snow, sleet, or on uneven terrain. If a wheel loses grip, the system instantly transfers power to the wheels with the most traction to help keep you going straight and in-line with the road.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the engine, transmission and AWD system:
Full time AWD: Subaru’s system provides power to all four wheels at all times, unlike systems that only engage when needed.
Power Distribution: The system can distribute power not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right wheels for optimal traction and control.
Active Torque Vectoring: This system enhances cornering performance by applying braking force to the inside wheels, while accelerating through a turn, helping to rotate the vehicle in the direction that you want to go.
SI-DRIVE: This system allows drivers to adjust the vehicle’s throttle response and transmission settings for different driving situations, optimizing performance and fuel efficiency.
X-MODE: This feature enhances the AWD system in low traction situations like snow, dirt, or mud by optimizing engine output, transmission settings, and torque distribution.
The 2025 Subaru Forester will likely be purchased by a variety of individuals and families who are drawn to its reputation for reliability, safety and capability; particularly its standard AWD and adventurous spirit. Subaru aims to attract a younger demographic, and the Forester’s appeal extends to those who prioritize going just about anywhere, and appreciate its practicality, economy and longevity.
Here’s a more detailed look at potential Subaru Forester buyers:
Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Forester’s reputation for ruggedness and ability to handle various terrains makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy hiking, camping and outdoor activities. The Wilderness trim is designed for the more adventurous types.
Families: The Forester’s spacious interior, safety features, and reliability make it a good fit for families with children, pets and cargo.
Safety Conscious Drivers: Subaru is known for its strong safety record, and the Forester consistently receives high safety ratings, which appeals to those who prioritize safety.
Buyers Looking for Value: The Forester offers a good balance of features, performance and price, making it an attractive option for those seeking big value in a compact SUV.
Subaru Loyalists: Many buyers are repeat Subaru customers who appreciate the brand’s commitment to quality and its unique characteristics, like standard AWD.
Younger Buyers are the targeted demographic: Subaru is actively trying to appeal to a younger audience with the 2025 Forester, potentially through design updates, exterior enchantments and technology improvements.
So, call, click or visit your local Subaru dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2025 Forester Hybrid Sport SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Forester starts at only $29,995. Subaru – Go Outside and Play.
The key to life is to learn something new every day, and by reading my Bottom Line review, I hope you did just that, learned about something new and exciting. So, be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Drive safely, have a great day, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to [email protected] and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net
