The 2025 Subaru Forester has been reinvigorated, though the changes are fairly typical for this conservative brand. While the upgrades are good and welcomed, it remains to be seen if they truly elevate the Forester.

At 27 years old, the Forester has matured, shedding its image as the frumpy younger sibling to the Outback. Despite this perception, Subaru has sold an impressive 2.7 million Foresters, cementing its place in the highly competitive compact SUV segment, the largest in the United States.

Exterior 

The 2025 Subaru Wilderness model features an all-new exterior design. Every exterior body panel has been redesigned, giving the vehicle a fresh, more modern look. The squared-off wheel wells, in particular, create a bold, rugged aesthetic. Despite the updated styling, the overall shape remains instantly recognizable as a Subaru.

Compared to the previous non-Wilderness models, the exterior dimensions have only changed slightly – it’s just 0.5 inches wider and 0.6 inches longer. However, the curb weight ranges from 3,510 to 3,664 pounds depending on the trim level. Importantly, the 10% stiffer chassis provides improved dynamic performance and a more refined ride quality.

Up front, the bold grille seamlessly integrates with the compact LED headlights, giving the vehicle an almost shield-like appearance. The updated Subaru star cluster emblem is prominently featured on the all-new front fascia. At the rear, the Wilderness offers a new hands-free power liftgate that can be activated by a foot gesture.

Inside, the Wilderness offers an impressive amount of cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Wheels and tires

The Sport trim model I tested came equipped with standard 19-inch gold alloy wheels wrapped in 235/50 Bridgestone Turanza tires.

Under the hood

The changes under the hood are minor, with the most notable difference being the engine. The familiar 2.5-liter flat-four remains, but it now produces 180 hp instead of the previous 182 hp. However, there is a slight performance improvement, as peak torque has increased from 176 lb-ft to 178 lb-ft, and it now kicks in at 3700 rpm instead of 5400 rpm. The engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, which now offers eight simulated ratios instead of seven. As a result, acceleration from a stop to 60 mph takes 8.3 seconds.

For those who prioritize efficiency over speed, the Forester delivers around 32 highway miles per gallon, impressive for an all-wheel-drive non-hybrid SUV.

Driving

The Forester Sport has a refined suspension setup that balances ride comfort and stability. The raised ground clearance (8.7 inches) means you feel slightly more elevated, making it well-suited to light trails and rougher backroads. Subaru’s suspension tuning leans toward comfort, so it soaks up bumps and potholes easily. On twistier roads, it’s no WRX, but the steering is precise and predictable, keeping it fun without compromising control.

One unique feature of the Sport trim is the Sport-specific suspension tuning, which provides a bit more firmness. This doesn’t turn it into a sporty SUV per se but does add a touch more responsiveness to handling. Still, body roll is noticeable when you push it, and the priority remains comfort over cornering agility.

Acceleration is on the tepid side but the newly calibrated torque sweet spot provides more get up and go around town. The seats hold you in better and with more cushioning are much better for long road trips.

Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive)

The 2025 Forester offers Subaru’s SI-Drive system, which provides three selectable driving modes accessible via a button on the steering wheel. “Intelligent” (I) mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, “Sport” (S) mode delivers responsive, practical performance for highways and road trips, and “Sport Sharp” (S#) mode enhances the Forester’s handling capabilities when tackling curves. While the Sport Sharp setting does improve the vehicle’s responsiveness and cornering abilities, it cannot compensate for the lack of raw horsepower.

Interior

The all-new seats inside feature more aggressive thigh and shoulder bolsters, providing enhanced lateral grip even though the existing seats were already quite supportive. The cabin is adorned with ritzier materials, including a couple of imaginative design flourishes, most notably the dash padding that appears to burst open as it meets the side vent.

The Sport trim keeps the modern aesthetic alive with tasteful accents that hint at its adventurous side. The spacious cabin offers excellent visibility in all directions, and rear-seat passengers enjoy generous legroom. The responsive 11.6-inch touchscreen occasionally exhibits minor lag but comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The new dark headliner helps conceal any scuffs from loading and unloading passengers and cargo. Strategically placed pillars and a generous glass area ensure an excellent all-around view from the driver’s seat, and rear dark-tint privacy glass is a standard feature.

Safety and Security

The 2025 Forester models come standard with the latest version of the award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. This updated EyeSight system operates more smoothly and quickly across a wider range of conditions compared to previous versions. Key improvements include a wider field of view, refined control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. As a result, EyeSight can now identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, if needed, alert the driver and apply braking to avoid collisions.

Additional active safety features are available for the Forester, including Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. A new standard safety feature called Emergency Stop Assist is also included for the first time on a Subaru. This system will automatically stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and unlock the doors if the driver becomes unresponsive while using the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. SUBARU STARLINK® Connected Services will then place a call to emergency services.

Pricing

This one is a Sport model so prices start at $34,495; this tester has some options including a Harmon Kardon premium audio system, that power tailgate, Reverse Automatic Braking, and SI drive intelligent and Sport sharp modes. That takes the price to $37,590 including destination. 

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Verdict 

Overall, the 2025 Subaru Wilderness builds upon the brand’s iconic design while incorporating a host of modern, rugged styling cues and functional enhancements. While the Subaru Forester may have lost some of its funky styling, that won’t deter most buyers. For them, the Subaru name evokes rugged capability, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and all-weather all-wheel-drive. However, for those seeking a more powerful driving experience, a turbocharged engine option would be a welcome addition or the upcoming hybrid option.

2025 Subaru Forester Sport Numbers

BASE PRICE: $34,495
PRICE AS TESTED: $37,590
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
ENGINE: 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve flat-4
POWER: 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm
TORQUE: 176 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm
TRANSMISSION: Continuously variable automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 3,600 lb (estimate)
0-60 MPH: 8.4 seconds
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON: 25/32/28 mpg
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY 23.6 mpg
CARGO SPACE: 28.9 cubic feet and 74.2 cubic feet  with seat area
PROS: More refined interior, tidy handling with SI mode 
CONS: Needs more power