2025 Subaru Forester Early Review | Consumer Reports

2025 Subaru Forester Early Review | Consumer Reports 1

Join CR at to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

The 2025 Subaru Forester remains true to its roots as a sturdy, functional, and practical small SUV with standard all-wheel drive. The sixth-generation redesign brings new styling with chunky fender flares, a beefier grille, and slick headlights. But the biggest change is the increase in sound-deadening material, added in an effort to create a quieter cabin—long a weak point for the popular SUV.

38 Comments on "2025 Subaru Forester Early Review | Consumer Reports"

  1. I hope you noticed the removal of HomeLink on the rearview mirror of the Forester Touring model’s Smart Digital rearview mirror. HomeLink is on every lower trim of Forester. What a huge misstep.
    It’s also available on the Ascent Touring and the Outback Touring / Touring XT with their Smart Digital rearview mirror. Not sure what happened there!

  2. Do you have a milder rock hill for testing CUV off-roading competence?

  3. 2025 forester wilderness?

  4. @juanseaforth5111 | September 27, 2024 at 3:22 PM |

    I’m waiting for the hybrid.

  5. @shadowdance4666 | September 27, 2024 at 3:27 PM |

    I had an older Subaru forester. It needed an engine replacement and then the head gasket went. So much reservations about even looking in the direction of a forester making any interest grating. I had an Impreza first. It was absolutely fantastic. So I’m a little conflicted when it comes to Subaru

  6. Bring back the turbo option, with the hood scoop!

  7. it’s made in Japan, sold! 👍🇯🇵

    • my 2010 honda fit made in saitama japan is still going strong, 180,000 miles.

    • @ericripley9739 | September 27, 2024 at 4:09 PM |

      Have had 3 Subarus, ’11 and ’14 Foresters ( Japan) and now a ’17 Outback (USA) See absolutely no difference in quality!

    • Subaru President and CEO Atsushi Osaki said they will begin building the next-generation Forester and a new Hybrid version compact SUV at its Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Confirmed by Scott Brand, President and Chief Operating Officer Subaru of Indiana Automotive in a later press conference earlier this year.

      This is likely to be in 2026 however, as they are likely to introduce the Hybrid version, which also was stated to be made in IN as well. So if you want one that is 100% “made in Japan”, get this model year.

    • @@YuyoDriftthe 25 forester will start being made in Indiana starting next year. Kind of sucks, but their Crossfrek I believe is already made in Indiana and apparently those are well made. But that Japanese quality labor is definitely a plus.

    • @AlexAlex-gs1xh | September 27, 2024 at 10:09 PM |

      ​@ericripley9739 nuh uh the newer ones like 2024 and later ones are affordable, have more features than any toyota at a less price and are more reliable than the older subarus.

  8. Peak torque changed from 4,400 to 3,700. Old wasn’t 5,400 rpm. 180 HP lost 2HP to reduce particulate matter (soot).

  9. 8:20 Only way to read the message “Keep Eyes on Road” is to take the eyes of the road…🤔😅

    What a gimmick, so important that it only comes on top Touring trim. 🤣

  10. @adriancooper78 | September 27, 2024 at 5:55 PM |

    It’s sad that Consumer Reports doesn’t tell you that the newer Subarus collects data on individuals who purchase their cars.
    This information is then forwarded to second – and third-party data brokers who inturn forward this information to insurance companies and like companies ( LexusNexus and Verisk ) who have the potential to use this data against the purchaser of the vehicle.
    Yo man, I’m keep my 2016 Outback until it can’t be repaired anymore and I’m forced to by another vehicle.

    • Probably why I’m waiting for the lease returns on the 22-23 Foresters and having my bank finance it.CarMax gets a fair share of Subaru lease returns/1 owner/less then 25,00 miles which is no big deal of usage

    • Proof, please.

    • I understand if you don’t initiate and maintain a “Starlink” subscription (initially free, then paid subscription), you don’t have to worry about the car “phoning home”.

    • @janoskovacs11 | September 27, 2024 at 10:00 PM |

      Fake news !

    • @AlexAlex-gs1xh | September 27, 2024 at 10:12 PM |

      No this is all false. I will upgrade every 5yrs. Stop speeding and driving like a maniac then even if they collect it won’t impact you nor your insaurance rates. Just drive the speed limit. It isn’t that hard.

  11. I hate driving a car with blank covers for options on the dash but driving a car that has a bumper for two exhaust tail pipes and one has a blank cover is next level

  12. I’m surprised Subaru makes you buy a package for blindspot monitoring.

  13. Good vehicle but the fact that they reduced the horse power from the prior generation was so disappointing. I’m mean I was going to buy one and then my jaw dropped when is saw the engine specs. Its a safety concern now a days With more cars going faster than ever you need the extra boost to get in and out of merges on highways in cities smooth and not struggling. I have a 6 cylinder 2017 legacy and it’s so appreciated compared to 4 cylinder forester I had. I just think Subaru got it wrong and if they have a wilderness option it should have at minimum 200 horsepower if they did that I would buy it

  14. why does the wheels look undersized 😂

  15. I’ll go with the lease returns of the 21-22 foresters with limited mileage/ corporate vehicle or single owner/ limited mileage.

  16. @Honestandtruth007 | September 27, 2024 at 10:12 PM |

    I Really Like Subaru Forester on 2014 and want to change to a Hybrid model. 2.5i engine 180 horsepower is enough for me for everyday Driving 👍❤️😀

  17. Thx!, Just 💚 it!, It is a honest & reliable car that U can live with in every situation!!🎉

  18. @craigmerkey8518 | September 28, 2024 at 2:46 AM |

    Jen is my favorite!

  19. I have a 23 Forester (after driving a 16 for 7 years). The 23 is so much better. I imagine the 25 is even better than the 23. There is however one negative change from my 16 to 23. The CVT simulated shifts are unneeded and seem to cause worse fuel economy, especially in city driving/stop and go. This change could only result in less efficiency. Definitely not getting advertised mpg, or what I got driving 2016. Other than that, huge fan of the Forester!

  20. I love my 2021 touring trim, I am interested in seeing how the hybrid does when it’s available but I’m in no hurry to part with my current Forester.

Comments are closed.