2025 Subaru Forester The morning mist still clings to the Blue Mountains as I navigate a winding road in a current-generation Subaru Forester. The signature boxer engine thrums away beneath the bonnet, its horizontally-opposed cylinders delivering that unmistakable Subaru character that enthusiasts have come to love. Yet as enjoyable as this drive is, I can’t help but wonder how the experience might change with the next-generation model that’s just been unveiled – a vehicle that represents perhaps the most significant evolution in the Forester’s 28-year history.
Subaru has finally taken the wraps off its 2025 Forester, revealing not just a comprehensively redesigned exterior and interior, but more significantly, the brand’s first proper hybrid powertrain for the model. The system, developed in partnership with Toyota, represents a dramatic shift for a manufacturer that has clung tenaciously to its traditional boxer engine philosophy even as competitors have aggressively embraced electrification.
For Australian Subaru loyalists – a particularly dedicated bunch who have made the Forester one of the country’s most popular medium SUVs – this evolution raises compelling questions. Will the new hybrid powertrain maintain the distinctive character that has defined the brand? Can it deliver the efficiency improvements modern buyers demand while preserving the all-weather capability Forester owners rely on? And perhaps most critically, when will Australians get their hands on this significant new model?
The Hybrid Subaru Forester Heart: Toyota Tech Meets Boxer Heritage
The centerpiece of the 2025 Subaru Forester is undoubtedly its new hybrid powertrain, representing a significant technological leap for Subaru Australia’s lineup. While European and Japanese markets have previously received “e-Boxer” mild hybrid systems in various Subaru models, the new Forester features a substantially more sophisticated setup with clear Toyota DNA.
“This is a major step forward in Subaru’s electrification journey,” explains David Smith, automotive technology analyst with over two decades of experience in the sector. “Rather than developing a proprietary system from scratch, they’ve leveraged their partnership with Toyota to access proven hybrid technology that’s been refined across millions of vehicles worldwide.”
At the core of the system remains a Subaru boxer engine – a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol unit producing 115kW. This is paired with an electric motor contributing an additional 30kW, delivered through what appears to be a variant of Toyota’s planetary gear-based e-CVT system rather than Subaru’s traditional chain-driven CVT.
Total system output stands at 145kW, which positions it favorably against key hybrid competitors in the medium SUV segment, including the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (163kW in AWD form) and the Honda CR-V e:HEV (135kW).
“The power output is certainly competitive,” notes Smith. “But what’s more significant is the torque delivery characteristic of hybrid systems. The immediate torque from the electric motor should complement the boxer engine’s relatively flat torque curve, potentially delivering a more responsive driving experience than the sometimes-elastic feel of the current model’s conventional CVT setup.”
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Preserved
For many Forester loyalists, the most critical question has been whether the shift to hybrid power would compromise Subaru’s vaunted Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system – a core brand pillar and key selling point in the Australian market, particularly in regional areas and among adventure-oriented buyers.
The good news is that Subaru has maintained all-wheel drive capability in the hybrid Forester, though the implementation differs from the purely mechanical system in current models. Like Toyota’s electronic AWD hybrids, the new Forester appears to use a dedicated rear electric motor to drive the rear wheels when additional traction is required.
“It’s a different approach to all-wheel drive than Subaru traditionalists might be used to,” acknowledges Smith. “But modern electronic AWD systems have become increasingly sophisticated, with torque distribution that can actually respond more quickly than mechanical systems in many situations.”
Subaru claims the system will maintain the off-road capability Forester owners expect, with X-Mode terrain management system still featured, along with 220mm of ground clearance that positions it ahead of many competitors for light off-road use.
Design Evolution: Familiar Yet Fresh
Visually, the 2025 Subaru Forester presents a careful evolution rather than revolution, maintaining the model’s signature boxy, practical proportions while adopting more contemporary styling elements. The front fascia features sharper, more angular headlights flanking a larger hexagonal grille – a design language that aligns with Subaru’s newer models like the Outback and Crosstrek (formerly XV).
The most distinctive design elements include pronounced black wheel arch cladding, a more upright front end, and a strong character line running the length of the vehicle. These design choices emphasize the Forester’s adventure-ready personality while giving it a more modern appearance than the outgoing model, which first appeared in 2018.
“They’ve struck a good balance with the design,” observes Sarah Mitchell, automotive design consultant. “It’s clearly recognizable as a Forester, maintaining the practical, upright greenhouse and excellent visibility that owners value, while updating the details to feel contemporary without chasing fashion trends that would quickly date.”
Dimensionally, the new Forester has grown slightly, with length increasing by 45mm to 4650mm, while the wheelbase extends by 20mm to 2670mm. This modest growth should translate to incremental improvements in interior space, particularly rear legroom and cargo capacity, areas where the current model already performs well.
Interior: Digital Focus with Physical Controls
Inside, the 2025 Forester reflects a more significant departure from its predecessor, adopting a more digital-focused approach while maintaining physical controls for key functions – a balanced approach that should please both tech-savvy buyers and those who prefer tactile interaction while driving.
The dashboard is dominated by a portrait-oriented central touchscreen measuring 11.6 inches, similar to the setup seen in the current Outback. This is complemented by a digital instrument cluster, replacing the traditional gauges of the outgoing model. Physical climate controls remain, a user-friendly touch that acknowledges the challenges of touchscreen-only interfaces for drivers navigating Australian backroads.
“The interior represents the biggest generational leap,” notes Mitchell. “The current Forester’s cabin, while practical, was beginning to feel dated against newer competitors with their emphasis on screen real estate and digital integration. This update brings Subaru current without abandoning the practical, durable character that Forester owners appreciate.”
Materials appear to have received an upgrade as well, with more soft-touch surfaces and contrasting stitching on higher trim levels. Cargo capacity figures haven’t been officially confirmed for the hybrid model, though the standard petrol variant offers 755 litres with the rear seats in place – a modest improvement over the current generation.
Australian Arrival and Market Positioning
For Australian buyers eagerly awaiting the new Forester, patience will be required. While the model has been unveiled for the Japanese market with sales beginning there in mid-2024, Subaru Australia has yet to confirm exact timing for local deliveries.
Industry sources suggest the 2025 Forester will likely reach Australian showrooms in late 2024 or early 2025, with the hybrid variant potentially arriving slightly later than conventional petrol models. This timing would align with Subaru’s typical pattern of introducing new generations to the Japanese and American markets before Australian deliveries commence.
“The Australian market is important for Subaru, but production prioritization typically favors larger markets like North America and Japan,” explains automotive market analyst Michael Roberts. “The additional complexity of the hybrid system may also influence the rollout timing, as production capacity ramps up gradually for new powertrains.”
Pricing and Specification Expectations
While official pricing remains unannounced, the hybrid technology will undoubtedly command a premium over conventional petrol variants. Based on hybrid pricing patterns in the competitive set, expect the Forester Hybrid to position approximately $3,000-$5,000 above equivalent petrol models.
This would likely place the entry-level Forester Hybrid around the $45,000-$48,000 mark, with higher-grade variants potentially pushing into the mid-$50,000 range – positioning it competitively against the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and Honda CR-V e:HEV.
“Subaru Australia has traditionally offered rich specification levels to justify slightly premium positioning,” notes Roberts. “Expect that pattern to continue, with even base models likely including advanced driver assistance features, all-wheel drive, and the X-Mode off-road system as standard.”
The current Forester lineup in Australia spans from around $38,000 for the base 2.5i to $48,000 for the top-spec 2.5i-S, with the mild-hybrid Forester Hybrid S currently topping the range at approximately $49,000. The new generation will likely see these price points increase modestly, reflecting both the new technology and general market inflation.
Market Impact: Addressing a Critical Weakness
The introduction of a more capable hybrid system addresses perhaps the most significant competitive disadvantage the current Forester faces in the Australian market – fuel efficiency. The existing 2.5-litre petrol engine, while reliable, cannot match the economy of hybrid competitors that have gained significant market share in recent years.
“Fuel efficiency has become a primary purchase consideration in the medium SUV segment,” explains Roberts. “The RAV4 Hybrid’s success demonstrated the strong demand for hybrids in this category, and Subaru has been losing potential customers who might otherwise prefer a Forester but couldn’t justify the higher running costs.”
The outgoing Forester’s fuel consumption figures of 7.4L/100km for the petrol and 6.7L/100km for the mild hybrid lag significantly behind the RAV4 Hybrid AWD’s claimed 4.8L/100km. While official figures for the new hybrid system haven’t been confirmed for Australian models, similar Toyota-based systems typically deliver consumption in the 5.0-5.5L/100km range – a substantial improvement that would eliminate this competitive disadvantage.
Safety and Technology Enhancements
Safety has long been a Subaru selling point, and the 2025 Forester continues this tradition with an updated EyeSight driver assistance suite that now includes a wider field of vision and enhanced processing capabilities. The system incorporates automated emergency steering, advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and driver monitoring technology.
These features build on the current Subaru Forester already impressive safety credentials, which have helped it maintain strong appeal with family buyers. The model consistently achieves five-star ANCAP ratings, a tradition the new generation will undoubtedly continue.
On the technology front, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are expected to be standard, along with improved voice control functionality and over-the-air update capability – features increasingly considered essential rather than premium in the competitive medium SUV segment.
The Competitive Landscape: Timing Matters
The 2025 Forester enters a fiercely competitive medium SUV segment that has seen significant new entries and updates in recent years. Toyota’s RAV4 continues to dominate sales charts, while newcomers like the Mitsubishi Outlander have made substantial gains with their modern designs and electrified options.
“Timing will be critical for the new Forester’s market impact,” suggests Roberts. “The current RAV4 is approaching the midpoint of its lifecycle, while models like the Mazda CX-5 are due for replacement in the next few years. If Subaru can get the new Forester to market expeditiously, it could capitalize on being the freshest offering in the segment.”
For Subaru Australia, the stakes are particularly high. The Forester has traditionally been one of the brand’s top-selling models alongside the Outback, and its appeal to both urban and regional buyers gives it broader market reach than some of Subaru’s more niche offerings.
“The Forester occupies a sweet spot in the Subaru lineup,” notes Roberts. “It’s large enough for family duties but not as expensive as the Outback, practical without the performance focus of the WRX, and offers genuine off-road capability without the size penalties of larger SUVs. Getting this model right is absolutely critical for Subaru’s overall market position in Australia.”
Evolution Without Abandoning Identity
As my drive in the current Forester concludes and I navigate back toward Sydney, I reflect on what the 2025 model represents for Subaru. The brand has always marched to the beat of its own drum, maintaining distinctive technologies like the boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive even as market trends have shifted around them.
The new Forester suggests a more pragmatic approach – embracing hybrid technology through partnership rather than missing the electrification wave entirely, while preserving the core attributes that give Subaru its unique identity in the market.
For Australian buyers, particularly those in regional areas where Subaru enjoys strong loyalty, the 2025 Forester offers a compelling proposition: the all-weather capability, practicality, and durability they’ve come to expect, now with significantly improved efficiency and modernized technology.
“Subaru has always been an evolutionary rather than revolutionary brand,” concludes Smith. “The 2025 Forester represents perhaps their most significant evolution yet – embracing hybrid technology without abandoning the distinctive character that has earned them such a dedicated following. For existing Subaru owners looking to upgrade in the next year or two, it should be worth the wait.”
As rival manufacturers increasingly focus on style-driven urban SUVs or push into premium territory with escalating price points, the Forester’s pragmatic, capability-focused approach continues to offer a distinctive alternative. With the addition of hybrid efficiency, that alternative becomes significantly more compelling for the Australian market.
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