6 key things on the 2025 Subaru Forester

GREENOUGH, Mont. — The Forester is back on top of the U.S. sales chart at Subaru.

The compact crossover, dethroned as the brand’s top seller by the Outback and the Crosstrek in 2022 and 2023, led all brand models in U.S. sales in the first half. It even set a monthly sales record as recently as March.

Subaru is rolling out a redesigned Forester as value-conscious Americans embrace smaller, less expensive vehicles. The Forester, with better than average ground clearance, competes in what is arguably one of the industry's most competitive segments, dominated by the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue.

Subaru hopes to attract younger buyers — the average age of a Forester buyer today is 62 versus 60 for the auto industry — to the retooled, sixth-generation Forester.

Subaru buyers have long coveted the ability to go anywhere. But they increasingly want more creature comforts and connectivity, a major focus of the latest Forester. We've highlighted a few notable updates after a media drive here.

Subaru overhauled how the Forester is assembled in Japan. Bill Stokes, car line planning manager for the Forester, said Subaru benchmarked the Honda CR-V to improve noise, vibration and harshness. There are more welds and three times more structural adhesive to plug gaps and increase stiffness in areas that can cause squeaks and rattles.

One example: There has been a 39 percent cut in noise attenuation from the roof rail, according to Subaru.

Overall, Subaru said the latest Subaru has nearly 89 feet of structural adhesive, versus 26 feet on the outgoing Forester and 46 feet on a new Lexus GX.

Torsional rigidity has been increased 10 percent, Subaru said, making for a drive that's not only quieter but also more enjoyable, even with mostly carryover glass, though the windshield is thicker. There is more improved sound-deadening material in the floor, roof, fenders and firewall.

The 2025 Forester is powered by an updated version of Subaru's 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. It still produces 180 hp and 178 pound-feet of torque. But Subaru said the engine produces more power at lower rpm, making it punchier off the line. Key engine parts have been updated to make it more efficient, reliable and lighter.

On Sport trim levels and up, paddle shifters on the wheel allow them to simulate eight fixed transmission ratios, up from seven on the outgoing Forester. Other changes include revised tuning to the standard all-wheel-drive system for better stability while cornering. And the stop-start system is barely detectable.

A hybrid version of the Forester is coming with power and fuel economy to be shared later.

The Forester's new electronically assisted steering rack, adapted from the WRX, provides more direct response, natural steering dynamics and is more comfortable to drive. The dual-pinion power steering notably reduces kickback through the wheel over bumps for a smoother and more stable line through corners.

The Forester features an upgraded crash structure to meet future crash tests. For the first time in a Subaru, emergency stop assist activates if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using advanced adaptive cruise control. The new standard safety feature will stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights and unlock the doors. Subaru's Starlink connected services will place a call to emergency services.

An optional surround-view monitor offers a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle and surroundings. The system combines images from four vehicle cameras to create a single image with a bird's-eye view of the area around the whole vehicle.

On touring models, the smart rear-view mirror provides a clear view behind the vehicle even when cargo or passengers block the back glass. Also optional for the first time on a Subaru, a new kick sensor-activated hands-free power rear liftgate enables users to open and close the rear gate automatically simply by placing a foot under the rear bumper cover. And Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board, while navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless phone charging (available for the first time on a Forester) are optional.

Like the latest redesigned Crosstrek and Impreza, the next-generation Forester receives all-new seats, with more aggressive thigh and shoulder bolsters, to reduce driver movement and fatigue. The new seat and mounting system are designed to hold the pelvis more securely and reduce head movement, contributing to lower fatigue on long drives.

Subaru owners covet roof racks, and roof rails are standard across the Forester lineup for the first time.

And the bigger rear cargo area is equipped with new screw-in mounts with heavy-duty utility hooks for securing accessories.

New standard heavy-duty utility hooks in the rear cargo area offer a wider range of solutions for hanging points, lifestyle accessories and more. There are a total of eight locations, three on each side of the cargo space and two on the rear gate.

Subaru engineers and designers know their customer and have tucked references to outdoor life throughout the latest Forester.

There are paw prints, boot prints, a lantern, a telescope, a compass and the outline of a mountain range embossed on interior door panels.

The silhouette of a bird is featured in the corner of several glass panels.