2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid locked in for Oz

Subaru has taken the wraps off the 2025 Forester Hybrid at the Chicago Auto Show, confirming it’ll hit Australian shores mid-year.

So if you’ve been waiting for Subaru to flex its hybrid muscles (or borrow Toyota’s), this might be it.

Borrowing Toyota’s hybrid know-how, the new Forester gets more power, better efficiency, and Subaru’s coveted all-wheel drive system.

Powering the Forester Hybrid is a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated boxer engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 145kW and 270Nm.

That’s a decent boost over the standard model’s 136kW.

The powertrain comprises Subaru’s regular 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine and adds two electric motors adding 88kW (the same as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid).

Subaru says the hybrid system is fully integrated into the Forester’s all-wheel drive setup, meaning no compromise on capability – on or off-road.

It’s also ‘up to 40%’ more fuel-efficient than the regular petrol model, with a claimed 6.7L/100km on US models (based on a 35MPG US rating) making for interesting reading.

Inside the vehicle you’re treated to Subaru’s 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to keep all your crucial info in view, along with Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite, which includes AEB with cyclist and pedestrian detection, and active cruise control.

Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate upgrades like X-Mode Dual Mode with active torque vectoring and hill descent control.

Ground clearance remains class leading in the mainstream mid-size SUV segment at 220mm and owners can keep tabs on tyre pressures, off-road angles, and 4x4 driveline status via the infotainment system.

Pricing in the U.S. starts at around USD $34,995 (A$55,000) but given the exchange rate at present that price could dip lower when it arrives locally.

Australian pricing and specs are expected closer to launch mid-2025.

Stay tuned for more details on the new-generation Subaru Forester, which could be a serious competitor to the RAV4 Hybrid.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au