Subaru Forester Hybrid 2025 Review

The Forester isn’t just a sales success within its own family. Behind the all-conquering Toyota RAV4, Subaru’s medium SUV player fights it out with the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 (among others) to be best of the rest on the sales charts.

For the sixth generation there’s been a range rationalisation, with the streamlined line-up consisting of petrol and petrol-electric hybrid offerings. The latter is via a beefed-up system pilfered from Toyota, while there’s no longer a turbo-diesel (since 2020) or turbo-petrol in sight.

We’re behind the wheel of the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, which at $46,490 (all prices exclude on-road costs), forms the entry point of the electrified range. It’s $3000 more expensive than the base naturally aspirated, 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer, while the most expensive Hybrid Touring is $55,990.

Prices are up, but as previously mentioned, the hybrid gubbins have been upgraded to a more robust Toyota system that’s been ambitiously named Strong Hybrid. The Toyota connection makes sense given the Japanese giant owns a 20 per cent stake in Subaru.

The traditional engine bit of the hybrid set-up muscles up too, as the 2.5-litre replaces the outgoing generation’s 2.0-litre unit for increased combined performance. Added spec levels, in particular safety items, also account for the increased value.

While the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid might be the cheapest of the electrified bunch, there’s no real aesthetic downside for choosing it. Running with the new design, the medium SUV gains WRX-style wheel-arch cladding as part of the revamped style. Yet, it’s not so radical as to put off repeat buyers.

The spec level is appreciably high, too, with 18-inch alloy wheels, ladder-style roof rails, self-levelling LED headlights, tail-lights and daytime running lights with cornering lamps as well as keyless entry, a shark fin antenna and privacy glass.

Inside you won’t find leather, but that isn’t a bad thing given the fabric is of high quality – the only other disadvantage being that cowhide is easier to clean for families. Yet, other than the ‘lower grade’ material, the cabin is largely unchanged from the top-spec Touring in terms of design.

Even the front seats gain heating, despite the lack of full power adjustment. Elsewhere you’ll find dual-zone climate control, a leather steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and push-button start. Impressively in an age where the price of optional paint is getting out of hand, there’s no additional cost attached to metallic hues.   

In terms of warranty, the Subaru’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre plan applies with just a single year of roadside assistance. Servicing intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km, with the first five years or 75,000km of maintenance being capped at $2299.

Being the latest and greatest, you’d expect the safety kit to reflect this contemporary status. And the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid does that with the most-recent version of the company’s EyeSight technology.

In terms of active tech, the Forester includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, active cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, fatigue detection, traffic sign recognition, facial recognition, rear parking sensors and a 360-degree panoramic view monitor.

The range also gained a five-star ANCAP score based on current protocols, features an impressive nine airbags as well as ISOFIX points and top-tether anchorages.

However, in practice the Forester has taken a slight step backwards. The main culprit is the driver attention warning, which seemingly tells you off if you dare look anywhere but straight ahead. It also has the loudest bong to alert you of upcoming cameras at traffic signs – it’s truly a heartstopper.

Thankfully, the systems can be tailored to a more toned-down status or switched off completely. However, the selections aren’t always permanent. Luckily, they are grouped within the same menu for ‘easier’ access, while the active lane keeping has a button on the multi-function steering wheel.

Sitting proudly within the dash of the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is an 11.6-inch portrait-style infotainment touch-screen housing the brand’s StarLink operating system. It’s the same unit used throughout the range, so it doesn’t feel at all low rent.

However, concessions must be made somewhere, so it misses out on the swish 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Instead, making do with 4.2-inch display flanked by traditional analogue dials is the order of the day. While not as visually enticing, it still gets the job done.

Other features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in-built sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio, voice recognition, Bluetooth USB-A and C ports as well as a six-speaker audio system. Oddly, Aussie Foresters don’t gain remote access compatibility.

An annoyance is the fact the wireless charge pad doesn’t use a grippy pad or have any provisions for keeping your phone secure while driving. This means it can go flying when cornering, or even slightly move off the designated charge area during general operation.

Given Toyota’s stake in Subaru, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise there’s some parts sharing – it already exists with the GR86/BRZ and bZ4X/Solterra mash-ups.

Using the 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine with 121kW and 212Nm as a base, two electric motors are used to add extra motivation to the driveline. Both e-motors gain current from a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with the main unit providing drive to the wheels and the other focussed on regenerating energy.

Further justifying the Strong Hybrid branding is the fact the e-motor focussed on the driving wheels now outputs 90kW and 276Nm compared to 12.3kW and 66Nm. Combined, the e-Boxer is graced with 145kW – like Toyota, Subaru doesn’t list a combined torque figure.

Yet, in reality, it doesn’t translate to meaningful EV-only driving. You can, if you’re extremely judicious with throttle inputs, get up to about 45km/h without the internal combustion engine (ICE) kicking in and more often than not, EV mode refuses to activate.

Although, the hybrid system is resolutely more effective than before. And the transition between the power sources is relatively seamless. It even has a newfound pep in its step.

Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) retains a mechanical link via a prop shaft, while the hybrid’s CVT uses an electronically controlled planetary gearset. On occasion the gearbox can perch revs uncomfortably high under acceleration to return loud acoustics, but on the whole, it’s a vastly improved experience from what came before it.

The respected Japanese marque makes some bold claims regarding the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid’s overall driving range. And the 1000km to a tank assertion seems a bit ambitious.

Through our week of testing, we couldn’t match the manufacturer’s 6.2L/100km claim, instead seeing a best of 7.2L/100km – before a decent highway run, that figure was more than 8.0L/100km.

Yet, it claws back ground by being able to run on 91 RON unleaded petrol and there’s no requirement to charge as the hybrid system keeps that all in check for you.

Surprisingly – a little bit fun.

So much so, if you find yourself on an interesting section of tarmac, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid won’t disappoint, which goes against the grain of boring, cookie-cutter medium SUVs.

Built on the company’s new Subaru Global Platform, the Forester feels agile and energetic behind the wheel. Yes, the taller body (1730mm) does create some roll through corners, but there’s minimal head toss while the suspension and dampers iron out rebound through big undulations. It’s easy to get a nice flow behind the wheel.

Running smaller 18-inch alloys with squared 225/55 R18 Falken tyres, the ride quality is more compliant in the entry-grade, too. With MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear axle, the Forester is just as comfortable soaking up urban locations as it is on the open road.

The steering is light, but it loads up progressively and naturally once lock is applied. And as with most modern products, there isn’t really any need to delve into the Si Drive modes to select Sport as it only adds artificial weight. In fact, Intelligent is the only mode you need on-road as it offers the best balance of throttle and transmission characteristic.

There’s just something likeable about the way the Forester drives that makes it easy to live with. And of course, with the respected Symmetrical AWD, traction is never an issue in any conditions on sealed surfaces – but what about off them?

Traditionally, this has been Subaru’s USP in the medium SUV category. However, as a recent comparison test proved, the Forester no longer solely rules the, ahem, forest.

Given the base model’s similarity to the top-spec Touring in terms of off-road capability, we won’t rehash that here. Although, you might be more inclined to lean into the lifestyle side of the Subaru’s character with the cheaper base spec.

However, it’s worth noting the Forester not only enjoys 220mm of ground clearance, but it also runs Subaru’s X-Mode that includes Normal, Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud selections to assist in various situations.

Unfortunately, all hybrid versions share the same spare-tyre issue – that being, there isn’t one. If you want this option, it’ll cost you $3000 for a mount and tyre hanging off the rear bumper and it means you can’t tow at the same time. Plus, it isn’t exactly pleasing on the eye.

The biggest takeaway from jumping into the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is you aren’t being hard done-by for choosing to save some cash with the base model.

Okay, you can say goodbye to luxuries like leather, a sunroof and some power operation. However, other than that, the same fuss-free nature filters through all variants, no matter the price. And the cloth seats don’t feel like a downgrade, especially when they’re still equipped with heating up front.

It’s a space that focuses on the important bits, rather than trying to dazzle. So, there’s soft-touch materials where you want them, the ergonomics are generally sound and the build quality appears good. It’s also a relatively quiet place to be with thicker side glass, too.

Speaking of which, the Forester’s glasshouse is big, meaning vision out is clear and headroom is generous. Leg and toe room in the back is spacious for the segment, while the rear seats recline for added relaxation. Rear air vents, USB-C ports, bottle holders in the doors and a fold-down centre armrest also feature.

At 484 litres, the boot is smaller than the medium SUV average, but it does expand to 1655L with the 60/40-split folding rear seats stowed. This operation can be done via levers in the boot, while the Forester has several different hooks and tie-down points to keep items in place.

While the hybrid system in the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is much improved, the reality is it’s coming from a low base. So, any improvement comes across as a meaningful step forward.

However, that’s slightly under-serving the work done here by Subaru. The retooling returns tangible improvements in the powertrain’s performance, driveability and efficiency. It’s a much-needed step forward in the mission to compete with a slew of new hybrids, PHEVs and EV mediums SUVs.

What’s more, the Forester gains an unexpected injection of dynamic verve. Yes, that might not matter to some, but it does make living with and driving the Subaru daily a bit less of a chore – especially with the nagging safety nannies switched off.

Even more refreshing is you don’t really need any more Forester than the base model offers. Compared to the top-spec Touring, you aren’t missing out on anything of vital substance. So, in that regard, the best bet is also the cheapest.

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid at a glance:
Price: $46,490 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric
Output: 121kW/212Nm (electric motor: 90kW/276Nm)
Combined Output: 145kW
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Fuel: 6.2L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 140g/km (ADR combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2024)

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