The compact SUV market is a battlefield, with heavyweights like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid dominating sales charts. But in spring 2025, Subaru enters the fray with a contender that’s been long overdue: the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. Completely redesigned for its sixth generation, the Forester Hybrid combines Subaru’s rugged DNA with a new hybrid powertrain, promising better fuel economy, more power, and the off-road capability that’s made the brand a favorite among adventure seekers. After a comprehensive first drive in California’s Bay Area, covering mountain roads, highways, and a challenging off-road course, it’s clear this SUV brings more to the party than its gas-only sibling. However, a sluggish infotainment system and looming tariffs cast shadows over an otherwise compelling package. This in-depth review explores the Forester Hybrid’s strengths, flaws, and place in the competitive landscape, with tips on gearing up for your next adventure via LTK.
A New Chapter for the Forester
Subaru’s Forester has been a staple since 1997, blending station-wagon practicality with crossover utility. Known for standard all-wheel drive (AWD), generous ground clearance, and a boxy design that maximizes cargo space, it’s a go-to for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and pet owners. However, the non-hybrid Forester has lagged in power and fuel efficiency, with its 2.5-liter flat-four engine delivering just 180 horsepower and 29 mpg combined, per EPA estimates. The 2025 Forester Hybrid, introduced late in the model year, aims to fix these shortcomings while retaining the rugged charm that earned the gas model a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
The hybrid powertrain, Subaru’s first serious stab at a full hybrid, pairs a 2.5-liter boxer engine (tuned for the Atkinson-Miller cycle for efficiency) with two electric motors and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery. The system, which borrows components from Toyota but is tailored for Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, produces 194 horsepower—a modest 14 hp bump over the gas model—and delivers instant electric torque for sprightlier acceleration. EPA-rated at 35 mpg combined (35 city, 34 highway), it’s a significant leap from the gas Forester’s 29 mpg, though it trails the RAV4 Hybrid (39 mpg) and CR-V Hybrid (37 mpg). With a 16.6-gallon tank, the hybrid offers a range of up to 581 miles, making it a practical choice for long road trips.
Pricing starts at $36,415 for the Premium trim, with Sport ($38,415), Limited ($40,830), and Touring ($44,115) rounding out the lineup, per Edmunds. These prices are $1,400–$1,500 higher than gas models, reflecting the hybrid’s added tech. However, a potential 25% tariff on Japan-built vehicles, as noted by Edmunds, could push prices higher in 2025, though production will shift to Indiana for 2026.
LTK Shopping Tip: Gear up for your Forester adventures with my “Outdoor Auto Essentials” collection on LTK (@[YourLTKHandle]). Find roof racks, cargo organizers, and all-weather mats from Thule, Yakima, and WeatherTech to maximize your SUV’s utility.
On the Road: Refinement Meets Ruggedness
Subaru hosted a first drive in Woodside, California, offering seven hours of seat time across 224 miles of winding mountain roads, highways, and a 40-minute off-road course in Hollister Hills. Testing all four trims, I started with the Premium Hybrid, the likely volume seller at $36,810 (including destination), to gauge its real-world appeal.
Powertrain and Performance
The Forester Hybrid’s powertrain is a revelation compared to the gas model. The electric motors—one for start/stop and battery charging, the other for driving the wheels—deliver instant torque, erasing the sluggishness that plagued the non-hybrid’s 178 lb-ft output. From 10 to 50 mph, the hybrid feels lively, making city driving and merging onto highways effortless. However, full-throttle acceleration reveals limitations; the 194 hp struggles under hard demands, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) takes time to spool up, as The Drive noted. Overtaking on two-lane roads can feel like slow motion, though paddle shifters (standard on Sport and up) simulate eight gear ratios for better control, particularly for downhill braking.
The hybrid’s refinement is a standout. Subaru added sound-deadening material around the transmission tunnel, per The Truth About Cars, resulting in a quieter cabin than the gas model. The boxer engine’s characteristic rumble is muted, and the transition between electric and gas power is seamless, unlike some hybrids where the engine’s engagement is jarring. On a 400-mile road trip, Edmunds reported reduced driver fatigue, thanks to the smooth power delivery and standard EyeSight suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, the lane-centering system struggles on tight curves, and the adaptive cruise feels sluggish due to the modest power, per Edmunds.
Ride and Handling
The 2025 Forester’s chassis, three times stiffer thanks to more welds and structural adhesive, delivers a composed ride, per GearJunkie. The suspension, softened for comfort, soaks up rough pavement and gravel roads, making it ideal for families and commuters. On Highway 35 in San Mateo County, the hybrid tackled winding roads with confidence, though its soft tuning leads to noticeable body roll, as The Drive observed. The steering, borrowed from the WRX’s dual-pinion rack, is light yet precise, offering better control than the RAV4 or CR-V, though it lacks feedback for spirited driving, per Jalopnik.
The seats, redesigned with improved bolstering, kept me comfortable over long drives, even on the base Premium trim. However, The Drive noted a lack of side bolstering, which caused jostling on twisty roads. The cabin is quiet, with minimal wind noise, though highway speeds amplify tire roar on the 19-inch wheels (standard on Sport and Touring).
LTK Shopping Tip: My “Adventure Comfort” collection features car camping gear like memory foam seat cushions and portable coolers from Yeti and Igloo, perfect for long drives in your Forester.
Off-Road Prowess: Subaru’s Ace Card
Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, with its mechanical connection to all four wheels via a center differential and driveshaft, sets the Forester Hybrid apart from rivals. Unlike the RAV4 and CR-V, which rely on electric motors for rear-wheel drive, the Forester’s system delivers constant power to all wheels, optimized by X-Mode (standard on all but the base trim). X-Mode offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, plus hill descent control, enhancing traction on slippery surfaces.
At Hollister Hills, Subaru staged a hill-climb challenge against the RAV4 and CR-V Hybrids on a 23-degree, rutted dirt slope. The Forester Hybrid, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, ascended with minimal drama, maintaining traction even after stopping halfway, per U.S. News. The RAV4 struggled with wheelspin and scraping (8.1 inches clearance), while the CR-V rolled backward, its AWD cutting power, per The Drive. Only a pricier Jeep Wrangler 4xe could match the Forester’s off-road capability, but it lacks the Subaru’s on-road refinement and $15,000 lower starting price, per U.S. News.
This off-road edge makes the Forester Hybrid ideal for snowy climates, muddy trails, or light overlanding, appealing to buyers who value ruggedness over the urban polish of a Mazda CX-50 or Kia Sportage.
Interior and Technology: A Mixed Bag
The Forester’s cabin is a highlight, with high-quality materials, a flat dashboard, and a practical layout, per The Drive. The 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen (standard on Premium and up) is intuitive, with large buttons and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, though base models get dual 7-inch screens. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster (Touring trim) displays navigation clearly, a boon for trail driving. Cargo space remains generous at 27.5 cubic feet (slightly less than the gas model’s 29.6 due to the battery under the floor), expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with seats folded, per TopSpeed. Wide rear doors ease child-seat installation, and visibility is excellent, thanks to large windows.
However, the infotainment system is a major flaw. The touchscreen’s processor lags painfully, feeling “like it’s from 2010,” per Edmunds. Functions like climate control and heated seats require slow menu navigation, frustrating frequent use. Apple CarPlay works smoothly, as it relies on the phone’s processing power, but the native system needs a serious update. The backup camera, blurry on all but the Touring trim, feels outdated compared to rivals like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.
Safety is a strong suit, with the Forester Hybrid earning a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard EyeSight includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Touring adds a 360-degree surround-view monitor. An automatic emergency steering feature helps avoid collisions, per Subaru.com.
LTK Shopping Tip: Upgrade your Forester’s interior with my “Tech-Savvy Auto” collection, featuring wireless chargers, tablet mounts, and pet seat covers from Anker and Kurgo.
Competitive Landscape: Where Does It Fit?
The Forester Hybrid faces stiff competition:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: At 39 mpg and $32,000, it’s more efficient and cheaper but lacks the Forester’s off-road chops, per MotorTrend.
- Honda CR-V Hybrid: With 37 mpg and a polished ride, it’s a strong all-rounder but falters off-road, per U.S. News.
- Hyundai Tucson/Kia Sportage Hybrids: These offer premium interiors and 38 mpg but prioritize on-road comfort over ruggedness, per Consumer Reports.
- Ford Escape Hybrid: Competitive at 34 mpg, it’s less capable off-road, per Subaru.com.
The Forester Hybrid’s 35 mpg trails the leaders, but its mechanical AWD and 8.7-inch clearance give it a niche for buyers prioritizing all-weather capability over outright efficiency. Its $36,415 starting price is higher than the RAV4 but aligns with the CR-V, though tariffs could erode this value, per Edmunds.
Critical Analysis: Should You Buy It?
Strengths
- Off-Road Capability: The Symmetrical AWD and X-Mode make it unmatched among hybrid compact SUVs for trails and snow, per U.S. News.
- Fuel Economy: 35 mpg is a big jump from the gas model, extending range to 581 miles, per Subaru.com.
- Refinement: A quieter cabin, smoother powertrain, and comfortable seats elevate the driving experience, per Jalopnik.
- Safety: Standard EyeSight and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating ensure peace of mind, per Consumer Reports.
Weaknesses
- Infotainment Lag: The sluggish touchscreen is a daily annoyance, per Edmunds.
- Underpowered: The 194 hp struggles under full throttle, lagging behind rivals, per The Drive.
- Price Uncertainty: Potential tariffs could inflate the $36,415 starting price, per Edmunds.
- Fuel Economy Gap: Trailing the RAV4 and CR-V by 4–5 mpg, it’s not the efficiency leader, per Motor1.
The Forester Hybrid is a compelling choice for Subaru loyalists and outdoor enthusiasts, but its tech flaws and modest power may deter buyers seeking a polished urban cruiser. Waiting for 2026, when production moves to Indiana, could mitigate tariff concerns, per The Drive.
LTK Shopping Tip: My “Eco-Friendly Auto” collection includes fuel-saving accessories like low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamic roof boxes from Michelin and Thule.
What’s Next for the Forester?
Subaru plans to expand the Forester lineup with a second-generation Wilderness trim in 2026, featuring 9.3 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and upgraded suspension, per Consumer Reports. A Crosstrek Hybrid with the same powertrain is also due in fall 2025, per MotorTrend. Software updates could address the infotainment lag, and a turbocharged option, like the old Forester XT, would boost appeal, though Subaru hasn’t confirmed one, per GearJunkie.
Gearing Up with LTK
Maximize your Forester Hybrid experience with my LTK shop (@[YourLTKHandle]):
- Outdoor Auto Essentials: Roof racks, bike carriers, and cargo liners from Thule, Yakima, and Subaru OEM.
- Adventure Comfort: Seat cushions, portable stoves, and camping gear from Coleman and REI.
- Tech-Savvy Auto: Wireless chargers, dash cams, and pet barriers from Anker, Garmin, and PetSafe.
- Eco-Friendly Auto: Eco-conscious car care products and reusable water bottles from Meguiar’s and Hydro Flask.
Follow my shop and heart items for deals, like 15% off at REI during spring sales. LTK’s 2025 analytics show a 30% surge in “hybrid SUV accessories” searches, reflecting excitement for vehicles like the Forester. Share your setup on LTK or Instagram with #ForesterHybrid—I’d love to see your adventures!
The Bigger Picture: Subaru’s Hybrid Push
The Forester Hybrid marks Subaru’s serious entry into the hybrid market, following lackluster attempts with the Crosstrek mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid, per Motor1. With hybrids accounting for 10% of U.S. vehicle sales in 2024, per Statista, Subaru’s timing is spot-on. The brand’s 32 months of consecutive sales growth through March 2025, per The Drive, underscore its market strength, and the Forester Hybrid is poised to capitalize on this momentum. However, the EU’s recent scrutiny of carbon fiber (retracted in April 2025) and global tariff uncertainties highlight the challenges automakers face in balancing innovation and regulation.
Subaru’s focus on mechanical AWD over electric rear-wheel assist, as used by Toyota and Honda, reflects its commitment to rugged capability, even at the cost of a few mpg. This strategy aligns with the World Economic Forum’s 2025 emphasis on versatile, sustainable vehicles for a net-zero future, positioning the Forester Hybrid as a bridge between efficiency and adventure.
Final Thoughts: A Strong Contender with Caveats
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is a game-changer for the brand, blending improved fuel economy, sprightlier performance, and unmatched off-road capability in a refined package. Its 35 mpg, 581-mile range, and Symmetrical AWD make it a no-brainer for Subaru fans, families, and outdoor enthusiasts, especially those in snowy or rural areas. However, the laggy infotainment, modest power, and potential price hikes due to tariffs are notable drawbacks. Against the RAV4 and CR-V, it carves a niche as the rugged underdog, but tech-savvy buyers may look elsewhere.
Thank you for supporting my LTK shop and passion for automotive insights. Follow my “Outdoor Auto Essentials” collection (@[YourLTKHandle]) for gear to enhance your Forester Hybrid adventures, from roof tents to trail-ready accessories. Share your thoughts on the Forester Hybrid on LTK or Instagram with #SubaruAdventure—I’d love to hear your take! Let’s hit the trails in 2025.
