Subaru Forester – The Sixth Generation

The 2025 Subaru Forester continues its legacy as a reliable, practical, and rugged SUV, but with some updates that aim to modernize its appeal. While it excels in off-road capability, spaciousness, and safety features, it faces stiff competition in the crowded compact SUV segment due to its slightly underwhelming powertrain and average fuel economy.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The new Forester is powered by Subaru’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder e-Boxer hybrid engine, producing 134 bhp and 182 Nm of torque. This is a step down from the previous generation's power figures, which were reduced to meet stricter emissions standards.

The hybrid system includes a small electric motor (16 bhp) paired with a 0.57 kWh battery, designed more for efficiency than performance. The result is sluggish acceleration, with a 0-62 mph time of 12.2 seconds, making it one of the slower options in its class. To be fair, it does feel more spritely than the previous generation model, which Subaru arranged for me to drive too.

On the road, the Forester offers predictable handling and a firm but comfortable ride. However, the steering lacks feedback, and body roll is noticeable during cornering. The CVT transmission provides smooth operation but struggles to deliver engaging driving dynamics. Off-road, the Forester will undoubtedly shine with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and X-Mode technology, enabling it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. Features like hill descent control and exterior cameras enhance its off-road prowess.

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The hybrid system prioritizes fuel efficiency, achieving around 34.9 mpg combined under WLTP standards. While this is respectable for an all-wheel-drive SUV, it falls short compared to other hybrids in the segment. CO2 emissions stand at 183 g/km, which is relatively high for a vehicle marketed as eco-friendly. It is unlikely anyone will run one as a company vehicle.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

The Forester’s cabin is spacious and well-designed for families. It offers ample headroom and legroom in both rows, making it comfortable even for taller passengers. The boot space is generous at 505 litres with the seats up and expands to 1,557 litres when folded flat (or up to 1,732 litres in some trims). This makes it ideal for carrying luggage or outdoor gear .

Subaru has upgraded the interior materials and layout for 2025. A new 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen replaces the older dashboard design, offering a more modern look. However, some controls—like climate settings—have been moved to the touchscreen, which may not appeal to all users. While the cabin feels sturdy and utilitarian rather than luxurious, it lacks the premium feel of competitors like the Peugeot 3008.

Technology and Safety

Subaru continues to prioritize safety with its EyeSight driver-assistance suite. The latest Forester includes 15 advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking systems that can stop the car if the driver becomes incapacitated.

Additionally, improved visibility from large windows and narrow pillars enhances driving confidence. While tech upgrades like wireless smartphone integration are welcome additions, Subaru has retained its focus on functionality over cutting-edge features. The infotainment system is user-friendly but lacks some of the sophistication seen in rivals.

Pricing and Specification

The new Forester is priced from £38,995 and all models are well equipped:

FORESTER LIMITED
●Starting from £38,995
●Features include: Eyesight 4.0, 18” Alloy Wheels, Illuminated Ports & Wireless Charger, Memory Driver Seats, Electronically Adjustable & Heated Front Seats, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 360 Degree Surround View Camera
FORESTER FIELD
●Starting from £40,440
●Additional features over LIMITED trim include: Privacy Glass, Heated Steering Wheel, Powered Gesture Tailgate, In-built Satellite Navigation
FORESTER TOURING
●Starting from £42,995
●Additional features over FIELD trim include: 19” Alloy Wheels, Heated Rear Seats, Power Sliding UV Glass Sunroof, Black Leather Interior Trim

Strengths
1.Off-Road Capability: Few competitors can match the Forester’s all-terrain performance.
2.Spacious Interior: Excellent headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity.
3.Safety Features: Comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.
4.Build Quality: Durable materials designed for long-term use.
Weaknesses
1.Underpowered Engine: The e-Boxer hybrid lacks performance compared to rivals.
2.Average Fuel Economy: Falls behind other hybrid SUVs in efficiency.
3.Dated Driving Dynamics: Steering feedback and handling remain uninspiring.

Verdict
The 2025 Subaru Forester remains a solid choice for buyers seeking a dependable family SUV with excellent off-road credentials and practicality. However, its uninspiring engine performance and dated driving dynamics make it less competitive in an increasingly sophisticated market segment.

For those who prioritize ruggedness over refinement or need an SUV capable of tackling challenging terrains year-round, the Forester delivers on its promises. Rural buyers will love it!

What’s Next For Subaru?

This sixth generation Forester is still likely to sell in relatively modest numbers in the UK. Over 5 million have been sold worldwide so far, with 400,000 finding homes in Europe.

By 2026, Subaru will have launched four brand new EVs, with three destined for the UK market. This will hopefully increase traffic into the current fifty-eight dealerships, dotted around the UK.