TheDrive.com Says The 2025 Subaru Forester Is A Huge Leap Forward

The all-new 2025 Subaru Forester is giving journalists and buyers lots to shout about. From the updated styling to the added features, and of course, the always excellent all-wheel drive and safety features, this is a Subaru that everyone can love. Whether you have a family of people or pets, the new Forester is sure to have something that anyone will enjoy. 

A Review From TheDrive

TheDrive.com recently took part in the launch of the 2025 Forester, and the author, Kyle Hyatt, found himself falling more and more in love with the SUV the more miles he put on it. One of his first compliments was on the drivetrain, saying, “It’s the kind of drivetrain that I’d want in a Forester: a torquey, uncomplicated mill just humming away under the hood, taking me where I need to go relatively efficiently (Subaru claims 25 mpg in the city, 32 on the highway, and 28 combined).”

Engine and Towing Capacity

All Forester models feature a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer 4-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This allows the Forester to get great fuel mileage without sacrificing usability and reliability. The 2025 model can also tow up to 3,000 lbs when properly equipped. 

Excellent Ride Manners

Subaru SUVs are well known for being some of the best on the market when it comes to comfort and off-road usability. Whether you’re driving in inclement weather, going camping, or down the highway, the Forester makes sure the surface you’re driving on doesn’t make its way into the cabin, as Hyatt said: “Next, the suspension tuning is now excellent. The Forester still rides plenty soft, making it ideal for commuting and families living in areas with poor pavement. Dampers do a fantastic job of smoothing out imperfections without resorting to all kinds of electronic trickery. The Forester’s steering is also perfectly fit for purpose. No, it’s not wriggling around with feedback, but I wouldn’t want it to. Instead, it’s nice and light but with enough weight to make the driver feel in control. Interestingly, Subaru adapted the Forester’s new steering rack from the WRX sport compact.”

Ground Clearance and Features

Like all Subaru models except the BRZ, the 2025 Forester has standard Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and the latest updates to the renowned Eyesight Driver Assist Technology. The Forester also features X-MODE for extra traction and stability when driving on all types of surfaces. With Hill Descent Control, the vehicle will also hold the SUV at a crawling pace when going down steep and potentially uncertain terrain. 

How Does The Forester Compare With Toyota and Honda?

Two of the top vehicles in the segment, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, are always seen as having nice, simple, and classy interiors. The 2025 Forester makes some great strides in providing buyers with a wonderful interior experience with plenty of technology and quality materials. Kyle said, “Touchpoints, like the steering wheel, feel great. My top-tier Touring tester is replete with soft-touch plastics, fascia panels with interesting textures, and perforated leather on the seats with suede on the bolsters. It easily gives the Toyota RAV4 a run for its money and while it’s a bit busier-looking than the Honda CR-V‘s elegant interior, it feels just as high-quality.”

In Conclusion

So, what was the conclusion of TheDrive’s first test of the all-new Forester? “So, after driving it on the road and off (and accidentally way off), is the 2025 Subaru Forester competitive against heavy hitters from Toyota and Honda? Absolutely. It’s a more complete car with fewer compromises than ever in its near-30-year history. It offers all of Subaru’s greatest hits—safety, ruggedness, and purposeful styling.”

At Subaru of Rochester, we are happy to offer our customers more than a hundred new and used vehicles. Our fantastic sales team and finance department will work hard to find the best car that fits your needs. And our dedicated service department will always ensure that your vehicle is taken care of in the best way possible.

We look forward to serving you soon.