2025 Subaru Forester Dimensions: Size, Space & Real-Life Fit
Finding the right SUV isn’t just about horsepower or touchscreen size — it’s about how comfortably it fits into your life. The 2025 Subaru Forester dimensions prove that practicality doesn’t have to come at the cost of style or agility. Compact enough for tight city spots yet roomy enough for family trips, this SUV feels tailor-made for real-world driving.
Key Takeaways
- A Three-Model Lineup: For 2025, the Forester is split. The standard gas models (Base, Premium, Sport, etc.) are fully redesigned on a new platform, while the off-road Wilderness trim is a carryover from the previous generation. An all-new Hybrid model also joins the lineup on the new platform.
- Redesigned Gas Model: Features a 180-hp 2.5L engine, 8.7-in ground clearance, and tows 1,500 lbs. It offers the most cargo room (up to 74.4 cu-ft in the Base trim).
- New Hybrid Model: Built on the same redesigned platform, it offers an estimated 194 hp system output, a 1,500-lb tow rating, and targets ~35 mpg combined.
- Carryover Wilderness Model: Stays on the 5th-gen platform. This is the only model with 9.2 inches of ground clearance and the 3,000-lb (1,361 kg) towing capacity.
- Cargo Varies by Roof: On the redesigned platform, the Base trim (no moonroof) has the most cargo space (74.4 cu-ft). All other trims (gas and hybrid) that include the moonroof have 69.1 cu-ft.
Exterior Size & Parking Practicality
The Forester stays squarely in compact-SUV territory at 183.3 in long and 72.0 in wide, making tight lots and street parking manageable. Wilderness trims are fractionally shorter/ wider due to bumpers and tires (182.7 × 72.2 in). Wheelbase is 105.1 in (Wilderness 104.9), which helps stability on the highway without feeling bulky in town.
On rougher roads, the standard 8.7-inch clearance is confidence-boosting. If you venture off pavement often, the Wilderness package adds 9.2 inches, underbody protection, and revised gearing for low-speed climbs.
Interior Space & Comfort
Cabin room is where the Forester overdelivers. Base models without a moonroof offer up to 110.8 cu-ft of passenger volume; most trims with the panoramic moonroof provide 106.6 cu-ft—still among the roomiest in class. Families will notice the airy feel and generous head/legroom in both rows.
Cargo flexibility
Cargo flexibility is excellent: 29.6 cu-ft behind the second row in the Base trim (moonroof deletes some space on others to 27.5 cu-ft). Fold the second row and you’ll see 69.1–74.4 cu-ft, enough for camping kits, strollers, or a couple of mountain bikes with wheels off.
Engine & Performance Overview
Gas models use a revised 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder with 180 hp / 178 lb-ft, paired to a Lineartronic CVT and standard Symmetrical AWD—tuned for predictable traction and everyday drivability.
A Forester Hybrid joins the lineup with an estimated 194-hp total system output (engine + electric motor). It retains AWD capability and extends range for commuters who want fewer fuel stops without losing Forester’s all-weather character.
Efficiency, Towing & Tech Updates
EPA-type ratings reported for gas trims land around 26/33/29 mpg (city/hwy/combined) on most models, with Sport/Touring typically a tick lower at 25/32/28. The Wilderness trades a little efficiency for trail hardware.
Towing remains simple and practical. Most trims handle up to 1,500 lb (680 kg), while the Forester Wilderness boosts capability to 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) with Trailer Stability Assist. You can read a detailed breakdown of towing figures and setup options in our 2025 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity Guide.
On tech, every 2025 Forester includes upgraded EyeSight® Driver Assist; higher trims add conveniences like a 360° Surround-View Monitor and larger infotainment.
Safety & Value
Forester’s visibility, standard AWD, and advanced driver aids give it a reassuring, family-first feel. Subaru’s platform tuning emphasizes stability and crash performance, and the Wilderness variant adds extra protection where trail rash happens.
If you need bigger tow ratings or quicker acceleration, Subaru’s Outback with the turbo engine is worth a look. Otherwise, Forester’s standard features and interior packaging deliver strong value for daily life.
Real-World Impressions & Competitor Context
Compared with best-sellers like Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Forester will often feel more open in the second row and easier to see out of. Hybrids from rivals may edge it on acceleration; Forester answers with standard AWD, excellent visibility, and a calm ride. Independent tests show the new Forester Hybrid returning ~35 mpg combined (some outlets observed a bit lower in mixed driving), which keeps it competitive for long commutes.For reference, you can view the official EPA fuel economy data for compact SUVs to compare Forester’s performance within its class.
Quick Overview Table
| Specification | 2025 Forester (Redesigned Gas) | 2025 Forester Hybrid (New) | 2025 Forester Wilderness (Carryover) |
| Platform | 6th Gen (All-New) | 6th Gen (All-New) | 5th Gen (Carryover) |
| Engine | 2.5L BOXER I-4 | 2.5L Hybrid System | 2.5L BOXER I-4 |
| Power | 180 hp / 178 lb-ft | ~194 hp (System Total) | 182 hp / 176 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 8.7 inches | 9.2 inches |
| Est. MPG (Comb.) | ~28-29 mpg | ~35 mpg | ~26 mpg |
| Max Cargo (Seats Down) | 74.4 cu-ft (Base) 69.1 cu-ft (w/ moonroof) | 69.1 cu-ft | 69.1 cu-ft |
| Max Cargo (Seats Up) | 29.6 cu-ft (Base) 27.5 cu-ft (w/ moonroof) | 27.5 cu-ft | 26.9 cu-ft |
| Length / Width | ~183.3″ L / 72.0″ W | ~183.3″ L / 72.0″ W | ~182.7″ L / 72.2″ W |
E-E-A-T Notes (How this was verified)
Dimensions, packaging, powertrain, and towing figures were cross-checked against Subaru’s official comparison pages, Wilderness product pages, and the 2025 Forester trim/spec PDFs. Fuel-economy/Hybrid details were validated with reputable automotive test outlets.
Conclusion
If you’re after a compact SUV that fits real life—kid seats, Costco runs, muddy trails—the 2025 Subaru Forester gets the proportions right. It’s easy to park, genuinely spacious inside, and offers the Wilderness path for towing and trail work. With standard AWD and thoughtful packaging, it’s a smart everyday partner that doesn’t feel small where it counts.
Discover expert car tips, towing guides, and vehicle insights at CarFact.online.
FAQs : 2025 Subaru Forester Dimensions
1) What are the exact 2025 Subaru Forester dimensions?
Most trims measure 183.3 in L × 72.0 in W × 68.1 in H with a 105.1-in wheelbase. Wilderness is slightly different due to its off-road kit.
2) How roomy is the interior?
Passenger volume is up to 110.8 cu-ft (Base w/o moonroof) or 106.6 cu-ft with the panoramic moonroof. Back-seat head/legroom are adult-friendly.
3) What’s the cargo space like?
Seats up: 29.6 cu-ft in Base (moonroof trims 27.5). Seats folded: 69.1–74.4 cu-ft depending on trim. The hatch opening is wide and low.
4) What’s the towing capacity?
1,500 lb (680 kg) for most trims and 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) for the Wilderness when properly equipped.
5) Is there a 2025 Forester Hybrid and what MPG does it get?
Yes. Subaru confirms a Forester Hybrid with an estimated ~35 mpg combined and ~194 hp system output; observed results vary by test and conditions.
Still exploring? Discover more Subaru insights, comparisons, and reliability guides in our Subaru category — your hub for expert ownership tips and 2025 model updates.