2025 Subaru Forester Features Breakdown: Full Specs, Trims & Upgrades
Ever looked at a new SUV and wondered if the upgrades are actually worth the hype? You’re not alone. With so many crossovers claiming to be “redesigned” every year, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. That’s why the buzz around the 2025 Subaru Forester Features Breakdown has everyone’s attention — drivers want to know what’s truly new, what’s improved, and whether this Forester finally delivers on everything Subaru promises.
In this post, you’ll get a clear, no-fluff look at what the 2025 Forester brings to the table — from its upgraded tech and safety features to its comfort, trims, and performance. Think of this as your shortcut to understanding exactly what’s changed, what stands out, and why this SUV might just be the smartest pick in its class.
Quick Overview: 2025 Subaru Forester Features Breakdown at a Glance
The 2025 Forester has a foundation of the enhanced Subaru Global Platform that is stronger, less noisy and even more comfortable to drive. The foundation engine is a 2.5-liter BOXER 4-cylinder with 180 hp and 178lb-ft of torque that is combined with a smooth CVT transmission.
It continues to be the top of its category with typical Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode, which provides reasonable grip when facing the icy roads, or the muddy trail. The interior is equipped with a large leap forward, with an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and an even more accurate EyeSight Driver Assist.
Design & Redesign Highlights
The designers at Subaru did not go crazy, but rather were prudent. The front grille has become more daring and clean and is surrounded by more aggressive LED headlights. The body panels are also carved down, which contributes to airflow and fuel economy, and additional sound insulation has the effect of providing the cabin with that quality hush typically found in luxury SUVs.
At the rear, a wraparound LED tail lights position the SUV as wider and some black cladding gives the SUV its roughness. It is still the Forester you are familiar with–only more polished and self-assured.
Powertrain, Performance & Drivetrain
Every trim gets Subaru’s signature 2.5L BOXER engine (180 hp, 178 lb-ft), mated to the Lineartronic CVT with simulated gear shifts for a smoother feel.
| Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
| 2.5L BOXER 4-cyl | Lineartronic CVT | Symmetrical AWD | ~29 MPG |
Subaru also announced a hybrid version debuting later in the model year — producing a combined 194 hp while improving city fuel efficiency by over 20%.
The X-Mode AWD system gets new calibrations, adjusting throttle and traction in real time, making it almost impossible to get stuck.
Trim Levels & Feature Breakdown
There are six trims for 2025 — each with its own flavor.
| Trim | Key Features |
| Base | AWD, EyeSight®, 11.6” touchscreen, LED headlights |
| Premium | Panoramic moonroof, heated seats, power liftgate |
| Sport | Dual-function X-Mode, orange accents, paddle shifters |
| Limited | Leather seats, power passenger seat, fog lights |
| Touring | Ventilated seats, Harman Kardon® audio, memory settings |
| Wilderness | 9.2” ground clearance, skid plates, all-terrain tires |
💡 Pro Tip: If you want maximum value, the Premium trim delivers all the essential upgrades without stretching your budget.
Interior & Comfort
Inside, Subaru’s approach is all about calm, practical comfort. You’ll find wider seats, a higher driving position, and much better sound isolation. The dashboard redesign centers around the large vertical touchscreen, flanked by soft-touch materials that make the Forester feel upscale.
Interior highlights:
- 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Heated/ventilated front seats (Touring trim)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 74.4 cu ft max cargo space (29.6 behind 2nd row)
The rear seats recline, and Subaru even added a new rear air vent setup to keep passengers comfortable on long drives.
Technology & Driver Assistance
Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist now uses a wider field of vision and faster processors. Translation: it reacts quicker, detects pedestrians better, and feels smoother during lane centering.
Key tech features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
- Pre-Collision Braking
- DriverFocus® distraction mitigation (Touring)
- Wireless phone charging
- Digital rearview mirror
- Over-the-air software updates
The infotainment system supports multiple profiles — perfect for households sharing one Forester.
Cargo, Utility & Off-Road Capability
This SUV continues to dominate the “real-world utility” category. The 8.7-inch ground clearance (9.2 for Wilderness) puts it above many rivals, and dual-function X-Mode adds selectable drive settings for snow, deep mud, or steep hill descents.
| Model | Ground Clearance | Cargo (cu ft) | Max Tow |
| Forester Base–Touring | 8.7 in | 74.4 | 1,500 lb |
| Forester Wilderness | 9.2 in | 69.1 | 3,000 lb |
Whether you’re hauling mountain bikes or camping gear, the flat load floor and wide tailgate make loading effortless.
Safety & Ratings
Subaru’s commitment to safety shows everywhere. The EyeSight suite now includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Prevention
- Emergency Automatic Steering
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Blind Spot Detection
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
With these upgrades, the Forester is expected to once again earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ title — one of the highest honors in automotive safety.
Pros, Cons & Buying Advice
Pros:
✅ Standard AWD on all trims
✅ Excellent visibility and ride comfort
✅ Top-tier safety features
✅ Spacious and functional interior
✅ Solid resale value
Cons:
⚠️ No turbo engine option yet
⚠️ Infotainment layout can feel busy at first
⚠️ Not as powerful as RAV4 or CR-V in straight-line acceleration
👉 Verdict: The 2025 Forester is the perfect SUV for people who want confidence over flash. It’s more about capability and comfort than outright speed — which is exactly why its owners tend to stick with Subaru for life.
Subaru Forester vs Competitors
| Model | AWD | Power | Fuel Economy (Combined) | Cargo |
| 2025 Subaru Forester | Standard | 180 hp | 29 mpg | 74.4 cu ft |
| 2025 Toyota RAV4 | Optional | 203 hp | 30 mpg | 69.8 cu ft |
| 2025 Honda CR-V | Optional | 190 hp | 30 mpg | 76.5 cu ft |
While the RAV4 and CR-V edge it out slightly on horsepower, neither offers standard AWD or the same visibility and off-road confidence the Forester does.
For a detailed comparison with more models, check out this SUV Comparison Guide.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Subaru Forester might not be the flashiest SUV out there — but it nails what matters: safety, comfort, and all-terrain versatility. Subaru tightened up the design, improved the tech, and kept the practicality that made the Forester a household favorite.
If you want a vehicle that’ll confidently handle snowy commutes, mountain trails, and city life without breaking a sweat, this one’s hard to beat.
Discover expert car tips, towing guides, and vehicle insights at CarFact.online.
FAQs: 2025 Subaru Forester Features Breakdown
1. What engine powers the 2025 Subaru Forester?
A 2.5-liter BOXER 4-cylinder producing 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
2. Does every 2025 Forester have all-wheel drive?
Yes — Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD comes standard across all trims.
3. What’s new in the 2025 redesign?
Updated exterior design, quieter cabin, larger touchscreen, improved EyeSight safety tech, and a forthcoming hybrid version.
4. How much cargo space does it offer?
29.6 cu ft behind the seats and up to 74.4 cu ft with the rear seats folded.
5. Which trim gives the best value?
The Premium trim hits the sweet spot — panoramic roof, heated seats, and driver assists without the luxury price tag.
Have questions about the 2025 Subaru Forester features? Contact us—we’re here to help you find the right answers.