All-New 2025 Subaru Forester Premium Review

Written By: Jerry Reynolds | Jul 22, 2024 1:00:12 PM

I’m always excited to get behind the wheel of a Subaru SUV since I recommend them so often. This week, I bring you the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester Premium. All the Subaru SUVs feature the terrific Symmetrical All-Wheel drive system, which is among the very best in the auto industry.

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Let’s talk about what is new for this model. It has a new look on the exterior and interior, the latest version of the terrific EyeSight safety system that I often call the best in the industry, Subaru has improved the ride quality through a stiffer chassis, a new 11.6” multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a hands-free power liftgate, available 19” wheels, and Subaru says they have improved the interior quietness, something that always gets a standing-O from me.

Powertrain

Under the hood you’ll find the 2.5-liter Boxer 4- cylinder engine, putting out 180-horses and 178 pound-feet of torque. There is also an upgraded Continuously Variable Transmission and it simulates actual shifting, and actually feels like a regular transmission. As I have said on the Car Pro Radio Show many times, the first CVT I ever drove dates back to 1985 in a Subaru Justy. For you CVT haters, Subaru does it right and has it perfected.

Trims

There are five trim levels available for 2025, starting with the base, then the Premium (which I have), then you go to the Sport, Limited, and Touring. You can also add the Wilderness package for those people seriously into off-roading.

Interior

As you enter the cabin, you notice the premium cloth seats which feature a two-tone design and are very comfortable. As you hit the start button, the dash is bright and colorful and there is a driver info readout in the middle. This is operated from the steering wheel, which is quite busy with a lot of buttons including radio controls and cruise control among other things.

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On the center console you’ll find a couple of cup holders, the electronic emergency brake, the gear shifter, a wireless charger, two USB ports, and a plug-in power jack. Just above that are controls for the air conditioning and heated seats.

The heart of the operations is the Starlink system, which is an easy-to-use, especially with the new 11.6-inch touchscreen. This is where you operate the Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi, the sound system with 6-speakers, including HD radio, and Sirius XM. You get real-time info including gas prices, stock prices, sports scores, weather, and you can add your own apps if you wish.

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Also from the screen you can turn off the start/stop system, the car’s settings, automatic brake hold, vehicle Dynamic controls, and activate X mode that works with the Subaru All-Wheel Drive system to provide drivers with increased performance when needed most. This driver-activated enhancement is designed to be used when road conditions become particularly treacherous or challenging, such as in slippery or icy weather, on steep hills, in muddy terrain, or even when taking the car off-road.

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Also, from the steering wheel you can activate the Si drive for enhanced throttle control and a sharper driver experience and it really makes a difference. It is an advanced engine management system with driver-selectable modes tailored to suit different conditions, and it does change how the Forester performs.

Around the rearview mirror you’ll find the Eyesight Safety System, something I talk about on the radio all the time because to me, it is the best one out there. You can’t see if from inside, but outside you see two cameras mounted high on the windshield. The cameras monitor traffic movement, optimize adaptive cruise control, and warns you when you're swaying outside your lane. The Automatic Pre-Collision Braking feature can even apply full braking force and bring you to a complete stop in emergency situations.

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Back seat leg and headroom are surprisingly good and there are air conditioner vents, a fold down armrest, and two USB ports. The rear seats easily fold down in a 60/40 configuration, with a fold down armrest, two cup holders, and the back seats recline.

Utility

Cargo area is larger than I expected and with the second-row seats down, you get almost 70-cubic feet of cargo.

Standard Equipment and Options

Notable standard features include LED headlights and fog lights, automatic climate control, rear vision camera, 10-way power drivers seat, fog lights, rear camera with rear automatic braking, pushbutton start, a large power panoramic moon roof, and keyless entry. It has start/stop that can be disabled.

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My review Subie has three options totaling $1200: Automatic emergency steering, Blindspot detection with lane change assist, and the power liftgate that is foot-activated.

Safety

Safety-wise, besides the Eyesight system, you get blind-spot detection with lane change assist, rear seat reminder, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Ride and Drive

The ride and drive are spectacular, and the all-around visibility is great. With 8.7-inches of ground clearance, the Forester is a serious off-roader as well as a joyful daily driver. Acceleration is lacking a little for me, but it is rated to tow 1,500 pounds. The noise level inside is noticeably quieter than the last Forester I reviewed.

Fuel economy is great at 26 city and 33 highway, and total MSRP was surprisingly low by today’s standards at $34,590.

Verdict

Subaru had nothing to prove or improve as far as off-road worthiness or ability to handle bad weather. However, it did have a ways to go for regular drivers. The calmer, quieter Forester should make everybody happy.

To view larger photos see the slideshow below at CarPro.com.