2025 Subaru Forester Review | Practical Family SUV With AWD

The Subaru Forester has long been a staple of Australian driveways, known for its balance of rugged reliability, family-oriented practicality, and go-anywhere confidence. In 2025, Subaru has refined the formula once again, making the Forester more competitive in a market crowded with mid-size SUVs from Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia.

The latest Forester isn’t a radical departure from its predecessor, but it introduces smarter technology, updated styling, improved efficiency, and a suite of features that directly address what Aussie families look for in a daily SUV. Whether you’re navigating the school run, tackling weekend camping trips, or exploring rougher country roads, the 2025 Forester aims to be the one-car solution.

This in-depth review explores everything you need to know: design updates, cabin space, infotainment, safety, fuel economy, driving performance, off-road ability, pricing, and how it compares to rivals.

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2025 Subaru Forester continues the brand’s rugged yet approachable aesthetic. Subaru hasn’t gone overly aggressive like some competitors, instead leaning on a design language that prioritises function with enough flair to stand out.

• Front End: A refreshed grille with sharper chrome accents and adaptive LED headlights that adjust automatically for better visibility at night.
• Body Lines: Clean, practical shapes that improve aerodynamics without sacrificing the Forester’s boxy practicality.
• Wheels: 17-inch alloy wheels standard, with higher trims offering 18- and 19-inch options for a bolder road presence.
• Roof Rails: Standard across the range, catering to families who regularly load up bikes, surfboards, or cargo pods.
• Colour Options: Subaru has introduced two new hues – Deep Sea Blue and Autumn Copper – alongside classic options like Crystal White and Ice Silver.

The Forester’s design isn’t about flash; it’s about durability and usability. In Australia, where SUVs need to balance city commutes with coastal and country adventures, this practical style makes sense.

Interior Comfort and Cabin Space

Step inside the 2025 Forester, and you’ll notice Subaru’s focus on refinement and family practicality.

• Seating: Supportive cloth seats standard, with premium leather available on higher trims. Both front seats offer heating, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver.
• Rear Comfort: Class-leading legroom ensures taller passengers (or growing teenagers) won’t feel cramped. Wide-opening rear doors make fitting child seats hassle-free.
• Cargo Capacity: 520 litres with seats up, expanding to over 1,750 litres with the rear seats folded flat – one of the best in its class.
• Technology: Subaru’s latest 11.6-inch portrait-style infotainment system dominates the dashboard, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB radio, and native satellite navigation.
• Practical Touches: Multiple USB-C ports, clever storage bins, large cup holders, and wipe-clean surfaces reflect Subaru’s “family-first” philosophy.

Noise insulation has been improved, making long highway drives more peaceful – an area where earlier Foresters sometimes lagged behind rivals.

Technology and Features

Technology is one of the biggest step-ups in the 2025 Forester.

• Infotainment: The new Subaru Starlink system is quicker and more intuitive. The large vertical touchscreen makes it easy to access maps, music, and vehicle settings.
• Driver Display: A 12.3-inch digital driver cluster (from mid-spec upwards) allows customisation and clearer real-time vehicle info.
• Voice Control: Updated natural-language commands reduce the need to fiddle with menus while driving.
• Connectivity: Wireless charging pad standard on most trims, with OTA software updates to keep systems fresh.
• Sound System: A premium 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available, perfect for families who value long-drive entertainment.

The Forester also integrates Subaru’s latest “Connected Services,” including emergency SOS, vehicle tracking (useful for theft recovery), and remote climate pre-conditioning via smartphone app.

Performance and Powertrain Options

Australians have long valued Subaru’s engines for durability, and the 2025 Forester offers refined versions of proven formulas.

• Engine Choices:
  • 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol producing 136kW and 239Nm.
  • Hybrid e-Boxer pairing a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a small electric motor for improved urban efficiency.
• Transmission: Both options use Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, tuned to mimic stepped gears for a smoother, less “rubber-band” feel.
• Drivetrain: Symmetrical AWD standard across all trims, a major selling point over rivals that often reserve AWD for higher grades.

The Forester isn’t a powerhouse SUV, but its balance of efficiency and all-weather traction is exactly what most families need.

Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality

Subaru’s engineering ethos is all about safety and control, and the Forester delivers a composed driving experience.

• City Driving: Light steering and excellent visibility make the Forester surprisingly easy to maneuver in urban environments.
• Highway Comfort: Improved suspension tuning absorbs bumps better than before, reducing fatigue on long trips.
• Handling: Subaru’s low-mounted Boxer engine gives a lower centre of gravity, enhancing cornering stability compared to taller SUVs.
• Noise Levels: Quieter cabin due to extra insulation and laminated glass in higher trims.

The Forester may not be sporty, but its calm, predictable dynamics suit Australian roads – from suburban roundabouts to outback straights.

Off-Road Capability

Where the Forester really sets itself apart is its off-road competence.

• X-Mode System: Optimises traction, throttle, and braking for dirt, snow, and mud conditions.
• Ground Clearance: 220mm – higher than many competitors, making it suitable for unsealed tracks.
• Hill Descent Control: Automatically regulates braking downhill for safer control on steep slopes.
• Towing: Rated up to 1,800kg braked (petrol), with the hybrid slightly lower at 1,500kg. Ideal for small caravans, trailers, or boats.

In an era where many SUVs are “soft roaders,” the Forester remains true to its adventure-ready roots, making it especially appealing for Aussies who split their time between city life and the bush.

Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance

Safety has always been Subaru’s calling card, and the 2025 Forester continues this tradition.

• EyeSight Technology: Dual-camera system includes adaptive cruise control, lane centring, pre-collision braking, and traffic sign recognition.
• 360-Degree Camera: Available on higher trims for easier parking and off-road manoeuvring.
• Blind Spot Monitoring & Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Standard across most of the lineup.
• ANCAP Rating: Expected to maintain a 5-star safety rating once 2025 crash tests are completed.

Families will appreciate that Subaru doesn’t skimp on advanced driver aids even in lower trims.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

Fuel costs remain a big factor for Australian households, and the Forester responds well.

• 2.5-litre Petrol: Averages around 7.5L/100km combined, a reasonable figure for an AWD SUV.
• Hybrid e-Boxer: Drops fuel use to around 6.2L/100km, particularly efficient in stop-start city traffic.
• Tank Size: 63 litres, offering a practical touring range for road trips.

While not as frugal as full hybrids from Toyota, Subaru’s AWD system ensures superior all-condition stability, which many Aussie drivers value over outright economy.

Trim Levels and Pricing in Australia

The 2025 Forester is offered in familiar trim levels, with equipment scaled appropriately.

• Forester 2.5i (Base): Affordable entry point with AWD, touchscreen, and EyeSight safety.
• Forester 2.5i-L: Adds advanced driver aids, dual-zone climate, and premium trim touches.
• Forester 2.5i Premium: Larger alloys, sunroof, and upgraded infotainment.
• Forester Hybrid L / Hybrid S: Target eco-minded buyers, with hybrid efficiency and full equipment list.
• Forester 2.5i-S: Flagship petrol variant with leather seats, Harman Kardon audio, and full safety suite.

Prices start around $42,000 drive-away for the base model and push past $55,000 drive-away for top-spec variants.

Competitor Comparison

How does the 2025 Forester stack up against its biggest rivals?

• Toyota RAV4: Superior hybrid fuel economy, but AWD not standard on all trims.
• Mazda CX-5: Sportier handling and plush interior, but less rear space and cargo room.
• Hyundai Tucson: Modern tech and sharp styling, though AWD only available higher up.
• Kia Sportage: Long 7-year warranty appeals, but base models lack AWD practicality.

The Forester’s biggest advantage remains standard AWD and adventure credibility, giving it an edge for Aussies who want both safety and versatility.

Ownership, Warranty, and Maintenance

Subaru’s reputation for longevity continues with the 2025 Forester.

• Warranty: 5-year/unlimited km warranty, with an 8-year battery warranty for hybrids.
• Servicing: Capped-price servicing available, intervals every 12 months/12,500km.
• Resale Value: Historically strong, with Foresters holding value well in the used-car market due to reputation for reliability.
• Insurance Costs: Slightly above average given AWD and safety features, but competitive within the SUV category.

For families seeking long-term peace of mind, Subaru’s ownership package remains a strong drawcard.

Who Should Buy the 2025 Subaru Forester?

The Forester is ideal for:

• Families needing a safe, roomy, and practical SUV.
• Drivers in regional areas or coastal towns who benefit from full-time AWD.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who want a vehicle that can handle camping trips, dirt tracks, and towing.
• Buyers who value reliability and resale value over flashy styling or extreme performance.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Subaru Forester isn’t about reinventing the wheel – it’s about refining a winning recipe. With standard AWD, improved cabin comfort, updated tech, and strong safety credentials, it continues to be one of the most dependable and versatile family SUVs in Australia.

While rivals may outdo it in pure hybrid efficiency or sporty design, the Forester strikes an unmatched balance of practicality, safety, and adventure-readiness. For Aussie families who want a vehicle that can genuinely do it all, the 2025 Subaru Forester remains a smart, trustworthy choice.