The Subaru Forester has long been a favourite among Australian families, adventurers, and those who value practicality without compromising on performance. The 2025 model builds on this legacy with upgraded safety systems, improved fuel efficiency, and a design that balances rugged durability with modern comfort.
Whether you’re navigating city streets, tackling winding country roads, or exploring off-road trails, the 2025 Forester is engineered to keep you and your passengers safe, comfortable, and ready for whatever the journey brings.
A Legacy of Reliability and Adventure
Since its introduction in the late 1990s, the Subaru Forester has carved a niche in the SUV market for being dependable, capable, and incredibly versatile. Known for its symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system and boxer engine layout, it has remained a go-to option for Australians who want a vehicle equally at home in urban and off-road environments.
The 2025 Forester continues this tradition, but it’s far from just a facelift. Subaru has worked to enhance every aspect—technology, safety, efficiency, and style—to meet the needs of the modern driver.
Exterior Design – Rugged Meets Refined
The 2025 Forester’s styling updates give it a bolder and more athletic presence. Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille has been refined, flanked by sleeker LED headlights with adaptive functionality for improved nighttime visibility. The front bumper has been re-sculpted for a more aggressive stance, while still maintaining the clean lines that appeal to urban drivers.
Wheel designs have been refreshed, with sizes ranging from 17-inch alloys on entry-level trims to stylish 19-inch options on higher variants. Black plastic cladding remains around the wheel arches and lower body to protect against stone chips and debris—a subtle nod to its off-road readiness.
At the rear, a redesigned tailgate and LED tail lights sharpen the Forester’s look, and an integrated roof spoiler adds a sporty edge while improving aerodynamics.
Interior – Comfort, Space, and Practicality
Step inside the 2025 Forester, and it’s clear Subaru has prioritised both comfort and usability. The cabin feels airy thanks to large windows and a high seating position, providing excellent all-around visibility—something families and off-road enthusiasts appreciate.
The rear seats offer impressive legroom and headroom, making the Forester a genuine five-seater even for taller passengers. Cargo space remains one of its strongest points, with up to 520 litres available with the seats up and over 1,770 litres when folded flat. The wide, flat load floor and low boot lip make loading bulky items a breeze.
Material quality has been stepped up, especially on mid- and top-tier trims. Soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and refined plastics give the cabin a more premium feel, while durable upholstery options—such as water-repellent cloth—cater to those who lead an active lifestyle.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2025 Forester adopts Subaru’s latest infotainment setup, featuring an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen on higher trims and a well-laid-out 8-inch system on entry models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, now with wireless connectivity on most variants.
Navigation, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a configurable digital instrument cluster are available on higher grades, ensuring tech-savvy drivers are well catered for.
A key improvement is the updated Subaru Starlink system, which offers faster processing, more intuitive menus, and over-the-air software updates to keep features current without a trip to the dealer.
Safety – Forester’s Strongest Suit
Safety has always been a major selling point for the Forester, and the 2025 model elevates this reputation further. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology now features a wider-angle stereo camera, enabling better detection of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles in more challenging scenarios.
Standard features across the range include:
- Adaptive cruise control with lane centring
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane departure prevention
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
For families, Subaru’s DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System—available on higher trims—uses facial recognition to alert the driver if signs of fatigue or distraction are detected. Combined with the Forester’s five-star ANCAP safety rating, it’s one of the safest SUVs you can buy in Australia.
Engine and Performance
The 2025 Subaru Forester retains its 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine in most variants, producing 136kW and 239Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) tuned for smoothness and efficiency.
For those who want extra efficiency, Subaru also offers a mild-hybrid e-Boxer variant, which uses a small electric motor to assist in acceleration and improve fuel consumption, particularly in stop-start city driving.
Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system comes standard, offering excellent traction in wet or uneven conditions. Combined with X-Mode, which optimises the drivetrain for slippery or steep terrain, the Forester is more than capable off the beaten track.
Fuel Efficiency
Efficiency has been improved slightly over previous models thanks to refined engine tuning and aerodynamic tweaks. The standard petrol variant delivers an estimated 7.4L/100km combined, while the hybrid version offers closer to 6.5L/100km, making it a practical choice for families mindful of running costs.
Driving Experience – City to Outback
Around town, the Forester’s light steering and good visibility make it easy to manoeuvre, while the ride comfort is excellent even over rough urban roads. On highways, it feels planted and secure, with minimal wind or road noise intruding into the cabin.
Off-road, the Forester remains one of the most capable crossovers in its class. Ground clearance of 220mm, combined with AWD and X-Mode, means it can handle muddy trails, sandy tracks, and snow-covered roads with confidence.
Variants and Pricing in Australia
While final 2025 pricing will vary by dealer and state, the Forester is expected to start from around $38,000 for the base model and range up to over $50,000 for the fully loaded Hybrid S. Trim levels include:
- Forester 2.5i
- Forester 2.5i-L
- Forester 2.5i Premium
- Forester 2.5i Sport
- Forester Hybrid L
- Forester Hybrid S
Each variant builds on the one below, adding more comfort, tech, and safety features.
Maintenance and Ownership
Subaru’s capped-price servicing program helps keep ownership costs predictable, and the Forester is backed by a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty in Australia. Subaru vehicles are known for their durability, and the Forester’s reputation for reliability remains strong.
For resale value, the Forester continues to perform well in the used market thanks to its safety credentials, AWD capability, and brand reputation.
Why the 2025 Forester Stands Out
The mid-size SUV market in Australia is crowded, but the 2025 Subaru Forester distinguishes itself by offering a blend of practicality, safety, and off-road ability that few rivals can match. While some competitors may have flashier interiors or more powerful engines, the Forester’s balanced approach ensures it remains one of the most versatile and trustworthy options for Australian drivers.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Subaru Forester isn’t just another SUV refresh—it’s a well-thought-out update to a model that has earned the trust of countless Australian families. From its class-leading safety features to its spacious cabin and genuine off-road ability, it’s a vehicle that can confidently handle the demands of everyday life and weekend getaways alike.
If you value safety, versatility, and all-weather capability, the Forester should be at the top of your shortlist.
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