The Subaru Forester has always held a special place in the Australian SUV market. Renowned for its rugged reliability, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and no-nonsense practicality, the Forester has become a go-to choice for families, adventurers, and anyone who values safety and capability in one package. For 2025, Subaru is updating the Forester with a sharper design, smarter technology, and – most importantly – the long-awaited arrival of hybrid powertrains.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore what makes the Subaru Forester 2025 a compelling option for Australians, covering its design, features, performance, technology, safety, and how it stacks up against rivals.
Evolution of the Subaru Forester in Australia
Since its arrival in the late 1990s, the Subaru Forester has consistently been a best-seller in its segment. Early generations gained a reputation as reliable, adventure-ready wagons with true SUV ability, thanks to Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and robust boxer engines.
By the 2000s, the Forester had grown in size and comfort, appealing more to families while retaining its outdoorsy spirit. In recent years, the model has leaned into safety, practicality, and fuel efficiency, making it a favourite among suburban households and retirees alike.
With Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda investing heavily in hybrid and electrified SUVs, the pressure has been on Subaru to modernise. The 2025 Forester represents that step forward, blending its rugged DNA with eco-friendly hybrid tech.
Exterior Design – Fresh but Familiar
The Subaru Forester 2025 keeps the rugged proportions that buyers love but adds sleeker details to stay modern. Expect:
Sharper front fascia with redesigned LED headlights and a more pronounced grille.
Chunkier wheel arches with contrasting cladding for that off-road look.
Fresh alloy wheel designs ranging from 17- to 19-inch sizes, depending on the grade.
Aerodynamic tweaks that subtly improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing the SUV stance.
New colour choices, including earthy greens and blues to highlight its outdoors appeal.
While the Forester has never aimed to be flashy, the 2025 version manages to look more upmarket while retaining its trademark toughness. For Australian buyers who value function over form, this balance is spot-on.
Interior Comfort and Practicality
Step inside the Subaru Forester 2025, and you’ll find an interior designed for families and road-trip lovers. Subaru’s cabins are known for durability, and this model builds on that foundation with:
Spacious seating for five adults, with generous headroom and legroom across both rows.
High seating position for excellent visibility, a hallmark of the Forester.
Premium materials in higher trims, including soft-touch dash inserts and contrast stitching.
Large windows and panoramic sunroof option to create an airy cabin feel.
Boot space expected to remain among the best in class, with flexible split-folding rear seats.
Practical touches like wide-opening rear doors, multiple USB-C charging points, and thoughtful storage cubbies reinforce why the Forester has long been a family favourite.
Technology and Features
The 2025 Forester integrates Subaru’s latest infotainment and convenience tech:
12.3-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Digital driver display in select trims for configurable driving data.
Wireless phone charging pad and upgraded connectivity options.
Subaru’s Starlink connected services, enabling remote vehicle access, emergency SOS, and live navigation updates.
Optional Harman Kardon premium audio system for audiophiles.
Tech-savvy Aussies will appreciate Subaru’s focus on connectivity, while older buyers will value the intuitive, physical climate controls that many rivals have ditched.
Performance and Hybrid Tech
Perhaps the biggest talking point of the 2025 Forester is the introduction of hybrid technology. Subaru has confirmed that a self-charging hybrid system will be available in Australia, developed in collaboration with Toyota.
Powertrain options are expected to include a 2.0-litre e-Boxer hybrid and possibly a more powerful 2.5-litre petrol option.
The hybrid system pairs a petrol engine with an electric motor, reducing fuel consumption and improving stop-start city driving efficiency.
Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT continues to deliver smooth power, though enthusiasts may find it less engaging.
Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ensures confident grip on gravel, wet roads, and unsealed tracks – a major advantage over FWD-based rivals.
While exact figures are yet to be confirmed, early indications suggest fuel economy improvements of 10–15% compared to the outgoing petrol-only models, making it a stronger choice for budget- and eco-conscious families.
Off-Road Capability – Still an Adventurer’s SUV
Unlike many “soft-roaders” in its class, the Subaru Forester has always been serious about off-road ability, and the 2025 model is no exception.
Standard X-Mode system optimises traction in mud, snow, or sand.
Hill Descent Control assists on steep, slippery declines.
Generous ground clearance (around 220mm) allows for gravel tracks and light off-roading.
Rugged underbody protection on higher trims improves durability on trails.
This makes the Forester particularly appealing to Aussie adventurers who tow small trailers, head to the beach, or go camping on unsealed roads.
Safety – Subaru’s Ace Card
Safety has been Subaru’s strongest marketing point for years, and the Forester 2025 continues that legacy. Standard across the range is the latest EyeSight Driver Assist technology, now more advanced than ever:
Adaptive Cruise Control with lane centring.
Pre-collision braking and throttle management.
Lane keep assist and departure warning.
Traffic sign recognition.
Driver monitoring system to detect fatigue and distraction.
With expected ANCAP 5-star safety ratings, the Forester will remain one of the safest family SUVs in Australia.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
The hybrid system will deliver significant savings for city commuters and families:
Anticipated economy of around 6.0–6.5L/100km for hybrids, compared to 7.4L/100km for the current 2.5-litre petrol.
Lower running costs with reduced fuel consumption.
Subaru’s reputation for reliability ensures low maintenance surprises.
Servicing intervals likely to remain at 12 months/15,000km.
Insurance premiums for the Forester typically sit at the mid-range for its class, making it accessible for families.
Competitor Comparison
The 2025 Subaru Forester enters a crowded field of mid-size SUVs. Its rivals include:
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Australia’s best-selling hybrid SUV, offering excellent efficiency and a strong resale value.
Mazda CX-5 2025 – A stylish, driver-focused SUV with a wide choice of engines, though AWD is not standard on all trims.
Honda CR-V Hybrid – Newly updated, spacious, and tech-laden, but pricier in higher trims.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – Sharp design and premium cabin, though ride comfort is sometimes firmer than Subaru.
Kia Sportage Hybrid – A newer entrant with generous features and warranty, competing hard on value.
Where the Forester stands out is in standard AWD, off-road ability, and Subaru’s unique boxer engine layout. For buyers outside the city bubble, these advantages are significant.
Buying Guide – Who Should Buy the Forester 2025?
The Subaru Forester 2025 appeals to:
Families seeking a safe, reliable, and spacious SUV.
Adventure-lovers who need AWD and ground clearance for camping, beach trips, and light off-roading.
Eco-conscious buyers who want hybrid tech without sacrificing capability.
Retirees who value comfort, safety, and ease of use.
Those after a sporty, performance-oriented SUV might lean toward the Mazda CX-5 Turbo or even Subaru’s own WRX Sportswagon, but for most Aussies, the Forester ticks more boxes.
Expected Pricing in Australia
While official pricing for the 2025 Forester is yet to be released, industry speculation suggests:
Entry-level petrol models: from around $38,000 drive-away.
Mid-spec hybrids: starting around $45,000–$48,000 drive-away.
High-spec hybrid Touring trims: likely to exceed $55,000 drive-away.
These figures would place it slightly above equivalent petrol rivals but competitive against hybrid SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.
Ownership Experience
Subaru offers a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, aligning with Australian market standards. Hybrid battery coverage is expected to extend beyond this, possibly 8 years, offering peace of mind.
Owners will also benefit from Subaru’s extensive dealership and service network, particularly strong in regional Australia compared to some competitors.
Final Verdict – Why the 2025 Forester Matters
The Subaru Forester 2025 is not just another facelift – it represents an important shift for Subaru into the hybrid era. By blending its proven AWD system, rugged DNA, and class-leading safety with more efficient powertrains, it ensures that the Forester remains highly relevant in the Australian SUV market.
For buyers who want more than just a city commuter, the Forester continues to stand tall as a reliable, adventurous, and family-friendly SUV. The addition of hybrid tech only strengthens its case.
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