Few SUVs in Australia balance rugged off-road ability with everyday practicality like the Subaru Forester. For 2025, Subaru has refined its formula once again, introducing upgrades to safety systems, improvements in fuel efficiency, and enhanced off-road capabilities without compromising the comfort families demand.
The Forester has long been an all-rounder: capable in the bush, reliable on the highway, and versatile enough for city commuting. With Australians increasingly demanding vehicles that handle school runs as effortlessly as they handle dirt tracks, the Subaru Forester 2025 aims to set a new benchmark.
This comprehensive review explores everything buyers need to know—from safety ratings and driver assistance systems to engine performance, off-road features, interior design, and ownership costs—so you can decide if the Forester is the right SUV for you in 2025.
A Legacy of Reliability
The Subaru Forester has been part of the Australian car landscape since the late 1990s. Known for its rugged durability, symmetrical all-wheel drive system, and boxy practicality, the Forester has steadily evolved to meet modern demands.
By 2025, the Forester is more than just a family wagon with off-road chops—it has become a sophisticated SUV equipped with hybrid technology, advanced safety features, and refined interiors. Subaru’s reputation for building long-lasting vehicles remains central, making the Forester an appealing option for those seeking long-term ownership.
Safety First: How the Forester Protects You
Subaru’s Safety Philosophy
Safety is at the heart of Subaru’s DNA, and the 2025 Forester continues this tradition. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist technology has been upgraded with enhanced cameras, wider detection angles, and smarter adaptive algorithms.
Key Safety Features
EyeSight 4.0 with improved adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and emergency braking assist.
Driver Monitoring System (DMS) that detects drowsiness and distractions.
Enhanced Airbag Coverage with additional side-curtain and knee airbags.
High-strength steel frame designed for improved crash protection.
Improved visibility through larger glass areas and thinner A-pillars.
Safety Ratings
The Subaru Forester 2025 is expected to maintain a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, matching its predecessors. This gives Australian buyers confidence when choosing it as a family SUV.
Off-Road Performance: The Subaru Advantage
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system remains the backbone of the Forester’s off-road ability. Unlike many competitors that rely on on-demand AWD, Subaru’s system is always engaged, ensuring traction on gravel, mud, or slippery tarmac.
X-Mode and Hill Descent Control
The 2025 Forester continues to feature dual-function X-Mode, with settings for snow/dirt and deep snow/mud. This helps drivers tackle rugged trails without fuss. Hill Descent Control further enhances downhill stability.
Ground Clearance and Durability
Ground clearance: 220mm, one of the best in its class.
Protective underbody cladding and redesigned bumpers make it more resilient on tough tracks.
Upgraded suspension tuning balances comfort with durability, ensuring it handles corrugations and potholes with ease.
For adventurous Aussies who spend weekends camping, surfing, or heading out to remote areas, the Forester’s capability makes it one of the most practical SUVs under $60k.
Powertrains and Fuel Use
Petrol Engine
The Forester 2025 retains the tried-and-tested 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering around 136kW of power and 239Nm of torque. While not the most powerful in the segment, it offers dependable performance for everyday driving.
Hybrid Option
Subaru has expanded its e-Boxer hybrid system for 2025. This pairs the petrol engine with a small electric motor, improving fuel efficiency particularly in urban settings. While not a full EV, the hybrid offers:
Smoother acceleration at low speeds.
Fuel savings of up to 10–15% in mixed driving.
Regenerative braking for efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency
Petrol: Around 7.4–7.6L/100km combined cycle.
Hybrid: Around 6.5–6.8L/100km, making it one of the more efficient AWD SUVs in Australia.
This balance of economy and reliability means the Forester continues to appeal to cost-conscious families.
Driving Dynamics: On-Road Comfort Meets Off-Road Toughness
The 2025 Forester is designed to be as comfortable on suburban roads as it is capable in the bush. Subaru has tuned its suspension for a smooth ride, and improvements to cabin insulation make highway journeys quieter.
Steering remains light but accurate, and the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) has been refined to reduce drone under acceleration. For urban drivers, the Forester feels manageable, while its AWD grip inspires confidence in wet conditions.
On gravel roads, the vehicle remains composed, absorbing bumps with ease. Compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5, the Forester’s off-road credentials stand out, even if outright acceleration is not its strongest point.
Interior and Practicality
Cabin Design
The Forester’s interior is spacious, airy, and practical. Large windows provide excellent outward visibility, while the 10.8-inch infotainment touchscreen integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Premium trims add leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Subaru’s attention to ergonomics makes the Forester a family-friendly SUV that’s easy to live with daily.
Space and Comfort
Generous headroom and legroom for all passengers.
520-litre boot capacity, expanding to 1,770 litres with seats folded.
Wide-opening rear doors and low boot lip for easy access.
Technology
Wireless smartphone connectivity.
Digital driver display with configurable layouts.
Subaru Connected Services for remote vehicle monitoring, GPS tracking, and over-the-air updates.
Ownership Costs and Reliability
Running Costs
Subaru has a reputation for low long-term ownership costs. The 2025 Forester benefits from capped-price servicing in Australia, making budgeting easier.
Service intervals: 12 months / 12,500km.
Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kilometres.
Insurance: Competitive in its class, thanks to strong safety ratings and theft-prevention systems.
Resale Value
The Forester enjoys strong resale value in the used car market, especially in rural and regional areas where AWD systems are valued.
Competitors in the Segment
The Forester 2025 competes against some of Australia’s most popular SUVs.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – More powerful hybrid, slightly better economy, but not as rugged off-road.
Mazda CX-5 – Stylish and sporty, but lacks Subaru’s AWD depth.
Honda CR-V 2025 – Spacious and comfortable, but not as adventure-ready.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Offers plug-in hybrid tech, though at a higher price point.
While competitors shine in specific areas, the Subaru Forester strikes a balanced mix of comfort, safety, and ruggedness.
Who Should Buy the Subaru Forester 2025?
The Forester is ideal for:
Families seeking a safe, reliable SUV with space and comfort.
Outdoor enthusiasts who need genuine off-road ability.
Drivers wanting a balance of fuel efficiency and all-weather traction.
Buyers who value long-term reliability and strong resale value.
If you’re looking for a flashy performance SUV, the Forester may not be your match. But for everyday Australian families and adventurers, it remains one of the most practical options in 2025.
Final Verdict
The Subaru Forester 2025 builds on a legacy of safety, reliability, and versatility. With enhanced driver assistance systems, efficient hybrid technology, and genuine off-road performance, it continues to be a standout choice in the crowded SUV market.
For Australian buyers, the Forester represents a safe, practical, and adventure-ready SUV that’s built to handle both weekday commutes and weekend escapes. While rivals may offer flashier designs or more powerful engines, few can match the Forester’s combination of everyday comfort and rugged dependability.
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