Hybrid Power To Make On- and Off-Road Driving More Fun
Subaru introduced the new 2025 Forester Hybrid today to North America. Clean Fleet Report was invited to look, but not drive, the car. We’ll be back to drive it sometime later in 2025. Until then, here is what we know.
2025 Forester Hybrid
The first hybrid powertrain in a Forester is a big deal. The 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine, running on 87 octane, is mated to a series-parallel hybrid system with two electric motors. The system, with a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, comes from Subaru partner Toyota. Subaru hasn’t released official fuel economy numbers yet, but Miranda Jimenez, product communications specialist at Subaru of America, did tell us “We expect the Forester Hybrid to return up to 40% better fuel economy on the city cycle and up to 25% better fuel economy on the combined cycle.”
If Subaru can deliver then this should be an eye opener to Forester shoppers. The non-hybrid 2025 Forester is EPA rated at up to 26 mpg in the city, 33 on the highway. Fuel economy drops by one mpg on some trim lines.
The total system puts out 194 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque driving all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). That a bump from the same engine’s non-hybrid configuration of 180 hp/178 lb.-ft. The car has three drive modes and a 6-speed “manual shift” mode
The symmetrical all-wheel drive includes the latest generation of X-Mode, which increases grip and traction in icy, sloppy and off-road conditions. It also includes hill ascent and descent control.
Updated Exterior Design
With 8.7-inches of ground clearance, the Forester features fender brush guard cladding for protection when going off-road or encountering a wayward shopping cart. Cladding is also found to a more normal degree across the front facia, just below the LED head and fog lights, and on the rear fascia. The front, side and rear overhangs are short, and the 18-inch (Premium) and 19-inch (Sport and Touring) wheels looked sharp against the hybrid-only Daybreak Blue exterior paint. The hatch, with LED tail lights, has a small lip spoiler and a wiper. Roof rails and a shark fin antenna are up top.
Simple Interior
The thin A-pillars, high seating position and tall windows provide excellent forward and side visibility. Animal-free StarTex interiors will also be available on select trim levels.
The multimedia system works as a center information display with on-screen controls for audio, climate and vehicle functions. A 12.3-inch configurable digital gauge cluster and a tablet-style 11.6-inch touchscreen that houses navigation, AM/FM HD and SiriusXM radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB ports and wireless phone charging are standard.
Safety and Convenience
The Forester comes with active and passive advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) that are all part of the EyeSight system. Safety technology includes multiple airbags, advanced adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management, emergency stop assist, and lane departure warning. In the case of an accident or other emergency, the Starlink Connected Services feature will place a call to emergency services.
Safety features also include blind spot monitoring with lane change assist, a 360-degree camera, and Safety Exit Alert that notifies occupants, before exiting the vehicle, of obstacles or pedestrians with an audible and visual warning.
Additional convenience features include automatic climate control, rear vision camera, push button start/stop, remote keyless entry, electric power steering, steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, exterior power mirrors, tire pressure monitoring system and 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing will be released in spring 2025 just prior to the 2025 Forester Hybrid going on-sale.
Observations: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
The Forester Hybrid will be a big hit with loyal Subaru owners, and those that have been waiting for Subaru to add hybrids to its SUV line-up.
When Subaru hands the keys to the 2025 Forester Hybrid to the media, we will report on its drivability, off-road capability and real-world driving fuel economy. Until then, make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.
Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Subaru.
