Review: 2025 6th Generation Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has always been the sensible adventurer’s choice - a dependable, rugged, and practical SUV that’s just as happy on the school run as it is splashing through muddy green-lanes. For 2025, Subaru has given its 6th Generation Forester a refresh, aiming to build on its strengths while addressing a few niggles from the outgoing model. So, is it still the go-to option for those who want a mix of on-road comfort and off-road ability? Let’s find out.
On-Road Ride
It’s still lovely. The outgoing Forester was known for its plush ride, and the 2025 model improves matters, whilst giving it a slightly firm ride. Subaru has reworked the suspension for a more composed ride, ironing out the worst of the jitters on rough UK roads.
The CVT gearbox - still not a driver’s favourite, has its quirks. Plant your foot to the floor and the revs rise to around 6,000rpm before you notice any acceleration. That said, it’s been much improved over the previous Forester with better response and simulated shift points to make it feel a little more natural. Drive sensibly and you won’t notice it, drive like late, great Colin McRae and you might be frustrated.
The steering is light and direct, making town driving effortless. This is due to the new dual-pinion electric power steering system (EPS) provides improved response and more natural feedback, inspiring greater confidence in varied conditions.
Road noise has also been reduced by 39%, thanks to enhanced sound insulation.
Off-Road Capability
Subaru has long been a master of building cars that punch well above their weight off-road, and the 2025 Forester is no exception. With its permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 220mm of ground clearance, and the latest iteration of Subaru’s X-Mode system, I’m still going to assume that it’s still one of the most capable crossovers in its class. I say assume because we didn’t get to play in the mud.
Built on the evolved Subaru Global Platform, the new Forester features increased chassis rigidity, with improved suspension mounting points that enhance stability and performance. Its off-road ability is further boosted by approach, ramp breakover, and departure angles of 20.4°, 25.7°, and 21.0°, respectively, complemented by a 1,870kg towing capacity.
New for 2025 is an enhanced X-Mode with improves traction control, allowing it to better handle slippery surfaces like mud, snow, and gravel, we were told. It might not be a hardcore rock crawler, but for green-laning and tackling the odd boggy field, the Forester hopefully remains an excellent companion.
Interior: More Tech, More Comfort
Subaru has stepped up its interior game, with a more modern and tech-laden cabin. The 2025 Forester features a redesigned dashboard with a larger 11.6” Full HD portrait-style infotainment screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The graphics are sharper, and the interface is smoother, making it a welcome improvement over the slightly clunky system in the old model.
Material quality has been given a boost too. There’s still plenty of durable, wipe-clean surfaces - important for those who actually use their Forester for outdoor adventures - but there’s also more soft-touch materials and a generally more refined feel. The interior is also equipped with both Type-C and Type-A charging ports, ensuring that electronic devices can be easily topped up on long journeys. The new Forester also gets a 10w rapid wireless charging pad in the centre tray.
Another first is What3Words navigation. By entering a What3Words address into the Forester’s infotainment system, either by text or voice, you’ll get directions to a precise destination, whether that’s a scenic viewpoint, start of a green-lane or a secret wild camping spot.
Comfort: A Better Place to Spend Time
Comfort was always a strong point for the Forester, and the 2025 model builds on this with better seats, improved noise insulation, and a smoother ride. New front seats minimise head sway, reducing movement by approximately 44%, significantly improving comfort on long journeys. Additionally, conversation clarity has been enhanced by 3.4% in the front and 12.5% in the rear, making road trips more enjoyable.
Rear passengers get more legroom thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase, and the panoramic sunroof - standard on higher trims - adds an airy feel to the cabin. The driving position remains excellent, with large windows providing superb visibility, something that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern SUVs.
Practicality: Family-Friendly as Ever
If there’s one thing the Forester has always nailed, it’s practicality. The boot space remains impressive at 508 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,720 litres when folded. A hands-free power tailgate is available as an option, and the extensive glass area, along with the new 360° Multi-View Monitor system and LED cornering lamps, enhances overall visibility and safety.
The rear seats still fold relatively flat for even more space, and Subaru has included some thoughtful touches like rubberised seat backs and boot linings for easy cleaning. There are also more storage bins and cupholders dotted around, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good cupholder count?
If there’s one thing that might put me off buying a new Forester it’s that there isn’t a spare tyre option - not even a space-saver. For a vehicle that’s designed for country living, in my personal opinion, that’s quite poor. The reason for this is space, lift the cover in the boot and you’ll see that the battery takes up most of the space.
Safety: Advanced Tech for Peace of Mind
Subaru has long been a leader in automotive safety, and the new Forester continues this tradition. The latest iteration of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology has been upgraded with a wide-angle monocular camera and front radar, offering enhanced recognition performance across 15 functions, including five new features.
A significant addition is the Emergency Driving Stop System- a first for Subaru, which activates if the driver becomes incapacitated. This works alongside an upgraded Driver Monitoring System that introduces additional safety and convenience functions.
Complementing the software updates are hardware improvements, such as a new front seat centre airbag, a passenger seat cushion airbag, and a revised front bumper beam layout designed to improve collision energy absorption efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency: Making Progress, But Still Thirsty
Subaru’s flat-four Boxer engines have never been the most frugal, but the 2025 Forester makes strides in efficiency. The 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine features 24 technical improvements, working in harmony with the hybrid system and refined Lineartronic transmission. The mild-hybrid e-Boxer powertrain offers a slight boost in economy, though real-world gains remain modest.
For those looking for better fuel efficiency, Subaru's hybrid enhancements help, but the lack of a plug-in hybrid or full EV option might disappoint some. That said, Subaru is sticking to its guns with its proven Boxer + AWD formula, prioritising reliability and capability over ultimate efficiency.
After 1-hour of mixed driving my Forester returned 27.5mpg - this was adhering to all speed limits (obviously), and the odd foot to the floor hard acceleration tests.
Conclusion
The 2025 Subaru Forester doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines what was already a solid, dependable package. It’s better on-road, just as capable off-road, more comfortable, and still one of the most practical family SUVs on the market.
Yes, the CVT won’t be to everyone’s taste, there’s no option for a spare tyre and fuel economy isn’t stellar. But if you want a rugged, reliable, and adventure-ready SUV that’s not trying to be a lifestyle accessory, the Forester remains one of the best options out there.
For those who loved the old Forester, this new one keeps everything that made it great while fixing a few rough edges. And for those who’ve never considered one before, it’s definitely worth a test drive, just don’t be surprised if you find yourself unexpectedly smitten.
UK Specification and Pricing:
Forester Limited from £38,995
Features include: Eyesight 4.0, 18” Alloy Wheels, Illuminated Ports & Wireless Charger, Memory Driver Seats, Electronically Adjustable & Heated Front Seats, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 360° Surround View Camera
Forester Field from £40,440
Additional features over LIMITED trim include: Privacy Glass, Heated Steering Wheel, Powered Gesture Tailgate, In-built Satellite Navigation
Forester Touring from £42,995
Additional features over FIELD trim include: 19” Alloy Wheels, Heated Rear Seats, Power Sliding UV Glass Sunroof, Black Leather Interior Trim
For more information, customers can visit their local Subaru dealer or www.subaru.co.uk