2025 Forester Revealed At LA Auto Show

The 2025 Forester had its global debut at the 2023 LA Auto Show in late November. This will be the 6th generation Forester and it has been redesigned with an all-new exterior and interior and features updated technology. Despite the changes, everything people love about the Forester was meticulously retained. The 2025 Forester trim levels include Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels, all of which will be found at Rairdon’s Subaru of Auburn in the next few months.

All-New Exterior

The exterior has been completely redesigned, yet is still instantly recognizable as a Forester. While retaining the signature Subaru hexagon shape, the new grille is larger with new detailing. On upper trim levels, the grille has a gloss-black finish which is matched by the side mirrors and the trim connecting the revised tail light clusters. At each side of the grille are reshaped LED headlight clusters. The Sport model features bronze-color 19-inch wheels and other exterior trim. The side adopts a more rugged appearance with upper octagonal shapes for the front and rear fenders. There are several subtle measures to increase aerodynamic efficiency, the most eye-catching of which are functional vents just behind the front fenders that provide an exit for air trapped in the front wheel wells. 

Forester fans will be happy to see that the new Forester retains the current model’s tall windows and is the same height as the current model. The 105.1-inch wheelbase is also unchanged while the model is just over a half-inch longer, and a half-inch wider. Unseen is the full inner frame construction with stronger welding techniques and nearly four times the application of structural adhesive resulting in a 10% increase in torsional rigidity. It hasn’t been tested yet, but Subaru designed the Forester to retain its 5-Star Overall Rating from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, possibly rising to TOP SAFETY PICK + due to enhanced collision prevention systems.

SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia System

The interior dash design takes its cue from the Outback and Crosstrek with all but the base trim level featuring the SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system 11.6-inch portrait configured touchscreen. As with current Subaru models, the 11.6-inch screen is accompanied by the convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™. A key feature of the TomTom® navigation system is the what3words location identification system. The what3words system divides the entire world into approximately 10’x10’ squares, each of which is identified by three random words. For example, someone with the system can tell you they are at “tanks.oddly.losses” and that will take you to their exact parking spot at Les Gove Park. This system works particularly well for rural locations that often confuse address-based systems and is very useful in finding a location without a specific address such as a stadium parking lot.

Also inside, you will find seats with increased support for improved overall comfort and reduced fatigue after long drives. The seatbacks feature narrower shoulder areas for improved visibility and access to the rear seats. Sound dampening has been increased throughout including a 39% reduction in noise from the roof panel. As a very practical measure, the headliner is dark to better camouflage the inevitable scuff marks from loading cargo. On that same subject, The Forester now offers a kick sensor-activated Hands-Free Power tailgate. 

Mechanical Enhancement

Largely unchanged is the 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated boxer-4 engine which now delivers 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It is combined with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive remains standard. On all but the base model, you will find paddle shifters with eight preset ratios allowing you to control engine speed. This is particularly useful when you wish to use engine braking in mountain driving. The AWD system has been returned for quicker response. Standard Active Torque Vectoring and an SI-Drive performance management system result in more agile handling and better control both on and off the road. X-MODE with Hill Descent Control is featured on the Premium grade which maximizes wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. Sport, Limited, and Touring models feature dual-function X-MODE for increased capability in a wider range of adverse conditions. Standard on all models is Start Assist which briefly holds the vehicle in place as the driver moves their foot from the brake to the accelerator while on a hill incline.

Enhanced EyeSight®

The 2025 Forester has an updated version of the award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. The enhancement features smoother and quicker operation, updated software, and a wider field of view from the camera and sensors. The system more quickly identifies cyclists and pedestrians at intersections and subsequently will alert the driver and possibly apply braking to avoid collisions. Emergency Stop Assist is a new feature that monitors driver responses while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. If the driver is unresponsive the system will stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and unlock the doors.

The new 2025 Forester is a significant enhancement of what people appreciate about the current model. It is expected to arrive at Rairdon’s Subaru of Auburn’s showroom in the spring of 2024 with a hybrid model scheduled for the following year. If you are interested in the 2025 Forester you can arrange to have one of our sales professionals notify you when the first models arrive so you can have a closer look.