2025 Subaru Forester Review - Subie Didn't Reinvent The Wheel, And That's OK
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Date: 2024-09-26
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Comments and reviews: 20
vjmtz
I plan to get one of these. Ultimately, I’m currently not into Hybrids or EVs. So that dwindles out a lot of cars that require it to get simple things like a decent stereo system or leather ventilated seats. I would have considered the CR-V but no spare tire is a big no for emergency reasons.
Also, all the other cars compared are simply much more expensive. Dealerships push to go over msrp to start with, add in the very high interests rates Toyota and Honda are pushing - it’s simply not worth it in today’s market. Mazda gives a little wiggle room but they are cramped and small and their infotainment is worse than the foresters with a weird controller still.
The Subaru is a bang for your buck car. Has the best safety ratings even over Toyota and Honda (not much better but still better, reliable, real AWD that beats all of these, and higher ground clearance. And you will easily get these $2k lower than msrp if not more, with a reasonable interest rate. And with all the bells and whistles these others don’t give you standard let alone mid-trim level.
I won’t hold out for the hybrid even if it borrows from Toyotas, as you never know how good or bad it will be short term on their first real go at it - look at the Soltera and you may want to reserve some waiting on anything new there.
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I plan to get one of these. Ultimately, I’m currently not into Hybrids or EVs. So that dwindles out a lot of cars that require it to get simple things like a decent stereo system or leather ventilated seats. I would have considered the CR-V but no spare tire is a big no for emergency reasons.
Also, all the other cars compared are simply much more expensive. Dealerships push to go over msrp to start with, add in the very high interests rates Toyota and Honda are pushing - it’s simply not worth it in today’s market. Mazda gives a little wiggle room but they are cramped and small and their infotainment is worse than the foresters with a weird controller still.
The Subaru is a bang for your buck car. Has the best safety ratings even over Toyota and Honda (not much better but still better, reliable, real AWD that beats all of these, and higher ground clearance. And you will easily get these $2k lower than msrp if not more, with a reasonable interest rate. And with all the bells and whistles these others don’t give you standard let alone mid-trim level.
I won’t hold out for the hybrid even if it borrows from Toyotas, as you never know how good or bad it will be short term on their first real go at it - look at the Soltera and you may want to reserve some waiting on anything new there.
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planesandbikes7353
I like the Outback and Crosstrek. Heck I own a 2024 Crosstrek. It's more car like than Forester. But the Forester competes against the Rav 4 and sorry I trust Toyota more with a i4 and auto trans, plus hybrid options. I would totally choose Rav4 over the Forester unless I really needed the offroad capability of Subaru's superior AWD system. In 10 years time the Toyota will retain much better resale value and there is risk the CVT will mechanically total the Subaru, not to mention the spotty history of the boxer 2. 5 engine. But all of these will seem like laggy dinosaurs in 5 years once the carmakers start building proper small SUV-EVs unlike the poorly executed Solterra.
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I like the Outback and Crosstrek. Heck I own a 2024 Crosstrek. It's more car like than Forester. But the Forester competes against the Rav 4 and sorry I trust Toyota more with a i4 and auto trans, plus hybrid options. I would totally choose Rav4 over the Forester unless I really needed the offroad capability of Subaru's superior AWD system. In 10 years time the Toyota will retain much better resale value and there is risk the CVT will mechanically total the Subaru, not to mention the spotty history of the boxer 2. 5 engine. But all of these will seem like laggy dinosaurs in 5 years once the carmakers start building proper small SUV-EVs unlike the poorly executed Solterra.
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stuntmonkey00
The current generation of Forester/Crosstrek's are kind of like in-between generations, carry over engine and infotainment, the upgrade is in the chassis mostly to keep up with increasing crash-test standards. It's largely a good thing, why mess with success, but the fuel economy game really is moving ahead now, so many people going waiting fora hybrid. Which may more may not be that great; Subaru is married to the full time longitudinal drive layout, so it will never be as space or fuel efficient as a fwd-based hybrid like the Toyotas. but its Subaru so they have to nail actual awd performance. It's a tough bind for them, awd is their core identify and its kind of a curse as well.
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The current generation of Forester/Crosstrek's are kind of like in-between generations, carry over engine and infotainment, the upgrade is in the chassis mostly to keep up with increasing crash-test standards. It's largely a good thing, why mess with success, but the fuel economy game really is moving ahead now, so many people going waiting fora hybrid. Which may more may not be that great; Subaru is married to the full time longitudinal drive layout, so it will never be as space or fuel efficient as a fwd-based hybrid like the Toyotas. but its Subaru so they have to nail actual awd performance. It's a tough bind for them, awd is their core identify and its kind of a curse as well.
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billshoe22191
No idea why people buy Subaru vehicles and I’m trying to be very objective. The competition is just better in every way. The interior is absolute garbage and looks so cheap. The exterior is hideous but all Subarus are so that’s clearly not important to there core fans. Everything has and now so that’s no longer special. The power trains are lifeless and inefficient. They aren’t reliable regardless of the token Subarus owner tooting how reliable his Forester is after 4, 000 miles as if that was an accomplishment or something. Those that own a Subaru out of warranty know the common pitfalls. This will sell well, but I have no idea why
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No idea why people buy Subaru vehicles and I’m trying to be very objective. The competition is just better in every way. The interior is absolute garbage and looks so cheap. The exterior is hideous but all Subarus are so that’s clearly not important to there core fans. Everything has and now so that’s no longer special. The power trains are lifeless and inefficient. They aren’t reliable regardless of the token Subarus owner tooting how reliable his Forester is after 4, 000 miles as if that was an accomplishment or something. Those that own a Subaru out of warranty know the common pitfalls. This will sell well, but I have no idea why
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Amitriptyline10mg
First time I’ve seen one of your reviews. I thought it was excellent. You spoke relatively quickly, but your voice was clear as can be. (I only had to rewind about 2-3x to rehear a word or phrase) I also liked how well you did comparisons with a good number of competing brands/trimspros and cons, over and over, and thorough. I have a 2010 CR-V right now, but I hate how the 2025 CR-V doesn’t have ANY kind of spare tirenot even a blowup pool inner tube floatie! As for the new Forester, I hear the blind spot monitors are flash-only; no beeping sound accompanying the flashing light. How dumb of Subaru. Thanks for the fine review.
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First time I’ve seen one of your reviews. I thought it was excellent. You spoke relatively quickly, but your voice was clear as can be. (I only had to rewind about 2-3x to rehear a word or phrase) I also liked how well you did comparisons with a good number of competing brands/trimspros and cons, over and over, and thorough. I have a 2010 CR-V right now, but I hate how the 2025 CR-V doesn’t have ANY kind of spare tirenot even a blowup pool inner tube floatie! As for the new Forester, I hear the blind spot monitors are flash-only; no beeping sound accompanying the flashing light. How dumb of Subaru. Thanks for the fine review.
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LlyleHunter
I’m waiting for the Hybrid but I hope that the Hybrid engine doesn’t sound course like the Hybrid engine in the RAV4. That’s a dealbreaker for me because that ruined the RAV4 for me as well as all of Toyota’s Hybrids. Hey make such great cars and get such great gas mileage but they sound like electric can openers. As long as the Subaru is quiet I’ll go with the Forester. I rode in a Crosstreck yesterday and it was really nice. It wasn’t a Hybrid of course but I’m interested in getting good gas mileage with my next car and I’ve been impressed with the current Subies
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I’m waiting for the Hybrid but I hope that the Hybrid engine doesn’t sound course like the Hybrid engine in the RAV4. That’s a dealbreaker for me because that ruined the RAV4 for me as well as all of Toyota’s Hybrids. Hey make such great cars and get such great gas mileage but they sound like electric can openers. As long as the Subaru is quiet I’ll go with the Forester. I rode in a Crosstreck yesterday and it was really nice. It wasn’t a Hybrid of course but I’m interested in getting good gas mileage with my next car and I’ve been impressed with the current Subies
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rightlanehog3151
Alex, Boxes rule so the boxier the better! What exactly did you mean when you said 5: 02 You might want to put your purchase on paws Are you saying Subaru owners should invest in a new Labrador instead of a new Forester But seriously, how can Toyota supply hybrid components to other automakers when they cannot supply themselves fast enough to meet demand
If Subaru really wants to sell Toyota Hybrid components, they should re-badge the Corolla Touring Hybrid AWD wagon and sell it under their label.
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Alex, Boxes rule so the boxier the better! What exactly did you mean when you said 5: 02 You might want to put your purchase on paws Are you saying Subaru owners should invest in a new Labrador instead of a new Forester But seriously, how can Toyota supply hybrid components to other automakers when they cannot supply themselves fast enough to meet demand
If Subaru really wants to sell Toyota Hybrid components, they should re-badge the Corolla Touring Hybrid AWD wagon and sell it under their label.
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user-xf5dj1up8g
11: 16 just an fyi. this not a moonroof nor is it panoramic. A moonroof does not open and is a fixed piece of glass. A sunroof, as shown in the video, DOES open. Also, a panoramic sun/moon roof does not have a manually sliding sunshade because in order for it to be panoramic it would have to stretch far beyond any reachable limit of the front driver or passenger.
Go back to focusing on quality and quite trying to pump out quantity as fast as you’re taking that ozempic. Thank you!
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11: 16 just an fyi. this not a moonroof nor is it panoramic. A moonroof does not open and is a fixed piece of glass. A sunroof, as shown in the video, DOES open. Also, a panoramic sun/moon roof does not have a manually sliding sunshade because in order for it to be panoramic it would have to stretch far beyond any reachable limit of the front driver or passenger.
Go back to focusing on quality and quite trying to pump out quantity as fast as you’re taking that ozempic. Thank you!
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chrismv102
My 2017 Forester was 21k. It was the base with a stick. One thing I wasn't impressed with was the build quality. I brought it back several times because of a consistent smell especially when the engine was cold. I was proven right when the clutch went on the highway going 70mph in North Carolina. The dealership tried to say it was wear and tear related but clutches shouldn't go at 25k miles. Needless to say I won't buy a Subaru anytime soon.
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My 2017 Forester was 21k. It was the base with a stick. One thing I wasn't impressed with was the build quality. I brought it back several times because of a consistent smell especially when the engine was cold. I was proven right when the clutch went on the highway going 70mph in North Carolina. The dealership tried to say it was wear and tear related but clutches shouldn't go at 25k miles. Needless to say I won't buy a Subaru anytime soon.
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mattdecker6791
I have a 2020 Forester after owning 8 Toyotas. The Forester is more delicate and requires excellent maintenance. Mine has been in the shop twice for unscheduled repairs. 200K miles is possible with flawless maintenance and some luck, but it's not a given. It comes down to needing AWD. This is where the Forester shines. If you only need FWD there are better options than the Forester.
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I have a 2020 Forester after owning 8 Toyotas. The Forester is more delicate and requires excellent maintenance. Mine has been in the shop twice for unscheduled repairs. 200K miles is possible with flawless maintenance and some luck, but it's not a given. It comes down to needing AWD. This is where the Forester shines. If you only need FWD there are better options than the Forester.
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Kopernicus67
XT No I'm out.
My wife was looking for a downsize from her Ascent. She got a Forester as a loaner when the Ascent was in for service. Even she said it was a dog, and she needed more power for passing, merging, etc. C'mon Subaru, you don't need the full blown WRX-like powertrain, simple 20-25 more hp would make this more competitive. 200 hp is minimum for a vehicle this size.
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XT No I'm out.
My wife was looking for a downsize from her Ascent. She got a Forester as a loaner when the Ascent was in for service. Even she said it was a dog, and she needed more power for passing, merging, etc. C'mon Subaru, you don't need the full blown WRX-like powertrain, simple 20-25 more hp would make this more competitive. 200 hp is minimum for a vehicle this size.
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alex_on_autos
I might get a Subaru Forester as a daily vehicle for taking my mother to the hair salon. The cargo space is perfect to put her three-wheel walker in and there is enough leg room for my brother who is tall. A friend of mine has a 2020 Subaru Forester and she loves it. Another friend of mine has an original model of the Subaru Forester which has approximately 420K miles on it.
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I might get a Subaru Forester as a daily vehicle for taking my mother to the hair salon. The cargo space is perfect to put her three-wheel walker in and there is enough leg room for my brother who is tall. A friend of mine has a 2020 Subaru Forester and she loves it. Another friend of mine has an original model of the Subaru Forester which has approximately 420K miles on it.
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mint. t.
my 2000 Subaru Forester looked beautiful and lasted me 18 years. 2018 Subaru Outback had battery issues during the first 2 years. Car underbody is rusted now cause dealership installed so called anti rust device instead of proper rust proof. Subaru quality is declining, design is getting uglier. No more Subarus in the near future.
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my 2000 Subaru Forester looked beautiful and lasted me 18 years. 2018 Subaru Outback had battery issues during the first 2 years. Car underbody is rusted now cause dealership installed so called anti rust device instead of proper rust proof. Subaru quality is declining, design is getting uglier. No more Subarus in the near future.
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saltyt. 1886
Hey Alex,
One big thing that’s missing on the 2025 Forester Touring model that’s on all the lower trims is HomeLink. It’s not available on the Smart rearview mirror, but it is on the Ascent and Outback. It was probably left off to keep the top of the line Forester at the $39, 999 price point.
That’s a HUGE miss!
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Hey Alex,
One big thing that’s missing on the 2025 Forester Touring model that’s on all the lower trims is HomeLink. It’s not available on the Smart rearview mirror, but it is on the Ascent and Outback. It was probably left off to keep the top of the line Forester at the $39, 999 price point.
That’s a HUGE miss!
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angrypenguin956
I am trying to understand why manufacturers use incandescent bulbs today. Cost savings Come on, how much would it add to the cost of the car to use an all-LED setup I am sure that is not enough to tip the scales when purchasing a new vehicle unless you're looking into buying very basic transportation.
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I am trying to understand why manufacturers use incandescent bulbs today. Cost savings Come on, how much would it add to the cost of the car to use an all-LED setup I am sure that is not enough to tip the scales when purchasing a new vehicle unless you're looking into buying very basic transportation.
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markantony3875
Fuel Economy: I have been averaging 34 mpg combined and up to 37 mpg on highway trips 65 mph with my 2025 Forester. To get the 34 mpg combined, I do have to be careful with the acceleration from stoplights. But, overall, I am impressed with the economy considering full time AWD.
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Fuel Economy: I have been averaging 34 mpg combined and up to 37 mpg on highway trips 65 mph with my 2025 Forester. To get the 34 mpg combined, I do have to be careful with the acceleration from stoplights. But, overall, I am impressed with the economy considering full time AWD.
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Snafu2346
imagine seeing a price of a car. imagine asking to pay that price. Imagine being told NO.
Imagine having to pay more than that, then driving it off the lot, and then they tell you its worth 5k less than what they sold it to you for the next day.
CAR OWNERSHIP!
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imagine seeing a price of a car. imagine asking to pay that price. Imagine being told NO.
Imagine having to pay more than that, then driving it off the lot, and then they tell you its worth 5k less than what they sold it to you for the next day.
CAR OWNERSHIP!
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valdius85
Forster has lower cargo volume because of how it’s measured.
The cover is relatively low to allow good visibility.
I don’t even have that cover, and I did have a trip worn four of these trolleys to the airport recently
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Forster has lower cargo volume because of how it’s measured.
The cover is relatively low to allow good visibility.
I don’t even have that cover, and I did have a trip worn four of these trolleys to the airport recently
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preventer333
This car needs XT trim badly. honestly, having outback and brz, I'm past Subaru's ridiculous infotainment system. Just give this car a turbo or hybrid to boost FB25D. Then, this car becomes a serious consideration point.
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This car needs XT trim badly. honestly, having outback and brz, I'm past Subaru's ridiculous infotainment system. Just give this car a turbo or hybrid to boost FB25D. Then, this car becomes a serious consideration point.
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MH-lk8md
I like my Subaru Impreza, but the new touch controls in the newer cars makes Subaru a non starter going forward. I will not purchase ANY car that forces me to take my eyes off the road for basic functions while driving.
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I like my Subaru Impreza, but the new touch controls in the newer cars makes Subaru a non starter going forward. I will not purchase ANY car that forces me to take my eyes off the road for basic functions while driving.
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