2025 Subaru Forester | First Drive

For the latest Subaru Forester pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/subaru/forester/
The Subaru Forester is mostly new for 2024 and we got it out in some dirt to see if it's just as easy and capable as before. #KBB
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00:00 2025 Subaru Forester
00:20 What's new?
00:37 Exterior changes
01:11 Interior Changes
02:37 Driving Impressions
02:57 Cargo and passenger space
04:21 Safety features
06:33 Fuel Economy numbers
07:45 Pricing
10:28 Competitors
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[@Thenevisian]

That whole front end is screaming Ford explorer

[@panchert5732]

I think that is partly due to the brand emblem. Ford and Subaru have similar blue oval emblems among the numerous automakers.

[@FlyGuy457]

2018 Forrester owner. In MN, when we get a 3+ ft of snow fall, the Subaru is the one we take out and have never been disappointed. Its a good value proposition. Average 32 MPG on the highway. Zero issues. Is it fun, no-is it reliable and predictable-yes.

[@carmencajayon937]

Our family had a Legacy 1992 worked everyday until Stolen last May 2023. Timing-belt originally until change in 2019. Two set of Rims and Tires for Summer and Winter. The Set of OEM Rims and Bridgestone Winter Tires were still on the Car when it was Stolen by a Tow-truck that used to tow our Vehicles by AMA... 😂 😂 of all the years, cost us 2 sets of CV-axels and 2 batteries. One time Transmission Fluids change and service. 2 sets of Sparkplugs ... We changed oil in the Garage; 5 minute Jobs and done every 4 months disregard of how many Miles driven; and we bought A Tank of Oil wholesale, so Engine-oil costs were very low like 10.00 Dollars a change. Radiator Fluid/Coolant changed every End of Summer by ourselves annually since 2005. And the 1992 needed nothing but Gasoline but very cheap back then until last 5 years which we have not driven as many miles as before. We also have an OB Made in USA, 2008 not as great, having some HG problems other than that everything has been alright. Cheers,

[@farcinue]

It looks better than the previous generation. The big windows really make a difference from the inside.

[@maciejszumny6919]

I’m driving my 2016 Forester since new and I really like it. I wasn’t impressed by the styling of the newest generation in the beginning, but the longer I was watching the video, the more I’ve come to appreciate it. What I would improve in my car would be the road noise, so I’m happy Subaru is constantly moving in that direction.

[@davescott1491]

Excellent review. Thank you. Looks like a very strong contender.

[@76carmel]

Subaru is putting a hybrid powertrain in the Forester. However, I’m wondering if Subaru will put the 2.4L turbo-4 and will make it an XT version.

[@russelljones2468]

If they make it XT, then I'm buying it! Bring back the Forester XT!

[@ken_in_atx9619]

Doesn’t need the 2.4. They already have the 2.0 Turbo in the Outback and Ascent, use that.

[@jeffnaval4894]

Yes they are putting Hybrid but next year forester is no longer be made in japan starting nextyear.

[@jonathanrosillo5507]

I’m a Subaru technician, the Ascent and Outback don’t have the 2.0 turbo, the Outback has the option to come with the 2.4turbo and the ascent is standard with the 2.4turbo which is the same engine in the newest WRX. The FA24

[@moisetopaz]

Mazda does offer AWD standard in North America for the CX5 and etc.

[@Lorentz_Driver]

And a turbo!

[@RevenantShark]

And better driving!

[@ShiftinAt8600]

And a 6speed traditional automatic

[@carmencajayon937]

Mazda all High-end Model CX-'s were Made and still are made in Japan; and companies like Mazda and Mitsubishi learned from Subaru that Full-time or AWD are better for Owners ─ Safety, Better Tractions ─ Those can/could afford for a Car in Japan and or Asia; and or Australia/New Zealand ─ mileage Fuel Saving not on their mind. In USA has been a Unit Set of Situations where Some Models were only Made in USA, and some from Japan; But in Australia and New Zealand, all Subaru imported from Japan ─ and also Right-hand-Wheel ─ there have been less incidents of Problems like Head-gasket in Subaru Legacy and/or OB. Same applied to UK. So, they are cheaper and high quality of RHD Subaru for International Market. One can't order a Non-AWD Subaru but with Mazda and Mitsubishi ─ for Australia, Singapore New Zealand, Owners/Buyers still have choice to choose FWD only. That is the Difference that set Subaru from other Automakers. All Cars/Vehicles will be AWD and CVT = That made trimline simple and cost of production will go down. Subaru cares but will not bother with small set of Customers/Buyers want a Manual 6-speed Clutched Gearbox Transmission ─ Except if one is to order those Limited Edition WRX STI Red-painted Manifolds. Regards,

[@achiles13]

If we got the cx50 in europe, I’d get that… but with cx5 ground clearance barely half an inch over my hatchback, subaru wins…

[@truc13]

Can't fool us Ford Explorer!

[@GXKid06]

So its a ford explorer front and a 2012 Mitsubishi outlanderback

[@g7003041]

Hahaha exactly, I was about to say that too. 😅

[@g7003041]

Hahaha I was about to say that too. 😅 that is why she don't want to talk a lots about exterior look. She might accidentally said this Ford...ops!..!, and then this Mitsubishi Outlander 😂

[@andrewnollert]

So true! 😂😂😂

[@ericpizarro3084]

But without the bad reputation of those two so, who cares!

[@mattostlund6909]

Had a 2015 Forester and hated it. I liked the exterior design and the AWD and also had good visibility but it felt like a tin can with some of lightest most numb steering I've ever experienced. The heated seats didn't power on when you remote started the vehicle which the dealer didn't warn me about and was such a surprise, especially in Canada. Had endless issues with the heater/AC. I thought the CVT would grow on me, but didn't. Really regretted buying it and doubt I will ever purchase another Subaru. Their modern interpretations are so bland as well, hate the giant screens. After being an owner, I just can't figure out what people see in this brand. There is far better value out there in my opinion.

[@robertgloverjr]

You said Touring model has 360 degree view and rear view camera. Does it have front view camera? Does it have rear view mirror option for TV camera view?

[@arturoluna475]

Damn I didn’t know Kelley was a bombshell 🔥

[@rustlebruxz0013]

That new dash console is awful. One of the nice things about the previous version was physical knobs to control temp and vents. Now you have to hope you're pressing the right area for the virtual controls. Hey Subaru, pay the extra dollar and give us knobs, not more touch screens. We're driving a car, not piloting a space ship. I'll hang on to my '23 Forester as the new model is now off my list of possibles.

[@andrewc8701]

Wow I didn't know Subaru makes 2015 Ford Explorers

[@DavGreg]

Yes, the Subaru styling shop needs to be fired. They are borrowing heavily from Toyota and apparently Ford.

[@lorenschwiderski]

@@DavGreg Looks good to me, and I bet thousands will agree.

[@lorenschwiderski]

You are terribly confused, but that's OK.

[@viviandibrell849]

Can’t wait to buy one!

[@saul71101]

Turbo/hybrid sounds like fun. Hating the grill looks like a explorer

[@josephfaircloth8322]

There are no words that can describe how disappointed I am to see the physical knobs and buttons going away on these newer cars. As someone in the market for a new Subaru (since I just totaled my ‘21 outback), I was really hoping to look at the foresters physical buttons because the infotainment system is so laggy. It even shows in this video. For a company so focused on safety, these laggy screens are clunky and frustrating to do even simple things like change climate controls or operate any form of entertainment.

[@robburgess4556]

How do you know that the seats reduce fatigue on long trips, Lyn?

[@user-xb7dp4vu3r]

😅🤣

[@kris11ocean]

Love the Forester evolution. But why they fell into the tablet design touchpad for Everything? Miss the climate control. At least the Xmode should have kept with a selector button.

[@user-ey2ud3ch2v]

XT!!!

[@revampted]

Did they fix that Auto Start Yank that what I hated when getting a loaner when the Crosstrek was getting serviced

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

I turn mine off when I get in the car (2024 Outback Wilderness).

[@lorenschwiderski]

OFF press.

[@Stinger430]

@ 10:46...The Forester can be considered as Muddy Spice.

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Excellent video!

[@saintsubie6661]

They increased the base price by over $3000. Not a fan of the styling, doesn’t bear any resemblance to the new WRX and Crosstrek. Subaru buyers have a clan mentality so they like the different models to share styling elements. Power is fine when vehicle only has driver but not enough when carrying multiple passengers, cargo or towing

[@billyrock8305]

We are getting sick of car manufacturers brain washing us to buy high profit margin massive trucks and SUVs! 😡 We just want a hybrid sedan for $25,000. 😡

[@TalismanPHX]

Corolla Hybrid 😊

[@drivinginthedcbaarea]

@@TalismanPHX …more than one option.

[@DavGreg]

No we do not.

[@billyrock8305]

@@DavGreg Sucker!! 😂😂😂

[@antoniolepore8155]

The take rate for the old Forester Turbo was not high. The reason, the old Turbo was it used Premium fuel. Put the 2.4 liter turbo from the Outback in it (using regular fuel) and it will sell. Do you think Subaru will ever put the Outback Turbo in the Forester?

[@carmencajayon937]

There are few Catching Points here: The Foresters Have been Manufactured out of Japan ─ there are certain Grades and Fuel Types required by Japanese Governments; while as the OB in America came from Indiana ─ Therefore, they OB and Legacy WRX built with Different Set of Designs. The Foresters 2025 and Beyond, so are CrossTrek will be Made in USA, Indiana and Subaru will Phase out/Discontinue Subaru Legacy. Subaru is a Subsidiary of Toyoda ─ so they will have Hybrid designed by Toyoda and will Manufacture from Plants that currently and will be making both Subaru and Toyoda Hybrids. Cars/SUV. Regards, For Internationally Selling Markets like Australia and/or Canada, Europe ─ All Foresters, CrossTrek and/or Impreza WRX will be Manufactured (Japan)─ without the Wilderness Trim Model. (cheers)...

[@genericreference6969]

Something tells me the hybrid will be functionally equivalent - more power - while also delivering better economy. Like the new Civic hybrid

[@CapitalJ25]

Subaru did fantastic work with the interior and exterior. At these price points with standard AWD, you have to admit they compensate for the low HP/torque and the CVT. Great review, Lynne!

[@Quincyq15]

Not impressed I think Subaru can do better. Especially by cutting the iPad screen.

[@ByrdNick]

We like our 2016 touring trim, but I doubt we’ll want a combustion engine vehicle for our next car. If Subaru doesn’t catch up on hybrid and fully electric drivetrains, we’ll probably be looking elsewhere for our next car.

[@saintsubie6661]

Forester will be offered in hybrid, and there is always the electric Solterra.

[@AdarshRai-yc1gu]

I would rather go for an Outback or Ascent if I were there. Just feels more generous & mammoth(ly)!

[@ihoryakubovskiy4843]

What transmission do you prefer if not a CVT in this price segment?

[@uttamgala7186]

Auto

[@Wannabe-rockstar-fan]

Would it kill you to clean it before you shot the video?

[@BBlackmen]

I'm hoping that Subaru reads the comments more power an old lady on a big wheel pass me up yesterday and my Subaru more power I don't know how long will I keep telling you people more power

[@mono1342]

The only Forester worth buying is XT model that was discontinued in about 2018. All other trims are anemic. "Sport trim" non-XT Forester is laughable.

[@WhiteRoseUS]

This thing looks like a Ford Explorer. TF!

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I understand that the hybrid power train is available 12 months from today according to car confections KZbin channel and toyota is supplier of this as the 2 companies have a partnership of 19 years ciao

[@Zreik20]

Toyota owns a small percentage of Subaru.

[@stephenwinter8892]

@@Zreik20 it's 20% I know for sure because I called the head office in Canada hopefully this will help you better in my future posts

[@bambamyong]

Not a bad looking Ford! I like it

[@lorenschwiderski]

Ford is still in business, if you are in need for one. Subaru, and Honda of course, a better choice. :)

[@josephpanozzo4815]

Too bad testers never test the base model. I would like to see how the most affordable model tests out.

[@ericpizarro3084]

I will seriously consider this one but the hybrid. The only problem is that I love sooo much my 2021 Crosstrek Sport what will only make me have the two of them or convince my wife to sell her Ascent and get this one. Probably the way to go. Still her car have give her zero issues with almost 70,000 miles.

[@reonalfa1562]

I love it 😻

[@Djpauly_bobo]

wish it had a turbo. This suv segment is soooo slow.

[@farcinue]

Where was this film location?

[@genericreference6969]

Montana

[@blah67i]

It's a Ford Forester

[@Hexsyn]

XD that is exactly what my wife said just 30 seconds into the video

[@aaronbarkus6458]

Ford wouldnt dare make something this slow and uninspired in 2024

[@thomas735]

Except these are reliable unlike 99% of ford products

[@alioztoprak8830]

Exactly 😂

[@jsph3209]

I 💯

[@Pierrelourens1]

HVAC controls on a touchscreen are an automatic deal breaker

[@tomcat1555]

It's really not bad, the HVAC control is permanently on the bottom of the screen.

[@rmat9023]

im glad toyota said no to that.

[@barsaf9989]

Omg why does it look like a ford? Cross between an Escape and Explore exactly.

[@nolunchiseverfree]

Have the fixed the auto stop/start to keep it from violently shaking the whole car on startup and shutdown?

[@lorenschwiderski]

Push OFF

[@TalismanPHX]

Mazda equips all of its SUVs with all-wheel drive 😮

[@LucidDreamer54321]

The engine is not the same as the previous engine.

[@Lorentz_Driver]

where turbo

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

those black emblems on D pillar look out of place and kinda ruins the "flow" of the design

[@rajTrondhjem10]

Sophisticated it is..

[@tommwi3210]

Like you couldn’t wash the car before you did the review?

[@58631061]

compete with honda cr-v and hr-v toyota rav4

[@ricks2314]

LIke the 2024 better

[@JustNotInBoba]

0:53 I think you mean it very much likes a Ford Explorer 😂

[@DavGreg]

I wish they would move sunroofs back onto the options list instead of forcing it on buyers. I never use them. The new styling is ugly and the tacky "copper" cladding is worse.

[@cherochero2294]

Hopefully, the Toyota hybrid system will provide plenty of power…

[@shahzadjumma3590]

Subaru is asking too much money, I bought 2016 Forester in 2020 with 50k miles for $12k Subaru maintenance is costly, too

[@davidgilhousen8191]

Watched about a dozen of these "Test drive Forester in Montana" videos. The lady reviewers tend to gush over the comfort features, but the guys balk over the poor acceleration, lack of a hybrid, and bland styling. Ladies think its a good deal for the price, guys want everything for $10 K less.

[@user-xb7dp4vu3r]

So what do you think about it?

[@DJ_JMIZZEL]

NIce 😊 😊 😊 😊

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

Hopefully the hybrid has a lot more power. This thing is too slow.

[@faridra6963]

Lyn is the best👍

[@greendg7]

Good idea subaru, test drive at elevation to hilight lack of power

[@aequitas8749]

Can it tow a boat

[@user-xb7dp4vu3r]

we need a bigger boat!

[@rmat9023]

Man if only they offered a more powerful option. I guess Since Toyota, Nissan, Honda all offer 1 engine in their mid-size cross over, they figure having a more powerful option is lame. So this Car still gets less than 200 hp. sad.

[@andrewcairo6299]

Anyone else getting sick of new cars being either EV's or SUV's?

[@chandler4bing]

Make Sedans Great Again lol 😅

[@76carmel]

Unfortunately, that’s where the demand of the auto industry is currently.

[@76carmel]

@@chandler4bingAnd unfortunately, Subaru will end the production of the Legacy after the 2025 model year.

[@sportsMike87]

Yes, sedans are still less expensive and lower cost to maintain

[@barsaf9989]

But suvs is what you buy.

[@Ittou-Ogami]

19 колеса спорное решение для сельской местности

[@ScooterFitAdventure]

Glad we got a 24, this one looks terrible. Can’t stand the new front end.

[@PK-uk3gh]

Good luck trying to sell a 41K model 😂 We are talking about Subaru here right ? Just checking .....😂😂😂😂

[@76carmel]

Subaru sells a $40k vehicles in the Outback and Ascent.

[@PK-uk3gh]

@@76carmel Yes but a Forester is not same like Ascent ....You place RAV4 below Highlander not at the same ball park ranges.... Product placement and pricing is a very important aspect if you really want to succeed 😉

[@Parker53151]

What I know about the Forester is that Subaru dealers in my upper-Midwest area cannot keep them is stock due to high consumer demand.

[@PK-uk3gh]

@@Parker53151 may be...but major concern that every buyer is going to have is if you place a 41K model for a gasoline version...how much will be the price for hybrid ? 50 grand ?? 50 Grand will get you a beamer, Lexus or most EVs. 😉

[@mew1534]

@@PK-uk3gh ngl idk why people buy cheap suvs vs the mayabach mercedes. Unless you're spending 100k SUV I consider your suv horrible!

[@hagbard72]

Don't give a crap about infotainment systems, give me a cheaper vehicle. Will even do without power windows, AC and would actually like manual transmission. And AWD means if one tire goes, you have to replace ALL of them. Not a selling point, they don't do half of what people think they do.

[@lawnmowerdude]

All I see is a last get ford explorer.

[@Jojoba-wz6ri]

The exterior looks bad, cheap, and dated. The Crosstrek looks much better.

[@WayApp]

Looks like it's ready for adventure.

[@drivinginthedcbaarea]

At least it looks better than the old one but that rear end is still heinous. It's like Subaru forgot how to design a car!

[@tommyroan298]

No. Take it back. Subaru please apologize to Ford for this.

[@chuckwalla2967]

How old is Lyn?

[@saintsubie6661]

NOYB

[@user-xb7dp4vu3r]

enough

[@manofthehighlands]

Looks like a honda trying to be a mercedes. Im sorry 😂

[@chavisberrien4844]

Ford looking

[@Ittou-Ogami]

Грустный бегемот

[@Perceni]

Ford explorer front end

[@lazypanda1493]

It looks like a ford

[@dingwings]

Genuinely thought this was a new Ford

[@michaelh4154]

I have a Forrester. Seems like they may still the same old same old it would’ve killed you to wash the darn thing.

[@sportsMike87]

Bland styling continues

[@boa4533]

The most boring vehicle in the segment. Omg subaru could have really done better with the design

[@spoontaneous4345]

What's that big refrigerator looking thing in the middle of the dash?? [tic]

[@RevenantShark]

Absurd pricing and not even standard hybrid. Every other company looks the same with just another SUV.

[@xiondFirst]

Yeah hybrid is all the rage. It looks very boring in my opinion.

[@humzatariq5411]

Looks like a ford EDGE

[@pummppkinn]

Like most Subaru's, it's still boring. The 0-60mph times are still measured in weeks, and has handling qualities more akin to that of a boat.

[@darmar6895]

Hello honda

[@quesokid4959]

That shit looks like it has body damage all over. Gay body pannek design.

[@jacobyo99]

The exterior looks a lot better but the interior is so unattractive and bland. Also underpowered

[@jaroslawakmiot666]

In a word, overpriced version of CrossTrek.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

That's 5 words

[@jaroslawakmiot666]

@@hansschotterradler3772 O.K., you win. OVERRAN 🙂

[@lorenschwiderski]

@@hansschotterradler3772 And incorrect. Sort of a double whammy!

[@sachinnair91]

I wish Lynn and Micah were a couple. They're so cute together!!

[@kaseyh.1021]

Stop.

[@sachinnair91]

@@kaseyh.1021 stop what? why are you being so rude, Kasey?

[@kaseyh.1021]

@@sachinnair91 because you’re being weird. Micah is married and it’s weird to ship people who’s job it is to review cars on the internet.

[@sachinnair91]

@@kaseyh.1021 why do you assume everyone knows that Micah is married? That’s kinda weird of you

[@kaseyh.1021]

@@sachinnair91 because they post family videos of him reviewing cars with his wife and daughter on this channel. You obviously know both of the reviewers enough to mention them by name in your original comment so why be ignorant not to know this? It’s just weird online behavior.

[@demetri78]

FJB! Trump for 24! No more EV crap