2025 Subaru Forester | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports

[@quixomega]

My father has a 2016 Forester he bought new, it hasn't needed anything but regular maintenance and is still running well and looks good.

[@brooklynbummer]

On my second Subaru Foresters and my experience has been good. Nothing spectacular but always dependable, great vision and ride.

[@0HOON0]

The hybrid version can't come soon enough.

[@nickolastiguan]

My guess is Subaru hasn’t totally reengineered the Crosstrek (the current one is definitely an after thought), Forester and Outback for awhile. So once they do/introduce the all new versions of those vehicles, they will put the Toyota hybrid powertrain in them.

[@michaeldurrett8388]

That would be great!

[@victreebel170]

Seriously. This thing is toooo slow.

[@Hallowsaw]

​@@nickolastiguanhybrid forester is coming 2026, crosstrek 2027 and speculation outback 2028

[@Amitriptyline10mg]

@@victreebel170 If bricks were made to move quickly, God would have made them with wheels.

[@abigbrownbear]

2018 Forester here, 114K miles, working great, stick to the scheduled maintenance. No issues w/ CVT

[@0HOON0]

@@abigbrownbear There is no fluid change interval listed for the cvt. Most experts recommend to change around 40k.

[@John-cn8jv]

@@0HOON0 Or just wait for the cvt to self destruct, just don't expect Subaru to help in any way.

[@nickolastiguan]

@@0HOON0ah, the “lifetime” fluid 😂

[@M.R.1525]

I own a 2010 Forester Touring with a 5 Speed Manual (bought brand new) with 640,000+ kilometers on the odometer, untouched factory engine. Word of advice, if I may, either drop/flush all liquids every 50,000 Kilometers (except the blue anti freeze which you should drop every 75000KM owner MAN. says 150,000K) or pay big. Stick with one brand of oil (never ever the dealer's) I use Castrol 5W30, and change it with the oil filter every 5000KM or 3 months which ever comes first and be religious about it. Of course that is if you plan to keep the car for a long long time, hassle free. Oh, and the timing belt every 120,000KM

[@chrisb9478]

My dealer recommends changing CVT fluid every 90k miles, but I take Scotty Kilmer’s & Mr. Subaru’s advice & have the dealer change ours every 40k miles. We’re on our 9th Subaru over our lifetime, not one major problem.

[@Jim-gw3ub]

The only beauty is the AWD systems. This is all that matters to me - safety in really bad weather. Living right next to Lake Superior I see soooo many Subarus. Why? People buy cool Hondas, etc. and eventually replace them with the Subaru that gets you and your kids from point A to B to A again in a snow storm.

[@brooklynbummer]

@@Jim-gw3ub I only needed the all wheel drive three times and it worked fine.

[@gobear83]

Currently driving. 2024 Forester wilderness ..it’s a keeper…

[@davehill9479]

We recently purchased a 2025 Forester Limited - our 5th Forester since the 2010 model year - and it is leaps & bounds better than the 2021 we traded. In 15 years, other than oil changes, they have been in the shop ONCE for service. The Forester simply delivers every single day.

[@DoctorSkillz]

Do they maintain a reasonable value when you trade in?

[@eskieman3948]

@@DoctorSkillz YES THEY DO.

[@labradachig1976]

​@@eskieman3948 Proof?

[@victreebel170]

Why would you be surprised if you buy one every 3 or 4 years that all they need is oil changes? Pretty much any non-Stellantis car can do that. lol

[@sansinutube]

@@labradachig1976 There's plenty of resale value data with KBB and other sites. You must stay accident free and thorough on your maintenance with proper maintenance records to get the best resale value. And in my personal experience Subaru dealerships are more open to negotiations and offer you good value when you go to trade in.

[@TrojanRabbit521]

I like that Subaru makes incremental improvements. They don’t try to reinvent the wheel. That way they keep the good and you can trust reliability. I got my wife a 24 model and although I dislike SUV’s I enjoy her Forester. It’s easy to enter/exit and easy & smooth to drive. It feels like I imagined a luxury drive would be. When I get to old to work a clutch or can’t get out of my BRZ I’ll get a Crosstrek or Forester. Also had my 1st positive experience at a dealership. No hassle/ pressure to buy. Sold at MSRP even when most were doing insane mark ups. Reliable, capable and affordable can’t lose choosing

[@M.R.1525]

2010 Forester Touring with 5 Speed manual shift here. THE most Reliable car we have ever owned, and we have had quite a few (American, European and other Japanese). If maintained well, there is no dying with this car, it simply refuses. Never had any mechanical problems, what goes is the normal wear and tear stuff, does not leak oil, does not burn oil and it remains our family's car for long trips. We are about to go out and buy a 2024 Toyota 4Runner, which we believe is the last of simple, reliable cars like our 2010 Forester that reliably last for decades. Lastly, It is truly a shame that Subaru no longer offers the Forester and CrossTrek in a 5 Speed or 6 speed manual.

[@kurtkaufman]

We've got about 4,000 mi on our 2025 Forester Premium. It's definitely quieter than the previous models, and this particular trim level plus the option pack offers you considerably more features than corresponding trim levels of other manufacturers' offerings in this market segment. Things like the automatic high beam control are very useful. I'm not wild about the large multifunction screen, although I am happy to see that the temperature controls (separate for driver and passenger) and the principal audio controls are still separate physical buttons and knobs. I have set up the one customizable on-screen button in the lower right corner as the cabin air recirculation toggle. With that, most of the controls I commonly use are more easily available. I've had a lot of trouble with (built-in wireless) Android Auto and my Samsung S23; parts of the AA screen frequently become unresponsive. *EDIT:* _On many Android phones, if the default system-wide screen animations are disabled, it causes severe problems with Android Auto. Re-enabling them to the default settings fixed the problems._ 👍 I find the seats comfortable, but I have always appreciated the ability to sit up straight in the Forester seats, and the fact that you can raise the seat higher off the floor then in any comparable vehicle, where the tendency is towards the bucket seat style. I had previously had a 2020 Forester, but over the years it became unacceptably noisy, and despite the technicians claiming there was nothing wrong with it, I finally got tired of it.

[@JamesRussoMillas]

I think the car looks fine, glad you can still see well out of it, and nothing about the way it drives is bad. But I'm let down by the fact that it has no new tech over what we saw on the 2020 Outback/Legacy. Same glare ridden slow touch screen, same eye sight that's not as up to snuff on lane keeping anymore. Subaru sells a lot of cars now, they should have the money to improve their newer models over time.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Good for Subaru for small improvements and not wrecking it. Love our 2016 Forester. Eyesight and visibility sold my wife. Still runs great. Glad to hear that the CVT is improved.

[@eskieman3948]

The CVT has been great for the Gen 6 Outbacks.

[@X2p5423videolover]

Agree with Jon Lincov on missing hybrid option. However, when you are talk hybrid you need to give Rav4 a serious thought. But, it cost above 40K. Also Subaru dealerships are more sober than Toyota dealerships.

[@M.R.1525]

For the amount of savings in fuel costs, I would much rather stay with long term reliability and longevity, hence, I would never consider buying a Hybrid Rav4 or a Honda CRV turbo.

[@michaeldurrett8388]

​@@M.R.1525part of why my parents picked the Forester over the CRV was the simpler engine. Comfort was a big factor as well as 360 camera. They asked my opinion on the engines and I said fornthe same power, simpler is better. NA 2.5 > 1.5 Turbo.

[@dontcareimacat7821]

@@M.R.1525Toyota has a pretty good 20 year hybrid reliability record

[@chriszawertany5242]

RAV 4 Hybrid starts at $32000 Jack blows the wheels off this tin can.

[@tuan056585]

I like the 2025 Forester because it is still "Made in Japan" and now has 3D camera view and digital rearview mirror (on Touring trim).

[@cezarymazur7719]

I have the 2022 Subaru Forester 1st edition, with 200k miles. I also have a pickup truck, but wherever I'm driving my Forester, I smile.

[@michaeldurrett8388]

2016 Outback 165k. I have changed the cvt and differentials at 100k and have had no problems. Fluid looked good coming out. The lifetime fluid is a lie for the US market. Same car in Japan and Euro markets says to change them 100k or sooner if you tow.

[@roguedogx]

2:06 is it cliche to say that I still miss the XT? and yes I am currently opening some car listing websites to see if I can find one.

[@M.R.1525]

No more than I miss the Forester 5 speed manual, I have a 2010 and refuse to get rid of it, the fact that it refuses to die also helps.

[@sqvirlgirl7341]

New 2025 Forester owner here. So far I love it. Is it dorky? Yes. It does what it needs to well, and I find it an easy drive. It is strangely nimble.

[@randyprice1831]

In '21 I bought my first Subie a Forester Sport model. I have almost 60K miles on it and not one single issue mechanically. I've had issues with the infotainment system but nothing major.

[@guidovanderheyden7154]

I always turn stop/start and face recognition off.

[@trankenx1626]

Each time you get in the car? Are they physical buttons or buttons deeply buried in the display screen?

[@atmartens]

@@trankenx1626it’s a button on the bottom of the screen that’s always there. I always turn it off in our Outback and Legacy.

[@PapaA7145]

I despise the start stop feature. I usually turn it off during warm up. If I forget to turn it off the button becomes the dammit button.

[@charlesbond4413]

I found your comment that testers had to look down to adjust temperature controls hilarious. The nice thing about real buttons is your eyes never leave the road, or you glance for less than a second and know exactly where to reach. I guess they needed to say something negative. Noise was an issue. Glad they addressed it. All in all, fair review. It’s not for everyone, but everyone could learn to love one. Too bad they used the outback style roof rack. Actually, the forester looks like a car. Funny how you want a different “style”. It’s like it matters more when it’s parked in your driveway or how people see you in it than your experience behind the wheel. First time listening, I’ll see how you discuss other vehicles.

[@coldwarkid6611]

The touch screen has been a complaint of some reviewers. I bought a new Crosstrek a couple months ago and really like how the screen works. I would like two or three items as an actual button but I'll adapt.

[@scotthilborn1518]

Nice to have Maddie on the panel!!!!

[@kurtschmidt291]

Just took my '19 on a road trip through Montana. No problem going 80 mph and still 32 mpg.

[@Tonga2]

Steering !! Dual pinion steering rack is a fabulous improvement, on center feel on the Interstate make it comfortable to control, love it !! The new Crosstrek also has it, both new models are great !!

[@Tonga2]

When talking noise and quietness I think tires really contribute a lot of inner noise. Can’t manufacturers add foam to the inner tire to bring road noise down?? I have read there are the odd tire out there with it???

[@eskieman3948]

You're right about the tires. Remember, car manufacturers put their tire requirements for a new model out to bid to the tire companies, and you know that the lowest bid for a tire that gets the job done wins. We owned a Toyota Camry that came with the noisiest, hardest riding Michelins, and that was with a XLE level of trim. We eventually dumped those tires and went with a new set of Generals - TREMENDOUS reduction in noise, and improvement in the ride.

[@MIkegrimm2]

My question on the start/stop feature is the wear and tear on the battery and alternator. How quickly will I need to be replaced?

[@eskieman3948]

Turn it off. Problem solved.

[@ruthwalker5179]

I had an older Outback and I’d be interested in a comparison between Forester and Outback for 2025. I never found it loud on the road. Very smooth ride IMO.

[@tadashiogitsu]

If I understand about the auto stop/start, the most important factor is how much control the company has on where the engine stop in terms of the location of piston to the ignition point. If they can do it perfectly, it does not really need to use the starter motor since ignition will start the engine by itself without assistance of starter motor. I'm not sure how good the Subaru's system is. Only time will tell.

[@ronr8800]

I have a brand new 2024 Subaru Forester touring model here in Canada and I'm enjoying it greatly. People who are stuck on a Turbo engine are not really thinking the reality that is needed to push this car down the road. I have done testing on mine and it works great with out the turbo. If you are travelling around 50 miles per hr and punch the accelerator pedal you will be travelling at approx 160km hr(100 miles/hr ) in about 1 mile down the road has been my experience. Going up a steep river valley hill travelling around 30miles/hr and punch the gas pedal you will be travelling about 70 miles/hr in about 1/4 of mile has been my experience. A turbo would be good for off roading or pulling a small tent trailer or something similar I would think for more horse power. I had a 2008 Honda Pilot 3.5 litre engine and it pulled my tent trailer up hills with no problem and forester drives similar but has less horse power for pulling are my thoughts. Just getting around town or going to work the Forester is more than adequate IMO. The Subaru Outback has a 2.4 litre engine with the Turbo engine if a person just has to have it for pulling.

[@AB-jk7tw]

Let’s hope that the hybrid offers more power - the current 2.5 is noisy and underpowered when the car is carrying people / cargo especially at higher elevations.

[@nickolastiguan]

It should offer more power and torque. but since it is (Likely) the Toyota powertrain, it will still probably be noisy with the eCVT 😂

[@Jonathan-bk3dq]

@@nickolastiguan Subaru's don't use Toyota powertrains lol

[@timandsuea.8846]

The exterior of the new Forester reminds me of the 2006 Forester. My wife and I test drove a 2020 Forester touring back in 2021 and loved the way it drove and we loved the upscale interior. The new Forester seems to be lacking the upscale feel with the top trim of the new generation, the center console seems very sterile now that they have everything in the touchscreen it's just a shift lever sitting there. It looks bland. I wish everything else with the HVAC and heated seats was a cluster of tactile buttons and not touch capacitive. I do appreciate the fact that they kept the instrument cluster analog, I absolutely hate how every other car maker feels the need for the cookie cutter 30 inch horizontal display like Kia, Hyundai, Cadillac and Mercedes, it's a car, not a space ship. It seems like so many manufacturers are trying to be like everyone else. What about eye strain from those digital screens taking up the entire dash? What happens if the whole screen goes down and you lose your speedometer, heated seats and your HVAC controls. I think car makers need to quit trying to wow buyers with gimmicky features and stick to the analog speedometer and tach with a digital readout in the center, an actual shift lever instead of a dial or the electronic shifter disguised as a column shifter of old and put less piano black in the center console. I do like the Forester for it's practicality with everything else and I look forward to the hybrid next year.

[@BTC909]

Slow sales due to "capacity issues". CarEdge says 20K are available (probably also "in transit") but I suspect it's that 31K starting price. If you are spending that much i'd wait for the Hybrid.

[@karanchhibber1508]

Can the engine start/stop be disabled permanently on this model year? Or, do I need to turn it off every time I start the engine?

[@harrahphotoman]

Once you turn off the car, the start/stop is enabled the next time you start the car. There are aftermarket switches that will turn the feature off permanently.

[@RareGenXer]

I love that it still has a "big bore" naturally aspirated H4. A relatively simple, low maintenance, reliable and novel engine perfectly suited to its industry unique full-time symmetrical AWD.

[@jedclampett7705]

Exxxxxactly. 👍😎

[@0HOON0]

The only thing that would make it better would be a Toyota dual fuel injection to prevent carbon build up.

[@mattdecker6791]

As someone who owns a 2020 Forester and 26 cars in total during my life, Subaru is an interesting choice. Expect your Forester to need more maintenance and be in for repairs more often than a Rav4. Baby it and cherish it and you'll have a good shot at making it to 200K. The Rav, on the other hand, can be used and abused but will almost always attain 200K with ease. Choose the Subie if you live in snow and ice, the full-time 4-wheel drive is this car's shining star.

[@M.R.1525]

Funny enough my 2010 Forester with 645,000 kilometer is still running hassle free from day one, while we have replaced two Rav4s for my wife in the same time frame. I believe the last of fantastic Toyotas is the 2024 4Runner, which we are about to take delivery of, if you can stand the fuel consumption.

[@eskieman3948]

RAV4s are overrated junk, so your opinion is BS.

[@xcen1]

A comprobable Rav 4 is 10,000 more than a Subaru

[@timhanley4396]

I have a 2023 forester limited and love I really don’t need a hybrid because I don’t put many miles on

[@M.R.1525]

Drop your oil and filter every 5000KM or 3 months which ever comes first, use only one brand of oil from your first oil change on (Castrol or Quaker State, never ever the dealer's oil) and be religious about it (check your oil level every two weeks after an oil change). Drop/flush all other liquids every 50,000 to max 65,000KM (including CVT) except the blue anti-freeze which should be done around 100,000KM, never service according to owner manual, always always much sooner and NEVER EVER pay attention to life time this or life time that in the owner manual, or from a dealer or personal mechanic. Keep EGR valve, injectors and air filter clean, check all sensors, keep up with other lubricants( like brake lubricant and others) replace your plugs on time and lastly replace the timing belt every 120,000KM. I own a 2010 Forester with 645,000KM on the odometer, does not burn oil or leak oil and has never broken down on me and I still use it every day and on long trips in full confidence, with care, Subarus refuse to die. I refuse to buy anything with a Turbo engine or Hybrid like Honda CRV or Rav4. Reply

[@acemacgruber6593]

Subaru has the best AWD system of any car based vehicle.

[@717dash_cam]

Unlike other brands, Subaru at least has and encourages their Love Promise Encore Delivery, and incentivizes it with a gas card (munchie card if you get Solterra) to come back a couple weeks after with any questions that you've figured out you have after living with the car for more than 5 seconds. Whether dealers participate on the other hand is hit or miss, or if they have a knowledgable product expert on hand. But even then, there are pages and forums where Subarus Ambassadors participate and provide a lot of help. Hopefully the Forester Hybrid with the newly developed hybrid drivetrain are significant improvements over the previous systems foreign and domestic. I was trying to hold out for one, but at 40-80 miles per WEEK a Solterra made more sense to me with the lower lease payments. 200 miles per charge is more than enough for me, getting me to/from most places I could go on a weekend trip with enough flexibility to do some other running around. The first month with it was a test of range anxiety... with what I knew would be an extreme month of travel (1300 miles) for anything I normally do, and even with the lower range I quickly learned the capability, where to find free level 2 power if needed while running around and have made a couple 150+ mile trips with at least 50 left on the clock by the time I got home. Once I got my Level 2 charger at home 2 weeks after getting it, it just became that much more easy and convenient. Running around town or to the next on a couple bucks of electricty vs my partners Ascent, it's become the go to vehicle. It may not be the best EV out there, but for my use it fits just fine.

[@MechayaAlta]

So who is your first choice for lane centering if not the Forester? Does the extra camera for eyesight make a significant difference?

[@marcotulio55]

The awaited New Subaru Explorester, the Subies grow into you, all its new faces are... a little bit controversial, I'm gonna like it eventually.

[@comment6864]

what is long-term reliability as compared to a toyota prius? And when is a hybrid coming?

[@nickolastiguan]

20:49 short answer, more wear and tear, yes, but from what I understand, all those parts like the starter are “beefed up”, and supposed to last a long time.

[@davidralph8250]

Before I bought 2016 Outback with Eyesight option, CU had tested Subie all wheel drive against competitors in a field of snow, and had tested the emergency auto braking systems against a simulated stopped car in the road. In the snow test, Subaru came out on top, especially in turning in the snow. Subaru's camera based eyesight reliably reacted best of all - at that time. This needs to be tested again as it competes against other systems which use radar and other technologies. I live in the hills of upstate NY, along the PA border, and we get snow regularly, and freezing rain. My Saabs were defeated by snow on our hill while the Subies, Outback and Forester just walked through it. These all wheel drive systems, Subaru's and all the newer wannabes, need to be compared. The all wheel drive systems are not four wheel drives, often require computerized intervention to lock up particular slipping wheels, and usually have zero ability to lock up one or more of the differentials. What they can do on snowy roads and hills matters. CU just noting that a vehicle has all wheel drive or not is not sufficient information for members who need to know whether a vehicle will climb snow covered roads and get them home in the dark.

[@philipberent270]

When might the hybrid be available? In early 2025?

[@trankenx1626]

Can the 2025 forester driver assist allow the forester to basically drive itself on the highway?

[@EdBruceWRX]

No Tucson Hybrids in Michigan. We were looking so stuck with Subaru and got a 2024 Forester (Subaru #7).

[@golfish8589]

You knew the Ford Lighting question was coming. You should have been prepared with current pricing, new and used. All EV batteries are covered with an 8 year warranty. Yes the cold drops range. But when starting with 300 miles. 120 round trip os very doable. The sky is not falling

[@RareGenXer]

And after 8 years the EV value will be $0 if you're lucky. Expect to have to pay expensive disposal fees to get rid of obsolete EV. In short: EV's are for people who bad at math, have too much time on their hands, don't travel much, hate the environment and don't care about human rights.

[@JerrySchneider-uh7uy]

Our 2013 Outback with 105k mi was my influence to buy the 2025 Forester. Owned Forester Premium for a month now and very pleased with drivability. Traded a very economical Volt for the Forester as the Volt, as great as doing almost all EV driving, it had reliability issues.

[@tomward383]

On the Lightning. It is the best deal out there right now for a used EV truck. He needs only 60 miles for commuting, and he needs a truck for probably simple hauling/towing around town, to the dump etc. Seems like a decent idea. if range is not the issue. . It is under warranty. Get bluecruise for your commute and enjoy.

[@jimschultz-wj6ry]

Mattie is great. I hope she is on more often.

[@ngross81]

I have a Lightning and have had 0 issues in 8k miles. FWIW

[@craigo2142]

Living in the rockies, there are quite a few here. But, when you get above 6000 ft., it is underpowered and even worse with passengers and gear. And, I find the user interface to be slow.

[@tomfaz4193]

Disappointed no more physical controls. Giant screen gets washed out at bottom when wearing polarized sunglasses.

[@cuervoblanco71]

TCV valve fixed? It was a major issue

[@fendermon]

Yes

[@WilliamK-e1j]

Anyone can comment on the reliability and maintenance costs differences between the Forester and RAV4/CR-V ?

[@billingsnan3030]

2 problems: First, if the Subaru service center near you is really bad, you do not have nearly as many choices as if you own a honda or toyota.. Subaru service center knows that and do not treat you well. Also, where I live, they sold one of the Subaru service centers to a company called 'Sunwise" and it is a disaster. They wanted $1000 to DIAGNOSE an electrical problem. Second: parts are much more expensive than for toyota or honda. Also, independant auto repair places do not have mechanics that know how to work on Subarus as much as toyota or honda because they work on less of them. I had problems with my Forester and the mechanics kept advising me to get a toyota or honda next time. Loved my Subarus but will not buy one again because of this. My firend who is a race car driver said the Subarus are over engineered and lost the basic reliability and low maintence reputation that they were known for.

[@nickolastiguan]

Maddie is a great addition - very well spoken.

[@atmartens]

I’m glad that Subaru did add a lot of features that were needed, hence cooling seats and the new screen. The issue is the engine. My wife has an Outback with the 2.5 and it’s just so slow. When I looked at getting a new car, I went with the Legacy with the 2.4 turbo in the Touring trim. It’s so much better and I wish Subaru would’ve offered the turbo again in the Forester.

[@tjsullivan4793]

Totally....My wife had 2011 bought new and just sold it for a CRV Hybrid. After driving that car with its 2.5 with zero power would not do it again. Especially living at high altitude this car needs the 2.4 turbo found in Outback.

[@marekw.9816]

OMG, I remember the 'starting/running' category. I am old, lol.

[@rl1443]

The redesign of the Forester makes it look like almost every other compact SUV. That is not a deterrent to me. I am not a fan of so many controls in the touch screen which means I have to take my eyes away from the road and driving to deal with them (not just this car, but most new cars). It has potential, but not enough to make me want to trade in my 2019 Outback.

[@elizabethhopkins3826]

I am in the market for a new vehicle. I am considering a Subaru Forester. My cousin and a friend of mine have one and they love them. It would be the right size vehicle to fit in my garage and to transport my mother with her three-wheel walker as well as my brother who is tall.

[@carlhovde6846]

You can't tow with a Forester

[@eskieman3948]

@@carlhovde6846 False. Check the Subaru website.

[@rfjel7785]

Same screen on my 23 Outback and is at best unsafe to to change airflow direction while driving. Let alone how slow the system is. I have had a gen 4 and have a gen 5 Forester. They seem to get worse.

[@eskieman3948]

What are you talking about?

[@markkennedy5335]

Well done very informative

[@williamquemuel7824]

I am considering buying a used EV. If it were an ICE vehicle, I would take it to 3rd party mechanic to perform a Used Car Inspection (UCI) and a bonus hope is that the mechanic is ASE certified. With an EV, where can I take the vehicle for UCI and what certification should I look for in a person doing the UCI?

[@EricGrassi]

The HVAC isn't only controlled via touchscreen, you can voice command them, and it works pretty well. I have the large screen in my 24 Legacy Sport. What I don't like about the new Forester (as a previous owner of a 1998 and 2021 Forester) is the looks. They ruined the outside. Ford grille, weird geometric shapes along the bottom, strange D pillar and that weird belt on it, strangely creased wheel arches, and boring tail lights that remind me of a Mitsubishi. Not good.

[@Tonga2]

Stop/Start systems ?? Hybrids do it so many times and use an internal motor in the transmission that spins the engine at 700 rpms so that it is NOT noticeable at all compared to an older engine starter. My question is, most engine wear is at start up that I have been told so many years ago, oil drains out of critical areas and when the engine is spun at 700 rpms after the oil is drained out does that not give us concern??

[@fogsmart]

Love how everyone on these reviews mentions their older models. Probably completely different in many ways to the current model. Then you never hear all the horror stories.

[@billingsnan3030]

Agreed. Dealership service departments are also terrible!

[@garrettdouglass4549]

I’m liking this new reviewer Matty almost as much as Jennifer. They both seem to have the better questions and answers that I am most interested in. Ryan’s information on how easy/difficult it is for him to get into and out of a vehicle is especially important as we are the same height.

[@TalismanPHX]

Maddy is doing an excellent job on reviews and her impressive knowledge of ADAS and other vehicle safety systems is very helpful. 😊

[@stevelovescars]

I live in Northern Michigan and Subarus are apparently the official car of this area. However, every Subie more than 5 years old around here seems to be rusty and leaking oil. Head gasket issues seem to be far too common. From a driving perspective, the CVTs seem unpleasant to me. We had a 2015 Forester with a manual and it at least made it a bit of fun. I later got a Mazda3 hatchback in AWD and while it wasn’t as large, it suited my needs just as well and was a lot more interesting and fun to drive without missing a beat in the winter.

[@eskieman3948]

Sounds like troll BS.

[@allenbaker2603]

Am told that climate controls can be done with voice commands. True?

[@tvted6160]

I’m worried about my 2017 CVT and engine block leaking oil one day. Other than that I would buy another Subaru. I just hope it doesn’t let me down….

[@nickolastiguan]

“Drain and fill” your CVT fluid as soon as it changes colour (any hue of brown), or 40-50k depending on your driving habit/environment. With the boxer engine, from what I understand, leaky seals are common at higher mileage.

[@M.R.1525]

Drop your oil and filter every 5000KM or 3 months which ever comes first, use only one brand of oil from your first oil change on (Castrol or Quaker State, never ever the dealer's oil) and be religious about it (check your oil level every two weeks after an oil change). Drop/flush all other liquids every 50,000 to max 65,000KM (including CVT) except the blue anti-freeze which should be done around 100,000KM, never service according to owner manual, always always much sooner and NEVER EVER pay attention to life time this or life time that in the owner manual, or from a dealer or personal mechanic. Keep EGR valve, injectors and air filter clean, check all sensors, keep up with other lubricants( like brake lubricant and others) replace your plugs on time and lastly replace the timing belt every 120,000KM. I own a 2010 Forester with 645,000KM on the odometer, does not burn oil or leak oil and has never broken down on me and I still use it every day and on long trips in full confidence, with care, Subarus refuse to die. I refuse to buy anything with a Turbo engine or Hybrid like Honda CRV or Rav4.

[@williamquemuel7824]

Is it true that the eye sight control module is unreliable?

[@eskieman3948]

BS, but I think you already knew that when you wrote your... comment.

[@kylewhisman]

The new Subaru RAV4. Same exterior designer?

[@zanesutherland406]

Toyota owns 20% of Subaru

[@PaulStephenson-lf2dw]

I agree with Mike and John and choose the AWD Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. I love the Forester, but eliminated it for lack of a hybrid offering. Very happy with the Tucson.

[@M.R.1525]

With all due respect, considering the difference in fuel cost, the longevity of an engine, future repair costs, initial higher purchase price, I personally refuse to consider any Hybrid like Tucson, Rav4 or a Turbo Honda CRV. Simplicity at its best will do me fine.

[@leannedemmons7662]

I hope the love affair lasts. I have owned only Hyundai since 2002, but they kept their customers waiting months on dangerous recalls and when the “fix” finally came, we made an appointment and they kept our car a month and still didn’t complete all the recalls. Calls to Hyundai America were bandaids and annoying. We spent weeks doing nothing but making phone calls and still no resolution.

[@victreebel170]

​​@@M.R.1525Yeah, that's dumb. Rav4 Hybrids have been on sale for ages. They don't have any more problems than a standard Rav4. And they have wayyyy fewer problems than most of its naturally-aspirated competition. Further, being a hybrid actually makes certain parts of the car less complex, like the transmission or the steering. Toyota doesn't have junk parts suppliers and they never have.

[@fogsmart]

Tucson. Never ever no way won’t do it hate Hyundai (and Kia) I’m in therapy after owning one seriously

[@josuegonzalez3660]

Hyundai/Kia are absolutely horrible vehicles. Not reliable and quality isn’t good at all. S

[@sansinutube]

When you buy a car, do you buy the one that your neighbor will have no problem figuring out (like a Uhaul vehicle), or do you want to buy a car that you can customize to your heart's content, so that it fits you and your partner like gloves and adjusts to all your needs? I am in the latter category.

[@georgejesson1944]

Wilderness?

[@gobear83]

Maybe when the hybrid arrives…that’s what I waiting for currently driving 2024 Forester Wilderness

[@gregs4163]

I love my 2025 Forester Touring! One thing to mention is almost all controls on the touch screen can be controlled by voice command!

[@steveday2022]

I can see why you like it as it is loaded....one thing it's missing that the lower trim has is ability to program garage openers...how did Subaru miss that one in the highest trim?

[@ctclardy]

I like everything about the Forester and would like to buy one next year. However, there is one thing that is stopping me from doing so. I do not feel the power output is sufficient for my taste. It is far too anemic and Subaru does not offer an alternative power source. I am waiting for the hybrid to see if they are going to give it a boost in power or make it just as anemic. Subaru used to offer the turbo engine used in the Outback but stopped offering that.

[@JunaidHasan23]

Are these made in Japan or Mexico?

[@0HOON0]

Currently: Gunma, Japan. But look for some Forester production to move to Indiana starting next year.

[@acsmoothing2262]

First: On Maddie’s points about how the auto cruise control in Subaru EyeSight responds to traffic speeding up, all EyeSight Subarus with this newer large screen have a way to adjust the acceleration profile or mapping. There is a setting deep in the menus for vehicle settings that allows the driver to choose whether the Subaru responds with a leisurely or more sporty and hard acceleration when following a car that is speeding up. I wonder if that would address Maddie’s concerns about how the car seems to surge when using auto cruise control? Second: I have a newer Outback with the large infotainment screen, and I thought it worked okay at first…but now I absolutely hate it. Using the screen for most climate controls (A/C on or off, recirculation, heated seats, etc.) is very frustrating. The system is lacking. And all radio/media “buttons” are also in the screen, which means passengers have to constantly dig around from one menu to another to work the radio and the map or Android Auto. And it introduces lag, whereas a physical button would be immediate. It is so bad, in fact, that my family plan to trade this Outback for another make, and we will not buy another Subaru until they have added more buttons back.

[@eskieman3948]

Why are you jerking around "A/C on or off, recirculation"???? Put the system on "Full Auto", set the "Temp", and then leave it ALONE. Life is SO MUCH easier that way, unless you just like to complain.

[@bebopben2]

Here's an idea: instead of adding sound deadening, make the engine quieter!

[@0HOON0]

Modern high pressure fuel systems are super noisy. No one has figured a way around it so far. More sound deadening is the best way to deal with it.

[@nickolastiguan]

Turn it into a BEV? 😂

[@M.R.1525]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 there is a thought.

[@jws3925]

I can't stand adaptive cruise control and wish I could turn it off. You set the speed for example at 70 and the adaptive CC adjusts automatically to the vehicles in front of us. Since you know you are on CC you don't pay attention to your speed. Then you look down and you are going 58 and have been going in that range for a while. But I wanted to go 70! So what if I have to pass someone to do so. I hate Adaptive Cruise Control

[@chrisb9478]

I wish they’d offer the 2.4 Turbo in the Forester 😢

[@BTC909]

Sales numbers were a joke for the Turbo. Subaru should have went with a Hybrid years ago.

[@bashertarr2769]

The XT was fantastic. I wouldn’t consider a current Forester due to the lack of a turbo option.

[@paulhenry913]

You can't get simpler controls than in the new CR-V. What's the girl talking about?

[@oldshowfanatic77]

She's either confused it with another vehicle or clearly out of her element.

[@geeeter]

It looks like a plastic Ford Explorer and that single offset exhaust is incredibly ugly.

[@TheAutomotiveReview]

It also looks like a Mazda CX50. The Subaru Forester has the far superior center screen and entertainment system.

[@ofb923]

On our third forester! My dad recently purchased a silver 25 Premium and I daily a 15 Premium!

[@gman9543]

Lowest Lightning EV prices I see is still $48K. Not "super cheap" in my book.

[@AB-jk7tw]

Exactly - without more power, the Forester is simply no longer competitive.

[@richh7608]

Actually, many of the reviews on the 2025 have been very positive. SavageGeese was impressed, especially with the Foresters day to day functionality and price point.

[@minnybiker4505]

I drove one for a few days. Was plenty quick for everyday use.

[@drn13355]

It has more HP than my 2000 BMW 323I V6 had. It is all relative. My Outback is perfectly fine for power.

[@0HOON0]

@@AB-jk7tw It's just fine until you load it up and try to pass at high altitude.

[@alanwarren8365]

@@drn13355 BMW has never made a V6 BMW has inline 6 cylinder and 4 cylinder engines. BMW has never made a V6 even in diesel engines that are not imported to North America.

[@osdahi]

Bad call and unusual for them to make rear traffic and blind spot warnings optional

[@eskieman3948]

It's the PREMIUM model - standard in the other trim levels.

[@23billd]

Climate controls on the touchscreen? We're done.

[@jgriffin411]

100% agree!!

[@eskieman3948]

You weren't going to buy it anyway, so why be a 🤡?

[@agak61]

They are great

[@houseofroos]

Being able to hop in and drive it and not have annoying controls is SO welcome.

[@ronlaskiewicz7134]

YOU DON’T NEED TO HAVE EVERY DAMN CAR SPORTY TO BE GODD!!!

[@ronlaskiewicz7134]

Every vehicle does not have to handle like a corvette to be good!!!

[@michaeldurrett8388]

Outback and a Corvette Best of both worlds 😎

[@VictorCervantes-k7s]

Start stop is a very bad idea. I believe it means you're going to replace your starter a lot sooner. Oem starter and labor $

[@danek893]

Handling is a big deal most peoples are drive their car everyday in the city and Subaru design suspension for off-road? And 11” screen actually smaller than the old 8”+4”+ separate climate control. The google map displays is much smaller then old one.

[@marekw.9816]

When I visit South Florida, I see more Ferraris than Subaru Foresters. In Buffalo you can't walk a block without seeing one.

[@eskieman3948]

When you visit the rest of the state, you'll see more Foresters than Mazdas. Imagine that.

[@davidgilhousen8191]

These reviewers made me laugh. They were meh...this, and blah...that....UNTIL they talk about going off-roading, camping, and biking --then they get enthusiastic and say it's an everyday car plus one they can take comfortably on long-trips!! Subaru=Recreation=Fun=Sold Cars.

[@TYAC_red]

I hope they can equip their cars with wider tires. Subaru's cars are generally heavier than counterparts due to more body structure. Good for safety, but please equip enough tires for control. Especially the front because usually front heavy and front wheel drive.

[@eskieman3948]

WHAT????

[@chriswessner220]

Get rid of the stupid iPad controls. I have an outback. 40k miles later. Screen sucks .

[@sonho4739]

The front looks like a Ford Explorer