Top 5 Hidden Features: 2025 Subaru Forester

[@gingercoleman782]

Just got my 2025 Subaru Forester yesterday ... A bit overwhelmed by all the options. This is very helpful ... Thank you :-)

[@NobodySomebodyToo]

Got mine today 11/30. Use to drive a 2012 nissan titan... there's a TV in the middle of my car! first thing I asked was how do I turn it off! Lol. Kicking and screaming into 21st century... good luck to both of us.

[@transiting]

@@NobodySomebodyToo Push and hold the volume button and the screen turns off!!

[@transiting]

This is not a overview all the controls but explaining the 7 things he is changing Alex shows how the whole thingamabob works! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYGneYGDmdmrZ9ksi=lXkoiovmSd7w9ZzW

[@ghostmanmp]

Learned a lot we did not know. Very good informative video...especially the secret code to unlock the car. Hope the car can be started after getting into it!

[@jimf.625]

Best Subaru channel on youtube! I bought a 2023 Outback Wilderness largely due to Alex’s reviews. A couple weeks ago my son bought the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness. Now my daughter who has a 2019 Forester wants to get the 2024 Forester Wilderness. Wonderful cars. No regrets. Thanks Alex for all your Subaru videos.

[@alexpmo]

Thanks for watching and for your support!

[@janetsingleton9141]

Thanks! I love my new 2025 Subaru Forester! Your info about the back gate is very useful.

[@michelefranklin8333]

Love all your tips Alex. Thanks for sharing.

[@julierochforte7174]

I just tried the rear camera clean with the wiper washer. Eureka! It was so foggy I could barely use it and it's now chrystal clear! Thanks so much!

[@alexpmo]

Happy to help!

[@Zanderthelab]

You don’t wash your car?😂😂

[@airmanma]

Windex on a napkin works also. WHat a surprise!!!!!!

[@julierochforte7174]

@@Zanderthelab Do you not have any dirt road areas near you? I live in one of those.

[@Zanderthelab]

@@julierochforte7174 no I don’t. I wish I did. We have some in the state, but nothing nearby. I wish we had abandoned unmaintained roads near me. There are some down south tho!

[@kimramirez2113]

One of my friend's got a 2025 Forester on Sunday! I'm so excited to share your videos with her. ❤

[@alexpmo]

Thank you for sharing!

[@georgemcmeen5408]

Great Alex----you need to teach classes at Subaru stores

[@robbinguy9709]

WONDERFUL video and information. I just bought my Subaru Forester Premium yesterday and couldn't for the life of me figure out the 'door lock/unlock' and why the other doors weren't opening when I unlocked. I also didn't know about touching the door handle, etc. Thanks much! I'm a subscriber because this car has many features. Thanks again.

[@MartinStockel]

Thanks for showing the 5 hidden features, Alex.

[@alexpmo]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching

[@enoynaert]

We got our 25 Forester on July 4. We use the memory height on the door because our garage has a low ceiling. It is perfect. It seems precise to the mm level of precision.

[@scottjones6624]

Ha, got the base trim of this model. Love it and much more simple. Don't need no bells and whistles! :)

[@alexpmo]

Base trim comes with quite a lot now a days!

[@r44inspector44]

I learned about adjusting the height of the hatch door, and cleaning the rear camera!! Dang - I have had my 2021 since 2021 and didn't know that!! Thank you.

[@DonnaColeman-b8c]

Thank you for the very informative video. This is the best one I have seen on the youtube!

[@richroj]

that was great Alex, thank you 👍

[@mikemandel5775]

Thanks for this! That’s my exact model in white, so I really enjoyed the video.

[@DennisOBrien-p8v]

Wow ! The 2025 Forester caught up to my 2020 Outback

[@lynchcreekmuzzy5759]

LOL...Yeah, well....at least the '25 doesn't have a TCV anymore

[@JS-em1lq]

Thank you, I am enjoying your videos.

[@chipper7711]

Ugggg - the LAAAAAGGGG on that touchscreen 😮

[@iceman213]

My 23 outback Premium has all these features… except the foot activation option for the rear hatch . I’m 100% team Subaru for now on !!!!

[@alexpmo]

The outback gets the rear sensor option instead. Have you tried it out? kzbin.info0kPEs3TwPuc?si=ItOOSc9BGHNmK11U

[@iceman213]

@@alexpmo mine has the sensor built-in into the emblem… so all I have to do is wave my hand. Which I’m sure you’re well aware of. I’m a first time Subaru owner and I have to say that I’m never going back to anything else.

[@ninabenedetti]

My 2015 Forester Touring that I bought in early 2014 has keyless entry that I programmed to open all doors by touching the handle. Same for rear hatch adjustment. 😊

[@AAtta-3286]

Alex, i always find one tip, i never knew about in your videos. The lift gate height was a great tip. Just purchased a 2025 Forester premium and have been looking through your great videos. Did i miss it or have you already made a video on the speech commands? Ive been sooooo frustrated trying to use any voice command. Really could use a video explaining just what works and specific voice commands.Many thanks!

[@l...]

If you press the answer call button during the call, you put the call on hold

[@alexpmo]

Didn't know that! Thanks for sharing

[@Offutticus]

We got a 2025 Forester Limited just a few days ago. Your videos are helping me figure stuff out. We're having a hitch put on later (it is on order and the dealer is installing) and sadly we will lose the foot opening of the back hatch.

[@khaledq8ty]

Awesome Alex As Always 👌

[@Ahmad-yw5hl]

It is bc of you. I will buy one today. I love your channel.

[@cjmaslowski1112]

What a lot of information thank you so much very helpful 👍👍

[@mechdoodle]

Thanks!

[@alexpmo]

You're welcome and thank you for the super chat!

[@shelleycoykendall8878]

Thank you. A lot of helpful information

[@vincent-uh5uo]

Great video ! Thx! Also wonder how to retract the rearview mirror ? Can I set it auto or manually?

[@alaynacavallaro6340]

is there a video on using the phone in the 2025 Forester? How to make a call? Silencing an incoming call? Adjusting volume? My last car which was over 10 years old wasn't this fancy! And I am old. 🙄

[@georgepetrask8723]

Picked up my 2025 yesterday this is my 9th. Forester

[@cynvision]

Good to know the base trim might not have the tap code unlock. Commented earlier today that I had a camp buddy's son lock her fob inside. I don't know if she had a base trim but she called a lock guy for the car. Maybe she had to do that after all, but I said look for the button and look if she can set it up. This brand of car is so friendly to camping situations where you want to go off somewhere and not lose your keys.

[@MrOnbelay]

What is the part number for the cargo hook for the 2025? Great video thank you

[@gensam1380]

hi. i got the same this subaru. can you do the video about dash cam and rear cam to install for it, also the guide. thank you, just subcribed.

[@azzyxboy]

love your videos, could you help 2025 forester owners on what’s the recall / fix status of the heated front seats? they do not work. Thanks.

[@rodneyfarrar9479]

Key Fob, I think if you push the Subaru Logo 2x it unlocks all doors.

[@Ontheregz]

That’s how every remote works for every manufacturer lmao 😂

[@kathyduncan4954]

Think the birds are Hummingbirds 😊

[@Baek918]

I got mine couple weeks ago, i traded my lease crosstrek. Not regretting anything, unfortunately i haven’t check anything yet 😅

[@mattheviewer]

thanks for the hidden features, Alex! Would be nice to know how Eyesight V4 really differes from the older V3 (I'm considering the in-our-area-unobtanium '25 Outback XT Touring, hav e seen it has new cameras, but know little else (Subaru itself offered no info).

[@glacierescape7888]

I know this is not a good idea but, we have always kept our master key inside of our car and locke the doors. We figured out that we can keep the fob in the car and use the app to lock and unlock the doors. This makes it so we are not carrying clunky fobs around with us. Question. In Alaska 10 minutes on the car start is not enough to warm the car up at 50° below. If we get the fob with the auto start in the key will it run longer than the 2 10 minute sessions?

[@damohayes6475]

It’s a shame the my Subaru app for remote start etc isn’t available in the UK, we only have the Solterra EV app only

[@stephenrosenfeld833]

They should have put the rear gate kick sensor off to the side (or one on each side) so that it would work with the trailer hitch installed. Also, my 2019 Forester allowed for a two position rear gate height. I lost this useful feature on my '22 Outback Wilderness. Seems like it's gone here too. Resetting the height based on whether I park on the driveway or in my garage is an annoying pain. And while I'm at it.... there's room on the home screen for a Max A/C button. When you get in an oven hot car, you don't want to be futzing around with menus!

[@717dash_cam]

I like the new solid shelf, if it can fit down on top of or under the cargo tray, I'd do that and put the roller cover away. My gripe with the power liftgate here, is that a hitch makes you lose foot activation, they should keep the emblem sensor one like they have in OB. Sure, the masses aren't going to get a hitch, but something they could have thought about with the generally outdoorsy buyers.

[@Ontheregz]

I’ve been debating a hitch for that exact reason. As an engineer I’m going to relocate the sensor offset to the side. I have a 25 sport.

[@donnaheber]

Alex, can you recommend something to keep the leather clean and from cracking over time. I just got my 2025 and want to take the absolute best care of it. Thanks!

[@transiting]

Alex, does the 2025 Forester have an oil cooled transmission in all trims? I recall hearing so in one of the reviews but I cannot confirm.

[@trackguy4038]

Alex - for the 2025 Subaru Forrester, does an iPod work with the infotainment system?

[@ChristopherDAmico]

I'm searching about for those cargo hooks detailed in this video and do not see these available individually or as pairs. I'm not even finding a cargo net kit with an install sheet pdf on the Subaru TIS website that shows anything shaped like what you have in your hands. Can you supply Subaru Part Numbers/Kit Numbers for these for the 2025 Subaru Forester?!

[@robertspreitzer8126]

I noticed the hummingbird on some of the glass in mine.

[@Zanderthelab]

Hey if you ever roll it you got a place to put your can of pop while waiting for the tow truck! Upside down cupholder!

[@alexpmo]

@@Zanderthelab 😂

[@galeclay8866]

Hi Alex ! Thank you! Where is the odometer in the 2025 Forester ? I see a trip meter / how does that work?

[@alexpmo]

@@galeclay8866 odometer is located just below trip meter. It’s in the center of the gauge cluster.

[@Time4Timbo]

Please compare new model to series 5. I have the latter and frankly think i prefer it to the new model.

[@galeclay8866]

Hi Alex ! Thank you for all your videos! I'm learning a lot I have a question Ive had my 2025 Forester a week and took it to the dealership to install a rear view dimming mirror. The side dimming mirrors are back ordered Now the turn signal lights on the side mirrors don't work .Called the dealership and they don't know why its now not working??? Any ideas 💡 Thanks

[@alexpmo]

@@galeclay8866 haven’t heard of that happening! Wish I could help further but not sure what it could be.

[@wildbill23c]

They probably didn't plug them back in. My guess is they took the mirrors off for some reason and never plugged the wires back in afterwards....easy check to see if that's the case, try adjusting the mirrors, if they don't adjust then that's what they did was just didn't plug them back in.

[@EXROBOWIDOW]

I believe the rear + side dimming mirrors are functionally a "unit." In other words, a software compatibility issue. Maybe they should have waited to install the mirror until the side mirrors arrived.

[@jonathanbragagnolo4689]

“All but the base trim has this” -Me crying in my brand new base trim hahahaha

[@alexpmo]

Oh no! 😢

[@GBryantMcClellan]

On the 2025 Forester, the optional scuff plates for the doors include GPS coordinates.

[@Ontheregz]

I got the optional front lower scuff plates and the rear upper pet protection panels with the extra paw prints. 2 great accessories.

[@vishalgoklani4651]

Hi Alex, which forester trim has the dimming side mirrors? I think you mentioned it in one of your videos but can't find it.

[@marigoldwolf4258]

It is on option for the Premium and up. I just ordered a Touring and still had to pay extra for the exterior auto dimming side mirrors. Has to have an auto dimming rear view to go with it too.

[@sikobarb]

Hi Alex. I recently got a 2023 Forester Touring (Canada - so I think that's a Premium trim in the USA). Can you explain the levels of headlights? The wand has "Off" but it's spring loaded so you can't stay in the off position. The default level seems to be like high beams. The "Auto" setting is a lower light level. Then there's what I assumed was high beams - it appears (from the driver's seat) to be like the default setting. Pushing the wand forward you get mega extra crazy harnessing-the-sun level lights. I don't do a lot of night driving, but I'm nearly always getting flashed by passing cars who believe I am driving with high beams all the time.

[@sjfk1306]

You need to aim your headlights.

[@keithdonaghy5325]

I may be wrong but, what you assume to be high beams are you low beam headlights. You would run these around town, anywhere in fact. When you push the wand forward you are activiating your HIGH beams. Yes they should never be used when oncoming traffic is coming towards you. It blinds them, hence they are flashing you because they are correct, you are driving with high beams on. Leave it on Auto, you will have daytime running lights on and the car will autimatically turn on your headlights at night. Use your very bright high beams only when there is no oncoming traffic.

[@sjfk1306]

@@keithdonaghy5325 most Subarus have really bad LED headlights and awful factory aim…

[@keithdonaghy5325]

@@sjfk1306 I have owned five Subarus, never had a problem.

[@sjfk1306]

@@keithdonaghy5325 that’s cuz you’ve only owner Subarus, you don’t know your headlights suck…. And you blind everyone, just like all Subarus with their crap LED headlights. Some of the worst in the market.

[@jparker1823]

Hi Alex, Any idea when Subaru will address the fusebox labeling issue under the dashboard. I spoke to a lot of owners where the fuse box label on the fusebox door does not match the fusebox fuses.

[@gconsulta]

Rear Camera. Why is it showing half screen only? It wasn't like that when we bought it. I first noticed it when I backed up early in the morning, around 6;00AM, when it was still dark, so I thought maybe it's just reminding me that it's early. Yet it didn't come back to full view. I read the manuals and can't find an answer. What adjustments do I need to flip the view from half to full?

[@philjohnson-ic7dm]

How do feel about the non vented seats in the sport, like the look but have heard moans about sweatness in non ventilated seats

[@mt1183]

How to clean the dust in the eyesight area?

[@nancyisshopping7950]

Help me Alex. :) How do I find my tire pressure monitor screen on the 2025 Forester?

[@valdius85]

I own the current gen and like the new one. If finances allow, I’d like to update in few years.

[@GogoD316]

Where do I buy the cargo hooks? And how much.

[@maryholmes5186]

Just bought a 2025 Forester Touring and love the phone charging station. However, I’m now constantly forgetting that I left my phone in the car. Any chance there is a feature that alerts you that your phone is still in the charging station? I know other vehicles (Audi) have this feature.

[@Ryancuasay]

Hi Alex, will the trailer hitch affect the kick sensor when installed?

[@alexpmo]

Yes, unfortunately the kick sensor is removed when a trailer hitch is installed

[@Ryancuasay]

@@alexpmo But will it also affect the power lift gate feature like if your close to it it will open? We’re thinking of getting a 25 Forester.

[@alexpmo]

@@Ryancuasay you’ll still have a power lift gate but the kick sensor won’t be there anymore. So you can still use the key fob to open/close the gate, button on the dash, or the button on the gate.

[@Ryancuasay]

@@alexpmo Even if you come close to the vehicle it won’t open anymore without using the keyfob?

[@alexpmo]

@@Ryancuasay are you trying to use the kick sensor?

[@bkstarkey]

It used to be that the heated seats wouldn’t activate until there was weight in the seat, even if you turn it on.

[@martinscesar6038]

Merci je besoin a francês je soi ao Québec

[@daviddivelbiss]

So, it appears that the Forester Touring does not have Homelink available anymore?

[@alexpmo]

It didn’t, but Subaru just released an update. The forester can use the same parts from the Ascent touring for those who want the homelink. Should have been done that way from the factory, but this is the current work around

[@gracewheatley8020]

Is there any way to factory reset options? Ie you’re trading in your car & need to wipe ALL of your preferences, trunk pin, birthdays, anniversaries, favorites, etc.

[@alexpmo]

Yes, under settings you select "general" and then at the bottom you will see "factory data reset". This will return everything to factory settings.

[@g.s4623]

if you lose elecrical power is there an easy way to open the rear hatch door? Thanks

[@theoriginaldonutdude4950]

Yes you hold the button down and it’ll release manually

[@gwapogreg5837]

The red triangle might be to turn off the stupid start stop function

[@sjfk1306]

My 2020 does the same thing to wash the rear camera…

[@DanielField2023]

What about the parking break when the battery died the breaks won't work? there aren't emergency brakes in case the battery died . I like better the Outback no offense.

[@g.s4623]

Which trim level has 2 driver seat memory adjustment?

[@alaynacavallaro6340]

I believe that is the limited.

[@JStevenSanders]

@@alaynacavallaro6340limited does not. Only the Touring. I just bought a Limited and that’s the one upgrade I minis.

[@g.s4623]

@@alaynacavallaro6340 Thanks

[@alexpmo]

On the Forester, it's only on the Touring trim level. For the Outback it's on the Limited and Touring. So it's model specific. Are you asking specifically about the Forester?

[@ak4710]

Hidden features - the paragon of design usability...

[@lindalasalle2378]

sucks that there is no lock for the glove box

[@Time4Timbo]

I disconnected the key fob button to open back as this used to happen by inadvertently pressing ing my pocket

[@peterfitzgerald1159]

I also wish the fob had an off button, or something to prevent inadvertent button presses. With the fob in my pocket I have occasionally set off the car alarm or gone out to find the hatchback open. Very annoying. It looks dorky, but I now carry my keys on a carabiner and clip them to a belt loop prevent this (and hang them up immediately when I enter the house.)

[@cjpamp1267]

Why did they not include the integrated turn signals on the premium model

[@galeclay8866]

Good question

[@badman3355]

what is the point in hidden features if they may not be found and used

[@charlesgentry3758]

Good luck if any electronic systems breaks.

[@lehrbilley]

..... just like every new car for the last 20 years.

[@martinr8278]

Solterra?….how are those battery cars selling. Haven’t seen any here in Ohio on the road

[@alexpmo]

Not too well 🥴

[@stevenm223]

Massachusetts doesn't allow Subaru starlink

[@barbpaul401]

Is Subaru ever going to come out with a hybrid?

[@alexpmo]

Yes, there will have a Forester Hybrid this time next year.

[@debbiechutka2492]

@@alexpmowhat about an outback hybrid? ❤️ my Outback but I would upgrade if available

[@joelpfeil7131]

When you get the all weather floor mats, shouldn't that include the all weather cargo mat??

[@JStevenSanders]

Mine did include them.

[@janisralston1460]

Mine didn’t, but I was getting rid of my ‘09 and transferred that one.

[@KastkingAngler]

Does it still have a crappy backup camera? Subaru should be ashamed. But i still love our 2025 Outback!

[@wasteworldband]

Confirmed yes it does. No warning beeps or anything other than cross traffic alert if you add that

[@charlesgentry3758]

It's not worth 34k starting price. My 2018 limited was 28k, and it's almost the top trim.

[@billboyd7938]

I have the remote start using my phone. It doesn't work in my garage because of 4 inches or concrete and metal corrugated steel sealing so consider your garage before you buy the option

[@keithdonaghy5325]

Depending on your situation with the garage that can be a good thing. Starting in a garage of course requires the garage door to be open. Even then exhaust gases can be drawn into the home, again, depending of the structure.

[@billboyd7938]

@@keithdonaghy5325 What other time would I need to warm the car except after it sat in -10 degrees over night? For my purposes, I should have paid more and got the phoebe. I don't run the car without the garage door being open. Also, I don't back in so the car's exhaust points to the back wall. All this talk of the car's exhaust going into the house is because people are stupid What other time would I need to warm the car except after it sat in -10 degrees over night? For my purposes, I should have paid more and got the phoebe.

[@Ontheregz]

Is it a hidden feature if it’s a spot for an accessory or is easily accessible within the settings menu? 😂

[@bkstarkey]

Prediction. The little design elements on the glass will be gone for 2026.

[@alexpmo]

Why do you say that?

[@bkstarkey]

@@alexpmo cost cutting. They removed the little lights in the door handles a few years back. Seems like low hanging fruit ya know?

[@stevemartin3601]

Subaru needs to dump the cheap thrills and give us a RELIABLE TRANSMISSION!

[@alexpmo]

Yes!

[@Subie-Driver]

Wow…Subaru is really stooping! Cargo hooks for the nets is now an accessory that has to be purchased? That is is pretty cheap. Our 2011 Outback, 2018 Crosstrek and our 2022 Forester has (had) them built into the side of the rear compartment. That shows just how the auto industry is starting to nickel and dime customers for things that should be standard equipment. As a die hard Subaru fan boy….I’m extremely disappointed.

[@EXROBOWIDOW]

As I recall, my 2010 Forester had the cargo net as an extra accessory... including dealer installation of the holders for the net. I just got a '21, and like the setup better. Both the hooks and the nets give me more options.

[@airmanma]

I was going to buy a new Forester. Subaru won't turn on their telematics in Massachusetts because of the recent Right To Repair Law that just passed. I will not stay with Subaru. Looking at the new VW's at the moment. Subaru, you disappoint me totally. Shame!!!!

[@CrankedFishin]

I would never buy Su arus new Ford Explorer. Ugliest forester every to be made. Mini Ford

[@firewoodwizard]

I hate all the useless bells and whistles

[@wildbill23c]

I agree....way too much crap to fail, and either expensive to fix, or can't be fixed due to no longer having the parts.....all these car companies have gone insane with all the electronic garbage they have in them. What's funny is for example my 99 F250 Lariat was fully loaded, basically the luxury edition back then....now a base model XL work truck has more crap in it but then again you are looking at $40k+ for even a base model anymore. Most of the crap in today's vehicles I'd never even use, like all that touch screen crap, get rid of it, or make it only an option, many of us don't care for that crap and would never use it.

[@beckystout2231]

And yet, no homelink for syncing garage door opener to a button on the mirror!!

[@peterfitzgerald1159]

Mine has this? But I think that the smart mirror is an upgrade on some models. I really like the smart mirror's auto adjustments when driving at night and there is a pickup truck behind you with its brights on.

[@JohnFKetcham]

Thanks!

[@alexpmo]

Thank you John!