All Forester Trim Levels Explained in DETAIL: 2025 Subaru Forester

This video will share all you need to know between the differences on the 2025 Subaru Forester trim levels. We will be comparing the 2025 Subaru Forester base trim, Premium trim, Sport Trim, Limited trim, and Touring trim. I'll also share details on each optional package you can get with each Subaru Forester trim level.
Comment below with any questions you have!
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[@baranicrazy]

Agree premium is the best bang for the buck. Has everything you need and everything to keep you safe :)

[@Mike-ln2bo]

I think the base model gives you everything to keep you safe. They all have the same drivetrain and the eyesight system.

[@kurtkaufman]

Thanks for your detailed, succinct, and well-edited description of each trim level. You would think that Subaru would provide some sort of guide featuring a grid showing which features are available at which trim level, with or without the additional option packages. But for some reason...

[@donnaheber]

Hey Alex, thank you for the detailed descriptions. I feel even better about my purchase and can’t wait for my vehicle to arrive in about 10 days. Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

[@alexpmo]

You're welcome! Happy 4th to you as well! 🇺🇸

[@thefitgm335]

What did you go with?

[@donnaheber]

@@thefitgm335 Limited fully loaded and with accessories.

[@donnaheber]

@@thefitgm335 Limited with many accessories.

[@mhager1978]

All excited here!! My 2025 Forester Touring is arriving any day now. I chose the Crystal White Pearl with black interior.

[@Henk_H]

Mine’s coming in August… River Rock Pearl (l fell in love with the color in all of Alex’s videos…broke my “conservative, not-worth-shelling-out” normal stand and broke the bank for the $400.) brown interior.. love those accents and seat insets… can’t wait!!!!! Third Subie Forester owned…

[@user-yn5gm8st6d]

Alex, thank you for covering the 2025 Subaru Forester models. We are in the process of choosing the one we like best. I really enjoy all your videos. I think you know more about Subaru's than the factory does. Nice clear videos and sound.

[@alexpmo]

Thank you!

[@SaudiSulaiman]

well done for all the details, this is what I needed! thanks

[@toddstewart3179]

Great video Alex.

[@rupert612]

Great video, Alex. Greetings from Australia.

[@shelleycoykendall8878]

Great video with info.

[@ninabenedetti]

Nice to see so many features that weren’t available when I bought my Forester Touring 10 years ago. I do have the buttons/latches in the back that drop the back seats down flat, so it’s been standard at least that long on the touring.

[@alexpmo]

oh that's interesting! Didn't realize the Touring had it that far back.

[@richroggio]

that was very good Alex, thanks👍

[@galeclay8866]

Thank you sooooo much!! Your videos are so informative!!

[@alexpmo]

You are so welcome!

[@galeclay8866]

@@alexpmo I've learned so much from your videos I'm waiting for my 2025 Forester premium so I'm sure I'm be asking a lot of questions soon Have a fabulous 4th of July!!

[@spencerboaz2385]

Crystal and I had our 45 anniversary yesterday . And I just want to wish everyone a Blessed 4th of July .

[@alexpmo]

Congratulations!

[@Nemura12]

The base model is the best buy since, in my opinion, many people don't like the idea of a Panasonic sunroof.

[@markwaggoner4593]

interesting feature the Automatic Emergency Steering, anxiously awaiting delivery of my Forester Sport in River Rock Pearl with the 24 package

[@Mike-ln2bo]

Base model in Canada does come with heated seats but you must go up one trim level to the Touring model add the heated steering wheel.

[@judih.8754]

Great video Alex, but please expand on the missing Homelink in the top model. Also I think its crazy to offer the lower roof rack system on the Sport. The crossbars on the taller system allow for more options.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Seems like well thought out additions to the Sport trim giving you the Star-Tex feature.

[@chuckwalla2967]

This would look so much better with shorter front overhang, longer rear overhang and wider track.

[@bruceobrown534]

Hi ya Alex - I am expecting to receive my BRZ tS sometime in August - is there a video coming in the future featuring the 'tS' trim level - especially the infotainment system and how to use the 'Toyota' style cruise control? By the way, I have recommended your videos to numerous Subaru owners to help them understand some of the not-so-obvious features on their vehicles. Love your videos and look forward to each one - even if they don't pertain to my 23 Legacy or my yet-to-receive 24 BRZ. Stay safe and healthy!

[@user-ue2rw5yy9d]

When the turbo returns...so shall I.

[@Zanderthelab]

I sure hope they bring the digital mirror to the 2026 Outback. I doubt they will put it on the wilderness, but it sure would be nice.

[@nutknowledge]

Picking up my Limited tomorrow....woohoo! Nicely done with the walkthrough of the trims.

[@vinnyg2619]

Thanks for your videos, very informative! I'm in the process of researching a new car and the Subaru Forester and Outback are in my list. I have 2 questions about them. First - does the blind spot detection beep at all if you put on that side's signal? Second - I haven't test test driven anything yet - does a driver sit as high from the road in an Outback and Forester say compared to a Ford Edge or a Chevy Equinox? I believe the Forester sits the driver a little higher then the Outback. Thanks again!

[@garyjubenville9305]

Hi Alex..... love your videos, they are great, thank you so much for posting them. I realize you are in Kentucky, and I am in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. You mentioned that many dealers in the states are getting plenty of inventory, that's great. I assume the market is quite a bit different in Canada even though we are still in North America. Calgary is a good size city, well over 1 million people. My dealer is really great here, they even invested a lot of money in a beautiful new building, full sales, service and parts dept's . problem is they don't have any Subaru product available for sale at all. ( I just contacted them couple days ago. ) everything must be ordered and that takes a very long time. How is it that they can't get inventory from Subaru and many dealers is the USA can get plenty of product ? Do you know if Subaru is closing Canadian Operations since getting product here in Calgary is nearly impossible. Keep up your great videos, they are so helpful and explains everything a Subaru customer would want to know. Thank you so much.

[@Henk_H]

Ok ok ok I deleted my long story.. was late at night and I was going on and on.. blame my Asperger’s Syndrome… Shortened version: Thanks, Alex, for ALL your Forester videos. One of my favorites was the “Easter Eggs” one… Waiting for my 2025 TOURING model (wanted ever since getting my SECOND Premium version in 2017 after open heart surgery. First one, 2004.) Ordered… due in on or about 20 August 2024… Right before a nice-sized 360-mile round trip road trip!!! YAY!!!!

[@alexpmo]

Thanks for watching! I'm sure you'll enjoy your new Forester for many years to come!

[@bikingbato8757]

Alex, I really appreciate you and the videos that you put up. Thank you. I have a 2025 Forester. I have a question. When you open the spare tire compartment, the is a rectangular plastic thingy. What is it for?

[@waltmarks1336]

Thank you for the informative videos on the Forester. I am considering a 2025 Forester, but have concerns about Oil and Coolant issues I have been reading about. I have primarily driven Honda. Can you post some information regarding yearly maintenance costs? Thank you in advance.

[@BoBo-md5cf]

Great video Alex. In your opinion which trim is best bang for the buck? Can you explain that why premium trim has only X mode instead of dual X mode? Thank you

[@leodon8725]

Hi Alex, Awsome video on all the new 2025 varieties of Subaru Forester.. Is 2.0 litre available in Sport model

[@alexpmo]

Thanks! It's all the same powertrain. 2.5L naturally aspirated.

[@stevekish4622]

A little background on why Homelink may be missing on the Touring. Homelink was invented by Johnson Controls then acquired by Gentex along with JCIs automotive electronics division. More than likely the mirror with the rear camera is not made by Gentex as the supplier therefore no Homelink.

[@LividCreature]

I think the dual screen setup could have been really interesting on all trims, or as a tech pkg option. But way less ugly, and make them 8” screens or taller and a small separator. Having a less distracting two screen setup with climate and car controls on one and all infotainment on the other. Missed opportunity 🤷

[@jimmyg4818]

I enjoy your videos. Maybe you can help me out. At times my 2023 Outback Touring XT refuses to hookup to CarPlay. When my wife is with me and this happens I try to hookup her phone and it also fails. Is there anything I can do while driving to reset the connection other than shutting the car off and leaving the car for several minutes?

[@jparker1823]

Hi Alex! I have a question that might have you stumped too. How do you reset Eyesight setting on the newer Subaru models? Factory reset on the newer 11.6" seems like it only changes the infotainment/entertainment settings, but the settings under "Car" remain the same. I'm giving my car to the wife and wanted her to start with a clean slate incase she didn't prefer my changes over the factory settings. Thanks!

[@vincentbonica7155]

Is there X Mode in the base trim?

[@dsharaf]

Is it true that Subaru 2025s will go back to using the traditional mechanical Thermostat for engine temperature management?

[@mstephens7]

Hello Alex. Here’s a question: does the Forrester touring 2025 not come with a Homelink button? If not, what would you suggest I do to get my garage door open both of our clickers have since died I guess I can get one from the manufacturer. I’m a little flummoxed by this.😊

[@DIYManiacJohnP]

Odd how in the US you have add on packages... doesnt work that way here in Canada

[@charlie3851]

Are the colors the same as the 24 Forester

[@dencorb]

No X mode on the basic model?

[@mt1183]

Does the limited come with park assist?

[@craiglena977]

Hi Alex, why my new 2024 Crosstrek break pedal not suppress down while trying to start the car? Thanks!

[@alexpmo]

Not sure! I'd recommend having it checked out at a Subaru store to be sure everything is ok

[@karinandphiliplong9337]

you should explain that in Canada (for some odd reason) the Premier is the top of the line model.

[@ericripley9739]

Was going to make a similar comment. The Canadian model lineup is totally different. I have a 17 Outback Touring. Here in Canada it is only mid line but in the USA it is top of the line.

[@user-zy2ef3pt6j]

What is the cheapest trim with power lumbar support?

[@Henk_H]

Premium

[@alexpmo]

standard premium op 11 (All but base trim have power seats with lumbar support)

[@vypir313]

look at all the room under the hood for a turbo!

[@vypir313]

I got a USB stick that gives me wireless android auto and apple carplay in my 2024 Forester Premium.

[@bobdillard4913]

Home link, yes or no in the touring?

[@shelleycoykendall8878]

I’m also confused on that one

[@alexpmo]

@@shelleycoykendall8878 @bobdillard4913 as of now, it does not appear to have homelink.

[@alexpmo]

doesn't appear to have homelink. However, the homelink mirror can be added as an optional accessory on the lower trim levels.

[@shelleycoykendall8878]

@@alexpmo from what I’ve seen, I think the home link on the mirror has been replaced with mirror functionality options. Wouldn’t mind seeing more on that.

[@Lilarienne]

Just had my 2022 Wilderness edition Forester in for routine service and saw the Limited trim Forester in river rock pearl in the showroom. Very nice color. I look forward to seeing your detailed video of the 25 Wilderness edition when it becomes available.

[@alexpmo]

One of my favorite colors!

[@martinr8278]

Certainly glad to see that Subaru is not going all out on battery cars…..not electric folks, they are running batteries. Good to see that there are intelligent brands realizing forced battery mandates aren’t working and battery cars are actually worse on more levels then combustion engines…….research it, just don’t rely on CNN, KZbin or Biden to tell you that they are great. Forester still one of my favorites along with the crosstrek

[@goni274]

Ok I have to say it. I like this new design. I drove the the Limited twice and love the quiet ride. The OUTSIDE ESPECIALLY the back end and in “The River Rock colour is classy! My two knocks however are on the Premium trim and base trim. It is that the seat material on both as well as the door cloth material on both are worse than drab and quite frankly ugly even though the seats are comfortable! That is one thing. The other design knock in my mind is the dash design directly in front of the front passenger seat. It to me seems to be a rushed, ill thought out fill in add in afterthought! Yes really just a fill in of space and a rather large space at that! It’s ugly to me as well. Have to say it. An example of a better dash cue is found in the NEW Honda CRV. This interior trim reminds me of the new Nissan Rogue interiors. Unless you get the top trim in those Rogues, those interiors too are not very appealing especially the door panel material! Don’t spill a soft drink on those doors and or seats in the Rogue or new lower trim Forester. Just saying! Go Ni

[@Tanhuaocristiancr]

For those of us who see you outside the USA, like me from Chile, where Subaru is very popular, could you use the metric system please.

[@thecleaningteacher638]

Bad move on Subaru to get rid of the HomeLink 😢😢😢

[@ehababdulburalfakhory801]

Cars in USA are way much cheaper than EU ............at leats 10000 EUR diff...........OMG

[@hypnoticimage9687]

US will get you with taxes and licenses fee and don’t forget the dealer markup fee. The MSRP is not the real price in the US.

[@lisalyons915]

Alex, I just bought a pre owned 2018 Subaru Forester after waiting months to find the exact model with the exact features and a low price. However, I bought car from a Lexus dealership and no one there knows enough about the car to show me how to use it! Most of your videos are for new cars so where can I find specific videos for my car? There is so much I can't figure out and the manuals didn't help. 🫤 Any suggestions?

[@cassandravilla531]

Is there a Subaru dealership near you?