Don’t Buy a 2025 Subaru Forester Until You’ve Seen This

Welcome back guys! I’m a Subaru Owner and literally debating whether the 2024 Subaru Forester or the all new 6th gen 2025 Subaru Forester is better. There’s reasons to per sway you in either direction, and here are the reasons that I’ve been contemplating.
Like, comment, subscribe, and take care! 🙂
Dealer link below 👇
www.twinfalls-subaru.com/new-...

[@TheCaptjamestkirk]

A friend of mine just bought a 2024 Forrester, he got 3,000 off MSRP and got the 2.9% financing. He also didn't like the the new big gauge info screen and likes the look of the 2024 better too, so it was the better one for him.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That sounds like a sweet deal! I’m glad it all worked out for him.

[@956lizz]

I bought a 2024 Forester Wilderness yesterday with $2600 off MSRP at the 2.9/72 month finance incentive. I chose the forester mostly because it’s built in Japan!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome! What color did you go with? I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

[@jasonswift7098]

6 years on finance? wow that will be crippling.

[@db8980]

I have a 2022 Wilderness. I love it, especially the StarTex interior. The Autumn Green paint works really well too with all the body cladding the Wilderness has, seems to minimize it a bit. Anyway, I didn't know about the electronic thermostat issues, so thanks for pointing that out. I'll be paying extra attention now. Glad a service bulletin has been released on it.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That sounds like an awesome Wilderness! I don’t want to worry anyone, ignorance is bliss. And I’ve also not heard about any failures on the forums, but I’ve never searched for this issue before watching Mr. Subarus video about it a few days ago. But yes, thankfully Subaru admits that it’s a problem and will make it right for those affected by it.

[@brianknouse5164]

Just got my 2024 Forester Wilderness 2 months ago and I love it. They are almost impossible to find now in my area. Lots of rain here last night and my FW handled the roads like a champ. I have been super impressed in how smooth it drives and how well it handles the roads, dirt and rain. Looking forward to trying it out in the Winter!

[@marksmith4582]

I trust 100% what you speak about with your knowledge of Subaru! I’m almost certain that the Forester might be almost too much vehicle for me. I am definitely interested however! I would probably get a 2024 model over the upcoming 2025 model based on the way you explained everything in this video. Having owned 5 Camrys and now on my second Nissan Altima (SV AWD) model. The Japanese definitely have their different brands sorted out! I always appreciate your opinions! You put plenty of thought and effort into making these! Always with full respect! Mark in Iowa.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks Mark! I have a lot of fun making car related videos and I’m glad they can be helpful to some people. I always appreciate you choosing to watch, and on occasion adding your own insight and perspective to the comments! 🙂

[@ireton3]

Nice backdrop with the Snake River and Perrine Bridge, which is also my stomping grounds. I have a 2021 Forrester Sport, which I absolutely love. My vehicle is perfect for my lifestyle, which is a combination of a daily city commuting, weekend dirt-road exploring, and an occasional long road-trip. It really does each of these pretty darn well. That way I don't have to own three different vehicles. The electronics were just mind-boggling to me at first, as I had just upgraded from a 2000 Ford F-150. It actually took me long time to really learn and understand everything the electronics can do to make the function and drive experience even better. Thanks for your review. I'm probably going to hang onto my Forrester for another 3-5 years and very likely I will go with another Forrester!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome, it’s a small world. I appreciate you sharing your experience with your Forester and how the transition to it from a non Subaru was! I actually almost feel bad because this video was fairly low effort. I’ve done a number of 2024 Forester reviews that are higher quality (for me) or more dedicated review videos. But I also throw in a lot of more causal talking videos like this as there’s information I want to get out or ask people to share their experiences on. Anyways, thanks for watching! 🙂

[@09areFish]

Bought an SR5 V8 Tundra in ‘03. The Indiana built truck was seemingly bulletproof through the 21 years I drove it. Recently traded it in for a ‘24 Crosstrek Limited. Wife and I Toyota / Honda only family for decades until she discovered Subaru in ‘22 with an Outback purchase.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience. I miss the Tacomas and FJ I use to own, but Subarus are much easier to live with day to day lol.

[@09areFish]

Nice! Had my eye on Taco’s for years before deciding on something with a car-like driving experience. I used to have an ‘88, 4 cylinder, single cab, manual, 4x4 Toyota (pre-Tacoma). Good little p/u!

[@danieljarvis9183]

Very nice review! I have a Crosstrek, but I've had a Forester not long ago and I miss it. So I intent to trade up to a Forester. Hopefully, i can find a '24, which is the one I want to get. It's made in Japan and doesn't have that ugly infotaintment screen, physical buttons.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I hear you. I think I might have been wrong, there’s so much conflicting reports. But I’ve seen some 2025 Forester vin numbers that start with a J for Japan assembly, rather than a 1 or 4 which means US built.

[@user-mv3vf8jj1l]

I purchased a New 2024 Forester Touring in December 2023. I wanted a Japanese built Forester. The '25 Forester has less horsepower. I didn't care for the larger infortainment system. Mine is Cascade Green with Brown/Black Leather. Getting the color I wanted was a bit of a hassle as the dealership near me had to dealer trade out of state to acquire this color . I really like the great visibility and quietness in the cabin. Mine came with the unique lower front door spot light, Forester front sill guard, Subaru Mud Flaps, 2" Subaru Trailer hitch, Body side molding. Added accessories: Weather Tech Floor Liners, Dash Mat, Colgan Car Bra and a 3/16 Aluminum "Primitive Racing" front skid plate. I chose the Touring model over the Wilderness because NO Heated Steering Wheel was available.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That sounds like an awesome ride, thanks for sharing!!

[@mattsbrute]

I opted for the 24 a week ago simply due to the fact of the full touchscreen in the 25 I don't like and the biggy is I don't buy first year runs of any car. The 24 should have the kinks worked out since they had however many years that model was in production. I love my little Forester Gump.

[@Nancy-wh3ji]

I too purchased a 2024 Forester a week ago for the same reasons.

[@marklytle7829]

What about rose 8-9 percent interest rates?

[@Nancy-wh3ji]

@@marklytle7829 The dealership where I purchased my car last week offered an interest rate of 2.99%

[@lorenschwiderski]

@@marklytle7829 Pay cash and also get $3K off, is what I would do.

[@agak61]

@@Nancy-wh3jibig screen is great. So much better and user friendly. No phone cable too ;)

[@subiesojourner777]

A few things, my 2024 Forester Wilderness has a power lift gate (it's part of the Harmon Kardon sound system and Navigation) , I'm pretty sure there will be a 2025 Wilderness and in the current generation. (maybe Subaru will address the thermostat in the 2025) Subaru will make the 2026 Wilderness in the next generation. Lastly, YES on being built in Japan.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thank you for adding that! It’s been long enough since I’ve done my 23 and 24 Wilderness review that I couldn’t remember all the details and packages. Oh very interesting, there’s a lot of conflicting information on the internet. Ohhh, yeah!! I just looked at a 25 vin number and it starts with a J, thanks for sharing!

[@nighthawkvc25a]

1:32 - Sarah-n-Tuned once mentioned on a Subaru Wilderness trim missing a power lift gate: "they expect the owners to be in shape" 😁

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha, that’s awesome!

[@naineshprajapati7855]

Mind you that's for the American market. Canadian versions get the power lift gate and heated steering wheel and the rear diff skid plate as standard equipment!

[@scottanthony3426]

I think I read somewhere or saw in a video that Subaru has not (yet) come out with a Wilderness edition of the '25 Forester. Apparently in Wilderness trim, the '24 will continue on. Not sure they will call it a '25. Also not sure if the Wilderness on the '25 platform is coming later. Remember, the '25 brings the giant 11.5" touchscreen to replace many of the current knobs, switches, and buttons. Good luck with that.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

You’re exactly right, I’ve heard the same thing. And also wonder if it will be a carryover trim level sold as a 25 or still a 24 until the end of the year.

[@lorenschwiderski]

I heard the '25 model eliminates the current TCV controller for cooling, which may become an issue. Maybe it get the old styled thermostat control? I would go '25 model on Forester. I am considering the CrossTrek 2.0 version as well. CrossTrek 2.0 made in Japan.

[@chuckwalla2967]

But who knows what other bonehead changes they may have made on the '25?

[@eoak134]

1:49 Just FYI the premium gets a power lift gate with an option package. I believe the wilderness is the same. It’s not just the higher trim levels.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Great insight! Thanks for sharing this. It’s been a while since I’ve driven one to review and had all the Forester information memorized lol.😅🤦‍♂️

[@eoak134]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 yeah I can only o imagine trying to memorize it all lol.

[@abufarhaz2306]

Of course, there will be a quality difference between products made in the USA and those made in Japan. This is evident when comparing American-made vehicles to Japanese-made vehicles. As a result, I plan to keep my 2003 Forester Sport forever. I knowingly purchased it fully loaded, with every optional feature available for the Sport trim. I am glad I made this decision.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome!! I actually might have been wrong. I’m seeing some 25 Forester vin numbers starting with a J for Japan, not a 1 or 4 for US….🧐😬

[@barryv9733]

Had a (US-built) 2020 Outback Limited XT (my 4th Outback) - very fast, very comfortable, great features; some sloppy stitches on the upholstery, defective oil level sensor, repeated battery charges and finally a new battery. Didn't like the big screen (distracting) and my wife hated it. Expensive to buy when the lease was up and so got a 2023 Forester Limited. Fun, comfortable, economical, adequate power (I often use the S switch when entering highways), real knobs and buttons, easy controls, some wind noise. My wife had a 2016 Legacy 3.6R (which I didn't like much) and traded it toward a 2024 Forester Limited. We heard the 2025 was going to have the big screen (at least on higher trims) and wanted to avoid that. Both (Japan-built) Foresters are flawless so far.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Great write up of your experiences, thanks for sharing!!

[@RetirementGoals1]

I recently traded in my 2024 Crosstrek Sport for the 2024 Forester Sport with the power liftgate and Harman Kardon stereo. We decided the Crosstrek was too small so we went up a size. I’m glad to lose the bigger screen because it was slow and still laggy even after the most recent update. The wireless charger worked sporadically and the wireless Apple CarPlay dropped 1-2 times out of 10. Going to the 2024 Forester Sport and going back to a wire plug-in took care of those issues. At Larry Miller Subaru in Boise they are dealing on the 2024’s, I got about a $2000 discount from sticker price and I qualified for the Subaru 2.9% interest rate. My personal opinion, I like the current Forester Sport design over the 2025 Explor-ester Sport design. I’d rather have the last year of a proven platform than the first year of a new version.

[@RetirementGoals1]

The only negative for me on the 2024 Forester, there’s really no place big enough in the center console to put your smartphone when it’s plugged in.

[@robertmassinger3948]

We have had our 24 Forester Limited for 2 months after being in a Kia Forte for 14 years.We are very happy it was a no pressure deal at Glanzmann Subaru in Willow Grove,Pa.2.9% $2500 under mark and absolutely no sneaky Bs.We are looking forward to a couple of decades of enjoyable driving.Thanks Subaru!

[@NGMonocrom]

Definitely best to wait for the 2025 with the thermo. fix.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

With more thought that’s also the direction I’ve been leaning towards. Potentially worse QC being built in the US is just an assumption, but knowing a potential engine failure component is gone is an objective improvement. Have you or anyone else actually heard of the TCV failure?

[@NGMonocrom]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Neighbor encountered that failure. Was fixed under warranty in a timely manner. But it was still an inconvenience for her.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Oh very interesting! Also it sounds like the 2025s will be built in Japan, and then they’ll move to Indiana after the Legacy leaves the factory.

[@NGMonocrom]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Won't lie. Would prefer it if all of them were built in Japan.

[@kelvinwatt8535]

I have had 1 drive shaft fail in my 2021 Forester last year at about 95,000 to 100,00 Kilometres which they replaced under warranty. The other side draft shaft has now failed at 124,000 Kilometres. Hoping to get it replaced under warranty.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I hope it does too! I’ve never heard about that failing on the forums, I’m sorry it happened to you.

[@AJSparacio413]

I believe the Wilderness Trim will still be offered for the next year in its current 5th generation form. So were it me I would get a 24 Forester Wilderness!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah, I think you’re right! I wonder if it will be sold as a 24 or 25 model year. Kind of like how Chevy sometimes has a carryover body style called a “Limited” while the next gen also starts in the same year. An example was the 2016 Chevy Cruze Limited and 2019 Silverado Limited.

[@jamesdarcy3902]

I have a 2015 Outback that I plan to keep for winter conditions, waiting until that Thermo Control Valve goes away from the N/A FB25 engine found in the Outback. Forrester, and optional on other models before buying a new one. For that reason I will not buy a 2020-2024 Subaru equipped with the N/A FB25 engine and I am not a fan of turbos either.

[@dennisjanwolterding384]

I have a 2023 Forester Wilderness. It is simply WONDERFUL! I strongly recommend that you get a 2024 Forester Wilderness if you still can. Oh yes, my wilderness DOES have a power liftgate

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m glad you’re enjoying it! And I forgot you could option the lift gate lol. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts!!

[@tomas7022]

I have 2019 subaru crosstrek premium. perfect size and all what i need

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome! That’s the same year and spec as the Crosstrek I use to own. 🙂

[@alsheremeta]

Can anyone tell me how much rust is forming on the suspension parts and nuts and bolts and brake calipers etc, on their previous generation Forester and also the 2025 if anyone has one already. I ask for two reasons, i currently own a 2007 Legacy wagon, manufactured in Indiana, and I've never owned a vehicle that the undercarriage hardware rusted so badly, basically it has made the vehicle worthless with only 225000 km. Previously I had a 1991 Legacy wagon that was built in Japan, the materials were vastly better on it. Second reason is I've heard that basically new Subarus have alot of rust on the undercarriage components. If you have a 2024 or 2025 Forester I'd appreciate it you could tell me what your undercarriage looks like. A 2025 Forester is on my short list for a new vehicle, the other being a 2024 Venza.

[@jasonswift7098]

It doesn't come out here in Australia until Sept 2024, no change to the engine/drivetrain which is stupid as it lacks power and torque it needs the Outback 2.4l turbo boxer engine, not the NA 2.5l

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I 100% agree!

[@denniss1211]

I purchased my '23 Forester in Helena (my 4th) last year. Had a flat on a gravel road I normally travel in first week. A month later I had another on a different road. Traded the rotten tires for good Goodyear. Love my Forester ... The standard tires were just C*** ....

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m glad you’re loving it! What trim level did you go with and what brand were the factory tires? I’ve winter tested several different Foresters, all on a different tire, so I’m just curious.

[@Seraphim401]

You guys are ok with the thermostat issue? Just because of a ten year warranty?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I could be wrong but it doesn’t seem like very many have that problem from what I’ve heard, but also what are current owners supposed to do about it? I wouldn’t imagine there’s an after market mechanical thermostat fix for it. But it is good to be aware of a potential problem point, as long as owners aren’t losing sleep over it. 🤷‍♂️😬

[@thecleaningteacher638]

I definitely hope they use the Toyota hybrid set up. 🙌🏼👏🏻

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

And Symmetrical AWD! 🤩

[@suzannebradley3131]

Does anyone have any thoughts/reviews on the air conditioning and the sound system?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

AC works well, but because there’s a lot of interior volume it sometimes takes a bit for it to evict all the hot air, but it’s not any worse than other cars IMO. Sound is decent, but most factory speakers could benefit from being upgraded if that’s worth doing to meet the specific owner’s preference. Personally I don’t care enough to upgrade factory speakers. 🤷‍♂️😅 Those are my thoughts.

[@suzannebradley3131]

​@@AutomotiveAnonymous208thanks for your response! Just got my Forester this weekend 😊

[@jparker1823]

TCV recall is only for 19-21 so far. 150,000/15 yr. Otherwise replacement would cost around $2,000

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for adding this!!

[@Th3Think3r]

Correct, and that is at least partially because they changed the part which they believe will reduce the failure rate.

[@Atreides217]

I purchased a 2024 Forester Wilderness in February. Likes include amazing visibility, turning radius, fun city driver, sporty looks and better than expected ride. Dislikes include moon roof has little to no tint so car gets very hot and infotainment screen hard to see on sunny days, seats/seating position not as comfortable as previous vehicle (Nissan Rogue), gas mileage so far has been disappointing, and no heated steering wheel. I still think the new 2025 Forester styling is kind of bland compared to 2024. Overall I'm looking forward to see how ownership of my first Subaru continues.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Great insight! Thanks for sharing how your experiences thus far have been, and I hope they continue to be good!

[@billricheter5678]

Almost bought a wilderness but interior build quality seemed bad. The soft touch materials.s were horrible

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m sorry to hear that! The interior of my OBW thankfully has held up really well.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Attention people on the internet: I think I was wrong! There was conflicting information online about where the new Forester is going to be assembled. But looking at some examples that will be built soon and have already been assigned vin numbers I noticed they start with a J, which is in fact code for Japan, lol. Can anyone indefinitely confirm this? Or has anyone seems vin numbers that have a 1 or 4, which is code for US. Thanks, and my bad if I mislead anyone. I’ll share this update in my next video about which one I’ve reserved. 😉

[@Th3Think3r]

The information about Subaru assembling the Forester ICE and hybrid versions in Indiana came from President & CEO Atsushi Osaki and Scott Brand CEO SIA so yes it's true. They aren't going to start building the Forester in Indiana until after they stop building the Legacy though so it won't be until the end of 2025. Subaru will ship the Forester from Japan until then and continue to manufacture the Forester in Japan for customers closer in proximity.

[@teda273]

I ordered the 2025 Forester in April. Delivery is expected in June. The vin number was provided to me about a week ago. It begins with the letter "J". I looked at a few local dealer's inventories. Some have listed their orders for the 2025 Forester. The dealerships providing vin numbers on their website for their vehicles in transit, all begin with the letter "J".

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I wonder which year will be best then. A first year made in Japan or future years made in Indiana. Anyways, thank you for sharing this!!

[@scudderville]

If it was an OEM other than Subaru the choice between USA and Japan manufacture might play into the decision. With Subaru it's not. Subaru parts crossover into many different models and most Subaru parts are Japanese sourced. In addition Subaru is not huge like a Toyota or GM and the team concept runs deeply cross-ocean within Subaru. Thanks for the review. Have owed 4 Foresters and not once has one left me on the side of the road (even when I've taken them through the mud and soft-offroad). My Subaru Forester may not get me there fast but it always gets me where I need to be. JMHO

[@ayyjae24]

I want a wilderness pack in the outback without the turbo option

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That would be a nice option!

[@gregs4163]

After test driving both the 2025 is way better (power, noise, steering, tech & safety) glad I waited I got a 2025 Touring.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I was seriously surprised as well! I’ve driven a couple and my first real review is now up. They do feel slightly better in every way.

[@imyourhuckleberry3369]

Any validity to Subaru’s new engines burning oil? (And dealerships claiming burning a full quart every 1000 miles is “normal”). Love Subarus but can’t pull the trigger with this skuttlebut looming. 😔

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’ve personally done all the oil changes between the 2.0 Crosstrek and 2.4 Turbo Outback that I’ve owned, totaling about 80k miles, and never a noticeable drop of oil burned.

[@imyourhuckleberry3369]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 thanks for the reply. Appreciate your time 👍

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

I think oil rings/consumption was an issue for 2013 to 2017. The biggest issues on current models are the thermo control valve mentioned in this video, and also search for cam carrier oil leaks. If you are getting a Subaru, ask about the Gold Plus warranty offered directly from Subaru which you can purchase for coverage up to 8 years/120k or 10 years / 100k miles. If you plan on keeping the car a long time, the warranty might be worth considering. Most people won't experience these issues, but if you do, they can be a big out of pocket expense after the regular warranty expires.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Great insight! And yes, if you can get the warranty you want for a good price it could save you thousands in the long term. Especially where it also covers bumper to bumper.

[@rcinematic]

Whoa, nice location

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah, it’s a fun place when I can make it there!

[@christianlee7244]

i trust the japanese when it comes to their meticulous work ethic and perfectionism. The 2024 model/5th gen models are excellent.

[@markvelasco4011]

Waiting for the hybrid version…

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah! I wonder what that will be like. 🧐

[@Inobscurity-n7j]

What does conventional wisdom dictate. It will be fun to see what you decide. Maybe even share the process with your audience. :)

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

A decision has been made and a specific vehicle has been reserved! 😉 Maybe I’ll make a video about it to share this upcoming weekend!

[@Inobscurity-n7j]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 sweet.

[@sansin6250]

Until the Forester gets the Top Safety Pick+ rating, I am not buying another Forester.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

What source said that? I just tried some googling and haven’t found anything about it being tested yet. But did find that Subaru anticipates it to maintain those ratings and that the new one has stronger welding techniques. Also, I think a number of the crash tests have been changes to better relate to more modern crashes and a number of cars haven’t scored as well because of those more difficult tests.

[@PatriotSteve]

interesting reason not to buy.

[@sansin6250]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 I only buy Top Safety Pick+ rated vehicles. I don't care about screen size or 0-60 time. So I will wait to see if the newly designed 2025 Forester gets the rating by the end of the year. If not, I will get the Mazda CX-50.

[@bennyvo5045]

2023 2024 have eyesight problem

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Oh interesting, do you know the extent of the issue or if there’s a fix for it yet?