Is the 2025 Subaru Forester a BETTER compact SUV than a Honda CR-V?

FIRST LOOK: The Forester is getting a redesign for 2025. On the outside you will find all new sheetmetal, wheels and LED lighting. On the inside you will be greeted by a roomier interior, redesigned seats and lots of cargo room. Under the hod is a 2.5L flat-4 & mated to a CVT. Is the 2025 Subaru Forester a BETTER compact SUV than a Honda CR-V?
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[@artistgamer3040]

I love my 2023 Forester Wilderness and I guess I bought the last gen of physical buttons. I DON'T like how everyone is moving to digital screens that house all the buttons of the vehicle. It's a safey hazard, taking people's eyes off the road. I know first hand having driven both. I had to make sure everything was set while in park because good luck with that infotainment setup while driving. Physical buttons are welcomed. Give people a blend of digital and physical. People are distracted enough. On the plus side, Subaru is set up with voice activated commands, so that's good.

[@atvchicz400]

Yeah, I wish they didn't have the climate control buttons on digital screen. I like the actual turn knobs.

[@mmccbb7mcb278]

Presently an owner of a 2016 Forester and due for an update and upgrade. So this all new Subie has come at the right time. I like it. Smart looker and practical and with AWD. Excellent video Joe. Can’t wait for an on road assessment of this new Subaru from you.

[@chillpengeru]

Same, I drive a 16 xt and I had a 23 touring as a loaner, seriously that thing was freaking nice lol, huge upgrade. Felt roomier, much comfier seats, touch screen was nice but still had physical HVAC controls, and the suspension was honestly so good.

[@newtonlee7849]

I'm really impressed with Raiti's detailed explanations on the Subi's design elements. He goes much further in-depth than all other videos I've seen to date. Well done!!

[@KeepRowing247]

You haven’t seen that many on this model as of this time though.

[@Uncommonsensetoo]

All stuff I could not care less about. It is clearly no longer for the outdoors enthusiast but for the suburban soccer moms instead.

[@TheLilleyPad]

I love your reviews. You’re such a goofball and say the most unexpected things. Thank you for your hard work 👍🏻

[@LookingGlass24]

Those back seats laying flat beats the RAV4 hands down!! In the RAV4 the back seats don’t lay flat at all and you have to push hard on the levers on the actual seat, not from the back. This trunk is one of the Forester’s hard-to-beat features in the segment. The chassis, exterior features and interior of this new Forester are sweet indeed. All LED lights standard is also much better than RAV4 + 360 degree camera. RAV4 is also supposed to come up with a refresh next year. It really needs improvements. Now Subaru, give me a hybrid (Toyota’s hybrid engine)and I’m buying the Forester!

[@jong8434]

My wife is in the market for a new car this year and she has had Subaru in her top 5 but none of the models checked all the boxes of what she really wanted. Enter the '25 Forester, and Subrau just made the top of her list. She is looking for a reliable AWD, midsize Crossover, decent gas mileage, with heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic roof, 360 view, video rearview mirror, and foot activated liftgate. She cannot wait to test drive it, and if they offer it in a Hybrid, she will pull the trigger on the Forester; nothing else considered.

[@HanNguyen-vb3eo]

Are you writing a novel here? 😢

[@taylorb719]

I was in the same boat as your wife!! I was looking at the CR-V but this one checks more of the boxes as well! Hopefully it rides nice!

[@judyalbertson1]

Looks very nice! Definitely adding this to my list…

[@137hey]

Love my 2023 Forester Wilderness. I like having buttons and knobs.

[@joecody195]

I like it and your detailed review. I have been looking around and this so far is the best I have seen that I liked....

[@pricilaaguilar7637]

I absolutely love this new redesigned Forester! never liked the older design but this is beautiful

[@Uncommonsensetoo]

I don't care what it looks like. It is no longer practical for the outdoors. Lost it's rails that I need for the kayaks.

[@celeste-8242]

Agreed!

[@celeste-8242]

@@Uncommonsensetoothe other trims have the raised roof rails

[@Uncommonsensetoo]

@@celeste-8242 Hope so, but have only seen the new model reviewed without it.

[@zero082294]

@@Uncommonsensetoolower trims have the roof rails bro. This is the “luxury” trim which won’t be used for sports

[@fredglitz5046]

I own a 2020 forester touring and love it. Being a senior the safety features are amazing and have saved me a few times. I didn't think I would trade my 2020 for many years but this 2025 is very tempting. Love the new 11" screen, the hands free lift gate, and greater viability.

[@user-gb7lc2tl6d]

Great new updates! Looks gorgeous.

[@viralshah8418]

I'm a Honda guy and was originally going to buy the new 2024 CRV (which looks excellent on the outside btw) but then I realized they added zero new features on the inside. I appreciate the Forester having brown leather, a digital rear-view camera, ventilated seats, a quasi-panoramic sunroof, and heated rear seats. None of which I can get in the CRV, i must add. I was going to buy the CRV but it's a no-brainer with this new forester as long as it drives just as well.

[@momobear66]

What!!!you already hands on it!? Awesome!

[@MrApplesaucestuff]

Very good review. Such a nice car. Bring back physical controls Subaru! On the positive, thank you for keeping analog gauges and red button lights. Makes me feel like 90s BMW, in a good way.

[@_AmanAalam]

Great job on the review, can't wait for this to launch, it's finally got the looks I always wanted. I am not a fan of huge touchscreens, but hey what can we do..

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate you letting me bring it to you!

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Amazing video Joe.

[@tomdrummy4984]

Wow, looks much better than last version 👍

[@gman03incali]

Can't wait to see the drive test!!

[@dha588]

I owned my 2018 Forester for a while and i love it.

[@sonalmalhotra07]

Nice vehicle Joe!!! Love it

[@slobama]

Very good video and well explained.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much for saying that!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Joe, the 360-degree camera system is nice on the Touring Trim, but what is really needed is an inexpensive front facing camera on all of the trims of the off-road capable Forester.

[@BoopSnoot]

They really aren't that expensive of a feature anyway, even the Nissan Kicks used to have them on most trims. Its really just a way to upsell people to be attracted by the initial commercial saying "starts at $25K" and then by the time they leave the dealership lot spent $40K.

[@user-fu2ps2su3p]

Front camera and 360 degree camera are nice.You didn't say about mileage,transmission etc.Also is there a spare tire?If not I am not buying it.I have had Impreza for 16 years followed by Crosstrek for 6 years.Those cars were fantastic.

[@jimcifelli1336]

Another informative review. Thank you! The styling will take some getting used to. I will be waiting for the hybrid. Spring 25?

[@ratdogsistercat8682]

I love how you talk about food while talking about cars!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it all with you!

[@audriusbaranauskas6227]

So far so good, lets wait for the pricing and "on throttle". I had a legacy with the 2.5 CVT combo. It's fine for everyday driving as long as you don't floor it and get a crude reminder that it's a cvt.

[@bcrouse1]

I’m waiting on it I’m so excited!!!

[@MrTxnok]

Looks FANTASTIC...NEEDS MORE POWER!!!!

[@gcanyon3114]

I REALLY don't like that black trim piece on the C-pillars, but other than that, this looks like a great refresh. Lots of improvements. I hope they kept the same excellent visibility with huge windows that Foresters are known for. At first glance they look like they may have shrunk a bit, but it's hard to tell.

[@brianohare4522]

Finally seat coolers make it into the touring trim! Really like the alcantara accents and the tablet controls. The 360 degree camera is a nice touch. The static photos were kind of ... bland. Nice feature/benefit demonstration. I guess a hybrid version will be a concern especially against Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav-4. Will it be enough to pry me out of my Legacy Limited? The test drive and the pricing will determine that. Nice camera work Steve! Always enjoy the snide comments Joe. Maybe should have gone with Komodo Dragon in back?

[@RaitisRides]

Better late than never.

[@randysmoot4759]

We currently own the 21 Outback XT and are looking to add a second Crossover SUV. I like the re-design of the Forester, however, the only major concern I have is that the 2.5/182 hp makes this vehicle severely underpowered. Subaru should consider having additional power options, i.e., turbo, hybrid, etc. and get away from the CVT. Additionally, the armrest and storage is undersized, consider adding more storage space above the glove box similar to the Outback.

[@bajacore]

It has everything options wise that will make it competitive and looks pretty good too. The biggest concern is that the 2.5 seems woefully underpowered for that platform. Offer a turbo and/or hybrid option and it would outsell almost everything it's competing against.

[@user-kr4db2cy8t]

Can't wait to see videos on how it drives. Also, I want to see the difference between the Limited and Touring. I love my 2016 Limited, but I may have to jump up to the Touring.

[@RaitisRides]

Definitely stay tuned!

[@dominique3398]

Nice, I hope that the new generation will come with an hybrid (and much needed and wanted) option as well!!!

[@ClaudeMitchell]

The hybrid is coming 1 year later... in 2025 (as a 2026 model).

[@davidanderson8469]

They tried it many years ago. It barely got better than stock.We'll see. To get up into a 40 mpg range sounds wonderful. newsom and his democrat posse are hellbent on eliminating any ICE engines..

[@paulholterhaus7084]

RAV4 Prime does 40-----50 depending on Driver habits and has 302 HP.........I am more than anxious for Subie to do the same........Now have ba 24' Touring and it is VERY nice......Paul

[@davidgilhousen8191]

Pickles, Slim Jims, and Milky Ways! Next video is how to detail a fouled Forester. (Love your enthusiasm)

[@richroggio]

that is beautiful Joe, I love it. my favorite car brand keeps getting better Joe 👍👍 I have 2 Foresters. its the best

[@rayb1613]

I’ve never owned a Subaru but sat in this vehicle at the auto show and the entry exit height is just perfect. Great features and looks. This goes to the top of my future purchase consideration..and I don’t even have a pet 😂

[@danroman4107]

Love it! Might very well wait for it

[@bethz.5358]

Id like to see a wilderness walk thru. I also wish they would put some additional horsepower in that engine. It's lacking the zoom zoom that would make it fun on the street. It looks great otherwise. Love the big screen and the rear a/c vents. Love the quick fold seats. Needs the foot release for the trunk that other vehicle models offer. thats a great feature when your hands are full.

[@user-jk6fi4dw8j]

Looks great in addition to that everyone knows how durable this car!

[@jasonchristensen1560]

I like what they have done. It's smart and perfect for a family of 3 or 4. The only thing I don't get is why they can't have the engine choice that the Outback has. Would be great to offer the 2.4 turbo like the Outback XTs get. Especially with the powerful engine you can get if you get the CRV Hybrid.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Do You mean the RAV4 Prime.........The CRV is a Dog...............Paul

[@eskieman3948]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a Forester STI-type model by late 2024.

[@jamesrichardson559]

I like what Subaru did with the styling on the front end and sides. Really like the rear side window lines compared to the wedge lines of the 2024. The one feature I don't care for is the large digital control display. I am older and prefer analog controls. I think the 2025 is a home run. Prepare to pay full MSRP+ as the dealers will immediately sell all they can get.

[@kylefurnas4728]

I like it. But I still think we deserve a turbo charged version with the big air intake.

[@DrSeuss456]

They need to use the 2.4L turbo engine more, or develop 2.0L turbo engine that gets better performance than the standard 2.5L but better fuel economy than the 2.4L turbo. Performance across the lineup is lackluster, and fuel economy is mediocre compared to competing brands.

[@nirvanaj9279]

I can withstand their quirky and 1 or 2 generations-behind the competition-looks, even the CVT is ok. BUT what I cannot withstand is being wimpy on the power department, the grandaddy of Turbo engines didn't include a Turbo in it's offering? Are you kidding me??? SMH... Good luck selling in overseas markets where cars are sold at a higher prices and people expect at least having decent output instead of lucklaster power in the face of formidable competition who have caught up to the Turbo Craze.... No Turbo = No Buy... Get it???

[@Meltz1]

@@nirvanaj9279 You’re definitely giving off “small dick syndrome” complex vibes. 😂😂😂

[@AllStars2525]

Great upgrades and really great value with reliability and safety.

[@user-oi7pf8im8j]

We absolutely love the new look of this forester. Currently we own the Crosstrek and an Outback . We will be seriously considering this vehicle to replace the older outback in 2024. Keep up the great work Subaru.!

[@jeffervargas2693]

It looks amazing and has everything great the only thing missing is a turbo version.. very much needed more HP to me it the best one yet

[@Bobbo662]

Can you tell me why there are no longer XTs with the Forester line up? I have a 2016 XT Forester, that has 128k miles on it. I would like a new Forester that has the XT model, but I guess someone at Subaru hates the idea of having a turbo Forester. Love and sub to your YT.

[@omarcortes5754]

I love the Forester, this one looks really good. The interior is also quite pretty.

[@raulcaranto7679]

Love my 2020 Subaru Sport , love to up grade 2025 Subaru Touring, Thank you Raitis for the info.

[@sonalmalhotra07]

What do you want to fit in the rear door 6 foot iguana or 6 foot Joe?

[@WilliamWitherup]

Love it. Currently have a 2011 Outback that I love. Will buy the 2025 Forester as soon as the hybrid is available.

[@user-op7mg4rx2w]

Reminds me of the Subaru SH 9 2010 version....it looks beautiful but rugged enough.....hoping for power raging from 271 hp to 300hp....

[@ag4591]

Are those ventilated seats?

[@josholson1898]

Wish there were physical knobs/buttons for heating/cooling.

[@rmwright11221979]

I really like my 2021 Outback and might trade in when they redesign it for 2025. But I really like that Subaru addressed the problem with the wireless cell phone charger with the Forester. My big phone doesn't fit the charger on my Outback. One of the few gripes I have with the vehicle.

[@karenlane7239]

I bought a new Forester (2023) touring & I love it !!! This new design is really nice but I have no regrets , I still love the looks of mine.

[@ronbgoode]

Looks great!

[@user-op7mg4rx2w]

I Still have a Forester 2010 SH 9 XT .....THINGS A BEAST.....ALL this need are some wider wheels , more POWER!!!!! .........and joe the Sh9 have wide muscular wheel arches.....this new forester have potential

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve and keep up the good work and I love the video 👏 👍

[@RaitisRides]

You got it Dominick!

[@Sk3pT1kal82]

I love how your videos aren't full of cuts!

[@stepuptothemike9603]

You remembered the pet iguana, you never fail to disappoint! Great review, i really like this one.

[@joebrito2066]

Only Joe and your history professor from high school can be so excited about a new Subaru Forrest 😂. Great video Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

LOL You are hilarious Joe!

[@careylandrith7557]

I wish there were more cup holders, blogger door wells for storage, and more regular I’m in the console. I live out of my car and the space between front and back seats is too cramped for everything I need to carry with me. On the plus side, SOO happy to see the 360 camera and several other improvements that bring the Forester’s features more in line with the Legacy Touring.

[@straighttalkwithotis3609]

It sure looks super nice. The lights and interior finish are delicious! I'd get me one if I could!

[@shirleyfaiella8151]

This is PERFECT! I have my second Outback (2019) Touring and this is very appealing with the updated features. I do think a non plug in Hybrid would add the appeal to make me purchase

[@DuyenNguyen-ui6mo]

I never really paid attention to the Subaru Forester,but with this new design it has caught my eye.

[@RaitisRides]

I think Subaru did a great job.

[@ledzep3692]

At first I wasn't thrilled about this new design, but the more I see it the more Ilike what I'm seeing. I just bought a new 2023 Forester Wilderness a few weeks ago, and I'm not sure that I would want to go trading it in for this new model.

[@raynorholmesjr.9702]

Does it have rain sensing wipers?

[@user-xp3dq6xu1g]

We currently own the last redesign of the forester (2019) and love it but most likely will be upgrading ours to the new 2025 model when it comes out.

[@user-bs8ct4xj7p]

Looks good. I would like a little more power but the boxer is very reliable. I like the digital mirror. Inside looks great. I would like to know about the sound/external noise in the cab particularly the engine noise at full pedal. I have researched all of the SUVs. Honda and Lexus NXs don't have a spare tire. What about the new forester? Lexus does have run-flat tires. If this is in the $40,000 range I would definitely consider it.

[@Wedgetail96]

One of the few Forester models that actually gives the buyer dual mode X-Mode (greater off road capability), also equips the vehicle with the least optimal wheel size (19”) for off road use.

[@Meltz1]

I’m extremely impressed with this!!!! Will be trading in my 2019 Premium Forester for the Touring model this fall, or as soon as it comes out!!!! I can’t wait.

[@deerinmyyard8430]

Is the redesign going to be available in a Wilderness trim level?

[@MrBigal923]

Where will it be available?

[@corbynluce9755]

This is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen

[@heidiheilemann5325]

WOW! I LOVE this! I've owned a couple foresters in the past; this is AMAZING!!! WHEN can we get one????

[@hypotenuse314]

6:55 "Ya know if you got an iguana" 🤣

[@robertgingg7243]

It looks pretty nice. I wish it had a turbo available and also an Onyx version with black wheels. Been looking at the Outback Onyx XT to trade up from my 2016 Limited Outback. 18:10

[@buddyclements1111]

I have a 2023 Forester Limited and I Love It!

[@paulbouldin6677]

Great review, alot of new tech which is welcomed on the Forester. I owned the Ascent Touring until last year with all the options. It was a spoiler of a vehicle. I felt that it was wrong of Subaru to make you spend more money on their crown vehicle(Ascent) to be able to purchase premium options. Those being; ventilated seats, larger entertainment screens, digital rearview camera, 360 view cameras. This is a good start for Subaru. Still has room for improvement. Starting with stronger engine and no cvt.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

The soon to come Hybred will have the ECVT.........Not related and nice.........Paul

[@vadimserghanuk6772]

Keep the good job.

[@AB-jk7tw]

Really like the new design and the updated seat design but I wish they would have improved engine power and torque.

[@Soul2burn]

i bought a 2024 crosstrex Wilderness. I am 73 and detest all the electronics in the Vehicule but am slowly learning how to use half the electronics in the vehicle. I really like the windows and safety systems in the vehicle.

[@sydsacks9097]

Nice positive review as always. We are 5 Subi family so I am a devoted fan! Our Subis include a 2020 Forester, 2012 WRX hatch, 2017 Outback, 2010 Forester and 2008 Impreza. I like the 2020 (outgoing) shape a lot and dislike the new one with its heavy, clumsy-looking front grille which is a copy of some other manufacturers I feel. I also dislike the trend to bigger and bigger touch-screens and incorporation of more and more functions into the screen. Aircon and volume controls should be with knobs which can be operated without taking eyes off the road, unlike with a touch-screen. This is a dangerous design fault in my opinion. Also the lack of a performance option is really sad; Subaru are forsaking some of their heritage and moving closer to the mainstream. I look at the new Subis available to us here in Australia and honestly don’t want to buy one even though I am in the market for a new car. 18:16

[@vanessadicenzo6791]

I feel the same way. My lease is up in the summer of 2025 and I was thinking of moving from my Crosstrek into a Forester…but given the changing I’ll be sticking with what I have.

[@SM-og7eq]

When can we placed an order for this...

[@lindaharper1728]

Cool. Love it!

[@celeste-8242]

Love it!!

[@annetteroy46]

When are they availablen

[@AlfredoLopez-or5di]

I made sure I bought a 2023 Touring Forester because I wanted the CD player and I love it, a great feel and lots of room.

[@chasman1]

Thankyou Subaru for the electronic rearview mirror and 360 surround system. They are two safety features that are priceless. I do want to know what the sound level while driving in this forester is since our crosstrek is a bit annoyingly loud. Great review. Love our Subaru’s

[@jasonmontgomery6691]

What about cooling seats?

[@TsNguyen9999]

Redisappointed more than redesigned. 2025, touring trim, and no full digital in the dashboard?

[@TsNguyen9999]

If it’s a base, then ye, but for the touring trim? I expected something better. Subaru is the only brand left in the industry I think that still use this type of dashboard in its top trim.

[@sennis1361]

Almost perfect. But still lacking dual exhaust and LED rear turn signals ) surely they retained LED brake lights I am assuming the outside mirrors are power folding?

[@raymondswenson1268]

How easy is it to get 8n and out for 7s older folks who are less flexible?

[@RRChaoz]

Why no XT version?

[@steltoronto7553]

Finally HOMERUN Subaru .... Thank you Joe. 😊👍

[@PixelBanger]

I personally really like the Forester re-design and the Touring details are very nice! However, I own a '17 Forester XT Touring and don't plan to "upgrade" until there is either a noticeable power bump, or a turbo model returns. Over the years I've had an NA Legacy, NA Impreza, then a '06 WRX. The later made me realize that more power is not only fun, but it is arguably safer! Allowing one to more easily avoid unexpected situations and sketchy merges with oblivious regards.

[@rawang714]

Keep your 17! Starting in 2018, Subaru SUV’s feel cheaper and have far too many safety nannies…

[@tommymas1]

Same....I have a 2018XT Touring and wouldn't upgrade until they make an XT version with a bigger engine. In fact, I had a 2014XT Touring and I wanted to upgrade to the 2019 when it came out. I was at the NYC auto show and when Subaru told me that there wouldn't be a turbo or XT Forester, I ordered a 2018 XT and was able to get once of the last ones ordered from Japan and I'm still very happy with it. I don't understand why Subaru then offered the 2.4 in the Outback as an XT but not the Forester. Never liked the Outback as a wagon. Subaru should offer us engine options just like they do for the Outback and even Crosstrek now. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@tommymas1]

@rawang714 You mean 2019, right? 2018 is same as 2017.

[@Jaygorski]

Looks great, love to compare it to my 24 Touring XT.

[@someonez6904]

I did not see any front parking sensors. Is it just me or there won’t be any in new forester?

[@grantwillnow7090]

I have a 2022 Forester Premium, love it !