Is the 2025 Subaru Forester the BEST new compact sport SUV to BUY?

FIRST LOOK: the Forester is getting some major changes from Subaru. This compact SUV competes with the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. On the outside of the sport trim you will notice copper 19in wheels, copper trim, LED lighting and new grill. On the inside you will be greeted by a new 11.6in infotainment screen, special bronze appointments and sunroof. Under the hood is a 2.5L flat-4 that is mated to a CVT and AWD gets the power to the ground. Is the 2025 Subaru Forester the BEST new sport SUV to BUY?
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videography:Steven Flood 🎥

[@annitkamr475]

I'm actually SUPER glad they are one of the few car manufacturers still using analogue dials in the gauge cluster. Looks really clean.

[@mumbachabwe8881]

Cannot agree more mate

[@paulusandronicus]

Seriously, the giant screen fad is the stupidest thing in the car industry....

[@Bluedevil50482]

Subaru if you read these comments, please add the heated steering wheel to the Cold Weather Package so it can be had on the Sport trim as well.

[@seany2754]

12:02. Not gonna lie, personally I'd be stressed asf getting into my car every morning to that infotainment system. So much happening at once.

[@wardellward]

Joe I wish they could bring the turbo charge back in the forester

[@chabbysrides]

Looks a heck of a lot better Joe! Thanks for bringing it to us.

[@MrYou76tube]

Love your reviews, always so passionate and just the right amount of details. Cheers from Australia.

[@RaitisRides]

That means the world! Thank you!

[@omarcortes5754]

The Forester is a great option to buy. I can see me driving one.

[@farazhosein123]

I love ur vids its the best keep up the good work❤😊

[@sophieyip]

Thanks Joe !!! Great review as always !!!!!

[@nysavvy9241]

Not a huge Subaru fan here but this Forester is real pretty. I love this color combo and the redesign. My only zonk is the portrait command center with the attached AC vents. I prefer a streamlined dash without that in the middle.

[@fidelbanuelos9601]

Zonk?

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this ome.

[@itsmbworld1535]

Great video yet again my dude keep up the amazing work!!!

[@geocom200]

Looks better than the current design.

[@reneeparker7475]

I love it!!! Especially the instrument cluster and back up display.

[@user-op7mg4rx2w]

Looks CRV ish.........but still solid.....hope they deliver more power to the forester platform

[@EnglishYobbo]

I think it looks great! Beautiful color scheme with the white, bronze, and black. 😍

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Very nice video Joe.

[@aussiekerry3101]

Wow Joe, new viewer here, incredibly awesome detailed review - thank you 😊

[@dha588]

The cabin noise and comfort are two of my main issues for my 2018 forester. I'm happy to hear that they kinda fix that.

[@ImaYam]

They fixed that in the 2020+

[@dha588]

@@ImaYam And also the wind noise.

[@ImaYam]

@@dha588 wind noise is excellent in my 23 wildo foz. The windows are single pane glass, and the doors have some sort of insulation much more than crosstrek

[@colindo5591]

I’m sold. This will be the vehicle we’re going to get.

[@danielcraig2343]

Last gen ford explorer front is nearly identical. If only KZbin allowed pics. It’s actually wild. Digging the rest of the new design though.

[@Retiredmco]

Liking the wheels Joe!

[@dha588]

I can't wait to see the wilderness model 🎉

[@dominickirkwood]

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

[@RaitisRides]

You are the man with the plan!

[@jimmydeneus7109]

💯🙏keep going 2 million

[@user-mg4dq5ep3m]

Those wheels are awesome. No zonk for that

[@ProAlchemist]

I want to see those on a Cascade Green Forester

[@doyoulikecrystalgel]

@@ProAlchemist I'm imagining that, and now I'm drooling. I don't even care for Subaru's LOL, but that's a sexy color combo.

[@danielrn133]

I like it. Doesn't look like a Pontiac Aztek anymore.

[@steve8803]

I like it too. But you must have shit in your eyes if you think the current forester looks like an aztek.

[@fishytank1land]

Looks great!

[@goulartaf66]

Do those covers pop off on the bottom bumper for the tow hooks?

[@kelee4730]

Keep some physical buttons might be good

[@bigrr64]

I think Subaru makes great vehicles. This is a beautifully redesigned Forester I really like it love the copper rims. This one is definitely on my radar can't wait to see the full review thanks for bringing it to us joe.

[@ptg01]

Could not agree more.. Almost got a 24 Outback Touring XT but the used car folks low balled my trade-in by over 50% !

[@johnpanagiotopoulos8539]

If you buy you will regret!

[@kinster02]

I like the wheels especially the bronze color. They may become the new black if and when others copy it?

[@user-jk6fi4dw8j]

This car will be the hot cake for the Brand, well done.

[@chrisb9478]

Why didn’t they use this opportunity to start putting the new 1.8 Turbo in them in the US? Better torque & mpg 🧐

[@tonycoz2309]

Looking forward to the return of the XT turbo model in Australia

[@wvusmc]

Is that confirmed that the XT will exist? Gives me hope it comes to North America. I'd love to have a Levorg as well.

[@HJP-TV]

This looks terrific!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you think so Herbie!

[@TJsWorldHub]

Ay Raitis Is the lucid gravity gonna be in the recording list soon? 🔥

[@heidiheilemann5325]

nice! I'll definitely consider this over a Rav... buying in the next couple of months! Owned a couple Subaru's in the past; this is amazing! LOVE ... when will they come out?

[@MrMashman93]

Watch those interest rates.

[@thecamlog]

I noticed the front DRLs look similar to the viziv vision gt concept car’s tail lights from gran turismo

[@Anonymous-90508]

The front is slightly similar to new C-RV sports touring and the back is also slightly similar to some other brand (can’t remember).

[@121476]

Looks a lot like a CRV from the front

[@TheCag24]

That driver's seat looks huge for this segment. I think I'm sold.

[@davidp2888]

Not a Subie fan but I know they're solid.

[@NinjaXxIRON]

Favorite car reviewer

[@wvusmc]

Suppose l had to give up on the dream that an aggressive designed XT would return eventually. Perhaps once l see it in person I'll appreciate it. The White and bronze color combo looks sharp.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@markburke2414]

The 2025 just isn’t enough of an evolution from my 15 FXT to motivate a future upgrade. Ten years to push forward and the dash is still the same, there’s no turbo option, and the cladding doesn’t appeal to me. I’m sure it’s quieter and comfortable and the tech is nice. I’m a longtime Subie owner and will keep the brand in my sights. Maybe a full blacked out scheme would be cool.

[@axeya366]

Owner of a 14 XT and 19 WRX, recently been in a 2023 Forester and although it is very similar to the WRX in terms the interior besides the larger screen and a few other extras, really has not changed that much. But from the XT it is much more quieter and comfy etc. This 2025 version does look only minor upgrades if anything.

[@codyrussell2268]

I miss my 08 XT dearly!! Such a fun ride. Our 19 sport is reliable but I hate how gutless it can feel at times. If they’d ever consider a turbo again I’d be first in line.

[@garynapoli3042]

Do the rear seat still recliner?

[@toy2day1]

Along with Mazda CX-50 and Mitsubishi Outlander, yes, it is!

[@Jaq365]

Our first Outback was an '06 loaded XT manual rocketship, current one is a '16 Premium with CLOTH upholstery (never hot or cold, very comfy). I would be on board for a new Wilderness if it wasn't for that blasted plastic upholstery and a touch screen that replaced all the physical controls. In my '16, I can keep eyes on the road while controlling all the functions by location and tactile feedback. Kind of important when we're up in the Cascades on snowy slushy icy mountain roads all winter long. We were considering downsizing to a Forester to gain back manual controls and the excellent outward visibility. But now when Mazda releases a CX-70, Subaru is likely going to lose me as a customer, unless Mazda follows suit on the giant center touchscreen trend.

[@lancebuckley7086]

Looks good inside and out but wish it had more get up and go! Good job on the review and video as usual.

[@RaitisRides]

You are not the first to say that!

[@marknelson801]

When they had the turbo model it was only 10% of the sales. Not worth making for the bean counters.

[@calvin-]

​@@marknelson801And then it eventually fell to around 5% of total Forester sales.

[@johnmartin7158]

That’s the downside I agree. But the vehicle seems pretty nice.

[@jean-francoislenen6995]

Love it ! Much more classic style as a Volvo could be comes as a good Idea. The Forester's adn is still here as an style evolution but not a revolution. well hope we can drive it in France too with an efficient phev engine. I had 3 foresters before our old 290000kms outback. Fantastic cars.

[@Chadstevens4895]

Nice to see the center console doesn’t come up too high. A lower center console allows more leg room for tall people.

[@giorgioandreani3842]

Love it - Can you please tell me if the touring model has heads up display ? Can i see my navigation on the gauge cluster or only on my main screen ? Thank you again

[@RaitisRides]

Stay tuned I will have more reviews coming!

[@ProffesorBlue]

The Bronze wheels are different in a very good way, so much black and satin finishes out there now.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one.

[@RLTtizME]

The bronze rims have been a big hit with most pimps.

[@jameswachira6997]

Hey Raiti, I couldn’t help notice your watch. Which is it?, I like it.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks James. It is a Casio G Shock.

[@whitelotus1594]

You skipped over the Wilderness trim. Did they discontinue it for 2025?

[@Austinlivin]

I'm at 64k in a '19 Sport, my 6th Forester. Glad I got the extended warranty, it's a keeper for a while vs this thing.

[@fregion4]

I definitely agree with Joe here about physical HVAC controls. Physical controls are a lot more intuitive since we can easily rely on muscle memory and feeling of the control as well as feedback (button press, tactile clicks) to make changes as opposed to touch based controls, you cannot rely on feeling since a touchscreen is monotonous and flat which makes building muscle memory a lot harder. Also touch based vehicle controls so far are constrained in a small and cramped spot in the touch screen which just make things worse since there is a larger margin of error for drivers. Add that to the fact that things can take the turn for the worst in a blink of an eye and you get a recipe of disaster. Tesla is largely to be blamed here for popularizing the tablet infotainment + center console combo and automakers who implement such share the blame equally.

[@asancheztx]

Nice! I like it. Reminds me of my 2002 LandRover Discovery SE II that I owned for 23 years. This will just be more reliable and cost effective I think!😊

[@goulartaf66]

Front end is reminisce into the Honda

[@fernandoherranz4095]

Ford Explorer too

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

Looks a lot better than their previous model

[@ryanrivers1259]

Back window is insane.

[@dginta7932]

All ’25 Sports get the bronze 19” wheels.

[@hrvojelukic8424]

Hey man! Can you please make a good video with a Forester sj XT? Please! 🙏

[@williamtrou7316]

QUESTION for Raiti : Did you find the infotainment system to still be sluggish when using? Because, that was a common complaint over the years when Subaru transitioning to this portrait-style infotainment system. Lmk. Thx.

[@partagascigaro9694]

Wasn't there Hybrid Forrester in North America before? I mean for early models? Cause in Europe there are.

[@carsadviceandreviews]

Was nice meeting you at the LAAuto show

[@RaitisRides]

Same here my friend!

[@nchia]

I like it, first Forester I really like since the SG.

[@newtonlee7849]

The 2025 Forester refresh is like the 2010 Outback refresh compared to the previous years. I think the Forester is tastefully designed, and still prioritizes functionality over superficiality. I'm glad Subaru has not gone over the top in creating something silly like the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander, or the 2024 Hyundai Sante Fe.

[@vinnybruce2874]

I wish they brought back the XT model with the hood scoop.

[@gillesroy1234]

Outside look from the 90’s!!

[@sjohnson7879]

The wheels are fire❤

[@con2nor4]

I'm looking at the 24 sport and putting leather in it. May wait it out to get this one, not sure cause it is plastic.

[@cukye]

Congratulations Mr. Pilot and Mrs. Rav4, you have just given birth to a Forester. What's happening with car designers this days? Everybody is making almost the same cars. I'm I the only one thinking the same?

[@RaitisRides]

I see what you did there!

[@garynapoli3042]

Does the backseat still recline? It looks like a CRV.

[@kohort1]

Yeah but what does the basic and the wilderness model look like?

[@LicPlate8VPL158]

you'd think they would make a better OS for their gauge cluster

[@user-kd3io4mr2x]

When does it come to the market? hybrid?

[@andrewhawks1619]

The back reminds me a lot of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander. I’m surprised that you didn’t Zonk the gauge cluster. This is a 2025 model year car and the gauge cluster looks like something from the early 2010s. That’s a huge zonk for me.

[@chrisgelo1425]

Agreed 100% 👍🏻

[@Hubertusss]

Subaru should fire the designer who is responsible for the external appearance, he better go to Lexus and Mazda to study, there you can see the imagination and taste, the interior can still be a compromise between tradition and modernity

[@chrisgelo1425]

@@Hubertusss Yep

[@brucelee5465]

@@Hubertusssnah. Subaru is famous for ugly. They know what they’re doing.

[@dillonh321]

Nah I prefer real gauges.

[@user-cn4ih4ro2u]

It looks great, although no mention of horsepower and tour, and I strongly prefer the chrome caps on the mirror is not the black.

[@rpinarreta]

We've owned 1 Forester and 3 other Subaru's but always felt that Subaru was one generation in design vs almost everyone else. We purchased them for many other reasons.

[@dougmanck4149]

Love the new design but dump the bronze wheels. Those are a deal breaker for me

[@RaitisRides]

I am sorry you are not making those.

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

+ the CVT

[@Doc1855]

I bought the Touring Only to get the Saddle Brown leather interior. Every other model has the depressing Gray or Black interior colors from the last Millennium

[@armandorivera1153]

Great video see if you can get your hands on the New Lucid Gravity it seems to be better than tesla

[@RaitisRides]

Oh just wait!

[@mystictk4149]

This is nice looking.

[@user-ep9kl3ds6h]

Really looking for the hybrid option.

[@nitrocatofficial6939]

What I really want to know is how long will the ACC remain active in a "Stop And Go" traffic scenario. I can't seem to find that anywhere. When looking up competitors, I've seen some that will remain active for up to 30 seconds after the vehicle speed falls to 0mph. Does anyone know what it is with the updated Eyesight tech?

[@edwardvalivonis23]

Looks good

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you are liking this one.

[@edwardvalivonis23]

@@RaitisRides yeah definitely

[@JSBowling2011]

Raiti,,,, do you know what you forgot to do you forgot to show us what type of outlets are in the back cargo area maybe you can address that.

[@vinnybruce2874]

The Forester looks like a WRX clone design.. I'm glad they brought back the Red clear tail lights since the mid cycle 2rd Generation Forester from 2006 to 2008

[@vinnybruce2874]

Wondering what the 2025 Subaru Legacy and Outback will look like.

[@fartman10284]

You forgot to zonk the incandescent turn signal bulbs up front.

[@judyalbertson1]

And the rear wiper should be under the spoiler…

[@Silverwood085]

Foresterie is always 10 years behind I just Zonk the whole thing I can't wait to see the Crown SUV in person

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your honest opinions on this one.

[@kinghill500]

Nice

[@codtide]

No hybrid?

[@Jay-bw3fl]

Nice Hondaru!

[@spawn11]

need 2.4 Turbo option in Forester too

[@wilsonchan8962]

front headlights toyota, front bumper crv, taillight old outlander or kia sportage

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

Why not pick the best design features from all of the other models

[@nadaname391]

I noticed you said 5 trims, but didn't mention Wilderness.

[@deedeed.6530]

CD player available? It's the reason I bought my 2020 Forester.

[@RaitisRides]

No there is not one.

[@kaziu1963]

Hey Joe, you forgot to mention Thomas Edison lightbulbs- no LED? 2025?

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for having my back on that one.

[@jenniferhuggard2836]

Love it