MUCH Better Off-Road! // 2025 Subaru Forester Review

[@andyny29]

Love your “fix” for the front looking like an Explorer!❤😂😅😊

[@tobysurmann1936]

Explorister 🤣

[@thehimself4056]

I thought KZbin censored curse words

[@rizvonchaudhary2546]

That red middle finger 😂

[@TinLeadHammer]

Now it looks like 2017 Peugeot 3008.

[@proehm]

At least appropriate music... 🎵"...take it easy."🎵

[@Primus54]

I’m always impressed by your ability to offer an honest assessment of vehicles you have owned or have a preference towards. That creative “de-Explorer” segment… pure Sarah-n-Tuned! 😉 Thank you, Sarah. 👍👍👍

[@NeXTAdventures82]

I think Sarah should make those plates for the front fascia and sell it! 😂😂

[@AviatGinzu]

Ester

[@newtonlee7849]

Wow!!! I'm very impressed with this review!! I've yet to see any other review on the Forester that covers technical, underbody, interior, drive characteristics both on & off road, plus hill climb/descent. You really packed in pretty much everything a prospective buyer needs to know about this new car in one video. Well Done!!!!

[@agunther08]

This typical Sarah - always technically the best reviewer.

[@mostcom]

The honesty of your assessment of a vehicle in one of your reviews has always made it fun to guess the scores in your scoreboard segment.

[@WesPerry]

You got my like when you fixed the Explorester 😂

[@mattsansom644]

You really have got Top Gear levels of reviewing and thrashing at the same time, impressive!

[@tubecoatue]

You always do a nice job with the reviews Sarah. I appreciate your thorough yet quick delivery. Serious fact-filled presentation flavored with fun. Very nice.

[@teda273]

I love your reviews. As a new 2025 Forester owner, I probably watched every KZbin review---yours is the best! Your technical overview, actual driving, and animated comments is terrific.

[@jiggsh54]

In the Great Smoky Mountains this week. I saw tons of Foresters, Crosstreks and Outbacks. The most I’ve seen here. All of exploring we did, they were everywhere. Even saw a Legacy. They were all over.

[@fl00d69]

'Subaru Ford Explorester' 🤣🤣🤣 Also your front end mod is genius! Subaru should hire you!

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Sarah, I love your car reviews. They're the perfect mix of technical details, driving experience and funny stuff. I love it when the rubber hand flies off the stick. Don't ever change. The penguins have become a part of your reviews too, so keep those guys employed.

[@damieg82]

6:31 that's most likely the center airbag that deploys in side collisions. It stops the front occupants from hitting each other. I believe it's mandatory to get a 5 star rating in the Australian NCAP tests, so perhaps Subaru just includes it in all markets for production simplicity

[@michaelwright2986]

That makes sense. I wondered if it was designed to squish you up against the roof for total immobilisation.

[@luisochoa7]

I clicked so fast that notification the KZbin app froze

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Apparently for North America they're also now making the Forester in Indiana like the Crosstrek. I'm not hopeful for an XT comeback, but maybe the hybrid model will up the ante for performance. I don't think I'm ever getting rid of my SJ though ;-)

[@Aeryxs]

The new Subaru Explorester!

[@eskieman3948]

BS.

[@gd2bking1]

​@@eskieman3948 Take it easy Francis!!!!

[@henrymach]

I like this new offroad track better than the old one. It looks like you have more room to play

[@michaelvella8511]

Other then the center touch screen this Forester is really nice.

[@kmpm]

Best reviews ever! Lots of interesting and quirky facts and details and not just reciting the brochure ...

[@masterofcents.8175]

The subframe is thin in that point because that is a crumple zone to save other more expensive stuff from getting damaged in an accident.

[@cwescapexlt4x4]

amazing what that "fix" did to make it look better (this coming from a Explorer and Forester owner

[@lediabolique5822]

Thanks Sarah for another great vid! A lovely way to start my day. You could produce a line of inexpensive, just-for-fun aftermarket parts that change the look/design of vehicles. They could also be used to change the look of your vehicle when fleeing the scene of whatever crime you might have committed - like overenthusiastically vigorous shaking of vehicles why communing with penguins! Many, many centre console buckets full of respect from the UK.

[@OCDRex11]

Having owned 6 subies, yes the older fun ones, it is amazing to see that regardless of newness, they still make the things the same every model. Even if they made a 'lil Fordester, it is still a Subie. I wish turbos would come back though. Subie was big into turbos when no on else really was. Again, that is why I had the older fun ones. Still rocking an 05 OBT. Thing still takes off like a rocket. Great video Sarah!

[@niklaswejedal463]

You know how much I love the off-road reviews❤ - and the Rally Special Stage 2.0 seems like so much fun ❤❤❤❤❤ - and silly penguin antics always puts a big smile on my face😂 - And speaking of faces; your "facelift"-suggestion was a big improvement, hoping someone at Subaru takes note. Thank you for what you do and Stay Awesome! ❤

[@jeffjones4071]

Awesome review!! I really appreciate all the detail you put into your videos. Thank You

[@timbrown9731]

5:22 yep and that’s why I never got rid of my OEM rims….. When I first got the car, I took the rims off and cleaned the inner barrels (Sarah cleaning levels here ) and realized who the oe manufacturer was for Subaru….

[@joholmes4340]

You’re the most funnest car person ever. I bet you’d be fun to hang out with lol. GO SUBIE!!!

[@rodhili748]

I collected my new forester earlier this week and can fully endorse everything you say. I did, however, opt for the 18 inch wheels and I'm glad I did

[@joekagerer]

106° outside temperature, all along I was thinking Sarah was hot, turns out it's just the outside temp! 🤣😂🥰

[@WayneSchowalter]

Thanks for the much needed humor today. In addition to being brilliant, you are very funny. Thank you!😊

[@SuperWooba]

Your downhill assist is Angel Food cake lol

[@GothRocker7]

Sarah, great reviews, I watch your videos and I never comment, but your "fix" for the front of this new Forester looking like an Explorer is perfect. I think looks better when you did that fix. Enjoy how you go in depth in the engine bay and underneath showing future maintenance headaches and possible tight working conditions on all the vehicles you review. This Forester review and also your latest Honda Ridgeline review I have been sharing with friends that are interested in both of these vehicles. They all enjoyed your style and unique way you present the vehicles.

[@royhi1809]

You make a car review a delight to watch with details that we want to hear. BRAVO!

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

You haven’t heard the seatbelt chime in a 2021+ Toyota Venza… you get 3 dings then just a solid high pitched buzz until you put the belt on. I just can’t go back to a regular transmission after driving a Toyota eCVT. There’s something magical about a CVT taking off like a rocket ship.

[@eskieman3948]

I have a feeling that Subaru may be licensing the Toyota eCVT in a year or two for use in their cars if the Toyota eCVTs hold up over the long run.

[@502Chevy]

Best car reviewer ever! Thanks Sarah for enduring the 106 temps to bring us this review.

[@dylanaman6306]

Another awesome car review Sarah. I wish they would make a manual version too.👍👍

[@robinpazmino78]

So far, it is the best review about the new 2025 forester, technical aspects that others don't aim.kudos to you!keep up the great work.

[@127Foxtrot]

I think that tweaking of the lowest gear ratio really aided that steep hill-climb test, especially given it’s not even a Wilderness model; excellent review !

[@eefneleman9564]

In the Netherlands we only get 4 models of Subaru: Forester, Outback, Solterra, Crosstrek. And they're crazy expensive too. Fun fact, on the Subaru websites, your fix for the front seems to be already implemented.

[@johnmaher5887]

Just put a deposit down on my Sport today. Coming in about 10 days. Looking forward to it! Thanks for the review.

[@ChiChi-dy9qi]

Sarah you do THE besht car reviews ever. I love the detail you go into and the tech shpec's. Awesome work thank you.

[@winstonhorton1455]

You are a big reason why I got my 18 FXT, and I am still loving that thing! But without another XT coming, I'm stuck wondering where I'm going next. :/

[@SarahnTuned]

I find more pleasure in keeping a vehicle in new condition as it ages. My Forester is 10 years old now and it literally still looks brand new in and out. So I say just be OCD about keeping your '18 in perfect condition and save your money! Be sure to do a CVT fluid change every 30k on it, disregard what the dealer may say, it's vital to make that TR690 last. MRT Performance in Australia did a great video on the high torque Subaru CVT on one that they tore apart.

[@johnmbell4642]

Hey Sarah, excellent job on this one. I know you care about the direction that the car companies are going, but great to see just how much. hopefully Toyota has some influence and Subaru will bring back some of their awesome models. I wouldn’t be surprised and nice job with the shapes fixing the Forrester.🙂🐧🐧🐧👍

[@larrysing]

I’m getting pretty good at guessing your scores. Got real close on all of these! Thx for the entertainment!

[@rogerward3185]

You're "not a journalist," you are much more informative and entertaining. Thanks for what you do!

[@AnisaMavraganis]

Okay, I’ve always scratched my head about the obsession around the kisluxbag book totes and their practicality, but this one is adorable!! Congratulations

[@Senvae]

My 2014 XT is the first vehicle I ever bought that had hood struts included.

[@markdavis911time]

Love your reviews Sarah! You have a unique and engaging style, that's honest, funny and informative. Great work, as always 👍

[@manifestSD]

Factory Enkeis ... just feels right. 🌸 Loving Special Stage 2.0!

[@tonygiraldes7848]

Just the greatest channel and content creator! And where else can you get themed penguins! 🐧 (not steamed penguins - pay attention 😀) just the greatest 🙂♥️

[@howellgillogly2406]

No Turbo No Care! Still rocking my '09 XT...

[@australiantruckspotting8883]

Probably the best looking Forester since the original

[@neoanderson7]

Always tough to do an honest review with a model you own. You hit it out of the park. 👍🏻

[@jetsons101]

Subaru should use your idea of adding body color by the headlights, it looks much better.

[@tigerhawk84]

It is nice to see they keep making improvements to the CVT. An issue I ran into multiple times in my impreza is it will just completely shut down power in some situations to prevent damaging the transmission so you get some engine RPM but no wheel movement at all. DCTs have the same issue. Its fine on the road and like snow in the walmart parking lot though.

[@glennhavinoviski8128]

CVT in my 24 Crosstrek Sport (same engine as this) is better than in the 21 Outback XT with the 2.4 turbo. No unpredictable fake shifts that make the car slingshot unpredictably.. Either the CVT is better or it's a better match for the 2.5L torque than the turbo torque.

[@kirknewton100]

Your fix for the front was just an eye opener! How Subaru didn't see it is a wonder! Great review 😂❤

[@kriztov265]

The adjustable rear seats is the bane of my 2011's existence along with the fridge foam in the rear well. Other than that after 13 years of use its one of the best cars we have owned. Its the 2 ltr diesel with the pox dpf and egr setup other than that mechanically has been great. When Im done with it Sarah Ill sell your the six speed manual for your gump :)

[@georgeropeson]

Best test drive what I have seen about this mode so far! 😍😍 Beautiful exterior and design since it is close to classic Forester design. And of course beautiful girl 😍😍 What I have not see yet is how is acceleration in manual mode.

[@MatthewYee77]

Thank you for speaking up for all of us who want a turbo version of this car.

[@fergystuff]

The way you say "Aluminum", so nice, great review!

[@George-rk7ts]

Almost anyone can make a car review that is a little bit fun. This one has three of the most delightful things on the internet: a Subaru, penguins, and the one and only Sarah. With Angel's voice making a cameo.

[@calebwany8422]

brother eww what's that

[@adamhlj]

For a hot minute, I was hoping this was going to be your CVT to manual swap.

[@bobuncle8704]

Sarah, you reviews are top shelf, unique, and on point. Love’m

[@uchinan_chiburu]

you have one of the best car review channels. your knowledge is impressive. i've always loved the foresters.

[@Central-Scrutinizer]

Hopefully XT/STI with a manual transmission! I think the 2025 looks and feels like the 2006-2008 SG version. This is a great thing.

[@namewithheld367]

Oh thank goodness they got rid of the fake shifting. We have a 2012 Impreza CVT and the fake shifting is super exaggerated on it.

[@enfieldlover8145]

missus wants a forester, i'm looking up reviews and this is by far the best :))))

[@wild_lee_coyote]

I was impressed on the hill climb. You kinda got stuck on an articulation and it was able to power through. Some Geolander tires and the rally stage would be even better. Subaru still making a fun wagon. When everyone else does useless SUV’s

[@Gritt982]

Nice wheels for OEM. The seat cushion airbag prevents the passenger from submarineing under the seatbelt in the event they have the seat reclined too far. It explodes to lift the legs up and lock you into place in the seat. I had it on my Corolla.

[@nataliebridgmon339]

My favorite car review channel reviewing my favorite Subaru model is an automatic watch.

[@JoeDplummer_]

I love Subarus as they are very strong and long-lasting cars, but I dislike Subaru is using those super boring CVT transmissions 🥱🙁 💤 Great review!!!

[@eskieman3948]

They're the best of CVTs, and MANY manufacturers are moving to CVTs whether we wan them or not...

[@Bierdaddy1]

“Lifted sport wagons” 😆. I always thought of Foresters as tall Legacy wagons, er… Outbacks. I miss my ‘07 Forester row your own 5-speed. Best, most reliable vehicle my wife and I have ever owned. 2-4 hills just to get out of my neighborhood + WI winters = Forester country. Best little family go bot/ grocery getter out there, compared to my ‘97 Wrangler manual, ‘01 Cherokee, our ‘04 Escape, ‘04 Santa Fe, ‘07 RAV4 v6 (close 2nd), ‘07 Tahoe, ‘16 CRV and ‘11 Grand Cherokee. My ‘80 626 manual, ‘84 Escort manual, ‘86 Dakota 4wd, ‘88 Ranger 2wd, ‘03 Sunfire, ‘05 Elantra, and ‘04 Entourage obviously don’t compare. Jeez I’ve owned a few cars. 😆 Keep up your great reviews, which are a wonderfully odd mix of measured specs and beans ratings. 😁.

[@garyworokevich2524]

My favourite Subaru. Love Foresters

[@ConfirmedPatriot]

Genius modification to that front grill. I agree about the Ford front end. Great brakes and some decent off- road chops, but hello it needs an XT and/or Wilderness edition. A car for a safe, boring person ?!

[@partagascigaro9694]

Ahahaha amazing review. Not only funny, but detailed and professional

[@dariustambasco5457]

You look amazing today as always!

[@jbshredr]

Sarah, I 👀 a MUCH larger garage in your near future! Best Channel hands down- Great Vids👏👏👏

[@SarahnTuned]

Glad you do, I don’t.

[@jbshredr]

@@SarahnTunedStay hopeful for the future…surprises “N” store…😎

[@rotorglowralliart2222]

@@SarahnTuned My wife has the 2021 Forester Sport. We wish they would’ve had a XT model too. Hands down that would’ve been the model we would’ve bought. An STI model in world rally blue limited edition would be awesome but not holding my breath on that one.

[@z1az285]

i am flabbergasted that the engine HP is less than my 2021 Crosstrek. i will wait for the hybrid. fantastic review as always

[@judih.8754]

I have a 21 Outback and I thought the same. I assume the power curve is different though for better drivability.

[@SarahnTuned]

@@judih.8754that’s exactly what happened

[@WalterA-b3d]

Solid review. Glad to see penguins are back in vehicle reviews. I always enjoy their input.

[@rmarsyoutube]

I feel that Sarah would make an excellent teacher

[@Vicstruction]

Subaru NEEDS to bring back the XT

[@eskieman3948]

I'd sit tight & cross your fingers. Wait until the fall elections, and let's see if the American people (voters) learned their lesson over the past four years. If so.... 🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠

[@housepianist]

@@eskieman3948i don’t see what that has to do with anything. Regardless of what happens, people are not going to buy XT Foresters. They will still sell tons of non-turbo, fuel efficient models because that’s waht people want, unless you think an XT model will sell for $25k 😂

[@bradleyyounger8499]

​@@eskieman3948😂 🙏

[@Wrang15]

Hope it's not the 2.4... my outback has been in the shop now 2 months... oil pan leaks... 18k on it... full motor pull to fix...

[@russellzauner]

I'd settle for a hybrid but one that's configured like the Audi not the Honda lol

[@lordraiden5398]

Holding on to my SH. Its paid for and I just put in a low mileage JDM engine.

[@wattheheck6010]

Terrific review, thanks, specking as a former Subaru owner (in early 2000's).

This has to be the best and funniest car review ever. Assbag. Subscribed

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

Hey Sarah! I could care less about most new vehicles but your content is great!

[@Seesred10]

I like the Shape-A-Gon and “ textrations” commentary!

[@BlamminJeans]

Sarah allll I want is a compilation video of nothing but "in the name of science I am now going to give it the beans. Bolstering assessment...(assesses bolstering)". It will get 1 million views bc I will watch it 1 million times 😂

[@leonb2637]

Sarah should do compilation videos of her 'Sarahisms', best reactions in car reviews, a newer 'blooper' vid.

[@marcq6218]

Kk Kk

[@m3rdpwr]

I really wanted a turbo. Knowing the Forester wasn't going to get one, I bought an Outback Touring XT a few months ago. Turbo was the biggest reason, but I love my ventilated seats.

[@eskieman3948]

Those seats ARE pretty nice!

[@morthomer5804]

You should look for the "shared tech" items that filter into the different models (ie. BRZ / FRS / GR86 / 240i...)

[@awesomearizona-dino]

FINALLY Subaru made tham nice looking. Thank you Sarah (with an H) -Dino.

[@victorteran9766]

loved the review!! everything seems ok with this Forester except for the Explorer front, and your solution was actually what I would do if I bought one!

[@serenityinsilence]

I’ll probably get one of these once the wilderness trim comes out. My outback has been great, but I wanted the last gen forester sport. I also really like the crosstrek, but it’s not quite big enough.

[@hilkolieberwerth3495]

Nice review once more. Had a little grin hearing you say "asbak" which in Dutch literally means ashtray.

[@AB-jk7tw]

Add a decent engine option - 200-225 hp and torque - and this car will be a earl winner.

[@Freddy37022]

Sarah, you look awesome today… Oh, uhm great review Love your humor and thoroughness!

[@tobysurmann1936]

So the fake shifting in a CVT has a purpose, I learned. It’s to prevent excessive wear on the CVT cones under full throttle. The fake shift varies the chain’s position on the cones to reduce wear.

[@Hallowsaw]

If it is properly lubricated that should not be a factor. How about the add in a cvt fluid exchange into the service manual and then have the CVT do what a CVT is supposed to do. Excel at fuel economy.

[@danek893]

that fake shifting is really useful for down hill without using brake

[@bradhaines3142]

fake shifting helps nothing at all at any point. the entire point of a cvt is to constantly adjust for optimal performance, the chain changes position every time it adjusts the ratio

[@tobysurmann1936]

@@bradhaines3142 - spoken like a true armchair expert. Did you even READ what I wrote? It doesn’t look like it since your response clearly doesn’t address my point.

[@bradhaines3142]

@@tobysurmann1936 engineering explained has said before it does effectively nothing, and logic alone would prove youre wrong. the hesitation and jump of a 'shift' would only be worse for something designed to be consistent and smooth.

[@cobyjones9519]

Loving the Foghat-Slow Ride

[@BigRickEnergy5000]

I think in other parts of the world you can get a 1.8T in the Forester. That has the dual exhaust

[@steveske8575]

It would have been cool to see Forrester Gump parked next to it.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

The balance between off road and street is always going to be a hard challenge. But theres some that try pretty hard to give you everything possible and still maintain a decent ride.

[@deltavee2]

Love your reviews, always factual and concise with Sarahisms included. Penguins are always a bright spot. The Subie's styling is pretty meh but the real deal killer is the CVT. Lazy engineering whine machine, unfortunately. Fake 'shifts' don't count. I owned a real Forester in the past and loved it.