Meet the Tougher, Techier 2025 Subaru Forester: A Bold Step Forward

Have you ever wondered what a mashup of a BMW X1, Toyota RAV4, and a Ford Explorer would look like? The 2025 Subaru Forester might just be the answer.

After a series of photos circulated online, the buzz is real: the Forester is stirring up the SUV scene with its fresh, robust redesign.

At first glance, the latest Forester, unveiled at the LA Auto Showroom, might have you doing a double-take. Gone are the days of its BMW X1-esque contours and unassuming hood, swapped out for a more assertive and contemporary vibe—though some might say it's lost a bit of its unique charm.

The Forester's side profile could be mistaken for its cousin, the RAV4, with its defined wheel arches and that distinctive kink near the D-pillar—a design cue perhaps inspired by the RAV4's roaring sales compared to the Forester's more modest numbers.

But it's the rear end that's got people talking, echoing the boldness of the Ford Explorer's 2010-2019 era with a hefty grille and headlights that spread their wings across the car's front like an eagle in flight.

Step inside, and you'll find a Subaru-original cabin design. The centerpiece is a vertically oriented touchscreen, flanked by sleek heater vents, available in 7.0 or the more expansive 11.6 inches—complete with wireless connectivity for your devices.

For the traditionalists, the dash retains classic analog gauges, and while the climate controls have traded knobs for sleeker integrated buttons, the tactile response is still there.

Under the hood, the 2025 Forester sticks to its roots with the familiar 2.5-liter boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive, though power has been slightly dialed back to 180 HP. The torque gets a nudge, though, promising to keep the ride lively.

Handling is sharpened with an electric power steering system from the WRX and a chassis boasting a 10% increase in rigidity. Wheel sizes scale up from 17 inches on the base models to 19 inches on the top trims.

Safety and convenience get a boost too, with the EyeSight driver assist suite's expanded view, an optional panoramic roof, and a power tailgate that responds to foot gestures for when your hands are full.

And the headline everyone's talking about? The Forester is finally going hybrid. Details are still under wraps, but for those drawn to greener pastures, it might just be worth the wait to see what Subaru has in store with this new powertrain.