Subaru has finally delivered what many have been waiting for—the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. After years of speculation, this rugged compact SUV now gets the electrified enhancement it has long deserved. But is it more than just improved fuel economy? We tested the newest Forester Hybrid on city roads and off-road trails to find out what this new powertrain truly offers—and where it still falls short.
Content
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid introduces a major change in Subaru’s popular compact SUV lineup. For the first time in the U.S., the Forester comes with a hybrid powertrain. It combines a 2.0-liter flat-four engine with an electric motor system. Mated to Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the setup aims to increase efficiency without compromising capability.
Stylistically, the hybrid shares the 2025 Forester’s refreshed exterior, featuring a bolder grille, slimmer LED headlights, and subtle blue hybrid accents that help differentiate it from its gas-only counterparts.
On the Road: Refined and Responsive
Driving the Forester Hybrid reveals a notable improvement in refinement over the gas model. Electric torque smooths out acceleration in city traffic, and transitions between electric and gas power are nearly imperceptible.
Fuel economy is where this SUV really shines. During testing, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid MPG averaged 38 mpg combined, a noticeable jump from the standard Forester’s 29 mpg. For eco-conscious drivers, this makes a real-world difference.
On backroads and gravel paths, Subaru’s legendary AWD system provides grip and confidence. The battery’s low placement slightly improves balance, adding composure in turns and uneven terrain.
Interior and Technology: Familiar, Yet Upgraded
Inside the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring, you’ll find a cabin that blends familiarity with meaningful upgrades. A vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen takes center stage, running the latest Starlink infotainment interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims.
Touring models add comfort-focused features like ventilated leather-trimmed seats, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a panoramic moonroof. The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Premium and 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Limited trims scale back some luxury elements but maintain high-quality materials and thoughtful design.
Passenger space remains one of the Forester’s strong suits. Rear-seat passengers enjoy excellent headroom and legroom, while cargo space measures around 28.9 cubic feet with the seats up—slightly reduced due to the hybrid battery, but still competitive.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety remains a top priority for Subaru. Every hybrid Forester comes with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, pre-collision braking, and lane departure prevention.
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring adds a 360-degree camera, reverse automatic braking, and blind-spot detection with lane change assist. These features enhance visibility and peace of mind on busy roads and tight parking lots.
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Specs
Under the hood, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Specs a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine paired with a single electric motor. This combination delivers a total of 196 horsepower, offering a slight increase over the base model’s 180 hp. Thanks to the electric motor’s torque, acceleration is smoother and more responsive, especially at lower speeds.
The hybrid system uses a compact lithium-ion battery placed beneath the cargo floor, which doesn’t interfere with interior space. Subaru estimates a 0–60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, putting it in line with other compact hybrid SUVs.
Trims and Pricing Overview
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is available in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring.
| Trim | Starting MSRP (Estimated) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Forester Hybrid Base | $31,995 | AWD, EyeSight, Starlink system, 17-inch alloy wheels |
| Forester Hybrid Premium | $34,595 | Heated front seats, roof rails, upgraded audio |
| Forester Hybrid Limited | $37,995 | Leather seating, power liftgate, dual-zone climate control |
| Forester Hybrid Touring | $40,995 | Ventilated seats, premium audio, navigation |
These trims are competitively priced considering the added fuel efficiency and standard AWD—something not all rivals offer.
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Review: Final Verdict
Is the hybrid Forester the best version yet?
If you’re seeking a more efficient, smoother-driving Forester, the answer is yes. The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Review highlights a smart evolution of an already beloved SUV. It retains the core strengths—versatility, comfort, all-weather readiness—while adding better fuel economy and refined performance.
While it doesn’t offer plug-in capability or massive power gains, it hits the sweet spot for Subaru fans wanting an eco-friendlier daily driver without compromising utility.
For more details on electric truck innovation, check out the 2025 Rivian R1T and its latest updates.
FAQs
How much will a 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid cost?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is expected to start around $31,995, with higher trims reaching above $40,000.
Will 2025 Forester be a hybrid?
Yes, the 2025 Forester will offer a hybrid version featuring improved fuel efficiency and AWD capability.
How many miles per gallon does a 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid get?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid delivers an estimated 38 mpg combined, significantly better than the standard model.
Does Subaru make a 2025 plug-in hybrid?
No, Subaru does not currently offer a 2025 Forester plug-in hybrid, only a standard hybrid powertrain.
