The Subaru Forester has been present in the Canadian market for almost three decades now, originally introduced for the 1998 model year. Five generations later, the 2025 Subaru Forester benefits from a fresh yet familiar exterior design, a technological and styling update inside the cabin, and a new hybrid powertrain.
In addition, what was once more of a high-roof wagon that made it unique in the market has become a more conventional crossover, blending in with the rest of its competitors on the compact utility segment. It’s positioned above the subcompact Subaru Crosstrek and below the midsize Subaru Outback and all-electric Subaru Solterra as well as the three-row Subaru Ascent in the brand’s lineup. Heading into the 2025 calendar year, it was the company’s second best-selling vehicle in Canada.
2025 Subaru Forester Changes and Updates
The six-generation Forester debuted for the 2025 model year, bringing an exterior design reboot with improved aerodynamics, with Subaru claiming enhancements to reduced lift on the front wheels and increasing driving stability. The vehicle’s structure is also 10% stiffer in torsional rigidity, and combined with greater use of structural adhesives, a smoother ride and a quieter cabin are cited as some of the improvements for the new generation.
The 2025 Subaru Forester also receives the brand’s latest version of its EyeSight active driving assistance system suite. It features a wide-angle camera for a better field of view, while the updated software and new electric brake booster enhance the system’s effectiveness at preventing or mitigating collisions. Reverse automatic braking has been added, along with Emergency Stop Assist, which will bring the vehicle to a halt if the driver is unresponsive to warnings from the adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist systems, while placing a call to emergency services through SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services.
The Forester’s cabin has been overhauled with a new, more modern appearance, new materials and textures and revised color schemes.
The previous-generation’s powertrain has been carried over with some revisions to offer more mid-range torque, with output ratings dropping by two horsepower and increasing by two pound-feet. New this year is a hybrid powertrain called Subaru e-BOXER that’s based on the brand’s existing 2.5L horizontally opposed four-cylinder (or BOXER, of flat-four) engine, while integrating a hybrid propulsion system borrowed from Toyota.
Despite the new generation arriving for 2025, the off-road-focused Forester Wilderness variant didn’t get redesigned. The Wilderness will move over to the sixth-gen platform for the 2026 model year, which currently stands out in the lineup with its raised suspension, its roof rails with a higher load capacity, its transmission oil cooler and its 17-inch alloy wheels with Yokohama Geolander A/T all-terrain tires.
2025 Subaru Forester Trim Levels and Pricing
In Canada, there are six trim levels to choose from. The Forester Convenience is the entry-level variant, followed by the slightly more equipped Touring, the Sport boasting a slightly more dynamic appearance, the rugged Wilderness as well as the posher Limited and Premier.
All trim levels are equipped with a naturally aspirated, 2.5L four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission, which features a manual mode with eight preprogrammed gear ratios and paddle shift controls on all but the base Convenience. Output is rated at 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, except in the Forester Wilderness that keeps the previous generation’s engine revision with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet.
The Premier trim level is also available with the new Subaru e-BOXER hybrid powertrain, which can run on electricity alone over short distances at slow speeds, or rely on the collaboration between the gasoline engine and the electric motors to optimize performance and fuel economy. The hybrid system is rated at a combined 194 horsepower. Its city/highway/combined fuel economy ratings are set at 6.8/7.0/6.9 L/100 km.
All trim levels are equipped as standard with the brand’s Symmetrical AWD full-time all-wheel drivetrain.
| Engine | Trans | Drive | MSRP | Freight & PDI | A/C Tax | Dealer Fees | Net Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience | 2.5L F4 | CVT | AWD | $33,495 | $2,295 | $100 | $395 | $36,285 |
| Touring | 2.5L F4 | CVT | AWD | $38,495 | $2,295 | $100 | $395 | $41,285 |
| Sport | 2.5L F4 | CVT | AWD | $40,995 | $2,295 | $100 | $395 | $43,785 |
| Wilderness | 2.5L F4 | CVT | AWD | $40,995 | $2,295 | $100 | $395 | $43,785 |
| Limited | 2.5L F4 | CVT | AWD | $42,995 | $2,295 | $100 | $395 | $45,785 |
| Premier | 2.5L F4 | CVT | AWD | $44,995 | $2,295 | $100 | $395 | $47,785 |
| Premier e-BOXER Hybrid | 2.5L F4 HEV | CVT | AWD | $47,995 | $2,295 | $100 | $395 | $50,785 |
Note: dealer fees amount to $395 in all Canadian provinces except Ontario ($249) and Quebec ($198).
2025 Subaru Forester Specifications
| Convenience | Touring | Sport | Wilderness | Limited | Premier | Premier e-BOXER Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L F4 | 2.5L F4 | 2.5L F4 | 2.5L F4 | 2.5L F4 | 2.5L F4 | 2.5L F4 HEV |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT | CVT | CVT | CVT | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Output (hp @ rpm) | 180 @ 5,800 | 180 @ 5,800 | 180 @ 5,800 | 182 @ 5,800 | 180 @ 5,800 | 180 @ 5,800 | 194 (combined) |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 178 @ 3,700 | 178 @ 3,700 | 178 @ 3,700 | 176 @ 4,400 | 178 @ 3,700 | 178 @ 3,700 | NA |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio (kg/hp) | 8.8 | 9 | 9.2 | 9.1 | 9.2 | 9.2 | NA |
| City/Highway/Combined Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 9.1 / 7.2 / 8.3 | 9.1 / 7.2 / 8.3 | 9.1 / 7.2 / 8.3 | 9.5 / 8.3 / 9.0 | 9.1 / 7.2 / 8.3 | 9.1 / 7.2 / 8.3 | 6.8 / 7.0 / 6.9 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (L) | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | NA |
| Required Fuel | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular |
| Standard Wheels and Tires | 225/60R17 | 225/60R17 | 235/50R19 | 225/60R17 | 225/55R18 | 235/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (m) | 10.8 | 10.8 | 10.8 | 10.8 | 10.8 | 10.8 | 10.8 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,670 | 2,670 | 2,670 | 2,665 | 2,670 | 2,670 | 2,670 |
| Length (mm) | 4,655 | 4,655 | 4,655 | 4,640 | 4,655 | 4,655 | 4,655 |
| Width Without Mirrors (mm) | 1,830 | 1,830 | 1,830 | 1,835 | 1,830 | 1,830 | 1,830 |
| Height (mm) | 1,730 | 1,730 | 1,730 | 1,750 | 1,730 | 1,730 | 1,730 |
| Track Width Front/Rear (mm) | 1,565 / 1,570 | 1,565 / 1,570 | 1,565 / 1,570 | 1,560 / 1,560 | 1,565 / 1,570 | 1,565 / 1,570 | 1,565 / 1,570 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 220 | 220 | 220 | 235 | 220 | 220 | 220 |
| Approach/Breakover/Departure Angles (degrees) | 19.0 / 19.6 / 24.6 | 19.0 / 19.6 / 24.6 | 19.0 / 19.6 / 24.7 | 23.5 / 21.0 / 25.4 | 19.0 / 19.6 / 24.6 | 19.0 / 19.6 / 24.7 | 19.0 / 19.6 / 24.7 |
| Headroom Front (With Sunroof)/Rear (mm) | 1,047 / 1,006 | 1,016 / 957 | 1,016 / 957 | 1,020 / 956 | 1,016 / 957 | 1,016 / 957 | 1,016 / 957 |
| Legroom Front/Rear (mm) | 1,101 / 1,000 | 1,101 / 1,000 | 1,101 / 1,000 | 1,101 / 1,000 | 1,101 / 1,000 | 1,101 / 1,000 | 1,101 / 1,000 |
| Shoulder Room Front/Rear (mm) | 1,466 / 1,441 | 1,466 / 1,441 | 1,466 / 1,441 | 1,477 / 1,454 | 1,466 / 1,441 | 1,466 / 1,441 | 1,466 / 1,441 |
| Hip Room Front/Rear (mm) | 1,390 / 1,363 | 1,390 / 1,363 | 1,390 / 1,363 | 1,394 / 1,359 | 1,390 / 1,363 | 1,390 / 1,363 | 1,390 / 1,363 |
| Cargo Volume Min/Max (L) | 838 / 2,107 | 779 / 1,957 | 779 / 1,957 | 762 / 1,957 | 779 / 1,957 | 779 / 1,957 | 779 / 1,957 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,592 | 1,624 | 1,650 | 1,653 | 1,649 | 1,662 | NA |
| Towing Capacity (kg) | 680 | 680 | 680 | 1,360 | 680 | 680 | NA |
2025 Subaru Forester Warranty Coverage
In Canada, the Forester is covered by a 3-year/60,000 km Limited Warranty (whichever comes first) and a 5-year/100,000 km Powertrain Limited Warranty, along with a 3-year/60,000 km Surface Corrosion Limited Warranty and a 5-year/unlimited km Anti-Perforation Limited Warranty. The hybrid propulsion system’s specific warranty hasn’t been announced yet.
24-hour roadside assistance is offered on the Forester for 3 years with unlimited km in Canada.
What the 2025 Subaru Forester Does Well
- Except for the Subaru BRZ, the brand’s models are equipped with its Symmetrical AWD system that performs admirably in winter driving conditions. As opposed to most competitors’ “reactive” systems that send power to the rear wheels after slippage occurs (though in a matter of milliseconds), Subaru’s setup provides a full-time front/rear power split varying between 60/40 and 50/50. The Forester is sure-footed in slippery situations, which in turn keeps the driver confident behind the wheel.
- Fuel economy is quite good. Among non-hybrid compact crossovers, the Forester ranks third in combined city/highway consumption at 8.3 L/100 km, trailing only the Nissan Rogue (7.6 L/100 km) and the Toyota RAV4 (7.9 L/100 km), and marginally besting the Ford Escape (8.4 L/100 km), the Honda CR-V (8.4 L/100 km) and the Mazda CX-5 (8.5 L/100 km). We managed 8.1 L/100 km during our test. While we’re talking about the powertrain, we’ll mention that the Subaru’s continuously variable transmission works just fine, with good off-the-line response and an almost convincing simulation of a conventional automatic gearbox.
- The Forester’s roofline was shaved a little with every passing generation, but the vehicle’s window surface is still expansive and the front pillars aren’t too thick, providing excellent outward visibility. It may sound like an important purchase factor, but it is.
- Inside the Forester, even the posh Premier trim won’t make occupants feel like they’re in a luxury-brand vehicle. However, fit and finish is fine, and Subaru seems to have focused more on user-friendliness, as almost all the switchgear is within easy reach, while the instruments are clearly legible. The infotainment system’s 11.6-inch screen displays big button zones, which are easy to poke while driving.
What the 2025 Subaru Forester Doesn’t Do Well
- The Forester isn’t a chore to drive by any measure. However, it’s not very engaging, either. The 2.5L engine does its job commendably, and so does the vehicle’s suspension, without enticing the driver to step on the go-pedal and have some fun. On the other hand, the vast majority of compact crossover buyers likely want space, versatility and safety, not straight-line performance. For that, there’s the Ford Escape with the turbo 2.0L engine as well as the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 with their 2.5L turbo engines.
- While we appreciate the easy-to-use dashboard controls, there’s one exception, and that’s the on-screen climate control buttons. They’re small, all bunched-up together, and a little distracting to use while we’re driving. At least there are hard defrost and temperature buttons around the touchscreen that we can work with. The Forester is quite roomy and versatile, but it’s worth noting here that the rear seatback angle can’t be adjusted.
- We’re nitpicking here, but the Forester isn’t the segment supermodel. We probably cross paths with a lot more of these every day than we think, and it’s partially because of the model’s somewhat generic styling. However, this is a purely subjective assessment.
- The newly introduced hybrid powertrain is good news for Subaru and the brand’s customers, as it brings more power and reduced fuel consumption to the crossover. However, its ratings aren’t as low as those of its rivals. The Forester Hybrid’s combined 6.9 L/100 km can’t match the ratings of the Ford Escape Hybrid (6.0 L/100 km), the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (6.0 L/100 km), the Kia Sportage Hybrid (6.2 L/100 km), the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid (6.2 L/100 km), the Honda CR-V (6.4 L/100 km) and the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (6.7 L/100 km).
2025 Subaru Forester Competition
The Forester competes with the Buick Envision, the Chevrolet Equinox, the Chevrolet Equinox EV, the Ford Bronco Sport, the Ford Escape, the GMC Terrain, the Honda CR-V, the Hyundai Tucson, the Jeep Compass, the Kia Sportage, the Mazda CX-5, the Mazda CX-50, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Nissan Rogue, the Toyota RAV4 and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
