When it comes to compact hybrid SUVs, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid might not be the most thrilling ride out there, but it has plenty to offer for everyday drivers. If you’re looking for a reliable, practical, and efficient vehicle that fits an active lifestyle, this new Forester could be exactly what you need. It’s not built to excite car enthusiasts, but for the vast majority of buyers, it checks the right boxes.
In this review, we’ll explore everything that makes the 2025 Forester Hybrid stand out — from its hybrid powertrain and pricing to its quirky design details and spacious interior. Highlights include its 194 horsepower hybrid engine, starting price around $36,500, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a surprisingly roomy back seat. Plus, Subaru’s unique boxer engine design and interior Easter eggs add a little character to this otherwise straightforward SUV.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price (Hybrid) | $36,500 |
| Top Trim Price (Hybrid Touring) | $43,500 |
| Engine | 2.5L Hybrid Boxer 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 194 hp |
| 0-60 mph | Low 8 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches |
| All-Wheel Drive | Standard |
Subaru Forester Hybrid: A Sturdy Player in the Compact SUV Segment
The Subaru Forester has been a trusted name in compact crossovers for over 25 years, and with the 2025 model, it steps into its sixth generation. This year marks a big change: Subaru finally introduces a hybrid powertrain option for the Forester in North America. While the traditional gasoline engine remains available, the hybrid is designed for those who want better fuel economy without sacrificing Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive.
Why now? Because many rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Hyundai Tucson have already embraced hybrid versions, making this a competitive necessity. The Forester Hybrid’s 2.5L boxer engine produces 194 horsepower, which is 14 hp more than the standard gas model, though it’s not a speed demon by any stretch. Its 0 to 60 mph time sits in the low 8-second range, which is average for this segment.
Fuel economy is respectable at 35 MPG combined, though the Honda CR-V Hybrid beats it slightly with 40 MPG. However, Subaru offers a bit more ground clearance at 8.7 inches, making it a better choice for drivers who want a capable vehicle for outdoor adventures.
What’s Unique About Subaru’s Powertrain?
Subaru sticks to its traditional horizontally opposed boxer engine—a design different from the inline engines found in most competitors. This layout helps lower the vehicle’s center of gravity, improving stability and handling. It’s also proudly displayed on the hybrid badge, with piston shapes forming the edges, a subtle nod to enthusiasts who appreciate Subaru’s engineering heritage.
Exterior and Interior: Quirky Features Meet Practical Design
Distinctive Exterior Styling
The 2025 Forester Hybrid breaks away from the bland crossover look with some bold design choices. The squared-off wheel arches add a rugged, outdoorsy vibe, emphasizing the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The black roof creates a two-tone effect, making the SUV stand out in traffic. Small details like ridged door trims and wheels with textured spokes add subtle personality.
One odd but interesting aerodynamic feature is a small hole in the rear wheel arch, similar to designs on trucks like the Toyota Tacoma. Its exact purpose isn’t clear, but it’s a fun quirk that sets the Forester apart visually.
Functional but Dull Interior
Inside, the Forester Hybrid’s cabin is all about function over flash. It’s a familiar Subaru interior, built tough with durable plastics rather than luxury finishes. The centerpiece is a large infotainment screen that integrates climate and media controls. Physical buttons remain for key functions like temperature, volume, and defrost, which is great for usability while driving.
There’s a minor downside: the screen can be sluggish for the first couple of minutes after startup, and it doesn’t support split-screen multitasking — you can only view one function at a time. Still, the screen is intuitive, with customizable swiping menus and a unique feature that reminds you of birthdays and anniversaries—an unusual but thoughtful touch.
The gauge cluster screen is less impressive. Despite being a full-color display, it offers very limited customization and shows some info like hybrid power usage by default, which not everyone will appreciate.
Interior Easter Eggs and Quirks
Subaru sprinkles in some charming details like a switchable rearview mirror that flips to a camera view for better visibility, and unusual textures on the dashboard and door panels. The door panel features a topographic relief map with boot prints in the front doors and paw prints in the rear, reflecting Subaru’s outdoorsy brand image.
The sunroof is large, covering the front and part of the rear seats, but the manual sunshade can be tricky to operate due to its size.
Spacious and Comfortable Rear Seating & Practical Cargo Space
One of the biggest surprises in the Forester Hybrid is the roomy rear cabin. Despite being a compact SUV, there’s ample headroom, legroom, and hip space, even for tall adults. The middle seat is more comfortable than usual thanks to a smaller floor hump.
Rear passengers get heated seats, two USB ports (including a rarely seen USB-A port), and dedicated climate vents — perks that enhance comfort on longer trips. Cup holders are thoughtfully placed both in the center armrest and in the door panels, allowing all three back-seat passengers to have their drinks handy.
The cargo area is decent in size and includes more of Subaru’s signature topographic maps and lifestyle graphics. Practical features include a power tailgate with an adjustable light switch to avoid battery drain, and easy-to-use rear seat release levers for expanding cargo space quickly.
However, the cargo area lacks some modern conveniences like a household power outlet or separate compartments for fragile items. The space under the floor is mostly taken up by the hybrid system, limiting extra storage.
Driving Experience: Reliable and Practical, Not Enthralling
Let’s be clear: the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is not a fun, sporty SUV. It’s slow off the line, with an 8-second zero to 60 time, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) engine noise can get loud during acceleration. Handling is competent but not exciting.
But for most buyers, that’s not a dealbreaker. The Forester excels at delivering a comfortable, sturdy ride with excellent all-around visibility thanks to its high seating position and large windows — something many drivers, especially older ones, appreciate.
Road and tire noise are surprisingly well controlled. The materials inside might feel a little cheap at the higher $40,000+ price range, but they’re durable, which is important for a vehicle expected to last many years.
In comparison to rivals like the Honda CR-V Hybrid or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the Forester holds its own with standard all-wheel drive and slightly better ground clearance, making it a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t want to sacrifice fuel efficiency.
Final Thoughts: The Forester Hybrid Is for the Practical Buyer, Not the Speed Seeker
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid isn’t designed to thrill car enthusiasts or speed demons. Instead, it’s a practical, efficient, and capable SUV that does exactly what most crossover buyers need: reliable daily driving with added utility for outdoor lifestyles.
Its quirks, like the quirky badges, textured trims, and unique interior Easter eggs, add subtle charm without trying too hard. While it’s not the flashiest or fastest in its class, it’s a solid, well-rounded package.
For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, all-wheel drive, and a spacious, comfortable cabin — and who don’t mind a slower pace — the Forester Hybrid is worth considering. It’s a dependable workhorse that quietly gets the job done.
DougScore Rating: 46/100
This score places the Forester Hybrid competitively against hybrids like the Mazda CX-50 and Ford Escape, beating some but falling short of more exciting models like the Mazda CX-50 Turbo. The score reflects the car’s strengths in practicality and reliability, but acknowledges it’s not a fun car to drive.
Whether you’re a practical buyer or just want a no-nonsense SUV that can handle your daily needs and weekend adventures without fuss, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid deserves a serious look.
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