2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid spotted at U.S. dealerships

Update (April 7, 2025): ‘Design,’ ‘Interior,’ and ‘Price & Release Date’ sections revised.

The 2025 Subaru Forester marked the entry of the Japanese automaker’s compact SUV into its sixth generation. The fully redesigned model reached U.S. dealerships last year in the gas variant. A few days ago, the first units of the Forester Hybrid have begun trickling into dealers.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Forester Hybrid. I’ve included some observations on space, quality and comfort from my experience with the gas version, which is common with the Hybrid.

Design

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid has no visible exterior differences from the gasoline version. The differentiation comes from ‘Hybrid’ badges on the front door and tailgate.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid features a rugged exterior featuring a conventional shape and aggressive details. Seeing the donor model for the first time at the 2023 LA Auto Show, we liked the strong front-end, which gives it a confident, assertive look.

The prominent radiator grille with chunky horizontal bars, the technical-looking headlamps, and the muscular bumper featuring hexagonal inserts in the lower part give it a sporty and athletic first impression.

On the sides, I think the 2025 Forester gets a little humdrum. Its tall and flattish roofline descends subtly. Along with the squarish windows and rugged wheel arches, they lend it an authentic SUV character. The straightness of the beltline, the large window size, and the peculiar shape of the rear-quarter glass contribute to a somewhat mundane appearance.

The design of the wheel arch cladding also seems like an area where Subaru could have enhanced the look. On a positive note, the 19-inch wheels with the ribbed spokes are an attractive option.

In my opinion, the rear-end of the 2025 Forester Hybrid isn’t its strongest angle. The clear lens taillights have an odd shape, and the trim stripes linking them to the Subaru logo come across as tacky. The faux dual exhaust housing in the bumper feels unnecessary and overdone. However, the license plate area, often an overlooked feature in most vehicles, is quite well-executed in this compact SUV.

Interior

The interior of the 2025 Subaru Forester bodes well for its tough SUV design. Customers who prefer old-school cabins with features, a hefty dash, and vertical AC vents would find themselves right at home. The notable addition is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which is compatible with Apple Maps.

The quality of plastics, soft-touch materials, and trim surfaces Subaru has used in the 2025 Forester (Gas) is better than MY2024. I liked the textured surface on the passenger-side dashboard, and the decor element below it that mimics wood.

The doors also have padded material, along with suede. The physical buttons and switches have a nice feel to them. Subaru has put a lot of effort into uplifting the feel of the cabin, and it has worked. The same features, trim, and materials have been transferred to the Hybrid variant.

Subaru’s new 11.6-inch Starlink system is improved, but there’s no comparing it with what Toyota, Kia or Hyundai offer in their SUVs in design, resolution and snappiness. Thankfully, it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto which should cover a large part of its usage. I’m also happy to report that a wireless smartphone charger is carried over from the gas model. The storage box below the central armrest is cavernous and is practical for everyday accessories.

Seeing the initial photos, I expected the 2025 Forester to make up for what it lacks in style on the sides with excellent visibility. It seemed that Subaru intentionally designed the windows, rear-quarter panels, and belt line to enhance the view for both driver and passengers, which also applies to the large, nearly upright rear glass.

Sitting in the gas-powered Forester in Washington, my experience confirmed this, as the all-around visibility in the redesigned model was excellent, further aided by the digital rearview mirror. These features have been carried forward to the Hybrid version.

Ingress and egress for a six-footer like me was easy. The steering wheel, which allows manual adjustment for reach and height, felt firm to grip. Lumbar support was adequate and under-thigh support was equally good. In the back, there’s enough space for three adults like me to sit comfortably on a long journey. Under-thigh support here was also sufficient.

Specifications

Unlike the RAV4 Hybrid, the 2025 Forester Hybrid isn’t a FWD-biased crossover. Subaru has engineered Toyota’s Hybrid System for its longitudinal power unit and AWD.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid introduces the company’s next-gen series-parallel hybrid powertrain, developed with Toyota technology. It combines a new 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle Boxer engine with electric motors, delivering a total output of 194 hp, up from 180 hp in the standard model.

Fuel efficiency improves, achieving EPA ratings of 35 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined, 6 mpg over the gas model (combined). Subaru integrates this hybrid system with its mechanical Symmetrical AWD and Lineartronic CVT. It offers a total range (EPA-est.) of 581 miles.

This hybrid setup features a lithium-ion battery positioned for improved packaging and efficiency. The mechanical AWD system connects the front and rear wheels with a propeller shaft, offering better off-road capability than other hybrid SUVs with an eAWD system.

Price & Release Date

The first examples of the Forester Hybrid have reached dealers in the U.S. Posts on Reddit show a Forester Hybrid Limited in Oregon, and another example from a different location. Availability appears limited, with vehicles in transit to dealers in states like Nebraska, New York, California, Michigan, and Oregon, as per the Subaru website.

Variant	Price (MSRP)
Premium Hybrid	$34,995
Sport Hybrid	$37,995
Limited Hybrid	$39,410
Touring Hybrid	$41,695

As per the Subaru of Indiana Automotive official website, U.S. production of the Forester Hybrid variant is slated to begin in Spring 2026. Until then, the company would have to rely on the supply from its Japanese plant.

Subaru introduces all-new 2025 Forester Hybrid with next-generation hybrid powertrain. U.S. production to begin at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in spring 2026.

As per the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) official website

A 25% import tariff, in addition to the 2.5% base duty, is applicable under the Trump administration’s new trade policy. For now, Subaru is sticking to the prices announced earlier this year, and it remains to be seen how the company handles the added cost going forward.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid will appeal to buyers with its reasonably stylish exterior, highly practical interior with ample cargo space, and an efficiency-focused powertrain developed in collaboration with Toyota.

Priced from just under USD 35,000 (for now), I believe it is an excellent choice for a five-seat compact SUV, offering a well-rounded option for American shoppers seeking a vehicle equally suited for light adventures and daily commutes.

U.S.-spec Forester Hybrid FAQs

Featured image: Subaru