Subaru Forester Hybrid (2025 Launch) for the U.S.: What we expect

The 2025 Subaru Forester marks the entry of the Japanese automaker’s compact SUV, renowned for practicality, versatility, and capability, into its sixth generation. The fully redesigned model is scheduled to begin entering U.S. dealerships in Spring 2024, and it’s currently on display at the 2023 LA Auto Show. Like the fifth-gen model, the sixth-gen model has a Hybrid variant, but the big news is that the electrified offering will be available in the U.S., starting in 2025.

Here’s everything we know about the new Subaru Forester Hybrid. This story also contains valuable contributions from our reader.

Subaru Forester Hybrid confirmed for the U.S.

Presenting the new Forester in Los Angeles, Subaru’s global President & CEO, Atsushi Osaki, confirmed that the Subaru Forester Hybrid would be sold in the United States. Jeff Walters, President & COO of Subaru of America, in his address at the premiere, confirmed that the Subaru Forester Hybrid would be offered “about a year after launch” of the gas-powered SUV.

The all-new Forester will begin sales with the ICE engines, and the next-generation Hybrid Forester will follow in about a year. This will be the first-ever Subaru Forester Hybrid. It represents the next step in our new electrification plan with more electrified models to follow quickly.

Atsushi Osaki, Subaru President & CEO at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2023 on November 16, 2023

Design

When the all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid hits dealers around Spring 2025, I expect it to have no major design changes from the new gas model, which is pictured in this story.

The 2025 Subaru Forester features a rugged exterior featuring a conventional shape and aggressive details. When I saw it at the 2023 LA Auto Show, I liked its strong front-end, which makes it a confident, assertive look. The prominent radiator grille with chunky horizontal bars, the technical-looking headlamps, and the muscular bumper featuring sporty hexagonal inserts in the lower part give it a sporty and athletic first impression. I expect these features to be carried forward to the Hybrid.

On the sides, I think the 2025 Forester gets a little humdrum. Its tall and flattish roofline descends subtly, and that, along with the squarish windows and rugged wheel arches 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 available 19-inch bronze wheels are an attractive option, and I hope that it would be extended to the Hybrid version.

In my opinion, the rear-end of the 2025 Forester isn’t its strongest angle. The clear lens tail lights 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 with its tough SUV design. Customers who prefer old-school cabins with features like analog dials, a hefty dash, and vertical AC vents would find themselves right at home. Subaru does have a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster in its inventory, and in my opinion, it should’ve offered it as an option in the 2025 Forester. It’ll be interesting to see if the Hybrid version gets changes in this respect.

The quality of plastics, soft-touch materials, and trim surfaces Subaru has used in the 2025 Forester is better than the outgoing model. 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.

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. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. I’m also happy to report that a wireless smartphone charger is also available in the redesigned model, which is a glaring omission in the outgoing SUV. 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. At the 2023 LA Auto Show, my experience confirmed this, as the all-around visibility in the redesigned model was excellent, further aided by the digital rearview mirror.

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 this prototype vehicle. 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

Subaru has confirmed that it will use Toyota’s hybrid system in future models starting in the mid-2020s. The switch from in-house technology to a Toyota-developed system will address the complaints of many customers who criticize hybrid Subarus for being not as fuel efficient as comparable Toyotas, which lead their segments. Subaru has scheduled the start of production of the next-gen HEVs in 2025, and the next-gen Forester Hybrid should be the first recipient.

According to a report Spyder7 published on March 3, 2023, the next-gen Subaru Forester Hybrid will likely employ the FB20 2.0-liter four-cylinder horizontally opposed direct injection engine with the Toyota Hybrid System (THS). The current Forester Hybrid has the same gas engine (FB20), but the Japanese publication expects Subaru to fit a more fuel-efficient version of the same mill in the next-gen Forester Hybrid.

The Forester Hybrid which is based on the fifth-gen Forester delivers a fuel economy of 14.0 km/l as per Japan’s WLTC method, which is quite low and not a substantial gain from the gas-powered Forester’s 13.6 km/l rating. To us, that also explains why the company doesn’t offer the electrified model in the U.S. The current engine develops 107 kW and 188 Nm of torque and its electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, produces 10 kW and 65 Nm of torque.

Price & Release Date

I expect the Subaru Forester Hybrid to be priced at approximately USD 32,000 in the base trim when it reaches U.S. dealers around Spring 2025, approximately a year after the new gas-engined Forester.

TopElectricSUV says

The Subaru Forester Hybrid will appeal to buyers with its reasonably stylish exterior, a highly practical interior with ample cargo space, and an efficient powertrain developed in collaboration with Toyota. If it’s priced appropriately, I believe it would be an excellent choice for a five-seat compact SUV, offering a well-rounded option for those seeking a vehicle equally suited for light adventures and daily commutes.

Next-gen Subaru Forester Hybrid FAQs