I have seen some reviews indicating that there is a noticeable difference in noise isolation performance while driving between the top-trim Forester and the less expensive versions. The top-trim Touring version is noticeably quieter, which could suggest that more soundproofing materials are installed in the top-trim version. I'm not sure if this is something all car brands do, or if it's only Subaru that makes such distinctions within the same model.
This is a great topic and you did a great job performing it. I really like how you did a small segment on one car, then jumped over to the same small segment on the other car. It really helps make the direct comparison. Other reviewers tend to review everything on one car, then hope over and review everything on the other. It's always a conundrum. on trim levels. Almost 1/3 the price of the base car added on for stuff that mostly doesn't help you get down the road noticeably better. Plus in my state, a 9.2% sales tax, so the extra 10-ish K becomes an extra $ 11K. Packaging can be frustrating. I haven't dived into the '25's yet, but I'm guessing that you have to be at the Touring, and maybe the Limited (one tier down) to get the Birds' Eye. That is a really nice feature, but a lot of people might want it without having to also include a panoramic sunroof, ventiated seats, heated rear seats, 19" wheels, etc. I hope Subaru allows a more a la carte opportunity to add some of the standard Touring features to the lower trim levels, but historically, that has not been the case. (And they aren't the only manufacturers who do this.) I don't think the base (at least in '24) included the blind spot monitoring or turn signals built into the mirrors. I think there is trend of diminishing returns as you move up the line from Base, to Premium, to Sport, to Limited, to Touring. (Wilderness is kind of an outlier to the "progression" with it's offroad slant). I'm waiting for a better drivetrain or shopping elsewhere. Starting to look at options to replace my '14 XT, and this wheezy 2.5 isn't my cup of tea.
Yes, I live in the Deep South in the suburbs so aspirated seats and 360 degree camera to help with the heat & parking are quite useful, as is the kick activated hatch. Also...up in my 70s so lumbar adjustment and big screens with bigger fonts help. If I was in my 30s and trying to save $$ I would feel differently.
We own a 2021 Subaru Forester touring and the difference between that and the base model (from when I used a loaner car) is night and day in terms of how much I enjoyed driving them. There were certain cruise control intricacies and nice-to-have features missing from the cheaper trim levels. Now with the 2025 Subaru Forester touring that will be arriving in a couple weeks, I’m looking forward to the 360 cameras and the hands-free power rear gate. The cordless charging is a nice feature as well as the rear view mirror that uses video feed. The real test will be to see how this new car performs on very long road trips and if it’s the same or better than my 2021 touring.
Wheels on the base are 17" vs 19" on the Touring. Plus Touring has 10 mm more tread width. Rotating mass and rolling resistance (increased with more tread width) make a difference, and as you noted, a bit more curb weight with all the extra stuff. Wider tires also have slightly more drag through the air. I think the gearing is the same, but might be a tad more aggressive on the Sport, and also more aggressive on the Wilderness, especially the '24 models. (Significant penalty in mpg on the Wilderness).
I like the two tone seats on the base model and lack of sliding glass above. Missing is the power seats and a start button. Most other stuff not wanted or not needed, though the low roof rails look neat. Maybe the base model can delete the rails -- plug the holes???
I think it's worth it, I have a 18 touring outback and a 13 premium legacy and I'd say the creature comforts become very useful if you drive long distances. The rack setup alone on the upper trim is what I'd go for bc it looks better and it functions more in line with what I'd need IMHO
I think the safety features are quite a bit better on the Touring. I need tinted glass with the big windows. Base model will be a heat box in the south. Stereo is an amazing upgraded. Cooled seats are new to the game. They took away my CD player though!
We have had a Limited and a Touring of the 19-24 model. While the Touring is awesome, I think I would save $2k-$3k and get the Limited. Also, this base vs loaded comparison is great. I would definitely like to see more.
Is it worth the extra $10K plus for the top of the line model? Not to me, but certainly to those who want the leather, 19" lovely wheels, the tech, better sound system, sunroof.... I ordered the white Sport model because I LOVE!! those bronze accents + the beautiful 19" bronze rims, tex interior, sunroof, Stablex dampers, brown interior accents...... with the guts of what everyone loves about the AWD system. For those who can afford upgrades, why would you deny yourself...
I’d gladly pay the extra for the features but the base model is a rare bargain, especially with the advanced cruise control that Subaru offers on the base model.
How much of that is the sunroof..id say not worth it. Love the vents for the back seat and everything else, mid spec is probably the sweet spot. There are some other versions, the XT(s) that throw a turbo in for those who want more acceleration
I have seen some reviews indicating that there is a noticeable difference in noise isolation performance while driving between the top-trim Forester and the less expensive versions. The top-trim Touring version is noticeably quieter, which could suggest that more soundproofing materials are installed in the top-trim version. I'm not sure if this is something all car brands do, or if it's only Subaru that makes such distinctions within the same model.
Yes! I think this is a useful video format! Especially with the Outback.
This is a great topic and you did a great job performing it. I really like how you did a small segment on one car, then jumped over to the same small segment on the other car. It really helps make the direct comparison. Other reviewers tend to review everything on one car, then hope over and review everything on the other. It's always a conundrum. on trim levels. Almost 1/3 the price of the base car added on for stuff that mostly doesn't help you get down the road noticeably better. Plus in my state, a 9.2% sales tax, so the extra 10-ish K becomes an extra $ 11K. Packaging can be frustrating. I haven't dived into the '25's yet, but I'm guessing that you have to be at the Touring, and maybe the Limited (one tier down) to get the Birds' Eye. That is a really nice feature, but a lot of people might want it without having to also include a panoramic sunroof, ventiated seats, heated rear seats, 19" wheels, etc. I hope Subaru allows a more a la carte opportunity to add some of the standard Touring features to the lower trim levels, but historically, that has not been the case. (And they aren't the only manufacturers who do this.) I don't think the base (at least in '24) included the blind spot monitoring or turn signals built into the mirrors. I think there is trend of diminishing returns as you move up the line from Base, to Premium, to Sport, to Limited, to Touring. (Wilderness is kind of an outlier to the "progression" with it's offroad slant). I'm waiting for a better drivetrain or shopping elsewhere. Starting to look at options to replace my '14 XT, and this wheezy 2.5 isn't my cup of tea.
fully loaded WELL WORTH FOR ROAD TRIPS and if you plan to keep your car longer!
I fail to see $10k of upgrades on the higher trim.
I would much prefer the fully kitted out Forester, but that base Forester is no slouch, either.
Yes I like these types of reviews. Wow an actual key! Not a fan of cloth on the door, hard to keep clean.
Yes, I live in the Deep South in the suburbs so aspirated seats and 360 degree camera to help with the heat & parking are quite useful, as is the kick activated hatch. Also...up in my 70s so lumbar adjustment and big screens with bigger fonts help. If I was in my 30s and trying to save $$ I would feel differently.
In my opinion you should do a comparison between the most rugged trim of the RAV 4 and the forester
We own a 2021 Subaru Forester touring and the difference between that and the base model (from when I used a loaner car) is night and day in terms of how much I enjoyed driving them. There were certain cruise control intricacies and nice-to-have features missing from the cheaper trim levels.
Now with the 2025 Subaru Forester touring that will be arriving in a couple weeks, I’m looking forward to the 360 cameras and the hands-free power rear gate. The cordless charging is a nice feature as well as the rear view mirror that uses video feed.
The real test will be to see how this new car performs on very long road trips and if it’s the same or better than my 2021 touring.
Wheels on the base are 17" vs 19" on the Touring. Plus Touring has 10 mm more tread width. Rotating mass and rolling resistance (increased with more tread width) make a difference, and as you noted, a bit more curb weight with all the extra stuff. Wider tires also have slightly more drag through the air. I think the gearing is the same, but might be a tad more aggressive on the Sport, and also more aggressive on the Wilderness, especially the '24 models. (Significant penalty in mpg on the Wilderness).
I like the two tone seats on the base model and lack of sliding glass above. Missing is the power seats and a start button. Most other stuff not wanted or not needed, though the low roof rails look neat. Maybe the base model can delete the rails -- plug the holes???
I think it's worth it, I have a 18 touring outback and a 13 premium legacy and I'd say the creature comforts become very useful if you drive long distances. The rack setup alone on the upper trim is what I'd go for bc it looks better and it functions more in line with what I'd need IMHO
I think the safety features are quite a bit better on the Touring. I need tinted glass with the big windows. Base model will be a heat box in the south. Stereo is an amazing upgraded. Cooled seats are new to the game. They took away my CD player though!
If you're someone who is willing to pay that much extra for the top tier forester, you may as well buy the turbo outback.
We have had a Limited and a Touring of the 19-24 model. While the Touring is awesome, I think I would save $2k-$3k and get the Limited.
Also, this base vs loaded comparison is great. I would definitely like to see more.
Is it worth the extra $10K plus for the top of the line model? Not to me, but certainly to those who want the leather, 19" lovely wheels, the tech, better sound system, sunroof....
I ordered the white Sport model because I LOVE!! those bronze accents + the beautiful 19" bronze rims, tex interior, sunroof, Stablex dampers, brown interior accents...... with the guts of what everyone loves about the AWD system.
For those who can afford upgrades, why would you deny yourself...
I would pay the extra for the comfort and the big infotainment screen.
I’d gladly pay the extra for the features but the base model is a rare bargain, especially with the advanced cruise control that Subaru offers on the base model.
did you see my comment and used it for this vid? cuz i asked for the review on the base forester.
I like this type of comparison video. WRX would be a good one, also.
Not a fan of black gloss plastic but that base model screen needs some on the bezels
I wouldn't go fully loaded for a Forester. I think the Premium or Limited trims are the sweet spot if I'm buying a Forester.
Subaru would be my next choice of vehicle to buy just behind Yugo. Fact!
How much of that is the sunroof..id say not worth it. Love the vents for the back seat and everything else, mid spec is probably the sweet spot. There are some other versions, the XT(s) that throw a turbo in for those who want more acceleration
This is a good video idea I like it
I'll take the base. Simple. Not too much tech . TOO MUCH TECH too many problem later
Where do you get these 2025 vehicles from?
Dealers
The future
Sometimes aliens
Do Both have X-Mode ?
No
New Subaru looks hole lot better than the old Subaru
Not worth 10k more for the top trim
Oooooo a key