Test-drove a '25 base model today, and I very impressed with the ride quality and how quiet it was, alon with firm yet supportive seats. They made meaningful changes under the skin 👍
Thats just because its new. Subaru ride quality and cabin noise get bad over time pretty quickly. Best thing to do is tear out all the crappy factory noise deadening and replace it with Kilmat, on the doors and floor especially. Then upgrade the shocks to something a bit firmer, especially if you’ll be loading it often.
I own the ‘25 Forester Sport, upgraded from the ‘21 Forester Sport. It’s just as loud as my old one. The road noise is noticeable, especially having test driven pretty much all the suvs in this class. The CRV is probably the quietest and the Mazda CX-50 is probably has the best ride and bang for the buck imo. If newer tech isn’t super important to you as I suspect it’s not given you are test driving the base model which has the 2019 tech in it, I would go with the either the Mazda CX-50 hybrid or CX-5 hybrid.
I hate driving a car with blank covers for options on the dash but driving a car that has a bumper for two exhaust tail pipes and one has a blank cover is next level
Hi! May I ask what you like about your Subaru? If you have one. My husband and I are trying to decide between the forester or the outback. Do you have any car problems that happen often. My current car, there is always something wrong with it, so we’re definitely ready to upgrade
We’re on our 4th forester now. It’s such a great all around vehicle. Tall windows and lots of visibility are key features for me. Hopefully nothing has changed in this regard…
Just got a 25' Limited. Traded in m 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara....so needless to say the smooth ride and quiet interior are loved, let alone that MPG increase. Really looking forward to seeing how I like this over the next 6 months and likely getting the hybrid when that comes out.
Got me a 2025 Subaru Forester Touring back in September. Recently found out (when I tried use it for the first time) that wireless charger won't work with iPhones 14, 15, or 16 because their cameras don't allow the phone to lay flat on the charger and if you put a case on the phone, the case precludes the phone to interact with the charger so it won't charge either. Took it to the dealership and they told me and wrote on the report that it's a design flaw on Subaru. Subaru Customer Advocacy threw a coupon at me and did nothing to solve the actual problem. I hope they will fix this for the 2026 model and maybe give the option to get it fixed on the 2025 model, too. Until then, if you have an iPhone 14, 15, or 16, do not expect to be able to charge on the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring wireless charger.
I bought a subaru based on consumer reports high grades. Everything they reported was correct. Now my daughter drives it. However it is the most uninspired driving experience you will ever have. It is simply reliable transportation.
Subaru President and CEO Atsushi Osaki said they will begin building the next-generation Forester and a new Hybrid version compact SUV at its Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Confirmed by Scott Brand, President and Chief Operating Officer Subaru of Indiana Automotive in a later press conference earlier this year. This is likely to be in 2026 however, as they are likely to introduce the Hybrid version, which also was stated to be made in IN as well. So if you want one that is 100% "made in Japan", get this model year.
@@YuyoDriftthe 25 forester will start being made in Indiana starting next year. Kind of sucks, but their Crossfrek I believe is already made in Indiana and apparently those are well made. But that Japanese quality labor is definitely a plus.
@ericripley9739 nuh uh the newer ones like 2024 and later ones are affordable, have more features than any toyota at a less price and are more reliable than the older subarus.
I hope you noticed the removal of HomeLink on the rearview mirror of the Forester Touring model’s Smart Digital rearview mirror. HomeLink is on every lower trim of Forester. What a huge misstep. It’s also available on the Ascent Touring and the Outback Touring / Touring XT with their Smart Digital rearview mirror. Not sure what happened there!
Also the lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control are way less sensitive than they were in the 2021. I’m a little disappointed that they seem to have taken a couple steps back with the new forester. I still love it but I loved my 2021 more.
Same here but one year later. I learned the lesson. Never buy the first edition. Happened with the Ascent in 2018. We still have and love it but, it had like 5 recalls.
To speak on the Subaru driver monitoring system. It needs a little tweaking. Sometimes when I’m driving and I tilt my head a little down to block a little sun, it will alert me telling me to keep my eyes on the road when in reality I do. Also when I’m squinting it does the same thing
I hated this in the Ascent that I drove for a couple days. I live in Southern California so I always have sunglasses on and it would freak out all the time that I’m not looking at the road even though my eyes hadn’t left the road. I got the 2025 Forester Sport and I’m so glad it doesn’t have the driver monitoring system.
Don’t!! I got the 2025 sport when my 2021 sport was totaled and I’m a little disappointed, the drive in my opinion was so much better in the ‘21 and better gas mileage. I would wait to see how the hybrid does but right now it’s not worth it.
I just leased a 2025 Forester. The only thing that I definitely don’t like is driving at night because the distance that I can see is very limited. The headlights light up well and bright, BUT the horizontal line of sight is dangerously low. You can’t see what’s further than about 50 yards ahead without putting the high beams on.
Agreed. The problem is particularly pronounced in hilly terrain where the drastic cutoff reduces the light distance alarmingly when you reach the bottom of hills. I think this is a major safety problem.
I have a 23 Forester (after driving a 16 for 7 years). The 23 is so much better. I imagine the 25 is even better than the 23. There is however one negative change from my 16 to 23. The CVT simulated shifts are unneeded and seem to cause worse fuel economy, especially in city driving/stop and go. This change could only result in less efficiency. Definitely not getting advertised mpg, or what I got driving 2016. Other than that, huge fan of the Forester!
Idk about the ‘23 but imo the ‘21 was better than the ‘25. I had a 2021 Forester Sport and bought a 2025 Forester Sport and I honestly think the ‘21 was better. Besides the ‘25 having slightly better acceleration, it has worse gas mileage and I feel like it’s louder too. Almost everything else is same or similar enough that it’s moot.
I am so torn. I want the flashiness of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and Toyota RAV4 and the Hyundai Santa Fe, but I really need to get a minimum of 10 years+ out of my next car. I want the reliability of the engines & transmissions of proven track record 6 and 8 speeds and not to be cvt's and dct's. The Forester looks like something my dad drove 20 years ago when he was old. But now I am old so logic tells me THIS IS THE ONE... but why am I resisting still?
As someone who bought the 2025 Forester Sport, I say if the newest tech isn’t super important get the 2025 Mazda CX-50 hybrid. It’s using the Toyota hybrid system but looks and feels better than the Rav-4. Plus it’s a sportier drive and it’s cheaper. I may have some buyers remorse regarding my purchase.
The Forester used to be made in Japan, the 25 is now made in the US. Other US made Subarus are pretty reliable, however we will see how this does. As always, Subaru always puts slightly underpowered engines in their cars but unlike other models, there isn't an option for a more powerful engine in the 25 Forester. I would wait a year or so before buying this car.
One thing I noticed about the Hyundai Tucson. It has the side mirror in the corner of the window frame. Once you have a Subaru with that little window, you won’t be able to go back to the mirror blocking your view.
I like it better than the Honda CR-V but the Mazda CX-5 has better handling. My CX-5 is 6 years old with no issues. However, the MINI Countryman has the most character and is rated well in reliability.
I had an older Subaru forester. It needed an engine replacement and then the head gasket went. So much reservations about even looking in the direction of a forester making any interest grating. I had an Impreza first. It was absolutely fantastic. So I’m a little conflicted when it comes to Subaru
When I owned a 2009 forester, blew a head gasket at 145,000 miles. It was a known issue before 2014 models. It’s never been an issue for the last 10 years as that has been addressed. This stain on their reputation really sticks around which is a shame, a little research goes a long way!
I used to drive Subaru vehicles from 1981 to 2013 (GLF, Forester, Legacy) but then I left them. Basically, I no longer need AWD and the Forester grew too big to fit in my garage. Don't know if I'd go back to them after test driving a Crosstrek, but I do love my KIA Niro EV (a CR recommended vehicle, by the way). Shameful that you have to spend $40K for driver alert safety.
Adaptive headlight like on a Audi will do the trick. The sensors turn the lights off and on automatically when on an extremely dark road and when oncoming vehicles approach. They'll cause the cost off the vehicle to go up though.
I have been averaging 34 to 36 mpg in mixed, but mostly highway and open road suburban road driving on my 2025 Forester. I have seen as high as 37 mpg on Interstate Highway trips at 65 mph. I was debating to wait for the hybrid, but with mpg like this, why bother. Any Hybrid is only going to help you with better mpg in stop and go city traffic, which I rarely do. Subaru has made huge improvements in ride quality and cabin noise in the 2025 model compared to previous Forester designs. I also like that it has the non-turbo engine vs the higher trim Outback and all the Ascent models, which will mean way less maintenance costs at high miles.
From Newfoundland, Canada: I had a chance to test drive the top trim in Canada, the Premier. For a $48,000 vehicle (not including taxes and other fees) I was dissapointed, especially with a lack of soft touch materials. EVERYTHING is hard plastic around the entire dash! And the centre entertainment console is not my style. I'll wait for the Hybrid to arrive to see if I change my mind.
Great vehicles. But the new Foresters & Outback are too slow for me with the regular 2.5. The Turbo 2.4 drives great in the Outback. I wish they offered it in the Forester. Or even put their Japan market 1.8 Turbo in the Forester here for more torque & mpg. I’m waiting to see how the Hybrid does.
You guys make me laugh! Too slow? Just how fast do you want to go? Yes, I'm an old fart who learned to drive the family's '62 Mini ( 30hp?) , followed by a few Beetles ( 50hp) . Now those were slow. So 175 hp is just fine with me.
It did not sell a couple of generations ago, so they dropped it. It probably won't be coming back. Toyota tends to not give Subaru its latest hybrid technology. Instead, it gives the prior generation. So don't expect great acceleration since the previous generation Prius was 0-60 in 10 seconds before they gave the hybrid more power this generation and dropped the time to 7 seconds.
Subaru continues to decline to say when the Forester Hybrid will be revealed, any more specifically than "next year." They are said to be using the Toyota system, and if they are re-configuring it for their boxer engine, they may still be working on engineering it.
I don’t understand “too slow.” I’m not purchasing the vehicle to race. Not trying to fly down the highway weaving in and out of traffic. Not trying to beat anyone off the line at the light.
2:15 I wish this sentence had at least a second sentence: "If you are looking for a more fuel efficient powertrain, the new Forester will be joined by a hybrid version, for the first time."
My debate is to keep my 2021 lease and to buy it or get this new 2025. Its going to cost the same in payments somehow. The one i test drove had a dark roof lining made the car feel cramped and the eyesight was a black box blocking the window whereas my 2021 its light and not noticeable. Im fine either way its a car i just want to be safe but subaru really and maybe all car manufacturers have had some crap interior designs in the last few yrs
I'd be happy with the Premium trim level at its price, but I want to check out the Sport. Limited and Touring upholstery and additional safety features. I'm am fine with the 17-inch wheels, but I'd want the driver distraction option, which doesn't see to appear on many showroom Premiums. Are those things worth a $5,000 to $7,000 higher price? Leather, premium audio, better safety features? Time to go shopping. We will keep this car for a decade, probably. (Our current Forester is a 2011.)
The driver distraction thing is on my Outback and to be honest it’s pretty annoying. A nice thing about it is that it remembers where your seat is supposed to be if you have your profile set up. But it’s mostly irritating, just like the lane keeping assists beeps and lights and I usually keep both shut off.
It's sad that Consumer Reports doesn't tell you that the newer Subarus collects data on individuals who purchase their cars. This information is then forwarded to second - and third-party data brokers who inturn forward this information to insurance companies and like companies ( LexusNexus and Verisk ) who have the potential to use this data against the purchaser of the vehicle. Yo man, I'm keep my 2016 Outback until it can't be repaired anymore and I'm forced to by another vehicle.
Probably why I’m waiting for the lease returns on the 22-23 Foresters and having my bank finance it.CarMax gets a fair share of Subaru lease returns/1 owner/less then 25,00 miles which is no big deal of usage
I understand if you don't initiate and maintain a "Starlink" subscription (initially free, then paid subscription), you don't have to worry about the car "phoning home".
No this is all false. I will upgrade every 5yrs. Stop speeding and driving like a maniac then even if they collect it won't impact you nor your insaurance rates. Just drive the speed limit. It isn't that hard.
8:20 Only way to read the message "Keep Eyes on Road" is to take the eyes of the road...🤔😅 What a gimmick, so important that it only comes on top Touring trim. 🤣
I really feel like they dropped the ball in the most insulting way on consumers when I found out they have a 360° camera in the higher trims why would they not offer that on the premium the sport what is the logic there if people don't have the money for a limited but still deserve safety feature like 360°. It's just insulting
I want to like the Forester, and Subaru in general, but they turn me off at every chance. I like the idea of a simple, boxy car, but this Forester is dated and hideous in my opinion. And we haven't had overwhelmingly positive thoughts about our 2019 Outback Touring. Not a brand I would buy from again. I have, however, been a fan of these newer CR videos (when I watch them, which isn't too often). This presenter and another (whose name I forget) are likeable and objective. I just don't know if CR is as neutral as they claim. There's a lot of fawning over cars which, in my opinion, are sensible on paper but underwhelming in the real world.
The worst front seats known to man. I love my Outback and Subaru in general. But Christ the 2014 seats in my forester touring are garbage. And I’ve sat in the 2025 without much improvement.
Suggest that you say that the rear seat loop is under the tush versus “ butt”. Overall, a well done review. You might have mentioned some comparisons to RAV and CRV.
I think that's because she just probably flips the car and gets into a new one after the lease is up every 2 or 3 years. Incidentally, I own a 2016 Subaru Outback. Currently, it has 291,600 miles. My last car was a 2011 Subaru Outback purchased in 2012 when I traded it in. In 2016, it had 260,000 miles on it, and the dealership didn't want to repair a solenoid. By the way, somebody purchased that car because I kept it so well.
I’ve read that some dealers won’t even touch changing the CVT fluids and some established mechanics claim to leave it alone till after 30,00+ miles. A lot of pros/cons.Haven’t heard of any DOT recalls or alerts.Mystery..
Subaru of Japan does recommend CTV fluid changes, not the "life time" fluid Subaru of North America claims. Change the fluid on the Japanese recommended interval, and the Subaru CTV is very dependable.That is true of ANY automatic. Change the fluid, and most are very dependable (except for Nissan - their designs are a disaster).
That's because you're dumb. Set the system to 'Full Auto", set the temp to what you want, and it takes care of itself, PERIOD, year round. Why make problems where there are none?
Where Subaru were once a quirky stand out from the crowd company it has become a boring "safe" design company. I'm not sure if this is Toyotas ownership influence or the fact that the American market is so important to sales that they pander to it. As a result they are producing boring unexciting vehicles.
I'm not driving in the Alps. I'm driving in Pontiac MI. The roads are so bad I have to watch for sink holes so the front end isn't ripped off the car. And, again I'm not driving in the Alps...I'm driving to my boring job.
Test-drove a '25 base model today, and I very impressed with the ride quality and how quiet it was, alon with firm yet supportive seats. They made meaningful changes under the skin 👍
Thats just because its new. Subaru ride quality and cabin noise get bad over time pretty quickly. Best thing to do is tear out all the crappy factory noise deadening and replace it with Kilmat, on the doors and floor especially. Then upgrade the shocks to something a bit firmer, especially if you’ll be loading it often.
I own the ‘25 Forester Sport, upgraded from the ‘21 Forester Sport. It’s just as loud as my old one. The road noise is noticeable, especially having test driven pretty much all the suvs in this class. The CRV is probably the quietest and the Mazda CX-50 is probably has the best ride and bang for the buck imo. If newer tech isn’t super important to you as I suspect it’s not given you are test driving the base model which has the 2019 tech in it, I would go with the either the Mazda CX-50 hybrid or CX-5 hybrid.
I hate driving a car with blank covers for options on the dash but driving a car that has a bumper for two exhaust tail pipes and one has a blank cover is next level
Excellent review, thank you for not obsessing over the number of cup holders
I wish I discovered Subarus 20 years ago. Best bang for your buck
Hi! May I ask what you like about your Subaru? If you have one. My husband and I are trying to decide between the forester or the outback. Do you have any car problems that happen often. My current car, there is always something wrong with it, so we’re definitely ready to upgrade
Thanks for a real review instead of just a list of features!
We’re on our 4th forester now. It’s such a great all around vehicle. Tall windows and lots of visibility are key features for me. Hopefully nothing has changed in this regard…
Peak torque changed from 4,400 to 3,700. Old wasn't 5,400 rpm. 180 HP lost 2HP to reduce particulate matter (soot).
Just got a 25' Limited. Traded in m 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara....so needless to say the smooth ride and quiet interior are loved, let alone that MPG increase. Really looking forward to seeing how I like this over the next 6 months and likely getting the hybrid when that comes out.
Got me a 2025 Subaru Forester Touring back in September. Recently found out (when I tried use it for the first time) that wireless charger won't work with iPhones 14, 15, or 16 because their cameras don't allow the phone to lay flat on the charger and if you put a case on the phone, the case precludes the phone to interact with the charger so it won't charge either. Took it to the dealership and they told me and wrote on the report that it's a design flaw on Subaru. Subaru Customer Advocacy threw a coupon at me and did nothing to solve the actual problem. I hope they will fix this for the 2026 model and maybe give the option to get it fixed on the 2025 model, too. Until then, if you have an iPhone 14, 15, or 16, do not expect to be able to charge on the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring wireless charger.
I have an iPhone 12 and noticed a lot of issues with the wireless charger too.
I bought a subaru based on consumer reports high grades. Everything they reported was correct. Now my daughter drives it. However it is the most uninspired driving experience you will ever have. It is simply reliable transportation.
it's made in Japan, sold! 👍🇯🇵
my 2010 honda fit made in saitama japan is still going strong, 180,000 miles.
Have had 3 Subarus, '11 and '14 Foresters ( Japan) and now a '17 Outback (USA) See absolutely no difference in quality!
Subaru President and CEO Atsushi Osaki said they will begin building the next-generation Forester and a new Hybrid version compact SUV at its Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Confirmed by Scott Brand, President and Chief Operating Officer Subaru of Indiana Automotive in a later press conference earlier this year.
This is likely to be in 2026 however, as they are likely to introduce the Hybrid version, which also was stated to be made in IN as well. So if you want one that is 100% "made in Japan", get this model year.
@@YuyoDriftthe 25 forester will start being made in Indiana starting next year. Kind of sucks, but their Crossfrek I believe is already made in Indiana and apparently those are well made. But that Japanese quality labor is definitely a plus.
@ericripley9739 nuh uh the newer ones like 2024 and later ones are affordable, have more features than any toyota at a less price and are more reliable than the older subarus.
I hope you noticed the removal of HomeLink on the rearview mirror of the Forester Touring model’s Smart Digital rearview mirror. HomeLink is on every lower trim of Forester. What a huge misstep.
It’s also available on the Ascent Touring and the Outback Touring / Touring XT with their Smart Digital rearview mirror. Not sure what happened there!
Also the lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control are way less sensitive than they were in the 2021. I’m a little disappointed that they seem to have taken a couple steps back with the new forester. I still love it but I loved my 2021 more.
I’m waiting for the hybrid.
next year, so I hear.
yep that's going to be interesting.
Same here but one year later. I learned the lesson. Never buy the first edition. Happened with the Ascent in 2018. We still have and love it but, it had like 5 recalls.
@@ericpizarro3084 but it all got fixed okay?
I was collecting 80's Subarus At one time I had 14 of them .....Most of them over 150 K mileage .2002 Outback has 203K
thank you very much for the review. im getting my 2025 Subaru Forester premium trim
That front end looks so much like an Explorer 2 gens back.
To speak on the Subaru driver monitoring system. It needs a little tweaking. Sometimes when I’m driving and I tilt my head a little down to block a little sun, it will alert me telling me to keep my eyes on the road when in reality I do. Also when I’m squinting it does the same thing
I hated this in the Ascent that I drove for a couple days. I live in Southern California so I always have sunglasses on and it would freak out all the time that I’m not looking at the road even though my eyes hadn’t left the road. I got the 2025 Forester Sport and I’m so glad it doesn’t have the driver monitoring system.
I don’t need eyeball watching trickling down, how about standard blind spot monitoring?
I'm surprised Subaru makes you buy a package for blindspot monitoring.
Excellent point. Should be main selling point. Safety
In Canada it comes stardard
that’s what you get for buying subaru instead of an actual good japanese car
I love my 2021 touring trim, I am interested in seeing how the hybrid does when it’s available but I’m in no hurry to part with my current Forester.
Don’t!! I got the 2025 sport when my 2021 sport was totaled and I’m a little disappointed, the drive in my opinion was so much better in the ‘21 and better gas mileage. I would wait to see how the hybrid does but right now it’s not worth it.
I just leased a 2025 Forester. The only thing that I definitely don’t like is driving at night because the distance that I can see is very limited. The headlights light up well and bright, BUT the horizontal line of sight is dangerously low. You can’t see what’s further than about 50 yards ahead without putting the high beams on.
Agreed. The problem is particularly pronounced in hilly terrain where the drastic cutoff reduces the light distance alarmingly when you reach the bottom of hills. I think this is a major safety problem.
I have a 23 Forester (after driving a 16 for 7 years). The 23 is so much better. I imagine the 25 is even better than the 23. There is however one negative change from my 16 to 23. The CVT simulated shifts are unneeded and seem to cause worse fuel economy, especially in city driving/stop and go. This change could only result in less efficiency. Definitely not getting advertised mpg, or what I got driving 2016. Other than that, huge fan of the Forester!
Idk about the ‘23 but imo the ‘21 was better than the ‘25. I had a 2021 Forester Sport and bought a 2025 Forester Sport and I honestly think the ‘21 was better. Besides the ‘25 having slightly better acceleration, it has worse gas mileage and I feel like it’s louder too. Almost everything else is same or similar enough that it’s moot.
I am so torn. I want the flashiness of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and Toyota RAV4 and the Hyundai Santa Fe, but I really need to get a minimum of 10 years+ out of my next car. I want the reliability of the engines & transmissions of proven track record 6 and 8 speeds and not to be cvt's and dct's. The Forester looks like something my dad drove 20 years ago when he was old. But now I am old so logic tells me THIS IS THE ONE... but why am I resisting still?
As someone who bought the 2025 Forester Sport, I say if the newest tech isn’t super important get the 2025 Mazda CX-50 hybrid. It’s using the Toyota hybrid system but looks and feels better than the Rav-4. Plus it’s a sportier drive and it’s cheaper. I may have some buyers remorse regarding my purchase.
Love my 2025 Forester!
The Forester used to be made in Japan, the 25 is now made in the US. Other US made Subarus are pretty reliable, however we will see how this does. As always, Subaru always puts slightly underpowered engines in their cars but unlike other models, there isn't an option for a more powerful engine in the 25 Forester. I would wait a year or so before buying this car.
One thing I noticed about the Hyundai Tucson. It has the side mirror in the corner of the window frame. Once you have a Subaru with that little window, you won’t be able to go back to the mirror blocking your view.
Thx!, Just 💚 it!, It is a honest & reliable car that U can live with in every situation!!🎉
I like it better than the Honda CR-V but the Mazda CX-5 has better handling. My CX-5 is 6 years old with no issues. However, the MINI Countryman has the most character and is rated well in reliability.
Bring back the turbo option, with the hood scoop!
I had an older Subaru forester. It needed an engine replacement and then the head gasket went. So much reservations about even looking in the direction of a forester making any interest grating. I had an Impreza first. It was absolutely fantastic. So I’m a little conflicted when it comes to Subaru
What mileage when the failure happened? Did Subaru offer to cover any of the costs?
@@0HOON0 Oh, "shadow" can't tell you that until he fabricates an answer....
When I owned a 2009 forester, blew a head gasket at 145,000 miles. It was a known issue before 2014 models. It’s never been an issue for the last 10 years as that has been addressed. This stain on their reputation really sticks around which is a shame, a little research goes a long way!
I like what they did with it, although storage seemed to have gotten worse over the last few model years to include other nice features.
The hybrid will be a game changer!
I used to drive Subaru vehicles from 1981 to 2013 (GLF, Forester, Legacy) but then I left them. Basically, I no longer need AWD and the Forester grew too big to fit in my garage. Don't know if I'd go back to them after test driving a Crosstrek, but I do love my KIA Niro EV (a CR recommended vehicle, by the way). Shameful that you have to spend $40K for driver alert safety.
Nice car and review. But I wouldn't trade my Outback Touring XT for anything on the road today.
Loving the open road video. I don’t like the idea of anything beaming into my eyeballs. Can the Driver Focus system be turned off?
Adaptive headlight like on a Audi will do the trick. The sensors turn the lights off and on automatically when on an extremely dark road and when oncoming vehicles approach. They'll cause the cost off the vehicle to go up though.
@@adriancooper78I was referring to “Driver Focus,” which monitors your face.
@CaesarDarias
Oh ok. sorry that to. Big brother is watching us.
I have been averaging 34 to 36 mpg in mixed, but mostly highway and open road suburban road driving on my 2025 Forester. I have seen as high as 37 mpg on Interstate Highway trips at 65 mph. I was debating to wait for the hybrid, but with mpg like this, why bother. Any Hybrid is only going to help you with better mpg in stop and go city traffic, which I rarely do. Subaru has made huge improvements in ride quality and cabin noise in the 2025 model compared to previous Forester designs. I also like that it has the non-turbo engine vs the higher trim Outback and all the Ascent models, which will mean way less maintenance costs at high miles.
From Newfoundland, Canada: I had a chance to test drive the top trim in Canada, the Premier. For a $48,000 vehicle (not including taxes and other fees) I was dissapointed, especially with a lack of soft touch materials. EVERYTHING is hard plastic around the entire dash! And the centre entertainment console is not my style. I'll wait for the Hybrid to arrive to see if I change my mind.
Hard to beat 4 seat all wheel drive 30 mpg on regular gas. Brought mine new, got 6 years on it, no problems.
Idk what you drive or where but with the 2025 my average gas mileage is about 23.5 mpg. The 2021 was about 25 mpg. They seem to be going backwards.
Consumer reports always loves the forester for some reason.
Bland, and dull vehicle for similar people.
@@emmett3067
It's a reasonably priced compact SUV, please be real here.
Good value, comfortable, and practical. Why would anyone want that in their daily driver?
The review of the screen is the first time I’ve felt they were biased. Really biased.
@@emmett3067I prefer "bland" people over those who would insult someone for their choice of car.
So why didn't any Subaru make your new safest cars?
Great review.
Great vehicles. But the new Foresters & Outback are too slow for me with the regular 2.5. The Turbo 2.4 drives great in the Outback. I wish they offered it in the Forester. Or even put their Japan market 1.8 Turbo in the Forester here for more torque & mpg. I’m waiting to see how the Hybrid does.
I'll take the slower acceleration in return for better reliability.
You guys make me laugh! Too slow? Just how fast do you want to go? Yes, I'm an old fart who learned to drive the family's '62 Mini ( 30hp?) , followed by a few Beetles ( 50hp) . Now those were slow. So 175 hp is just fine with me.
It did not sell a couple of generations ago, so they dropped it. It probably won't be coming back. Toyota tends to not give Subaru its latest hybrid technology. Instead, it gives the prior generation. So don't expect great acceleration since the previous generation Prius was 0-60 in 10 seconds before they gave the hybrid more power this generation and dropped the time to 7 seconds.
Subaru continues to decline to say when the Forester Hybrid will be revealed, any more specifically than "next year." They are said to be using the Toyota system, and if they are re-configuring it for their boxer engine, they may still be working on engineering it.
I don’t understand “too slow.” I’m not purchasing the vehicle to race. Not trying to fly down the highway weaving in and out of traffic. Not trying to beat anyone off the line at the light.
Please Subaru, give some of us an option of a manual transmission pleeeeeeeeeeeease🙏🏾 especially in the outback 😞
When does the full review and rating get released?
The Forester just entered our test program, so check back in 6 - 8 weeks!
Do you have a milder rock hill for testing CUV off-roading competence?
They’re based in Colchester, Connecticut sadly there’s not a lot off-roading in that area
I’ll go with the lease returns of the 21-22 foresters with limited mileage/ corporate vehicle or single owner/ limited mileage.
Jen is my favorite!
They finally made it look half decent, the size/space is good but it NEEDS more HP.
Scrolling through RUclips and this showed up. Thought it was something from 2012 brought back up but nope, it's 2024
A good friend has owned 3. She is waiting on the hybrid model.
you said third row.? 6:33
I’ll be keeping my 2012 Premium.
Very nice review
2:15 I wish this sentence had at least a second sentence: "If you are looking for a more fuel efficient powertrain, the new Forester will be joined by a hybrid version, for the first time."
I'm afraid of the boxer engine! I wonder how reliable it is! There have been problems in the past...
My debate is to keep my 2021 lease and to buy it or get this new 2025. Its going to cost the same in payments somehow. The one i test drove had a dark roof lining made the car feel cramped and the eyesight was a black box blocking the window whereas my 2021 its light and not noticeable. Im fine either way its a car i just want to be safe but subaru really and maybe all car manufacturers have had some crap interior designs in the last few yrs
2025 forester wilderness?
I'd be happy with the Premium trim level at its price, but I want to check out the Sport. Limited and Touring upholstery and additional safety features. I'm am fine with the 17-inch wheels, but I'd want the driver distraction option, which doesn't see to appear on many showroom Premiums. Are those things worth a $5,000 to $7,000 higher price? Leather, premium audio, better safety features? Time to go shopping. We will keep this car for a decade, probably. (Our current Forester is a 2011.)
The driver distraction thing is on my Outback and to be honest it’s pretty annoying. A nice thing about it is that it remembers where your seat is supposed to be if you have your profile set up. But it’s mostly irritating, just like the lane keeping assists beeps and lights and I usually keep both shut off.
Full size spare?
I Really Like Subaru Forester on 2014 and want to change to a Hybrid model. 2.5i engine 180 horsepower is enough for me for everyday Driving 👍❤️😀
I looked at a Forester and the minute the salesman talked about CVT transmission I left the lot. Had a CVT in the past and they are horrible.
OMG, that screen is still lagging 😢, they’re so stubbornly stingy, no go😢 04:00
Not a fan of the new styling - prefer current model. And there doesn’t seem to be much - if at all - to encourge me to change. Good news for me!
There's always owners of the old one who claim to prefer it. It's usually cope
It's sad that Consumer Reports doesn't tell you that the newer Subarus collects data on individuals who purchase their cars.
This information is then forwarded to second - and third-party data brokers who inturn forward this information to insurance companies and like companies ( LexusNexus and Verisk ) who have the potential to use this data against the purchaser of the vehicle.
Yo man, I'm keep my 2016 Outback until it can't be repaired anymore and I'm forced to by another vehicle.
Probably why I’m waiting for the lease returns on the 22-23 Foresters and having my bank finance it.CarMax gets a fair share of Subaru lease returns/1 owner/less then 25,00 miles which is no big deal of usage
Proof, please.
I understand if you don't initiate and maintain a "Starlink" subscription (initially free, then paid subscription), you don't have to worry about the car "phoning home".
Fake news !
No this is all false. I will upgrade every 5yrs. Stop speeding and driving like a maniac then even if they collect it won't impact you nor your insaurance rates. Just drive the speed limit. It isn't that hard.
8:20 Only way to read the message "Keep Eyes on Road" is to take the eyes of the road...🤔😅
What a gimmick, so important that it only comes on top Touring trim. 🤣
Wish it had just a little more power….otherwise great offering
I wonder if the bearings go every 100,000 km, like my last two Foresters!
recalled for faulty thermostat .....get the extended warr if you buy this thing
@@mikelewis762 Not the MY 2025.
Jennifer is my favorite also !
Excellent review. Cannot wait to see the hybrid.
If you were expecting a new touchscreen, think again 😂
I thought the 25 got the outback’s screen?
@@philipseguin3451 it does, which is 5 years old now
Why can’t we have a normal physical gage cluster instead of a rocket ship?
why does the wheels look undersized 😂
It nor undersized. U are jealous.
Bigger tire craze is a waste of money
I really feel like they dropped the ball in the most insulting way on consumers when I found out they have a 360° camera in the higher trims why would they not offer that on the premium the sport what is the logic there if people don't have the money for a limited but still deserve safety feature like 360°. It's just insulting
I want to like the Forester, and Subaru in general, but they turn me off at every chance. I like the idea of a simple, boxy car, but this Forester is dated and hideous in my opinion. And we haven't had overwhelmingly positive thoughts about our 2019 Outback Touring. Not a brand I would buy from again.
I have, however, been a fan of these newer CR videos (when I watch them, which isn't too often). This presenter and another (whose name I forget) are likeable and objective. I just don't know if CR is as neutral as they claim. There's a lot of fawning over cars which, in my opinion, are sensible on paper but underwhelming in the real world.
if it wasn't for the cvt I would sold on it in a heartbeat.☹ waiting on the new 26 Honda passport and the 25 Toyota forerunner.
CVT maintenance is frequent and expensive. (If you want it to last 250k+)
We love our Forester, but this is one downside.
We have a CVT Forester with 125k miles on it, and the CVT feel and behavior is amazing. Go test drive one, it's not your grandpa's CVT.
It's not a Nissan CVT, so not worries.
You'll pay a lot more too
'25 CVT's perform flawless. I'll do the extreme/towing service intervals and expect it to be fine.
The worst front seats known to man. I love my Outback and Subaru in general. But Christ the 2014 seats in my forester touring are garbage. And I’ve sat in the 2025 without much improvement.
Ford in the front, Mitsubishi outlander 3rd gen in the back.
Suggest that you say that the rear seat loop is under the tush versus “ butt”. Overall, a well done review. You might have mentioned some comparisons to RAV and CRV.
Why? Butt is used a lot more than tush which sounds so prudish.
Topgun. But needs a more powerful Toyota hybrid motor.
No hybrid. No sale.
🇯🇵 #1
Hybrid is coming, and it will be the Toyota hybrid system.
Slow sales, expensive, production for North America cut at least twice. I suspect people are waiting for the Hybrid since Subaru is starting at 31K.
It doesn't sound like the vehicles last if her mother is on her 8th one.
Some people lease new every so often. Some people want the newest,latest. Especially if her daughter works in the business.
8th of only 6 generations none the less.
I think that's because she just probably flips the car and gets into a new one after the lease is up every 2 or 3 years.
Incidentally, I own a 2016 Subaru Outback. Currently, it has 291,600 miles. My last car was a 2011 Subaru Outback purchased in 2012 when I traded it in. In 2016, it had 260,000 miles on it, and the dealership didn't want to repair a solenoid. By the way, somebody purchased that car because I kept it so well.
Doesn't sound like you're too bright.
Same car but she is on her 8th Mom.
Great design. Engine needs more power…has the horsepower for people that drove cars in the early 1940s.
Front looks like a Ford Explorer.
As a Designer, I don’t understand how the car gets uglier and uglier each iteration.. interior/exterior designers clearly don’t talk to each other!
You're looking into a mirror....
I think they have a competition to see who can come up with the worst ideas
They go through waves of good looking then horrendously awkward. This version is definitely in the trough.
I’d rather not have all the swooping sculpted metal designs . It’s a practical car goes from point a to b.
I think the 2016 Forester XT has the best front end. Every model after it is less attractive.
the presenter is the target market are old ladies, young families, empty nesters, hippies. and i am all of the above
Her name is Stockburger? Wonder if she has a Modburger nemesis.
The bias is real
Just don't want a camera monitoring my face.
Change the CVT fluid every 30k miles or so and it might last 200k miles
I’ve read that some dealers won’t even touch changing the CVT fluids and some established mechanics claim to leave it alone till after 30,00+ miles. A lot of pros/cons.Haven’t heard of any DOT recalls or alerts.Mystery..
60k, and it WILL last OVER 200k.
Subaru of Japan does recommend CTV fluid changes, not the "life time" fluid Subaru of North America claims. Change the fluid on the Japanese recommended interval, and the Subaru CTV is very dependable.That is true of ANY automatic. Change the fluid, and most are very dependable (except for Nissan - their designs are a disaster).
Grandma Car 👵 is here 😂
Very fast selling vehicle
29 mpg ? ha ha . I can not achieve 23 mpg in my 22' Legacy .
It’s a great car for my 87 year old mother. It’s the really funny joke or the really dumbest praise for a car.
I prefer the older model The 2025 model look like a Ford😆
i find the interior so dated looking
It feels the same way about you. I hear.
I’ll never buy another Subaru again after suffering with just changing the vent flow and fan speed in my 23 Outback limited.
That's because you're dumb. Set the system to 'Full Auto", set the temp to what you want, and it takes care of itself, PERIOD, year round. Why make problems where there are none?
@@eskieman3948 Because rfjel7785 has never owned a Subaru and just logs on to complain. Probably works for GM. LOL.
The upside-down oil filter drains empty overnight causing dry starts every morning.
This is bad so to hide it, there is no oil pressure gauge!
Where Subaru were once a quirky stand out from the crowd company it has become a boring "safe" design company. I'm not sure if this is Toyotas ownership influence or the fact that the American market is so important to sales that they pander to it. As a result they are producing boring unexciting vehicles.
I'm not driving in the Alps. I'm driving in Pontiac MI. The roads are so bad I have to watch for sink holes so the front end isn't ripped off the car. And, again I'm not driving in the Alps...I'm driving to my boring job.
0:35 O'Lawd, everyone get your children off the streets!!! Get them off the roaaaad! Old people driving! AHHHHH
I am more scared of teen drivers
What an unappealing vehicle. Ugly inside and out, weak engine/transmission, basically an appliance for leasing
For old peaple ..for sure!
Every Subaru Base models are cheap plastic!
Design outdated !
Grow up, skippy. There are a LOT of younger people that are buying the Touring and Wilderness trim Foresters. And, it's PEOPLE, NOT "peaple"!