The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Is A Long-Awaited Electrified Adventure SUV
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- The #SubaruForesterHybrid has finally arrived and this time, #Subaru borrowed some of the best #Hybrid technology from its Japanese partner Toyota. The #ForesterHybrid combines the traditional Subaru Boxer engine with the 2-motor hybrid system from the RAV4 Hybrid. The latest #SubaruForester is now capable of up to 35 MPG with nearly 200 HP under the hood.
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The wait is over! The hotly anticipated Forester Hybrid is arriving soon and we do want to point out that Subaru already did announce the MPG and pricing for the vehicle after we shot this review. Subaru says all Forester hybrid's will be rated at 35/34 MPG and with its 16.6 Gallon fuel tank, you can get nearly 600 miles of range on a full tank! Also, the base price for the Hybrid Premium trim will start at $34,995 which is about $2,800 more versus the non-Hybrid Forester Premium trim. At the top end Touring trim, Subaru only charges about $1,700 more for the Hybrid powertrain which sounds like a no-brainer to us and we won't be surprised to see these cars sell like hotcakes when they hit dealerships this Spring!
I wish the hybrid had more power!
I wish the hybrid had more power!
I want that vehicle!!!
Do you have firm details on the transmission? You mention eCVT in the video, but I seem to see conflicting details online about what is actually used here. A regular Forester uses the TR580, but I don't think that can handle the torque from the hybrid version. The TR690 (used in the Outback with the turbo engine) can handle more torque, but I'm not sure they are using that either. Is it a modified version of one of those or a planetary gearset like Toyota uses in their hybrid system? Would be good to know if it has an all new CVT design or uses a planetary gearset.
The hybrid system is from the Toyota RAV4.
Subaru and Toyota are in bed together.
This is going to sell really well! 8.7 inches of ground clearance, that’s respectable for everyday people, high 30’s mpg, and you have a real awd, an amazing awd system versus e-awd which usually suck or are barely decent.
100%!!!
e-AWD is better than nothing i guess, but doesn't hold a candle to true all time AWD!!!
Sounds like costly maintenance down the road.
Finally a hybrid for these cars. They're going to sell like hotcakes. IMO
Yikes still so expensive. I hope people realize they will never make their money back on the hybrid during the ownership period unless you put 250K miles.
Math:
Gas Forester: 250000/29mpg = 8620 gallons of gas used. Assume $3.5/gallon which ends up being $30170 spent on gas.
Hybrid Forester: 250000/35mpg = 7142 gallons of gas used. Assume $3.5/gallon which ends up being $24997 spent on gas.
For those wondering, putting 5k in stock would probably double by the time the average person is able to put 250K miles on a car (at least 15 years).
It's a 3nd attempt of forester hybrid, as it looks like gen4 toyota hybrid system it may work this time not like previously when it was a giant sales flop as it was heavier,no spare tyre as battery was there(still don't know why not under rear seats),more expensive and less fuel efficient than standard 2.5 model..
@@ayushmalpeddi2793that’s what’s frustrating. The price increases for hybrids has made it so difficult to save enough to make up the differences. You’d have to drive so many miles but then replacement costs can eat up what you saved
@@ayushmalpeddi2793Not only Subaru. That math is for the whole industry. I think Hybrid Car is only suitable to California market in which gas price is crazy.
Without a spare tire when the rav4 managed it though, they're going to needlessly turn people away
My 2.5 2018 Outback gets close to 29.9mpg and mild all terrains. With all seasons I was getting 31. 150,000 miles always started and got me places. Even I lived in it for years too LOL. Just stayed on maintenance and life was good
6:30 correction on the battery pack placement. It’s not under the seats, it’s in the spare tire well under the cargo mats/styrofoam. It’s a shame because in other review videos, you can clearly see there’s plenty of opportunity for better packaging economy to fit a compact spare along with the battery pack, not to mention they could’ve gone the standard route of just putting the battery under the rear seats.
Yep. It's an afterthought. If this sells well, they will likely fix it in later years.
I believe the battery sits in the trunk, which is why the Hybrid version doesn't have a spare tire.
Yeah, Toyota RAV4 hybrid is the one with its hybrid battery lives underneath the seats, that’s why RAV4 hybrid still has spare tire, the forester doesn’t seem like it’s the same design as RAV4, because there is no reason to choose not to put spare tire underneath the trunk area if the hybrid battery lives underneath the seats, since Subaru is all about off road.
@@blackwhirlwind1245 I think it’s because of the transmission tunnel for the AWD system. The probably can’t fit the battery underneath the back seat because of that. It works in the RAV4 because there’s no drive shaft on the AWDe system.
@@tails300 you are probably right, CRV hybrid also has mechanical AWD, that’s probably the reason why CRV also can’t do a spare tire.
They can do a spare tire. It's cost cutting. They want you to buy your own.
They should offer a spare tire strap down kit for those that want a spare. At least for extended trips.
We hope that Subaru will start the hybrid in the Outback.
We REALLY LOVE our (my wife’s) Outback and want to replace it with another Outback when it wears out.
We get 5-7 feet of snow every winter at our mountainous home here in north central Washington state.
We live on a private road 5 miles from town that we have to plow and maintain ourselves.
I always have to put my Tacoma into 4WD just to get up our road and into our garage during the winter.
Our Outback is the first car we’ve ever owned that we don’t have to put studded snow tires on every winter.
In fact we drove year round on our factory tires that came on our Outback.
We now have Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires on our Outback and when they wear out we’ll replace them with another set.
How does the Tacoma do with the stock tires or do you need snow/studded tires?
@ The stock tires are Great. Since mine is the TRD Off Road it came standard with the Goodyear Wrangler Kevlar tires.
Because I use our (my) Tacoma for work around our 54.5 acre mountain property and we take it off roading and up in the mountains on Forest, service and primitive roads / trails I needed a heavier duty tire so I bought a set of Falken Wildpeak AT4W 265/70/16 tires.
Both the Goodyear and the Falken tires are great in our very snowy conditions. I do put 300# of sand bags over the rear axle for better traction in the winter.
Both tires are All Terrain.
I went with a taller tire when I bought the Falken’s. It gives me an extra inch of ground clearance.
During our winter months I Always have to put my Tacoma into 4WD just to get up our private road as we have to plow and maintain it ourselves and we get 5-7 feet of snow every winter.
People want actual buttons and knobs on the dashboard.
You have to take your eyes off the road to hunt for the right thing to press.
I don't have that issue. it has physical buttons for the most common things such as volume, tuning, temp settings. Steering wheel controls for the rest of the radio functions. Which other functions do you want physical buttons for?
@ Heat and A/C,
agree one hundred percent. On my Acura MDX I have disliked having to try to see the AC and heat on and off settings on the screen. When the sun shines on the screen just right you can't see them at all. I just want buttons!
The Forester hybrid lineup: Touring Hybrid is $41,695 MSRP when it goes in sale this spring. Limited is $39,410 MSRP, Sport is $37,995, and Premium is $34,995. Range up to 581 miles per tank.
From Olympia to Leavenworth was getting 600 on 2019 model
No spare, no deal!
Nice video review by you as always! A small correction: From Subaru's website: All 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid models are powered by a newly developed 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine and electric motors with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic® CVT. It's likely going to be a solid drivetrain but I'm a bit surprised they didn't use Toyota's eCVT instead of their Lineartronic transmission.
i love seeing the camera man's reflection every time he opens a rear door lol
Enough with the barely working tablet interface. Bring back physical buttons!
Tablet works fine.
@@JeffSpehar-ov1cn Have to disagree. Worst part of ownership with my 23 touring. I was looking forward to upgrading to the hybrid, but it looks like I'm changing manufacturers.
@@JeffSpehar-ov1cn in the video it looks like Soyfean had trouble getting the tablet to register his touch input while sitting still in a temperate environment. Physical buttons or tactile controls would be better
I love my Legacy Touring XT but I picked it over the Forester for two reasons …. 1) Forester didnt offering a lot of the luxury trims even on the Touring. Love they they have cooling seats now. 2) The non turbo option kills it. My wife owns an Outback that’s got the naturally aspirated 4 cylinder and is okay with it but I think it’s too slow. I was really hoping the hybrid would give it some extra power.
Overall seems really nice though.
Great video Sofyan! Thank you!
Everybody complaining that it doesn't have the turbo anymore. When subaru offered it , nobody bought it . Thats why it's gone
A Subaru without a spare tire? Oof.
my thoughts exactly
Well the spare they give you is a donut and useless. Whenever I puncture a tire on mine I use a plug kit and if it ever blows out I will call AAA.
Most cars don't have a spare anymore. My Niro didn't have a spare
No spare, Dang. The RAV4 & CX50 Hybrids have spares.
Remember that the “secret” weapon of electric motors is torque, and they produce virtually all of it from zero rpm to their maximum.
So what if it will have 0-100 8.7-9.1s and mpg in higway is just 2-3mpg better .Rav 4 mpg and 0-100 is much better,although car drives like crap.
Thanks. Looking forward to your drive review (and the release of an outback hybrid)
Nice looking and capable. What I don't understand is why Subaru opts for liquid gaskets in their motors instead of solid material.
I like it! Very much looking forward to your driving impressions.
Its too bad we couldnt see this in motion and have you test out some of driving dynamics.
I would be interested in cabin noise vs the old model , the 0-60 and passing power.
I understand a performance car or a sedan not having a spare tire, but I cannot understand what these car manufacturers smoke when they decide not to include a spare tire in an SUV. It also baffles me when Subaru keeps the mechanical symmetrical all wheel drive, but has the audacity of removing the spare tire.
Excellent overview. Thank you vey much.
🔥 Monday to Friday ( going to work) , perfect boring car, no attention from cops and others...
Saturday and Sunday yes, i want attention with my wrx sti rumbling tha boxer engine at slow speed next to your car.
Finally 😍 AWD & Hybrid & Subbie
No power folding mirrors, I saw the blank for USDM.
Finally a modern gauge cluster!
When can we buy the forester hybrid? ❤
This is an amazing review! 👍🏾😎👍🏽 I’d love a larger engine and 4 wheel electric motor assist. 😊 Why is there a padlock in the center console?
Trade secret.
Am confused I was already getting 33 mpg in my 2019 what's the advantage? Using the battery around town?
Seems you will easily get 40+. I always get way more than estimated.
I would disagree with no compromises. No spare tire??
Will be interesting to see what Subie has in 4-5 years when we'll be looking to trade in our current Forester.
Im with you there im just about done paying off mine ill wait a few years but that urge for a new car lol
No spare is pretty lame, especially for a Subaru
That infotainment screen/OS feels so dated.
Why he talk like that. Sounds like somebody's chasing him. 😂
35 MPG? 194 Horsepower? In a 2025 hybrid?
Those numbers were impressive when the Lexus NX300h had them... a decade ago.
this is about as fuel efficient as the previous gen RAV4 Hybrid. I am talking about the fourth gen not the current fifth gen that is about to be replaced
Who cares
The current RAV4 has 219 hp, a full size spare and gets 39 mpg per EPA……plus over 20 years experience with hybrids.
@@foxlake6750 The current RAV4 Hybrid gets 40 MPG combined.
@@thecriticalthinkeroutsidet4947yeah I don't know why everyone is so hyped for it very confusing
The battery isn’t underneath the rear seat. It is located where the spare tire should be.
This is an almost $3k upcharge for hybrid, probably the highest among its competitors which are between $1k and $2K.
but will be far cheaper because of discount from dealership. Toyota and Honda dealership always try to upcharge their customers
$3k upcharge for 4 mpgs? Hardly worth it
@@NitrobucketI thought he said it’s an 80% improvement in city mpg
@@MaJaGa86 only 34-35 mpg city/highway. He updated it in the pinned comment.
So what driver looks forward to a long road trip knowing there’s no spare tire ?
At what speed does it transition to ICE? Does it use battery right after starting, or is there a period of running on ICE to charge the batteries?
Wait till they get all the bugs out of it.
Yes and put back the spare tire and I learned my lesson about buying first-year models before when I bought the 2004 STI big mistake
I think this model is way better than a RAV4
Why ? The RAV4 has a full size spare, better fuel economy at 39 mpg combined (EPA) and has 219 hp….as well as over 20 years experience with hybrids.
@@foxlake6750 yeah but the Toy doesn't have a symmetrical all-wheel drive system with good ground clearance that subaru is famous for and is quite superior to the Toyota eCVT system
Does it have a cvt as well?
I commend Subaru for finally getting this thing to market- probably should have been done like 10 years ago but better late than never. I guess we know why Toyota does the eAWD instead of the mechanical AWD as you get about 5 mpgs better with the eAWD setup. Although I like the idea of a better AWD setup, I'm not convinced I would need the 'extra AWD' over my Rav4 Prime when I have an extra 100 horsepower, 8 cu feet more cargo space and an extra 25 mpgs or so (over 60 mpgs on even mix of city/hwy) with the Rav. Maybe if I lived in a mountain environment with a ton of snow. Will be interested to see how this hybrid improves the groany and pokey nature of these typical 2.5i CVT Subarus. I would also like to point out that in the winter this thing will likely be doing closer to 25 mpgs than 35 mpgs knowing Subarus and Toyota hybrids quite well, which at that time of year will basically match the mpgs of the non-hybrid. Even the Toyota hybrids without the mechanical AWD lean quite heavily on the gas engine for heat in winter and the battery loses capacity which is kind of a double whammy for efficiency. I'm also wondering if they will have this dialed in from the start as there is literally no other hybrid on the market right now that utilizes a CVT with a mechanical full-time AWD setup. I'm guessing that this is one of the technical challenges that would explain why it took so long for them to get a viable hybrid out.
I like Hybrid Forester but the prices will likely be out of my range. May wait a few years to buy a used Subaru hybrid.
Then pay for that battery replacement
I only wish they put normal 17" tires on this...
Very nice looking vehicle. It will sell very well. I'm waiting for the Outback to be revealed and see what it looks like particularly in the Hybrid version.
I can't believe they are still using that steering column cover with a ignition key cover. Come on!!!
I wish it has a traditional transmission not a electronic CVT because I really hate CVT transmissions although it's not a redesign but it'll get the job done
It actually gets Subaru's Lineartronic CVT. He misspoke regarding the eCVT. Check Sub's website for confirmation.
@@marknelson9406 Darn, was hoping it might get the Toyota/Ford style eCVT, which drives really well, and uses a planetary gearset. - The eCVT in m Maverick feels better than the CVT in our '25 Forester (wife's car).
4:24 we see you ryan
Does it have a brake hold feature?
Good question.
Ive never clicked so fast on a video!!
Thanks for the well done, informative video. I have been driving two different Santa Fe's for the past 19+ years and have not had any issues with either one (so far). I was considering a new sportage but I really like the 2025 forester limited, however I am concerned about how well their CVT would hold up if I used the paddle shifters allot. I've always driven my Santa Fe's (2.4 theta eng.) at least half the time in manual mode for city driving. (I live in a very hilly area). Do you think the Forester non-hbrid CVT would hold up well with a driver shifting with the paddle shifters that much?? How about the eCVT?? Thanks in advance for any opinions.
How does a hybrid only gain you 2 mpgs on the highway from the non hybrid model?
Hybrid is all about city MPG, if you primarily drives on highway, then you should get the regular gas engine.
Engine doesn’t shut off at highway speeds.
Regenerative braking is where you gain energy, much less braking on highway.
Finally someone said this
Yep duel exhaust would be the way to go….
Informative and helpful Video, thank you. Do you think the Forester CVT will hold up well for someone (like me) that lives in a very hilly area and shifts the car allot in manual mode while driving in the city??
Thanks in advance for any opinions.
Absolutely. Do your cvt fluid changes every 30k to 40k miles and it’ll last 200k+ miles.
@@haroldbeauchamp3770 Thank you for the reply.. :)
wild Driving Sports TV in the background at 4:25
This review being good overall also has several factual mistakes and seemed very rushed to me.
2022 Forester Sport was the best looking Forester and miss that old more powerful turbo. Needs that WRX engine real talk
"Everyone" says they miss the old XT turbo models but nobody bought enough of them to keep it around.
@davidmccarthy6061 right lol same as the V6 Camry. We all would love to buy 10 cars 😂😂
@@davidmccarthy6061I bought the 2018 waited for it to come from Japan didn’t want the regular model to slow
Hybrid or Wilderness, man tough decision
go Hybrid! More power and mpg, and I doubt you'll need the 9+ inches of ground clearance
The interior goes from kinda loud to hushed on the interstate, thanks to lots of additional sound deadening in the doors, too. (Per Subaru).
2:38 Subaru claims range of up to 581 miles on a single tank of gas.
U must not own modern subie? This is doable now
35mpg is PATHETIC when the non-hybrid gets 33. With the increased complexity, potential problems, and additional purchase price, good luck saving money. @Subaru, what were you thinking?
The increase in MPG doesn't seem very significant although it will depend on the final pricing if it's worth it. I do wish Subaru would have gained the Toyota Direct/Port injection system, for less maintenance down the road.
What's the mpg?!
9:46 New low-speed pedestrian sound!
Can you confirm if there is a 120v AC power outlet at the back? The new Japanese hybrid Crosstrek has one (100v AC over there)
Anything to control regeneration?
Like the Hondas regeneration paddles.
These car reviewers who review hybrid's and not mention if it has regen or not are clueless.
Nice, but waiting for the Outback for extra rear legroom and more carlike wheelbase.
194hp? Hmm…🤔 that’s good for the Crosstrek but I’m not so sure with a heavier Forester. Also are the upcoming tariffs going to inflate purchase prices, and no spare tire is a let down. The hybrid components also encroach underneath the cargo area, and if I wanted to put something heavy like fridge for camping it might be too heavy 😑. I’m not so sure I’m going to keep my reserved unit.
it’s a RAV-4 in Subaru suits
Looks like a Forester premium hybrid will be the real bargain price point
Subaru needs to hire an entirely new graphics department. Awful......
Agreed!!
Bullshit
this is about as fuel efficient as the previous gen RAV4 Hybrid. I am talking about the fourth gen not the current fifth gen that is about to be replaced
HUD?
Beautiful car
Glad they didnt make the engine smaller. More HP due to the electric motors would be a good thing.
Why on earth is Subaru calling the hybrid transmission a CVT? I thought it was eCVT
Too bad it still has the Ford Explorer grill. That’s why we passed on buying the new one.
Actually like the grill
Spare tire and battery placement is a disappointment but that eCVT should be much more reliable and with traditional symmetrical AWD!.
What about the transmission? Will it be a CVT with and actual first (launch) gear like the RAV4 hybrid?
CVT's don't have gears
@@brettatenciorn8522 When you don't know what you are talking about, its best not to respond.
so how's the MPG?
did you watch the video
No one was waiting for this. Let's have a decent EV Forester clean reliable with more torque and performance. Or just bring back the Forester XT with the hood scoop, I don't mind paying extra for gas for a car I actually enjoy driving.
Muy bueno Subaru forester hybrid, esperemos que llegue a Europa esté nuevo motor híbrido
Came out EPA is 35mpg.... I guess they misinformed you on mpg.
Priced right!
This will sell good because it is not a lot more expensive, but this is NOT a good hybrid.
The battery is too small, and it doesn't plug in. For reference, 1kwh (the size of the battery here) will drive an SUV for 2.7 miles. If you are on the highway and not hitting the brakes, which is the way the battery charges, it will be providing nothing after a couple miles because you aren't braking much on the highway to charge it.
I feel like this is 6 years too late. We should be seeing a plugin hybrid now with at least a 10kwh battery ($1600 for automotive grade cells). If you are taking the spare tire away, you definitely have more room than a 1kwh battery takes.
The rav4 prime is popular for a reason.
Our spikey haired friends will love this.
As a straight male, please keep up the stereotype about Subarus being for the lesbians. I need my wife's car to be as cheap as possible.
@forkthepork Those egg beater sounding, remove engine for spark plug things, are already cheap.
@ Yeah, but I mean I want them to be even cheaper. Like, buy it with cash kinda cheap. 35 mpg, AWD, super reliable, toss the kid and the dog in it and do 4500 mile road trips without worrying about a thing. It's been the best value car I've ever owned. And we've owned 2 4Runners and 1 Tacoma.
In what world does a 1kwh battery that only charges when you hit the brakes increase hughway mileage by 25%?
It also gets trickle charged on the engine.
What's it like to drive it? That is the question. It's not much horsepower. Little bit of torque from the battery motor, yes, but still not a lot of HP.
Give us a 250hp version, Subaru.
Off road with no spare? 😮
Do I have to use the word Subie? I'm a foodie in a subie!
Nice explorer
Feel like this should top out around $30,000
No reason to top out around $30,000, if think this is expensive, just get a Hyundai Venue, and if you still think Venue is too expensive, then just get a bike.
Lol the Ford Exploder starts at 40k and runs up to 55k with options...
Feel like you need to be looking at Corollas. Have you been living in the US since Covid?
About time they made a hybrid. If this can get a big enough MPG jump to justify that higher price, then these should fly off dealer lots.
The 2025 Forester interior design is pretty good. But generally, Forester and its competition are too compact for my liking. My fav suv right now is the refreshed 3rd gen Toyota Highlander. That grille is perfection to my eyes. 😄
And i'm happy to say i picked up a very well-maintained pre-owned 2017 Highlander XLE AWD V6 in Shoreline Blue Pearl w/ Black interior on New Year's Eve 2024. Absolutely love it and babying the heck out of it. Had only 75,010 miles on it and currently at 75,500 after 1 month ownership. 😄
I drove conservatively on the highway and averaged 33 mpg! 💪
Yes, I’d love to see this in a LARGER version!
me too but it's too expensice and usually over MSRP and you have to wait months for it where I live
A new Forester Touring is $2K MORE than an Outback Limited.
When he said 1.1 kwh lol I just heard 1.21 gigawatts...if you know you know.
This is going to be one of the best Subarus yet because it doesn't use their junk cvt transmission.
I have an 2015 outback with 250k and have never had an issue with the CVT. There’s also two foresters in my family with over 150k and have also never had any cvt issues with those
Subaru CVT tends to be more reliable than other brands, it’s probably on par with Toyota and Honda, they don’t use Jatco CVT like Nissan does.
196k and counting on my wife's 16 Legacy...not to mention, we take it places we absolutely shouldn't 🤣
Every 30k CVT oil change should be fine
U must have just not maintained ur vehicle