2025 Subaru Forester: Stiffer and Smarter With a Hybrid Model on the Way
There’s also a feature that sounds an awful lot like Life Alert.
The new generation of Subaru's bestselling crossover, the 2025 Subaru Forester, was revealed Thursday at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. The redesigned crossover is built on a stronger platform than ever before, with new convenience and safety technologies, improved driving dynamics, and an upcoming hybrid variant. Also, it has Life Alert. Not literally, but that's what went through my head when I read about one of its biggest features.
Let's start with the mechanicals though, with the new unibody that's 10% stiffer owing to stronger welding techniques and extra structural adhesive. Power comes from a 2.5-liter flat-four engine making 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, sent by a CVT to Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Subaru also announced during its show presentation that a hybrid model is coming in a year or so, though it didn't disclose whether that'd be a regular hybrid or a plug-in.
Seventeen-inch wheels and standard torque vectoring make handling predictable, boosting agility and stability. It adopts variable-ratio electric power steering from the WRX too, and remains handy off-tarmac with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Some trims also get improved traction software that includes hill descent control.
Inside, the new Forester features more sound deadening for a quieter cabin, reducing noise from the roof by 39 percent. Dual-zone climate control is standard, and uses sensors to focus it where passengers are sitting. It's controlled by one of two standard 7.0-inch touchscreens, which can be switched for a single 11.6-inch screen on some trims. A foot-gesture tailgate for easy loading allows access to a cargo area that can reach 74.4 cubic feet with the rear seats flat. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, as are a wide range of trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring.
Subaru also improves safety, with standard LED headlights and automatic high beams. It also adds a standard EyeSight tech package, with a new feature that stops the car and calls emergency services if the driver becomes unresponsive while active cruise control is running. They don't call it Life Alert, but read this and tell me it's anything but:
For the first time on a Subaru, Emergency Stop Assist activates if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. The new standard safety feature will stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and unlock the doors. SUBARU STARLINK® Connected Services will then place a call to emergency services.
I joke, but my grandmother drives a Forester, and this is the kind of thing our entire family would appreciate. A source within Subaru also indicated the feature may be improved to maneuver the vehicle off to the shoulder so as to not block traffic.
Pricing for the 2025 Subaru Forester will be announced closer to when the vehicle goes on sale in Spring 2024. It's not yet clear if the off-road Wilderness model will carry forward, but it's hard to see Subaru calling it quits on what's so far been a successful foray into ruggedized rides.
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