One of the brand’s most popular crossover SUVs, the Subaru Forester got a complete redesign last year. The sixth generation model is certainly better looking, more premium inside and has become a fierce competitor in the mid-range part of the market. Adding even more to like, they’ve just added an efficient new hybrid model.
The first ever for North America 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid made it’s debut at the Chicago Auto Show earlier in February and is due to arrive at dealerships this April. With its next next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid system, it promises up to 40% better fuel economy.
What’s best for the Subaru faithful is that it retains all of the hallmarks that have made the Forester attractive. It comes standard with Subaru’s famous symmetrical mechanical all-wheel-drive system, Eyesight safety systems and all the space, practicality, and capability that Forester has always been known for.
Checking the hybrid box gets you a new Atkinson/Miller Cycle variant of the brand’s 2.5-liter “boxer”engine combined with two electric motors and high-capacity lithium-ion battery. Total system horsepower is 194, an increase over the standard Forester powertrain.
The system can operate in both series and parallel modes with motivational power coming from gasoline or electric power or both. With electric traction motor and motor generator contained within the main transaxle, power continues to be delivered to all four wheels through a traditional mechanical all-wheel-drive system nearly identical to other Subaru models.
It’s EPA fuel economy ratings come in at 35 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined, which gives a total estimated range of 581 miles on a tank of fuel. That’s a 40% better fuel economy result in the city, and up to 25% better for combined mpg.
Off-road capability remains a strong point with its X-MODE traction controls, hill descent control, active torque vectoring and vehicle dynamics control. It comes standard with a healthy 8.7 inches of ground clearance too.
The Forester Hybrid pricing will start at an MSRP of $34,995 for the Premium grade, about a $2,600 uptick for going hybrid at the base model. It will also be available in Sport trim at $37,995, Limited starting at $39,420. At the top of the ladder, the premium for choosing a hybrid is only about $1,400 with the Touring model starting at $41,695.
As to colors, there are lots of options. For one, it will be available in an exclusive color called Daybreak Blue Pearl. A contrast Crystal Black Silica roof as shown in our video will also be available with certain colors. Exterior styling for the hybrid model will include a few expected subtle touches like HYBRID badges on the fenders and rear gate.
The Forester line will also grow later this year with the return of the super off-road oriented Wilderness trim grade with added ground clearance, more off-road mechanical chops and a more rugged personality. A hybrid variant of the Wilderness trim is unfortunately will not be offered for now.
The 2025 Forester Hybrid will arrive at retailers nationwide in spring 2025.
