2025 Subaru Forester vs 2024 Subaru Forester
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Fans of the Subaru family of SUVs are a loyal bunch, and any new model or even updates to their favorite Scooby means that there is plenty to be excited about.
Subaru's no-nonsense approach to vehicle design allied with impressive and reliable engines plus their well-deserved reputation for legendary drivetrains means that those owners who are in the know will continue to enjoy the full Subaru experience.
Now, with the introduction of the all-new sixth-generation compact 2025 Forester model in the spring of 2024, there's even more to cheer about.
So what does the 2025 Subaru Forester bring to the party for those owners who enjoy an active lifestyle that the 2024 Forester doesn't excel at already?
Read on as we take a closer look at the latest 2025 version of the Subaru Forester and what has changed from the 2024 model year.
Exterior Design
Forester fans will still instantly recognize the 2025 Forester despite being drastically modernized and riding a moderately updated and stiffened chassis.
The 2025 version features reshaped side windows, and slightly flared wheel wells with black squared off wheel arch trims. In front, a larger grille is paired with a thin, flat bumper. The 2025 Forester features new-looking LED headlights with a thick, wedge-like shape allied with a standout band of LED lighting on the top.
At the rear, a more squared-off design features a standard roof spoiler fitted along with refreshed taillamps. Alloy wheels are standard across all trims. A useful 8.7 inches of ground clearance allows the Forester to freely venture off the beaten track.
The 2024 Forester's upright and square styling gives it a purposeful look. Exterior features include the hourglass effect of the angled headlamps along with the grille and front bumper trim. Matte black accents around the fog lights, wheel wells, air intake, and roof rails.
Top trim levels can add available satin chrome finish on the door handles, side mirrors, and roof rails.
The 2024 Subaru Forester is available in eight exterior colors.
Drivetrain
The new 2025 Forester and the 2024 version both make use of the same 2.5-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine that makes 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque in the latest 2025 model, while the 2024 version offers 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque; both models feature a Lineartronic CVT as the sole transmission option.
Subaru's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system is used in three versions, a Variable Torque Distribution using electronically controlled clutches to control torque split. Upper trims are fitted with a driver-selectable X-Mode system with Hill Descent Control to optimize engine, transmission, AWD system, and Vehicle Dynamics Control for maximum traction when encountering slippery road surfaces.
The 2025 model has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds vs the 2024 model's 1,650 pounds.
Interior
The Forester has a five-seater accommodated in two-seat rows. The 2025 offers more passenger space along with a quieter ride thanks to the cabin upgrades. Premium soft-touch materials and excellent visibility await owners, and seating choices of cloth, synthetic leather, premium leather, or suede-input leather interiors are available across trims.
New for 2025 is the textured trim in front of the passenger-side dash that features hexagons to echo the shape of the side windows between the front and rear glass.
Upper trim levels in the 2025 Forester feature a dual-screen layout and like the 2024 model, the Forester has heated seats in both the first and second rows.
Available upgrades include an integrated navigation system, a panoramic moonroof, push-button start, evasive steering assist, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
Key appointments for the 2025 Forester include:
- Two-zone climate control system
- Available Hands-free liftgate
- Available panoramic power moonroof
The 2024 Forester's cabin offers a solid-built dashboard with quality soft padding and finishes. The interior offers a spacious passenger area with good ergonomics and useful outward visibility.
Depending on trim level finishes, such as leather on the seats, door panels, and dash, it is to be had.
Cargo Space
The 2025 Forester Base trim has 29.6 cubic feet load space and 74.4 cubic feet once the 60/40 split rear seats are folded flat. All other trims have 27.5 cubic feet load space and 69.9 cubic feet of cargo volume respectively.
Cargo space in the 2024 Subaru Forester is 34.4 cubic feet, with the rear seats in the upright position expanding to 76.1 cubic feet once the 60:40-split rear seats are folded down.
Infotainment
The 2025 model of the Subaru Forester offers a large 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that is standard on all trims but the base, which now receives a 7.0-inch screen that is slightly larger vs that of the 2024 Base, which offered a screen of 6.5 inches.
The infotainment system includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. Passengers get to stay connected with the standard fitment of Subaru's cutting-edge Starlink multimedia system and wireless device-charging.
All 2024 Forester trims are fitted with the 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Subaru's Starlink interface on the Base, Premium, and Sport models while a larger 8.0-inch unit is optional on the 2024 Sport and standard on the 2024 Limited and Touring models.
Two USB ports are fitted in the front row, with navigation available. Smartphone connectivity is via standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Safety and Driver Aid Technology
The new 2025 Subaru Forester offers the same standard Subaru's EyeSight collection of camera-based safety features as the outgoing 2024 model. The Subaru EyeSight system maximizes cruise control, monitors traffic movement, and sends drivers an alert if they start wandering outside their lane.
Both model years offer the same safety features that include:
- Eight airbags
- Height-adjustable head restraints for all seats
- Ring-shaped reinforcement frame
- Automated emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
Find Your Subaru Forester at Granite Subaru
Visit our Subaru experts at Granite Subaru in Hudson, NH, where we provide all our customers with a buying experience that is seamless, efficient, and hassle-free.
Don't hesitate to give us a call to learn more about the new 2025 Forester lineup and book a test drive of this upgraded Subaru favorite.
With an extensive Subaru inventory of quality new and pre-owned vehicles on hand to meet your Subaru driving needs, you'll find our team ready and eager to help.
