New Forester Debuts At LA Auto Show

Centennial Subaru announces the debut of the 2025 Forester which occurred at the 2023 LA Auto Show. It is a redesigned model with an all-new exterior, interior, and updated tech and mechanical hardware yet retaining what everyone loves about the current model. The model will be available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels and is expected to be available this spring.

New But Familiar Exterior

The new exterior leads with a new grill that retains the current model’s shape but is larger and differently detailed. On either side of the grille are reshaped LED headlight clusters.  Look closely and you will see a refinement of the Subaru star cluster logo which will migrate across the model line. Upper trim levels feature a gloss-black finish for the grille as well as the side mirrors and trim between the reshaped tail lights. Subtle details improving aerodynamics have been added, most notably the functional air outlets just behind the front fenders to allow greater airflow from the front wheel wells. The Sport trim features a bronze-color finish for the 19-inch wheels and other exterior trim pieces.

The fenders have moved from semi-circular to semi-octagonal for a more rugged appearance. While shaped a little differently at the front and rear, the Forester’s tall, airy windows remain. That is in part, because the Forester is the same height as the current model. The current model’s 105.1-inch wheelbase is also unchanged. Width increases by a half-inch and there is just slightly over a half-inch increase in length. Unseen is a 10% increase in torsional rigidity thanks to a full inner frame construction with stronger welding techniques and nearly four times the use of structural adhesive. Subaru fully expects the Forester to retain its 5-Star Overall Rating from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.

Forester Welcomes the SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system

The interior dash design is new for the Forester but will look familiar to those acquainted with other recent Subaru models. Prominent in the center is the 11.6-inch portrait configured touchscreen that is part of the SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system on all but the base model. With the large screen comes the convenience of Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™. The TomTom® navigation system features what3words integration that can identify a location down to 10 square feet, which can be perfect for finding rural locations or a specific off-road location.

A more supportive front seat design increases overall comfort and minimizes fatigue, while the seat shape features narrower shoulder areas for better visibility and access to the rear seats. Increased sound dampening results in a 39% reduction in noise from the roof panel. The underside of the roof panel features a dark headliner to better camouflage scuff marks from loading cargo. On the subject of loading, a kick sensor-activated Hands-Free Power tailgate is now available. 

Retained and Revised Mechanicals

Under the hood, the Forester retains the 2.5-liter boxer engine delivering 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque mated to a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission. Paddle shifters with eight preset ratios appear on all but the base model where they can greatly enhance engine control in mountain driving. The standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system has been revised for quicker response and now features standard Active Torque Vectoring and an SI-Drive performance management system for more agile handling, and better control both on- and off-road. The Premium grade features driver-selectable X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, which maximizes wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. Sport and higher grades upgrade to dual-function X-MODE for increased capability in a wider range of adverse conditions. Standard across the model line is Incline Start Assist, which briefly holds the vehicle while the driver pulls away from a stop on a hill.

Enhanced Safety Tech

Naturally, the 2025 Forester will feature the latest version of the award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. In addition to smoother and quicker operation, updated software, and a wider field of view, the system can more quickly identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and when necessary, alert the driver and possibly apply braking to avoid collisions. The new feature, Emergency Stop Assist, activates if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control whereupon it will stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and unlock the doors.

The new 2025 Forester promises to be a great addition to the Subaru model line. It is expected to arrive at Centennial Subaru and other dealerships in the spring of 2024 with a 2026 hybrid model scheduled for a year later. You contact one of our sales professionals to let you know when the first models arrive.