The redesigned sixth-generation Forester is now offered with a fuel-saving hybrid powertrain, which augments the multitude of virtues in Subaru’s small SUV that we already admire, including its excellent outward visibility, roomy cabin, and comfortable ride.
The automaker took a decidedly “Subaru” approach, augmenting its distinctive 2.5-liter flat-four “boxer” engine with Toyota-sourced hardware to create a unique but efficient hybrid powertrain. Where other small hybrid SUVs use electric motors to provide limited, all-wheel-drive capability, Subaru fitted the Forester Hybrid with a mechanical (and yes, “symmetrical”), full-time AWD system. This approach is very much on-brand, but ultimately puts the Forester Hybrid a step behind in the fuel economy contest compared to key rivals, such as the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Keep in mind that, depending on the trim line, the Forester Hybrid can cost about $1,700 to $3,000 more than the regular model. But what you’re also getting—beyond a notable fuel economy boost—is standard blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning, which requires adding a $1,200 optional package on the Premium nonhybrid trim.
More than anything, the Forester remains true to its roots as a sturdy, functional, and practical small SUV. This hybrid system doesn’t compromise cargo space or fuel tank size, though it does lose its temporary spare tire for a space-efficient tire repair kit.
As one tester summed up the Forester Hybrid, “This takes a really good vehicle and makes it better. The off-the-line EV power is the biggest differentiator—with this in mind, all Subarus (other than the WRX and BRZ) should now be hybrids, if for no other reason than it eliminates the dreaded Subaru off-the-line abruptness. The comfortable ride continues to be a Forester strong suit, as is the airy outward visibility. It still isn't all that fun to drive, with just okay handling and so-so power, but for most people, I would think this is a fine and reasonably fuel-efficient small SUV that's also super practical.”
We bought a 2025 Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid for $37,956—anonymously from an area dealer, as we do with every vehicle we test—for the purpose of this road test review. Our Forester Hybrid was assembled in Gunma, Japan.
Driving experience
The 2.5-liter “flat-four” engine (so-called due to the unique, horizontally-opposed cylinder layout) in the Hybrid makes 194 hp, marking a 14-hp advantage over the nonhybrid version. It uses two motor-generator units (MGUs) sourced from Toyota. One provides the engine stop/start function and charges the 1.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion hybrid battery. The other sends power to the wheels and recovers energy when braking.
However, the added weight from the Hybrid’s battery and other equipment means its 0-to-60-mph time took a hit compared to the regular model. (Our Premium Hybrid weighs 295 pounds more than the conventional Premium trim we tested.) The hybrid needed 9.3 seconds, while the nonhybrid Forester scooted to 60 mph in a slightly quicker 8.6 seconds. Beyond the tale of the numbers, the Hybrid is more satisfying to drive. The extra oomph provided by the electric assist at low speeds—in particular, the seamless way it takes off from a stop—and when passing makes the hybrid feel more vigorous, with a smoother power delivery.
The Forester Hybrid utilizes an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) that we found to be responsive to driver demands, but it’s disappointing that it doesn’t perform simulated upshifts like the CVT in the regular Forester. The result is that while the eCVT works well at keeping revs low much of the time, the lack of simulated upshifts, fairly meager power, and a reasonably loud engine result in the Forester Hybrid sounding like it's working pretty hard when you need extra acceleration.
Fuel economy is typically the most important topic when it comes to hybrids, and here the Forester Hybrid delivers a decent performance. The 34 mpg overall it managed in our tests is a notable improvement over the nonhybrid Forester’s already-excellent 29 mpg overall. But it isn’t quite as thrifty with fuel as the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid’s 37 mpg overall, and it’s just eclipsed by the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, both at 35 mpg overall in our testing.
Like the regular Forester, the hybrid’s handling is good for the class, with low body roll despite the underlying suspension softness. We also found that the hybrid’s added weight improved the ride marginally compared to the regular Forester—which was already a high-water mark. The Forester Hybrid has extra sound-deadening, which minimizes cabin noise. Expect only a touch of wind rush on the highway and some engine noise under hard acceleration.
Cabin comfort
As with the regular Forester, the Hybrid’s cabin isn’t showy or full of fine materials; instead, it has a no-frills approach with little in the way of fancy trim or an abundance of padded areas. The leather wrap on the steering wheel feels kind of hard, and there are some pretty basic plastic panels throughout the cabin.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, though the bottom cushion is a bit on the short side. The driving position is upright and elevated, giving a fairly commanding view of the road ahead; some taller testers felt that they were sitting too high, even after adjusting the seat to its lowest position. Headroom is plentiful, and we appreciate the center console’s slight cutout that frees up space for the driver’s right knee. Unlike many competitors, the Forester’s large windows, low belt line, and thin roof pillars all the way around afford great outward visibility, which helps during everyday driving and urban maneuvering. Large and square-ish door openings make for easy access into and out of the vehicle.
The Forester’s rear seat is exceptionally roomy for a compact SUV, with good head- and knee room and decent underleg support. It’s annoying that Subaru continues to anchor the center rear seat belt in the roof, rather than integrating it into the seatback as with most small SUVs.
It’s noteworthy that the cargo area is unchanged in the Hybrid—it remains the same generous 38.5 cubic feet as the regular model. The hybrid battery pack is cleverly tucked in the spare tire space beneath the load floor, but this packaging eliminates an actual spare tire. Buyers must make do with a tire inflation kit instead.
Controls and usability
As with most aspects of the Forester, the layout of its controls isn’t flashy but is largely user-friendly. We especially like that Subaru continues to include physical volume and tuning knobs. All Forester Hybrid trims feature an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen. It’s simple and well-organized, but it can respond slowly to inputs.
Most of the Forester’s climate controls are housed at the bottom of the center screen. As such, the only truly easy aspects of the climate system are the large, physical temperature buttons for the driver and front passenger, along with front and rear defrosters. At least other common functions, like adjusting fan speed or activating the seat heaters, remain visible on the screen. But we don’t like that you have to wade further into the climate menu to change the airflow mode or switch to the “Auto” climate function.
The Hybrid replaces the analog gauges in the regular Forester with a new 12.3-inch driver’s instrument screen that gives a much more modern feel. It has a simple layout, and the information is easy to read while driving. The Hybrid also gets Subaru’s latest built-in navigation system, though it already feels outdated and has a slow processing speed. We think Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work better for in-vehicle navigation.
Active safety and driver assistance
Standard active safety and driver assistance features on the Forester Hybrid include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking that operates at highway speeds, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane centering assistance, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
A rear occupant alert system comes standard, which is designed to remind the driver—based on rear-door logic—to check the rear seat when they turn the Forester off to help prevent children and pets from suffering heatstroke or hypothermia if unintentionally left behind in the vehicle. There’s also a rear belt minder, which alerts the driver if a rear passenger unbuckles their seat belt during the trip.