2025
Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine features numerous tweaks to optimize it to serve hybrid duty. 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 recovers energy when braking, and it sends power to the wheels. This operating strategy is largely the same as the typical Toyota hybrid model, but the implementation is much different from what Mazda did with the CX-50 Hybrid, which literally uses a Toyota powerplant. Here, Subaru is focused on what they do well: The mechanicals that define the brand are augmented with key hybrid components and principals from Toyota, its corporate partner. (Subaru and Toyota collaborated on the BRZ and GR86 sports coupes, as well as on the Solterra and bZ electric SUVs, and the upcoming Trailseeker and bZ Woodland.)

The total system output is 194 horsepower, marking a 14-hp advantage over the nonhybrid 2.5-liter engine. However, the added weight from the battery and other equipment means the 0-to-60-mph time is expected to be similar. (Our Premium Hybrid weighs 295 pounds more than our tested regular Premium.) Beyond the tale of the numbers, the hybrid is more satisfying to drive. At low speeds and when passing, the extra oomph provided by the electric assist makes the hybrid feel more vigorous, with smoother power delivery. The transition from electric-only to hybrid-electric operation is quite seamless in most scenarios.

The Forester Hybrid is EPA-rated at 35 mpg combined. That figure marks a notable improvement over the 29 mpg overall that we recorded on the regular Forester, which is the best mpg for a nonhybrid compact SUV in our tests. In comparison, the current-generation RAV4 Hybrid got 37 mpg overall in our tests, and the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid both returned 35 mpg overall. Overall, our drivers feel the hybrid powertrain is a clear upgrade over the regular four-cylinder. Plus, the hybrid has the same-sized 16.6-gallon gas tank as the regular Forester, meaning the fuel economy gains are certain to extend the range per fill-up beyond 500 miles.

The ride is quite refined. Based on our initial impressions, the added weight and hybrid-specific suspension tuning incrementally improve over the regular Forester. One engineer said that it proved very absorbent even on dirt trails and traversing Brooklyn’s bumpiest streets. Others observed that it is particularly settled over bumps at high speeds.

Much like the regular Forester, the hybrid’s handling is good for the class, and we feel most buyers will be satisfied. There is low body roll despite the underlying suspension softness. Response and feedback from the WRX-sourced steering rack are satisfying, with clear communication to the driver. Even with the added heft in the hybrid, our drivers felt this SUV was easy and pleasant to drive in a wide range of situations.

The cabin is well-isolated, especially for a Subaru. Most sounds are well-muted, thanks in part to added sound-deadening around the firewall to help isolate the powertrain. However, some high-frequency electric motor sounds can still be heard. In most situations, the powertrain sounds more settled and less stressed than the four-cylinder in the regular Forester.

The hybrid replaces the analog gauges in the regular Forester with a 12.3-inch display that gives a much more modern feel. It has a simple layout, and the information is easy to read while driving. If using Apple CarPlay, it even displays the navigation instructions and map from your app, a nice touch. Overall, our drivers felt this display is better executed than the center infotainment screen.

The second-row bench seat is flat and a bit firm. Leg space is great, with tons of room for feet under the front seats. Headroom in our test vehicle is limited by the moonroof. Passengers sit upright in a comfortable, chairlike posture. To aid their comfort when traveling, there are air vents on the back of the front center console and two phone charge ports.

It’s noteworthy that the cargo area is unchanged in the hybrid. Where the prior Crosstrek Hybrid had a raised floor to accommodate its battery, the Forester Hybrid essentially tucks its battery in the spare tire space beneath the load floor. This does mean that a tire inflation kit is provided rather than a spare tire. The packaging enables the hybrid to use a 16.6-gallon gas tank, giving it a couple more gallons than its Honda and Toyota rivals. 

These have been two distinct Forester virtues for years, and they continue with the hybrid. There simply isn’t another vehicle that is as easy to enter and exit, nor is there one that provides such unobstructed outward views in all directions. This should appeal to all drivers, but it can be especially appreciated by young, less-experienced drivers and older drivers, who may have mobility limitations.

The portrait-oriented infotainment screen is a jumble of fonts and colorful icons, as on other Subaru models, making it look like a Candy Crush app. However, navigating through the center screen menus is straightforward, thanks to the large labels and icons, and the narrowness of the display makes everything within close reach of the driver. The easy-to-find "home" button makes it simple to return to the main screen even when Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is active, but the climate system is adjusted mostly through a touchscreen menu that is tedious to use. The Hybrid features the Starlink Multimedia Navigation system, an upgrade over the Multimedia Plus system in the regular Foresters. Our experience with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was mixed, with some drivers being unable to pair their phones and most complaining about the speed.

Navigation

Subaru’s latest navigation system is lackluster. It looks outdated and has a slow processing speed, as if the computer isn’t up to the task. Our engineers were frustrated that it locks out the keyboard while driving. Adding insult, it also resets any information you entered while stopped once you start moving again. So if you are trying to plug in an address while at a red light and the light turns green, you have to start all over once you stop again. It also blocks phone contacts that aren’t among your most recently called ones. Using voice controls is frustrating due to limited speech recognition. The system requires specific phrases to be uttered in a specific order, just like systems did a decade ago.

What We'll Keep an Eye On

These perches feature a new design with improved back support. The dual-fabric upholstery looks cool, but it feels flimsy to the touch. The span between the bolsters is a bit narrow. Slender drivers said it fit them well. The two-way lumbar adjustments helped. Ultimately, it is a basic seat.

The Forester Hybrid comes with the latest EyeSight active safety and driver assistance suite that boasts improvements over the prior iteration with a wider field of view, updated software, and an added electric brake booster. The standard system includes automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking that operates at highway speeds, lane centering assistance (LCA), lane departure warning (LDW), lane keeping assistance (LKA), and adaptive cruise control (ACC). The hybrid version also gets standard BSW and RCTW, unlike the regular Forester.

Only the top Touring trim gets the DriverFocus driver monitoring system.

The Emergency Stop Assist system can determine whether a driver has become unresponsive when they are using ACC and LCA. If the driver fails to respond to warning signals, the system will slow the vehicle to a stop, turn on the emergency flashers, unlock the doors, and call emergency services.

A rear occupant alert system is also standard. This system 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 when unintentionally left behind in the vehicle.