The Forester is the first Subaru model to receive this next-generation hybrid powertrain. A Crosstrek Hybrid with matching specifications will soon follow.
Since it was announced in February, the Forester Hybrid’s pricing has increased, with the starting price rising from $34,995 to $36,595. In this market, many prices are being adjusted to reflect tariff and supply concerns. Fortunately for us, the test car we purchased had the original, lower pricing.
For now, the regular Forester starts at $29,995, with the Premium trim at $33,385. The lowest trim for the hybrid is the Premium Hybrid, and it stickers for $36,595. At a glance, it looks like a significant added cost for the hybrid powertrain, but if you compare the two versions feature by feature, you’ll see that the hybrid is better equipped. It adds paddle shifters, a digital instrument panel, hands-free power liftgate, upgraded infotainment system, extra sound deadening, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning.
The Hybrid is also available in Sport, Limited, and Touring trims. However, there is no hybrid version of the Wilderness.
The hybrid looks essentially just like a regular Forester. Spotters will look for the telltale badging by the side mirrors and on the rear liftgate. There is one hybrid-exclusive exterior color—Daybreak Blue. Plus, some colors are available with a contrasting black roof. Like key rivals, this is a stealth hybrid that doesn’t loudly advertise its green credentials. This trend signals that hybrids have become just another powertrain, rather than a bold, daring move.
Deluxe colors and two-tone paint add from $395 to $890, and their availability is trim-dependent.
Consumer Reports named the regular Forester a Top Pick for 2025, so we were more eager to see how the hybrid powertrain transformed this standout small SUV. Read on for our first impressions.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Subaru Forester Hybrid is available to you below. Once we complete 2,000 break-in miles, we’ll put the Forester Hybrid through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.
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What we bought: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Premium
Powertrain: 194-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine; electronic continuously variable transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $34,995
Options: Trailer hitch and harness ($699), body side molding ($335), door scuff protector ($178), rear bumper cover ($173), all-weather floor mats ($156)
Destination fee: $1,420
Total cost: $37,956
Final assembly point: Gunma, Japan
