Watch: Subaru of the Bearraig Family
The family had to install GoFundMe to cover the damage to the car left behind by the black bear.
When Subaru pulled the wraps from the redesigned Forester Compact SUV in late 2023, we were pleased with what we saw. The Junior UTE’s improved handling, powertrain and technology helped them get back on track after making the wrong turn on the first drive of the gas model. test Motor trendsThe 2025 SUV of the Year revealed that the new Foster has many abilities from beaten passes (though a proper Subaru should be), but you can use more Grant. To better understand ownership experience, we are making 2025 Forester delivery for long-term reviews.
Subaru saved the best version of the SUV that was probably the last redesigned one. Arrived late for the 2025 model year is the Forester Hybrid, with the second-generation Forester Wilderness Off-Road Variant arriving in 2026 (reaching a different story about this). The company has previously sold a hybrid version of the smaller CrossTrek, with the new CrossTrek Hybrid in 2026, which is the first gas-electric forester to be introduced in the US.
One of the jobs of the Forester Hybrid is to take as much market share as possible from the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V Hybrid. To sample the updated technology and styling of new products and models, Subaru hosted us for a drive event in Woodside, the forested California Bay Area town. There, we drove about seven hours of seating time along winding mountain roads and interstates, and held a 40-minute session on off-road courses.
Hybrid Systems and Packages
There are several approaches that competitors have taken to create hybrid compact SUVs, but one thing is consistent. Nothing was directed at off-roading. Toyota fits the RAV4 hybrid with a gas engine supported by two motors that rotate the front axle, with a third motor living naturally on the rear axle, turning the rear tires when needed (a combination that allows for all-wheel drive). Honda routes the power of two motor hybrid setups to all four tires through a traditional all-wheel drive system, similar to the Hyundai Tucson and Kia sports, but the current CR-V, Tucson or equipment equipment can’t be described as adventurous.
It’s not Subaru. The company maintains the Forester’s substantial ground clearance and symmetric AWD in its hybrid model. The full-time system uses front, rear and central differentiation to provide a constant and varying amount of power for each wheel.
The power supply for that system is a 2.5 liter flat-four, unlike a regular Forester, it runs on an Atkinson Miller combustion cycle to improve efficiency, combining a motor generator unit with a larger traction motor. Continuously, variable automatic transmissions handle changes in ratios. With a standard Forester, if only 14 hp, the standard Forester will increase power, but more is always better, and most people appreciate the efficiency of the hybrid.
While the competitors of Honda and Toyota’s hybrid compact SUVs still offer better fuel efficiency, the Gas-Electric Forester has made a huge stride over them. Subaru coincides with the Hybrid CR-V AWD’s 34 mpg highway rating, earning a total of 35 mpg, just 2 mpg from the rival’s total MPG. The Forester Hybrid also uses a relatively large 16.6 gallon fuel tank like the gas model, the RAV4 uses a 14.5 gallon tank, and the CR-V runs a 14 gallon tank. In part due to the reservoir strengthening, the Forester Hybrid’s operating range is estimated at 581 miles compared to the 536 miles of the RAV4 and the 518 miles of the CR-V.
Forester’s hybrid systems rely on lithium-ion batteries located under the trunk floor. Although Subaru hasn’t released the capacity yet, it is said to be the same size battery as the one found in the CrossTrek Hybrid. The battery location meant eliminating the spare tires in the SUV and providing a standard tire repair kit instead. This Forester suspension is slightly stiffer at the rear, taking into account the additional battery weight.
However, the internal measurements are the same between the gas and hybrid models. The floor height has not been changed, and the only difference in the specs of the SUV is the curb weight and the ramp breakover angle. Of course, the hybrid is heavy (although it may be nearly 300 pounds heavier depending on the trim), but only a 19.3 degree breakover compared to the 19.6 degree on the gas model. The 19-degree approach angle and the 24.6-degree departure angle (24.7 degrees for the sports and touring models) are the same between gas and hybrids.
A flashy atmosphere
For 2025, the hybrid powertrain is available in all Forester grades except the base model. Otherwise, the SUV is equipped as well as having some important differences. The hybrid configurable 12.3-inch driver display (which will be featured on gas models next year) will allow users to toggle between navigation, focus and old school dual-gauge screens, making it a complimentary companion for the Forester 11.6-inch central touchscreen.
This is the same practical and somewhat attractive interior that comes in the latest gas models. The Sport and Limited Trims features Startex Faux Leather upholstery, but the tour’s top models come with a real hideaway. Outside, the hybrid gets exclusive new paint colours, Daybreak Blue Pearl, and top trim is available in a two-tone look with a contrasting crystal black silica roof.
The front of the Forester Hybrid is lined with more insulation than the already quieter gas model, and the gas-electric version is actually even quieter on the road. It does an effective job of muffing avid gas engines in rare times when emphasized under heavy throttle inputs. However, it is difficult to identify whether the Forester Hybrid is faster than the gas model. If you have the opportunity to run the Forester Hybrid through instrumentation testing, you will be able to make sure you know if there is enough extra power to offset the extra weight of the Subaru and overtake the gas model.
Luckily, the Forester is already a solid driver SUV, and the Hybrid only offers what you like. The power supply feels smooth due to the electric motor (the SUVs almost slip due to the slow takeoff). Consistency of brake pedal action can generally be a painful place for hybrids, but here the handoff between motors regeneration and friction brakes under the brakes is unaware of the driver’s feet.
Like gas models, the steering is direct. This is part of the crossover’s WRX-derived electric assist dual pinion steering rack, and the ride is well constructed. The Forester is a small SUV that is equally easy and attractive to drive, and the hybrid is built only on it.
There are still off-road products
To drive the fact that AWD systems are more capable or at least friendly partners than other compact SUVs (hybrid or other), Subaru loosened the forested gravel loops present in ruts, whoo, and all sorts of fire terrain. It’s amazing how Forester can achieve with an 8.7-inch ground clearance, Subaru’s AWD prowess and an X-mode off-road setting with hill descent control. He drove the Forester Hybrid and its main rivals, the RAV4 Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid, closing the movement on short, steep hill climbs. It was a scintch for Suby, but Honda didn’t make up for it at all as Toyota’s brain was a bit confused about trying to make power into a vector.
The most popular Forester Award is…
The Hybrid and Wilderness models were two biggest holes in the new Forester lineup, but Subaru met the latter by extending the previous generation Forester Wilderness to an additional model and selling it along with the new mainstream Forester model. It’s midway through both and hasn’t sampled the 2026 wilderness yet, so it’s struggling to curb expectations that the Forester Hybrid is not one of the most popular versions. Compact SUVs are in general already the company’s hottest seller, and this hybrid deals with its inactive efficiency and decent power in one attractive package.
Depending on the trim, the markup for gas models ranges from just $1,400 for touring trims to $3,185 for sports. The rivals here are generally slightly more affordable, but the trade-off is Subie’s ability and comfortable packaging.
Photos by Motrend, Subaru
