2025 Subaru Forester revealed

The 2025 Subaru Forester has debuted at the Los Angeles auto show.

Evolutionary in its styling, the sixth-generation Forester draws on the design of its boxy predecessors, while taking inspiration from the latest WRX, Outback and Crosstrek models.

“We're incredibly excited about the global reveal of the next generation Subaru Forester and we look forward to sharing more information about this model for the Australian market in due course,” said Subaru Australia.

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While Subaru claimed the new mid-size SUV is "an all-new fully redesigned vehicle", it is a reskin of the current model, with the same Global Platform underpinnings and 2.5-litre boxer engine.

There’s a squarer design with new headlights sporting a slim DRL signature, a wider grille, triangular fog lamps, additional body cladding, and bronze highlights for the North American Sport variant.

The current model's slightly angular glasshouse gives way to a more open, rectangular space reminiscent of the third and fourth-gen Forester, ‘symmetrical AWD’ badging is prominently displayed on the D-pillar line, and the body cladding is akin to the WRX and Crosstrek.

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Replacing the claw-shaped tail-lights found in the current Forester, the new-look design is connected by a black strip running across the tailgate, similar to the Toyota-based Subaru Solterra electric SUV.

The rear bumper features chunkier plastic cladding, and dual fake exhaust outlets with a visible cutout for a small exhaust pipe on one side.

Inside, the Forester is aligned with the Outback, WRX and Crosstrek, featuring an available 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment system, less physical controls, USB-C charge ports, a wireless phone charger, and ventilated front seats.

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However, unlike the Japanese-spec WRX and Outback, it does not feature a full-digital instrument cluster, with a small central driver information display flanked by analogue dials.

Under the bonnet, the existing 2.5-litre petrol flat-four produces 134kW and 241Nm, down 2kW but up 2Nm. It remains paired with a “smoother and quieter” continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Like the smaller Impreza and Crosstrek, Subaru has fitted a version of the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic steering rack for a “more direct and natural steering feel and greater responsiveness”.

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Torsional rigidity is up 10 per cent, while “stronger welding techniques and additional structural adhesive” are said to have improved dynamics, comfort and noise levels compared to the outgoing model.

Subaru’s US division has confirmed a hybrid Forester will debut for model-year 2026. It is unclear if it will be the same “stronger” variant promised for Australia as a more powerful version of the current 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid flat-four, hopefully improving acceleration and efficiency.

This will be followed by turbo-petrol Forester XT – expected to share the Outback’s 183kW/350Nm 2.4-litre turbo – and off-road-focused Forester Wilderness variants.

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The EyeSight active safety suite has been enhanced with a third, mono camera, a “wider field of view”, updated software, an electric brake booster and faster vulnerable road user detection.

An emergency stop function will halt the vehicle, activate the hazards and unlock the doors if the driver becomes unresponsive to adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist warnings.

It also features a rear seat reminder and automatic steering for the blind-spot alert when a potential collision is detected at speeds lower than 80km/h.

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Earlier this year, Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read said the brand had invested heavily in the sixth-generation Forester and plans to “bring its A-game” with the new model.

“Forester is our number one selling model, and we need to bring our A-game in that segment, to keep Forester’s rightful place. So [our current] focus is [very much] on next-generation Forester,” he said.

The 2025 Subaru Forester is due in American showrooms between March and May 2024. Local details – including official timing, pricing and features – will be confirmed closer to its local launch, which is expected later next year.