Header: Courtesy of Subaru
Subaru is bringing its first-ever Forester Hybrid to the United States with the 2025 model. While packing a new, more fuel-efficient hybrid system and keeping its well-known Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Subaru has also paid attention to the details that drivers see and touch daily. Let’s look at the design and tech elements of this popular SUV’s new hybrid version.
Fresh paint and subtle badges
On the outside, the Forester Hybrid gets a few unique touches. Buyers can choose an exclusive new paint color called Daybreak Blue Pearl. For some colors, there’s also an option to get a contrasting Crystal Black Silica roof, giving the vehicle a more distinct look. To let people know it’s the hybrid version, small “HYBRID” badges are placed on the front fenders and the power rear gate. These are subtle identifiers rather than large declarations.
A tech-focused cabin
Inside, the dashboard sees significant updates centered around large screens. A big, 11.6-inch touchscreen sits vertically in the center console, much like a tablet. This screen handles navigation, audio, climate settings, and other vehicle functions. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, connecting your phone easily without cables for maps and music on the main display.
Directly in front of the driver is another large screen: a 12.3-inch digital display for the gauges. This replaces traditional analog dials and shows navigation information, including compatibility with Apple Maps. For interior materials, Subaru offers StarTex® upholstery on some models. This material is designed to be durable and easy to clean, plus it’s made without animal products.
Practical design choices
Beyond the visual updates, Subaru kept practical design elements. The Forester Hybrid still offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is helpful for rougher roads or snow, which is more than many other SUVs. At the same time, the company made sure the step-in height for getting into the front and back seats remains comfortably low for easy entry and exit.
Enhanced driver aids
Every 2025 Forester Hybrid comes equipped with the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. Subaru notes this newer system works more smoothly and quickly across more situations than previous versions. These improvements come from giving the system a wider view of the road, updating its control software, and adding an electric brake booster. EyeSight can now spot cyclists and pedestrians earlier, especially at intersections, and will alert the driver or apply the brakes if needed to help avoid a collision.
Extra safety features like Reverse Automatic Braking, blind-spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are also available. A new standard feature is Emergency Stop Assist; if the driver stops responding while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, the car can bring itself to a stop, turn on hazard lights, unlock the doors, and use Subaru Connected Services to call for help.
Under the skin
Subaru’s latest series-parallel hybrid powertrain drives the 2025 Forester Hybrid, combining a specially developed 2.5-liter BOXER® engine with electric motors. This setup produces 194 combined horsepower and can run on electricity, gasoline, or a mix of both. Mated to Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and using a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, the system provides significant efficiency gains, boosting city fuel economy by up to 40% over the non-hybrid version while maintaining off-pavement capability.
Powering this redesigned package is a new hybrid system combining a 2.5-liter Boxer engine with electric motors, producing a total of 194 horsepower. Compared to the non-hybrid Forester, this setup significantly improves fuel economy, especially in city driving (estimated 35 mpg city). Of course, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system comes standard, working mechanically with the hybrid powertrain.
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, with its updated interior technology, new color option, and efficient powertrain, is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in the spring of 2025.
