2025 Subaru Forester Finally Introduces the Hybrid It Should Have Included Long Ago
Subaru
The hybrid version of the Subaru Forester that was anticipated for 2023 has finally arrived. Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show and slated for release as a 2025 model, the inaugural gas-electric Forester aims to deliver the toughness associated with the brand in a more fuel-efficient form. Additionally, the Windy City event also showcased the first glimpse of the 2026 Forester Wilderness.
Introducing hybrid technology to the Forester is a logical step. This crossover, which is now in its sixth generation for 2025, was Subaru’s second-best-selling vehicle in 2024, following the Crosstrek. It exists within a segment where the demand for hybrids is increasing, as many competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 already offer hybrid options. In retrospect, it's puzzling why it took this long.
The Forester Hybrid features a series-parallel drivetrain that includes a 2.5-liter flat-four engine operating on the Atkinson cycle, an electric motor-generator, an electric traction motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack. This system produces a total output of 194 horsepower and can operate on electric power alone for short distances. However, it is not a plug-in hybrid; instead, it charges while driving.
Subaru informed The Drive that while some components of the hybrid system are sourced from Toyota, the majority of the drivetrain was developed internally. The company highlighted that the Forester Hybrid uses the same basic mechanical all-wheel-drive system as its non-hybrid counterpart.
All-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are standard. Subaru has stated that the towing capacity is 1,500 pounds, which matches the capability of the non-hybrid Forester, even with the additional 360 pounds from the hybrid system. Fuel efficiency sees a substantial improvement, achieving 35 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 35 mpg combined, compared to the lighter 180-horsepower Forester, which had ratings of 26, 33, and 29, respectively. Subaru claims that the Hybrid can travel up to 581 miles on a single tank—slightly longer than the distance from San Diego to Reno.
In terms of appearance, the Hybrid resembles the standard Forester, with the addition of a distinctive “HYBRID” badge on each fender and the hatch. The pistons on either side of the emblem serve as a reminder that electrification doesn’t eliminate the flat-four engine. Another feature distinguishing the Hybrid is a new, powertrain-specific color called Daybreak Blue Pearl.
The interior mirrors the standard Forester setup. Every Hybrid, regardless of trim, includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, and a power-operated rear hatch. Subaru's EyeSight suite of electronic driver aids is also standard, encompassing automatic emergency steering, reverse automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and emergency stop assist.
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is expected to be available in dealerships by spring. The pricing for the full lineup is as follows:
2025 Forester Premium Hybrid: $36,415
2025 Forester Sport Hybrid: $39,415
2025 Forester Limited Hybrid: $40,830
2025 Forester Touring Hybrid: $43,115
These amounts include a destination charge of $1,420. For comparison, the base Forester starts at $31,230.
Into the Wild
The Wilderness trim, aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and first introduced for 2022, is returning for 2026 with additional off-road enhancements.
The 2026 Wilderness features longer coil springs and shock absorbers, resulting in 9.3 inches of ground clearance. Subaru notes that the previous model had 9.2 inches, though the difference may be negligible for drivers. More significantly, the standard Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. The body lift provides the Wilderness with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 23.5, 21, and 25.5 degrees, respectively, compared to the regular Forester's angles of 19, 19.6, and 24.6 degrees.
The Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine as the standard Forester but operates through a CVT with a shorter final drive ratio. Subaru has also improved the transmission cooler, allowing for a 3,500-pound towing capacity, and a temperature sensor alerts the driver if the rear differential fluid becomes too hot.
The Wilderness stands out visually, featuring a trim-specific front bumper with hexagonal LED fog lights, a redesigned grille, roof rails rated for a static load of 800 pounds, and 17-inch anthracite-finished wheels fitted with Yokohama Geolandar tires. Copper accents and a robust body cladding contribute
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2025 Subaru Forester Finally Introduces the Hybrid It Should Have Included Long Ago
Boasting a 580-mile range on a full tank, the electrified Forester appears to be an excellent option for SUV buyers who prioritize efficiency and practicality over everything else.