Does Hybrid Power Make On and Off-Road Driving Even More Fun?
The 2025 Subaru Forester offers something it’s never had before-a hybrid powertrain option. This is a big deal as the brand’s only other hybrid efforts were the 2014-2016 Crosstrek Hybrid and the 2019-2023 Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid, with the only other venture into electric propulsion being the Solterra EV.
Loyal Forester owners and those looking to get into their first-ever Subaru will ask the obvious question: How does the hybrid system affect the on- and off-road driving capabilities of Subaru’s second best-selling model.
Clean Fleet Report was among the first automotive journalists to drive the Forester Hybrid at a media event in Northern California. Our drive route took us from the secluded Canyon Ranch wellness retreat in Woodside, south to Hollister and then north along the coast through Santa Cruz, covering 175 miles back to Woodside. Along the way we ventured off the highway to tackle the hills and ruts at the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area.
So what did we learn? The appeal of the Forester will only grow having a hybrid option that offers more power and increased fuel economy. Forester Hybrid owners will be using this versatile SUV mostly on paved roads, but will always have the knowledge that doing low-to-medium off-roading is possible. This is a great combination to have in a single vehicle.
What is it?
The newly developed 2.5-liter Subaru boxer engine, which runs on 87 octane, is mated to a hybrid system with two electric motors, powered by a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. The total system puts out 194 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque driving all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It also includes three drive modes and a 6-speed “manual shift” option. Fuel economy is rated at 35 mpg city and combined with 34 on the highway.
The standard symmetrical all-wheel drive includes the latest generation of X-MODE, which increases grip and traction in icy, sloppy and off-road conditions, and includes hill ascent and descent control.
On-Road Driving Experience
The first 75 and last 90 miles of our drive was on a combination of mountain roads with high-speed sweepers, tight twisties and open highways. The CVT transmission was smooth as was the seamless transition between gasoline and electric of the hybrid engine. The computer and CVT default to favoring fuel economy, so if pulling a grade or getting up-to speed quickly is necessary, use the “manual transmission” setting or the paddle shifters to aid a bit more performance. When under strain the engine can be heard giving all it has.
The suspension is exactly right as cornering of all types was under control with body lean easily and quickly managed. Then, when on the highway the ride was stable. While steering was too light for performance driving, it wasn’t sloppy. Turning through horseshoe or double apex corners required little effort. The 4-wheel independent suspension and the active all-wheel drive electronically transferred torque to the wheel or wheels requiring the most grip.
The 2025 Forester Hybrid is well-suited for two or four people to hit the road for a weekend adventure, for commuting or in-town driving for chauffeuring the kids or bread-and-butter runs.
Off-Road – Time To Get Dirty
Subaru has earned a strong reputation of building off-road capable SUVs, beginning with almost everything they offer coming standard with the signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Our Forester Hybrid Touring was also equipped X-MODE, which adds even more grip and traction for sand, mud and snow.
A big factor for how well a vehicle handles off-road driving are the tires. Our Forester Hybrid Touring was shod with Bridgestone Turanza 235/50 all-season tires on 19-inch rims. This tire is a compromise for on-road handling and a quiet ride versus being extra grippy and tough for crushing rocks on a trail. To get that best-ever Forester fuel economy rating of 35 mpg going with more of a street tire was the necessary choice for Subaru.
Tires not-withstanding, the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area provided the opportunity to test the Forester Hybrid’s readiness to attack steep ascents and descents on varying surfaces. What we found was this model was not designed to go rock crawling, but was intended to give owners the option to find forest service roads or even take on an off-road park like we did. We had a blast traversing steep sections of loose sand, shale, small and medium-size rocks and even a bit of mud.
The 8.7-inches of ground clearance came in handy when using the Hill Descent Control where the computer keeps the downhill speed in single digits. For comparison, the Forester Hybrid ground clearance bests its key competitors:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid at 8.1 inches,
- Honda CR-V Hybrid at 8.2 inches and
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid at 8.3 inches.
Simple Interior
There are four Forster Hybrid trims—Premium, Sport, Limited and the one we drove Touring. Ours was fully optioned, beginning with the driver getting leather-trimmed 10-way power adjustments with lumbar and the passenger gets 8-way power adjustments. Both were heated and ventilated. Interior color choices are either brown or black.
The other trims get either animal-free cloth or StarTex synthetic upholstery. The latter is water-repellent, which could come in handy after a muddy mountain adventure. The thin A-pillars, high seating position and the tall windows provide excellent forward and side visibility.
A 12.3-inch configurable digital gauge cluster works as an information display for vehicle functions. The tablet-style 11.6-inch touchscreen houses navigation, and on our Touring trim, the Harman Kardon sound system for AM/FM HD and SiriusXM radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB-A and C ports, wireless phone charging and 4G Wi-Fi are standard.
The reclining rear seat’s head, shoulder and leg room was ample for two adults, three in a pinch, with the outer second row seats being heated. There is a fold down armrest with cup holders and USB-A and C charge ports.
You got gear? The Subaru Forester Hybrid will eat it up as the cargo area is urging to be packed for a weekend road trip. With the 60:40 split rear seat upright, storage space is 36.5 inches. When folded, it grows to 70.7 inches. The widest point between the wheels is 43.3 inches and the height is 32.4 inches.
Updated But Familiar Exterior
The design is the same as the gasoline-powered 2025 Forester. This was on purpose according to Bill Stokes, product planning manager. He told us: “We didn’t want to go too far from what customers know.” But any sameness gets some light touches as there are Easter Eggs scattered throughout the Forester Hybrid—hummingbirds, a telescope, paw prints, a lantern, a boot sole, a map and a compass. When you visit your local Subaru dealer, see how many you can find.
With 8.7-inches of ground clearance the Forester features fender brush guard cladding for protection when going off-road or encountering a wayward shopping cart. Cladding is also found to a more normal degree across the front and rear fascia and along the rocker panels. The front, side and rear overhangs are short, and the 18-inch (Premium and Limited) and 19-inch (Sport and Touring) wheels looked sharp against the River Rock Pearl Two Tone ($890 additional cost) exterior paint. There are 13 exterior color choices with six having an extra cost. The hatch, with LED tail lights, has a small lip spoiler and a wiper, with the roof having rack rails and a shark fin antenna.
The steering responsive LED head and fog lights were a nice touch as were the raised roof rails, the power panoramic sunroof and the black exterior heated mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Safety and Convenience
The Forester comes with active and passive advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), all part of the EyeSight system. Safety technology includes multiple airbags, advanced adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management, emergency stop assist, and lane departure warning. In the case of an accident or other emergency, the Starlink Connected Services feature will place a call to emergency services.
Safety features also include blind spot monitoring with lane change assist, a 360-degree camera, and Safety Exit Alert that notifies occupants, before exiting the vehicle, of obstacles and pedestrians with an audible and visual warning.
Additional convenience features include dual zone automatic climate control, rear vision camera, push button start/stop, remote keyless entry, electric power steering, steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, tire pressure monitoring system, and 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes.
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Subaru Hybrid is in dealers beginning in late March 2025 with these base prices that include the $1,420 destination and delivery fee.
Premium $36,415
Sport $39,415
Limited $40,830
Touring $43,115
Observations: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
The Forester Hybrid should be popular with loyal Subaru owners, and those who have been waiting for Subaru to add hybrids to the SUV line-up. Aaron Cole, manager of product communications, told us: “People at auto shows ask to see Subaru hybrids” and there is excitement with the dealers about the Forester hybrid. Subaru forecasts 30% of Forester sales will be with the hybrid power plant.
Previously announced, beginning in 2026, Forester production will be in Lafayette, Indiana, moving from Japan.
In the end, who is the likely buyer for the 2025 Forester Hybrid? It fills the need for those wanting a class-up size from the Crosstrek to carry more passengers and gear. Those looking for fuel economy will have it on their SUV shopping list as will weekend adventurers who occasionally won’t mind getting their Forester Hybrid dirty and muddy.
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.
Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Subaru.
The post Flash Drive: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.