We traded our '21 Forester Touring for the '25 Forester Touring. I agree that they have upgraded the quality, ride, and electronics. It is quieter overall, the greenhouse (glass space) is just as expansive and wonderful for driver and passenger visibility. New features include the kick to open rear tailgate, cooled seats, and 360 degree camera view. All are excellent additions. As I said, the SUV is definitely tighter, steering is precise (they use the same steering system in the 25 models as they use for the WRX sports sedan). Resale value is definitely something to consider with the Subaru brand -- it is truly excellent. We have no problems at all with our 21 Forester. We loved it and it performed very well, trading it in with just over 49,000 miles on the odometer.
I just bought a 2024 Subaru Forester Touring model and enjoy it a lot, I had a Honda pilot Lx for 16 years and just gave it to my daughter recently(another great car). People think this car is under powered are just wrong IMO. If your just starting from a dead start it will not break any records for speed but once it is rolling at 30 mp/hr you will be supprized how it can get up and going very quickly. I recently passed a truck pulling a 5th wheel trailer and a Semi pulling a load on a straight stretch doing about 60miles/hr and when I passed the 2 vehicles I was doing about 95miles /hr in just 10-15 seconds and passed them like nothing and still had lots of gas pedal left. My thoughts on a Turbo would be if your off roading it might help or pulling a small tent trailer for holidays. Turbo's are not for me because they create other issues down the road and are demanding on the motor and transmission IMO. Subaru Forester natural aspirated engine is a very nice vehicle to drive and has a lot of neat interior comfort features that make driving interesting and safer.
I purchased a 2024 Touring after driving both the '24 and '25 models. The '24 plain felt better and the physical switch gear won me over. Yes, it is old school. But I am old school so it fits me perfectly!
You likely didn’t go from 60 to 95 in 10-15 seconds with this car, it was probably more like 25-30+ seconds as your perception of time is warped as you accelerate faster. It always feels faster than it actually is
My wife is a nervous driver and has an easy time with my Legacy 3.6R. The lower center of gravity and stable handling and engineered seats of Subarus in general make them a good choice for long drives. I believe they have one of the best CVT transmissions made even though a simpler (not 8 speed) gearbox would be my preference for reliability. Build quality on these vehicles is top notch and is obvious from crash testing. If you like exciting acceleration, Subarus aren't (generally) for you.
@@gpalmerify I took Mr. Subaru’s & Scotty Kilmer’s advice and have the dealer change the CVT fluid every 40k miles. If you do this they will last over 200k miles.
Got me a 2025 Subaru Forester Touring back in September. Recently found out (when I tried use it for the first time) that wireless charger won't work with iPhones 14, 15, or 16 because their cameras don't allow the phone to lay flat on the charger and if you put a case on the phone, the case precludes the phone to interact with the charger so it won't charge either. Took it to the dealership and they told me and wrote on the report that it's a design flaw on Subaru. Subaru Customer Advocacy threw a coupon at me and did nothing to solve the actual problem. I hope they will fix this for the 2026 model and maybe give the option to get it fixed on the 2025 model, too. Until then, if you have an iPhone 14, 15, or 16, do not expect to be able to charge on the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring wireless charger.
I like almost everything about the Subaru Forester except that it is not only a bit slow, but far too anemic to my taste. They need more engine choices like the turbo on the Outback (which they once offered) and a hybrid (which they are supposed to offer in 2026). I will wait for the hybrid before I make my buying choice.
Subaru really needed a hybrid for the Forester this model and the hp and torque is still down compared to the rav4 with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
I would never buy anything with eyesight technology even though it will be mandatory shortly. Bad enough with all the other crap from the infrastructure bill!
Great Review Lauren! My Issues with the Subaru Forester is the excessive black cladding around the wheel fenders and that the side view mirrors are mounted on the front doors. They should be mounted into the corners of the A pillars. Love the Greenhouse and center console display. Subaru should have full LED light bars running across the front and rear for a more upscale look. The Fog Lights should be circular in shape on the front bumper and those rear reflectors should be eliminated. The texture above the glovebox is unnecessary and distracts from the clean lines inside the cabin. The Forester name on the D pillar (black separation bar ) should also be eliminated for ease of washing and waxing the vehicles. Yes, I still wash and wax my vehicles by hand to protect them from the elements. Hopefully the new Subaru Ascent will grow in size and be styled similar to the Toyota Grand Highlander since both companies are partnering on drivetrain technology and probably a host of design features. Does the 2025 Forester have surround view cameras and front parking sensors on the at those prices?
Dammm u up late !!!! How about a Link to the kill switch video ? I had to laugh YT recommended me a video from you over ten years ago. Loved the content on the Leather Chic !!!! More Please !!!!
Foresters are NOT Jeeps, not meant to be driven off road. But they ARE every bit as good as Jeeps on snow - have never had to push one in over 30 years.
I need at least 375hp under my hood. But my kid brother swears by his 2011 Subaru flat 6 with 186k miles on it. Keeps the belt changed and the maintenance done on schedule, done by himself. He barely fits inside
Get rid of the yuppie electronics crap, like the touch screen bullshit!!! Still way,way to much yuppie electronics crap!!! Keep it!!! I don't want an yuppie electronics crap on my cars and trucks!!! If it costs more than 15,000 dollars keep this Turkey!!! I don't need back cameras, I have rear view mirrors for that!!!
That is precisely why I purchased a 2024 Forester Touring. I drove both a '24 and '25 and it was a no brainer for me. The '24 felt more connected to the road and the physical switch gear was much more user friendly with minimal glare. I'm not even going to discuss the Ford influence on styling...yuck!
T.M.T, ma' am ! Too Much Technology. Same as all, modern over-sensed, over TECHED, plastic computerized j u n k. Boxer engines, known for failure. ESPECIALLY CVT transmissions: 8 speeds, means = MORE TO GO WRONG.../ Junk, ....NO RE-Sale value, whatsoever. i will keep my 321,000 mile 96 Chrysler Intrepid. No oil burning - Good tranny - runs like a top. Good luck, with ANY MODERN vehicle, reaching THAT STAGE OF EXISTENCE. Some, most Toyotas, PROPERLY maintained, would/could reach that mileage. Good luck , All ! One, can hardly find any modern ' vehicle ' reaching that state, of usefull existence. None. Parking lots, fulla junk.....no one wants them....for THAT kind of money --
U talking about the subaru of 2002..... it is 2024 bud. Look at the reliability of today with these Cars. Now your Chrysler of today..... make sure you have AAA, you will need it.
Yes and that is why we see so many 15 yr old Subarus on the road. If no one want them, why do they have to start assembling the Crosstrek in Indiana for the U.S. Market. Oh that would be because the plant in Japan cannot keep up with the demand. And your Chrysler Intrepid is reaching its end of life.; must have changed the timing belt by now, if not, it is due to go. Had one in 2001 (badged as a Plymouth in Canada), good car but didn't have any technology compared to the safer cars today, and changed it after 120,000 miles.
We traded our '21 Forester Touring for the '25 Forester Touring. I agree that they have upgraded the quality, ride, and electronics. It is quieter overall, the greenhouse (glass space) is just as expansive and wonderful for driver and passenger visibility. New features include the kick to open rear tailgate, cooled seats, and 360 degree camera view. All are excellent additions. As I said, the SUV is definitely tighter, steering is precise (they use the same steering system in the 25 models as they use for the WRX sports sedan). Resale value is definitely something to consider with the Subaru brand -- it is truly excellent. We have no problems at all with our 21 Forester. We loved it and it performed very well, trading it in with just over 49,000 miles on the odometer.
I just bought a 2024 Subaru Forester Touring model and enjoy it a lot, I had a Honda pilot Lx for 16 years and just gave it to my daughter recently(another great car).
People think this car is under powered are just wrong IMO. If your just starting from a dead start it will not break any records for speed but once it is rolling at 30 mp/hr you will be supprized how it can get up and going very quickly.
I recently passed a truck pulling a 5th wheel trailer and a Semi pulling a load on a straight stretch doing about 60miles/hr and when I passed the 2 vehicles I was doing about 95miles /hr in just 10-15 seconds and passed them like nothing and still had lots of gas pedal left. My thoughts on a Turbo would be if your off roading it might help or pulling a small tent trailer for holidays. Turbo's are not for me because they create other issues down the road and are demanding on the motor and transmission IMO. Subaru Forester natural aspirated engine is a very nice vehicle to drive and has a lot of neat interior comfort features that make driving interesting and safer.
I purchased a 2024 Touring after driving both the '24 and '25 models. The '24 plain felt better and the physical switch gear won me over. Yes, it is old school. But I am old school so it fits me perfectly!
You likely didn’t go from 60 to 95 in 10-15 seconds with this car, it was probably more like 25-30+ seconds as your perception of time is warped as you accelerate faster. It always feels faster than it actually is
My wife is a nervous driver and has an easy time with my Legacy 3.6R. The lower center of gravity and stable handling and engineered seats of Subarus in general make them a good choice for long drives. I believe they have one of the best CVT transmissions made even though a simpler (not 8 speed) gearbox would be my preference for reliability. Build quality on these vehicles is top notch and is obvious from crash testing. If you like exciting acceleration, Subarus aren't (generally) for you.
@@gpalmerify I took Mr. Subaru’s & Scotty Kilmer’s advice and have the dealer change the CVT fluid every 40k miles. If you do this they will last over 200k miles.
Easy going. direct. Knowledgeable.helpful interview
Got me a 2025 Subaru Forester Touring back in September. Recently found out (when I tried use it for the first time) that wireless charger won't work with iPhones 14, 15, or 16 because their cameras don't allow the phone to lay flat on the charger and if you put a case on the phone, the case precludes the phone to interact with the charger so it won't charge either. Took it to the dealership and they told me and wrote on the report that it's a design flaw on Subaru. Subaru Customer Advocacy threw a coupon at me and did nothing to solve the actual problem. I hope they will fix this for the 2026 model and maybe give the option to get it fixed on the 2025 model, too. Until then, if you have an iPhone 14, 15, or 16, do not expect to be able to charge on the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring wireless charger.
I like almost everything about the Subaru Forester except that it is not only a bit slow, but far too anemic to my taste. They need more engine choices like the turbo on the Outback (which they once offered) and a hybrid (which they are supposed to offer in 2026). I will wait for the hybrid before I make my buying choice.
Great review!
Get a Rav4 Prime plugin for that price!
40mpg in the city and 41 miles on electric
Subaru Forester had a weak engine and in 2025 has the same engine. So, what is the point of interest?
Very good review
I love your reviews
Pretty good review. I have the 25 Sport. My days of driving fast had to stop as it got too expensive.
Subaru really needed a hybrid for the Forester this model and the hp and torque is still down compared to the rav4 with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
I see these all over the road.
Can you turn off that start stop feature permanently or do you have to press that button whenever you turn the ignition on? Thanks
@@highlanderNC-mr8fe You have to turn it off every time you start the vehicle.
@@eddielia3177 I hate that. It should default to off. LOL Thanks for the reply.
Dang if its gonna be slow like, why not be a hybrid w/ some great gas mileage?
It’s not slow just bought a Touring and what you gonna do drag race it? Plenty of acceleration up to speed.
Oh wow brand new fog lights? Gotta trade mine in today!🙄
I would never buy anything with eyesight technology even though it will be mandatory shortly. Bad enough with all the other crap from the infrastructure bill!
@@JKadison Yeah. All that other crap in the infrastructure bill. Lol Your MAGA hat is too tight.
But... does it come with the government kill switch?
@@Kevin-mk6jo you don’t need a kill switch because Subarus are not on the stolen list, nobody wants them in Africa or middle east
Every car will in 2026 by law
That's cool and all but where's the subaru truck?
Great Review Lauren! My Issues with the Subaru Forester is the excessive black cladding around the wheel fenders and that the side view mirrors are mounted on the front doors. They should be mounted into the corners of the A pillars. Love the Greenhouse and center console display. Subaru should have full LED light bars running across the front and rear for a more upscale look. The Fog Lights should be circular in shape on the front bumper and those rear reflectors should be eliminated. The texture above the glovebox is unnecessary and distracts from the clean lines inside the cabin. The Forester name on the D pillar (black separation bar ) should also be eliminated for ease of washing and waxing the vehicles. Yes, I still wash and wax my vehicles by hand to protect them from the elements. Hopefully the new Subaru Ascent will grow in size and be styled similar to the Toyota Grand Highlander since both companies are partnering on drivetrain technology and probably a host of design features. Does the 2025 Forester have surround view cameras and front parking sensors on the at those prices?
Dammm u up late !!!! How about a Link to the kill switch video ? I had to laugh YT recommended me a video from you over ten years ago. Loved the content on the Leather Chic !!!! More Please !!!!
Kill Switch - The Growing Threat of Government Control of Your Car ua-cam.com/video/5nhOds0dADo/v-deo.html
Foresters are NOT Jeeps, not meant to be driven off road. But they ARE every bit as good as Jeeps on snow - have never had to push one in over 30 years.
I need at least 375hp under my hood. But my kid brother swears by his 2011 Subaru flat 6 with 186k miles on it. Keeps the belt changed and the maintenance done on schedule, done by himself. He barely fits inside
No HOMELINK
It is a port option on the Forester. $413.
Get rid of the yuppie electronics crap, like the touch screen bullshit!!! Still way,way to much yuppie electronics crap!!! Keep it!!! I don't want an yuppie electronics crap on my cars and trucks!!! If it costs more than 15,000 dollars keep this Turkey!!! I don't need back cameras, I have rear view mirrors for that!!!
Go away Darren.
I LOATHE that HUGE screen. It's distracting, not mention UGLY
Yes, it keeps me from buying a Forester.
It a Ford Explorer 😂 I own a 19 sport and would never trade up for this
That is precisely why I purchased a 2024 Forester Touring. I drove both a '24 and '25 and it was a no brainer for me. The '24 felt more connected to the road and the physical switch gear was much more user friendly with minimal glare. I'm not even going to discuss the Ford influence on styling...yuck!
T.M.T, ma' am ! Too Much Technology. Same as all, modern over-sensed, over TECHED, plastic computerized j u n k. Boxer engines, known for failure. ESPECIALLY CVT transmissions: 8 speeds, means = MORE TO GO WRONG.../ Junk, ....NO RE-Sale value, whatsoever. i will keep my 321,000 mile 96 Chrysler Intrepid. No oil burning - Good tranny - runs like a top. Good luck, with ANY MODERN vehicle, reaching THAT STAGE OF EXISTENCE. Some, most Toyotas, PROPERLY maintained, would/could reach that mileage. Good luck , All ! One, can hardly find any modern ' vehicle ' reaching that state, of usefull existence. None. Parking lots, fulla junk.....no one wants them....for THAT kind of money --
U talking about the subaru of 2002..... it is 2024 bud. Look at the reliability of today with these Cars. Now your Chrysler of today..... make sure you have AAA, you will need it.
@@Kevin-mk6jou z 128
Yes and that is why we see so many 15 yr old Subarus on the road. If no one want them, why do they have to start assembling the Crosstrek in Indiana for the U.S. Market. Oh that would be because the plant in Japan cannot keep up with the demand. And your Chrysler Intrepid is reaching its end of life.; must have changed the timing belt by now, if not, it is due to go. Had one in 2001 (badged as a Plymouth in Canada), good car but didn't have any technology compared to the safer cars today, and changed it after 120,000 miles.
@@brucekatkin5310 The 3.3 litre, intrepid here, has a CHAIN ; for engine timing. This faithfull car - doesn't OWE ME ANY thing.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤡🤡🤡🤡
gotta get that 'mare technalogy'
Yddnteniev. Tuico tos