For nearly 30 years, the Subaru Forester SUV has been a mainstay for the auto manufacturer. Subaru introduced the Forester in 1998; it was smaller than the Outback but bigger than the Impreza.
However, it recently debuted a refreshed version of the popular vehicle, but in the form of a hybrid that gets up to 40% better fuel economy than its non-hybrid sibling. Would it make a good overlanding platform? I flew to San Francisco to check out the long-awaited 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid to see for myself.
Car Talk Highlights
Subaru didn’t cut corners with its new hybrid system (offered in a Forester for the first time). It’s different than what was first presented with the XV Crosstrek Hybrid introduced in 2013. The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is a next-generation series-parallel hybrid system that still includes Subaru’s well-known Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
This key factor doesn’t lose capability but drastically enhances range and lowers emissions. The new Forester Hybrid has an EPA-estimated range of 581 miles and 35 city / 34 highway / 35 combined fuel economy rating. Plus, it has a 16.6-gallon fuel tank.
All 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid models are powered by a newly developed 2.5-liter boxer engine and electric motors and are only paired to CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmissions). The hybrid SUV delivers 194 total horsepower—162 HP and 154 lb.-ft. of torque for the engine and 118 HP and 199 lb.-ft. of torque for its three-phase AC synchronous electric motor. The battery system is comprised of a high-voltage, sealed lithium-ion battery.
Every new Forester Hybrid includes X-MODE which enhances a Subaru’s capability in snow, dirt, mud, or deep snow. They also include SI-DRIVE Performance Management, an EV drive mode, and a 6-speed manual shift mode with easy-to-use paddle shifters.
Four trims are available: Premium, Sport, Limited (which is what I tested), and top-of-the-line Touring. Each one tows up to 1,500 pounds with a 150-pound tongue capacity. The 2025 Forester Hybrid has a 105.1” wheelbase and is 183.3” long, 72” wide (81.2” with mirrors), and 68.1” high without aftermarket roof rack additions.
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Off-Road Readiness
In addition to X-MODE, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid has 8.7” of ground clearance (the same as it’s ICE iteration but .5” lower than the Forester Wilderness sitting at 9.2”). The Forester Hybrid also has the same angles as the ICE Forester: 19 degrees for approach, 24.6 degrees for departure (although it’s slightly better at 24.7 degrees for Sport and Touring trims), and 19.6 degrees for breakover angle.
I drove it off-road at the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) in the Gabilan Mountains, an hour’s drive south of San Jose, California. Hollister Hills is California’s first SVRA and boasts over 6,800 acres and close to 200 miles of trails lined with trees, breathtaking overlooks, and varied terrain. It was an ideal place to test the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid in the dirt.
Incline or Decline?
Hollister Hills straddles the San Andreas Fault and has elevations ranging from 660 feet to 2,425 feet. I started my off-road session by navigating straight up a steep, rutted trail—not with a Forester Hybrid—but with a new 2025 Toyota RAV4 SUV and barely used 2025 Honda CR-V to test their all-wheel-drive systems.
I drove up part of the trail until I arrived at an orange cone, then stopped. The goal was to start going after you stopped at the cone to see which, if any, AWD rigs would make it to the top.
It took me a few tries and see-sawing the Toyota’s steering wheel to get grip while driving on the side of the ruts, but I was one of just a few who managed to successfully achieve the goal.
Next up? The CR-V. This AWD vehicle made it about halfway up the course after the cone but then lost forward momentum and couldn’t go farther. After a few attempts, I cautiously backed down to the bottom and hopped into the third test vehicle, my 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. It conquered the incline without any issue.
Varied Terrain
Hollister Hills took me through thick wooded areas, winding cliff-side tracks, and steep, rocky sections. The Subaru Forester Hybrid was easy to see out of and drive in different conditions, although I would have appreciated a front-facing camera to help navigate hard-to-see trail areas like the Honda TrailSport AWD vehicles have.
The Subaru Forester Hybrid didn’t feel any bigger than the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek I own with my husband, Andy Lilienthal. But it’s nearly identical in wheelbase dimensions (our Crosstrek is 104.9″ whereas the Forester Hybrid has 105.1”). The Forester Hybrid is 6.3” longer and 4.1” taller, however. Our Crosstrek is 177″ long x 71″ wide (without mirrors) x 64″ tall.
The 225/55 R18 all-season Falken tires adequately handled the off-road course although I’d upgrade to a set of all-terrains for added traction. The Forester Hybrid soaked up bumps and divots easily and its suspension didn’t bottom out (although the undercarriage met its match a few times as I carefully navigated over deep off-camber situations).
Only once did the front facia scrape on an initial descent from a steep hump. Practicing mechanical sympathy and going as slowly as possible and as fast as necessary should be everyone’s motto. I’m sure the aftermarket will offer skid plates so we won’t have to worry about that undercarriage, too.
Carrying Cargo and Power Potential
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid has 27.5 cu. ft. of storage space with the rear seats up and 69.1 cu. ft. with them down. Note: The rear seats fold nearly flat with no hump behind the seatbacks. Tip: There is a secret storage compartment under the rear cargo mat.
If you’re wanting to house a vehicle fridge or other bulky or tall cargo, the interior cargo height is 32.4” (with its power rear gate and hands-free foot activation’s opening height just under that at 32.2” and width 47.5” at the lower area and 49.2” up high).
The width between wheel housings is 43.3” (wider than both our personal 4x4s). The maximum load length at the floor level is 36.5” with the rear seats up and 70.7” with them folded—enough length for most people to sleep within it.
Subaru houses multiple USB-C outlets in the center stack up front and one in the middle of the Forester Hybrid (next to a USB-A port). A 12-volt outlet is located between both front seats behind the shift knob and on the driver’s side rear wall, essential for powering said fridge or devices. I was happy to see a great combo of USB and 12V outlets, which are great for powering auxiliary overlanding accessories.
The Interior Has It
All 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid models have an 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia Plus system (with a semi-matte screen but high-gloss knobs and buttons). Less fingerprints and dust! It also has a new 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster. Both can be customized.
All but the Touring model gets the animal-free StarTex interior upholstery which cleans easily and looks attractive. However, I noticed some puckering in my Limited’s front seat bottoms. That must be an isolated case as the 2022 Outback Wilderness had StarTex as well and I didn’t notice any issues.
This vehicle’s interior cabin is spacious, visually pleasing, and has clean lines. The seats are comfortable with minimal side bolstering. The material selections are tasteful and modern. A Harman Kardon speaker system showcases a 576-watt equivalent amplifier and 11 speakers, further enhancing in-car entertainment experiences.
Along with those features, Subaru includes tons of tech like its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Advanced Driver Assist Technology. This includes Automatic Emergency Steering, and Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert System.
Wrapping It Up
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is a solid soft-roader and should be considered when shopping for an AWD adventure vehicle, especially for those looking to save fuel. And keep in mind: this isn’t a plug-in hybrid, so there’s no need to charge during your travels.
No matter if you’re customizing it or keeping it stock, this vehicle has a lot to offer, especially at its price range: $34,995 starting MSRP for the Premium (plus $1,420 destination and delivery) to $41,695 for the Touring model (plus $1,420 destination and delivery).
Our Autumn Green Metallic Limited test model was $40,830 (this included D&D). Two-tone and specialty paint colors are available for an extra charge.
I drove our Limited trim tester on-road through California’s stunning redwood forests, in city traffic, and on the interstate. It handled more like a car in the curves and was fun to drive no matter where you were going, especially when using the paddle shifters. It’s got adequate passing power but for me, I could always use more. Off-road the 2025 Forester Hybrid is classically Subaru, but more refined. And it’s finally a hybrid!
Now, when I prodded Subaru of America about a Forester Wilderness Hybrid, or a Wilderness Hybrid of any sort, for that matter, they simply said, “We can’t comment on those but we’re always listening.”
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