What is a Forester? The Forester is a compact crossover SUV built in the Gunma Prefecture, Japan assembly plant and sold in North America by Subaru. A recent report from Automotive News says Subaru will possibly move manufacturing of the next Forester generation model to its plant in Lafayette, Indiana and then it will be “Made in America.”
The Lafayette assembly plant is the center of Subaru’s manufacturing activities in the United States. This facility plays a crucial role in Subaru’s production capacity, building over 300,000 vehicles annually. The models produced at this plant include the Subaru Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza. Production capacity is not a concern because the Legacy sedan is being discontinued after the 2025 model year.
The new 2025 Forester has a sleek, contemporary design, while retaining the looks of its classic, rugged predecessors. The front of the vehicle features a bold grille that merges into the compact LED headlights, and creates a high integrated shield effect.
The Forester’s style, performance, and safety, have evolved with industry advancements and consumer demands, enabling it to be one of Subaru’s best selling models. It’s ranked at the top of the charts for the best compact SUV, because of its low cost, high value, and car like driving feel, with a roomy interior and high fuel economy.
To highlight this new 2025 model, Subaru sent me a Forester all wheel drive (AWD) SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this Limited edition is $35,995. The only option on the test SUV is the popular equipment package for $1,600. The manufactures suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,395 destination charge is: $38,990.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $43,864. At just under $44 Grand this AWD compact SUV costs near $4,000 less than the average transaction sale price of $48,800. Not only do you pay less than the average sales price, you get a top of the line crossover compact SUV that gets 26 MPG city, 33 MPG highway, and 29 MPG in combined everyday driving. Plus it has a 1,500 lb. towing capacity for your tent trailer.
Power comes from a dual over head cam (DOHC) 2.5 liter horizontally opposed Boxer 4 cylinder gas engine with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, bolted to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and then routed into a symmetrical AWD traction control system. In 1996, Subaru decided to include symmetrical AWD as standard equipment across all model lines. That decision locked in Subaru’s commitment to safety, capability, and driving enjoyment. To this day, every Subaru model, excluding the BRZ sports car, is equipped with standard symmetrical AWD.
Driving the Forester is super easy and very nice. The Boxer engine and the CVT are so linear in motion that you think you’re driving an electric car. From idle to highway speeds, and everything in between, the ride is smooth and quiet. It was great to drive a compact SUV with the positive feel and confidence of a very safe driving vehicle.
Adding to the option list is the popular equipment package that includes: the Subaru StarLink navigation system with a 11.6″ multimedia center stack screen, a reverse automatic braking system and a fantastic sounding Harman Kardon premium audio sound system with a 576 watt amplifier driving 11 perfectly placed speakers.
The 2025 Forester has a new sleek contemporary designed interior and exterior, and it comes with the latest version of the EyeSight driver assist technology, with improved dynamic performance, and ride quality from a 10% stiffer chassis. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Now all Subaru’s have a foot activated, hands free, power rear lift gate option and an upgrade to 19″ sport alloy wheels. All Subaru’s come with emergency stop assist as standard equipment. With a quieter and more comfortable interior, Forester now leads the pack in the compact crossover SUV class.
Independent experts have tested, compared, and ranked Subaru vehicles at the top of their class for safety, longevity and value. And with the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK’s highest rating, Subaru has more TSP winners than Toyota, Honda, or all the Hyundai brands.
So, call, click or visit your local Subaru dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2025 Subaru Forester AWD Limited SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Forester starts at only $31,115. Subaru – Confidence in Motion.
Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net