2025 Subaru Forester hybrid review

This global brand rushed out their first hybrid SUV, leaving a lot ot be desired. Their second attempt? Well, everyone should take notice.

The last Subaru Forester e-Boxer hybrid was mild. The new one? It’s strong.

Is it the difference between ordering a weak latte or a triple-shot macchiato? Well, maybe not, but it’s a massive improvement… as far as I can tell.

That’s because the Japanese brand hasn’t done a full launch for the new Forester SUV just yet, with a lot of unknowns still to be confirmed. Instead, this brief drive was more to see how big of a difference the new ‘strong’ hybrid system makes to the Forester.

And in short, it’s a pretty impressive thing. Is it as accomplished as the benchmark-setting RAV4? No, but it does things differently to that model when it comes to the petrol-electric tech.

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Subaru's strong hybrid system teams a 2.5-litre boxer engine with an 88kW electric motor, a big step from the old e-Boxer. Picture: Supplied

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For instance, the trademark four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine remains – a 2.5-litre non-turbo unit, which is the same as you’ll find in the standard petrol versions of the Forester. But the difference is that the CVT automatic in the hybrid also incorporates an 88kW electric motor, which can help figure out what should happen next.

The car’s computers can make it run as a pure EV at a range of speeds if the 1.1kWh battery is charged enough, or it can use battery in parallel with the engine, or use the engine to recharge the battery and power the car. It’s a clever bit of kit, and thankfully retains the mechanical connection between the engine and both axles, with proper all-wheel drive rather than a rear-mounted electric motor (as is the case in RAV4).

The total outputs of the powertrain are still to be confirmed, and so is the official fuel use number – but the brand has stated that the new hybrid model will get more than 1000km from a full tank, and I’ve heard whispers that it could be closer to 1100km for highway driving.

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Hybrid models get a new 11.6-inch touchscreen and digital instruments that display drivetrain data, angles and traction information. Picture: Supplied

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There was no highway testing for this launch event, with a closed road circuit on the Central Coast offering more of a ‘perfect surface and amazing corners’ drive, where the Foz felt better than its predecessor. The suspension between the petrol and hybrid models differs in terms of the damper tuning, and it held its line pretty well, while the steering seemed light and accurate. Can’t vouch for parking moves or roundabouts just yet, though.

The powertrain is a far more compelling choice now, with it evidently offering more poke and better performance at a mix of speeds. The electric motor is constantly getting involved to help save fuel and assist the engine, and it can also do some nifty stuff off-road.

A short jaunt up and down a rough track showcased that the Forester continues to be a better soft-roader than most, with clearance being the only main issue – despite the fact it has more than almost every competitor in its class. The Forester’s X-Mode off-road system manages hill descent control pretty well, and adjusts throttle response admirably.

The hybrid Forester felt more capable than its predecessor. Picture: Supplied

Deep Snow/Mud mode makes it very perky and will spin the tyres to gain purchase, while the duller Snow/Dirt mode sedates reactions to ensure better progress.

Tyres would be another easy upgrade for those who want to venture far and wide, but the electronics worked some magic, allowing the car to apportion torque where it needed to be to nibble the car’s way out of some sections that would easily hang-up other medium SUVs.

It retains a thoughtful and practical cabin, for the most part. There’s a new 11.6-inch touchscreen system and hybrid models get a digital instrument display with configurable modes to show you different elements of the drivetrain, and the centre screen displays traction and steering angles as well as tilt and twist angles, as well as showcasing the surround-view camera system – a handy addition off-road.

There’s a big boot with a flat load lip, but annoyingly the hybrid model misses out on a spare wheel, which could be a deal-breaker for more adventurous customers.

First impressions are, dare I say it, strong for this new Forester. Can’t wait to find out what it costs, and what the real-world drive experience and consumption numbers are like.

Originally published as 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid review