2025 Subaru Forester Reviewed on Snow, Dirt and Street
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- We head to Montana for a first look at the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester where we check out it's road-going manners, rally-car-like handing on gravel and even if it can master a snow-covered mountain road.
#Subaru #SubaruForester #offroad
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Features
13:38 - Driving Impressions Highway
26:48 - Dirt and Rally-Style Roads
34:37 - Snow Driving and X-Mode
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For over 14 years I am driving a Forester 2.5 XT from 2007 and still enjoy each moment in it. I work in forestry and have to travel quite some distances between the forest sites I I need to visit. The 248 HP turbo is very fast and very comfortable. Once in the fields it also performs really good, in snow, in deep mud, on steep mountain pathes, I did not experience any condition the Forester did not help me out without a problem. On the highway it has no problem to accelerate very quickly between 60 and 100 MPH and 0-60 is done under 8 sec. When I see your video I think the new Forester performance still is a shadow of my 17 years old Forester, which is the main reason for me still to drive this oldie. And mind you, I record my fuel consumption for over a decade and this turbo normally uses 26 MPG, when I am in a hurry it drops to 23,5 MPG. So considering its performance not something to feel ashamed about. I really do hope Subaru will improve the Forester performance towards what it once was.
The best 2025 Forester first look on YT
5:47 so glad a reviewer finally spent the 3 seconds it takes to show the improved overhead trunk lighting. The dinky dim side lights in the last generations of Subaru were so incredibly poor when out on campgrounds and especially when being covered by various cargo.
These are very easy upgrades that cost almost nothing
I have a video on my channel showing how to install a $10 led strip, and I have so far done both my Forester and my wife's Outback, and my sisters Town and Country. Illuminates the trunk AND like 40ft behind the vehicle. 👍
Thanks Ryan! Definitely the best review to drop today.
Subaru Explorester
What a great video. Amazing job!! Best channel out there by far.
Have watched you for awhile. Always enjoy your thorough and straightforward reviews. They feel professional with some added humor and fun. I watch a lot of reviews and definitely think your channel is top notch. Thanks again. Be well.
Had the delima recently of choosing between the 24 and waiting for the 25 Forester, but loved the older setup with buttons and dials so that was my decider. The 25 does remind me of a Ford Explorer from like 2015, would love to see a more aggressive or angular design but oh well.
Great video as always!
Me too but I chose to wait for 2025 few more weeks.
I love this cahnnel.❤ Especially with Subaru. 👌
Thanks Ryan. You do a great job. I really enjoy the videos.
I love Subarus but who is styling the front ends of their cars??
Exactly! It screams "Ford" to me. Not he best look IMO.
not the best look, but then it doesn't have that gaping whale shark look like some of the Toyotas have. Those things are hideous!!
Toyota
You can always tell designs that are "done by committee"
Foryota
Think I'll hold on to my 2022 loaded Forester Limited for now.... Great review!!!
Bring back the XT!
Only 4% of people buying the Forester bought the XT. That’s why Subaru dropped it
@@Doc1855i was one of those folks in 2017. Haven't sold it because I love it that much. Manual would've been cool but I'm sure sales would’ve tanked even more on it
@@Doc1855 I bought one - great car, but had a cvt issue. I ended up trading it in for a new 2017 Forester with a manual transmission - still going strong. I will be keeping the manual for a long long time - my backup/utility vehicle.
@@korling99 I’m happy for you
@@lacoupe5088 I’m happy for you
I'll keep my 20222 Wilderness. I love the perfect mix of screen, buttons, dials and switches in mine. Recently got an outback loaner and HATED having everything buried in the screen and menus.
Nice to see, I had no idea it was already on show! I have the former generation with a under-dimensioned hybrid engine, here in Sweden, and it is smooth and tooth-less, but also very senstive to side-wind in high speeds. I would love to hear if u did any such observation on this newer version now?
I think this one’s a keeper and the color is gorgeous.
The older styling was better for me. Looks to be an improvement in all areas. Lack of power remains and issue and the reason I opted for an XT Outback
I agree the older version looks more subaru and easily distinguishable. This one is more of a ford.
Good review! But HUD are amazing! Big safety improvement with HUD.
The surround view camera and ventilated seats bring this to the future!
Another exhaustive review with off road drive at every weather conditions. Props to Subaru for symetrical all time AWD. Great review. Greetings
Very nice.... definitely a future potential.
Yay the only place i watch for new Subaru review... Last Forester snow test 6 years ago convinced us to get a Forester!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Same here!
His reviews convinced me to buy a Subaru as well!
Ryan is convincing me to get a Subaru at this point lol and I am not a fan of their boring approach. This bad boy is way better than I expected and standard Adaptive Cruise control is the best!
Whatttt?? Not TFL? lol. They’re great for rc cars/SUVs and their roller tests are one of a kind 😂
It’s a Ford, baby
Getting mine in September to replace my 2021 Outback. Can't wait.
Everyone talking about the front end looking like explorers. It looks more like the new honda crv styling to me.
Can't wait to see the wilderness model! Hoping to upgrade from my 06 outback 3.0
Great review! Thank you!
I love your perspective. It's like none other. Nice work!
Great review! Though I'm laughing at how everyone bashes the speed /accel, and yet when I tried a 24 model this week I had a blast and found it extremely peppy! (Likely because I'm not a speeder, and used to a 2001 VW new beetle)
I'm still deciding between the CRV, RAV4, and forester, but the new 25s are adding another dimension I'll have to consider 😂
I own 2020 e-boxer. In four years this gen seems like a good replacement.
It has what I want and not much I don’t want. It also still offers good visibility and square trunk.
I hope there will be trail hybrid with all the features inside 😂
Wow. This is WAY earlier than I was expecting to get a vid like this. I enjoy it. Any chance you will get a Tacoma Hybrid soon? Looking forward to your review of that.
We’re still waiting on the Tacoma hybrid. No ETA from Toyota yet. Thanks for watching!
My 2016 XT has Hail damage and it still looks better then the 2025!
I think this 2025 model is the best looking one yet. To each their own.
@@yippie6862 lol! If I wanted a ford explorer I would buy one.
@@mikebayer5823 Doesn't look like the much larger Explorer to me. Similar headlight design isn't enough for the two to look alike IMO.
*than
The 2025 looks like a Rav4 that merged with an Explorer. Don't like the look. Also hate not have knobs for the infotainment console.
Big big fan of yours,BTW what kind of mpg were you getting while you were driving on the highway towards the off road part of your video..
Being an 2022 OBW owner and also owning a 2020 civic hatchback, I've noticed that the lane keep assist system (LKAS) in the outback acts like it wants me to keep my hands on the wheel but when I do it gets angry if I don't let it do what it wants to the point that the steering wheel will start to jerk (dangerously in my opinion) until I turn off LKAS. I have let go when it does this when no other cars are near and it will throw me into either adjacent lane when it jerks. My Honda gives the more assisted driving experience.
I have a funny feeling the Wilderness version will be a Hybrid due to the fuel economy the current Wilderness have and like you said of the hybrid torque it might come out torquier, who knows what will happen. Awesome video as always👌🏽👍🏽👍🏽💯
Great review as always. The one thing I would point out is to use SI DRIVE when passing. You noted it when testing 0-60, but an application for SI DRIVE is for passing. Anything helps right. Thank you
SI-DRIVE only changes throttle mapping. At wide open throttle it makes zero difference. WOT is WOT regardless of mode selected.
I remember when Subaru Forester was the simple rough n tumble option that was always well below average new car price. Two trims, two transmissions, very limited "luxury". I don't think I'm the only one in the PNW who misses those days
Get the last gen while you still can. $3k+ less trim for trim.
I guess people want electric gadgets and luxury (heated steering wheel lol) -durability, performance, handling are an afterthought on certain models.
It's 2024, everyobe wants new techs. Still, It's one of the most rough and tumble cars left, at a very competitive price.
Always a great review.
I have a 2019 forester. I feel like the backup camera screen is bigger on that than this one.
The backup camera view is big on the new screen, once you touch the view button on the screen it changes the view. He just didn’t know that about the vehicle since his not a salesperson for Subaru.
I just got me a Crosstrek Wilderness this weekend, mostly thanks to all your great videos. Would have gone with Forrester but I didn't want the old outgoing model. So when my lease is up in 3 years I'll probably go for a Forrester wilderness with this new version.
Why would a person lease a vehicle? I don't get it, pls explain. It's like renting a house to me, you only do it if you're forced to
@@fuglong I get bored of whatever I drive after 3 - 4 years and would end up trading in my financed car early, which means I lose money if I don't get a good trade in value. Since I always have a car payment, it's cheaper to lease and I have the added benefit of my car always being under warranty because a lease is up in 3 years, and I don't drive nearly enough to go over the mile limit. Cars are also depreciating assets, unlike a house :)
@@timkline162 ah cool, makes sense. Thanks!
I really hope Subaru will give the Wilderness a more powerful engine. Great video.
Lovely outdoorsy review as always ! 2 questions tho,
1. Does the blind spot alarm has an audible component or as silly as before with only flashing little light?
2. Does it have front parking sensors?
What a great video! Tnx
Awesome video!!!
That’s a sweet Fordster! 😂
Thanks for the vid! Really enjoy your Suby content. Eager to see how the new hybrid Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback hold up when they arrive.
Great video as always. Greetings from Mexico. 🇲🇽♥️
I have a 2024 Crosstrek with wireless charging. Same issue. Although Subaru states the charger will automatically centre on the phone if it moves on the pad, this does not happen. I got fed up and plug it in to charge.
My problem with the Big display is they hide the Front Collision Mitigation under many button hits. FCM is so sensitive in my Ascent it almost causes accidents when I need to scoot between traffic
Love your videos! Another great review. We have 2 Foresters 2014 and 2016 models Wish we could get the Wilderness versions here in Australia… All the best
Great review! I have and love the Crosstrek Wilderness, but the lagginess of the screen's response has been an annoyance most reviewers point out. Is the Forester any better? Another issue, and I'm thinking the Forester has the same problem, is that most normal-sized phones will slide around on the wireless charging pad during normal driving--so no charging takes place. I gave up on using that feature.
Same system. Didn’t notice any difference.
Thank you Rayan and for your excited car videos….cool dude.
I got the 2024, the LAST chance to get one new before that obnoxiously huge touch screen. Love the knobs, love the SMALL screen!!
I hear ya. I got a '23 Sport, and love the physical HVAC controls!
Physical hvac controls are better - sad they changed
Current owner of 2020 Sport, nothing in the new one makes me want to trade it in for this one, the $7000 price bump doesn't help either.
18 Forester 6MT, we just put the wife in a 2020 Outback. The physical knobs and dials are hands down faster, easier, less distracting, and more intuitive. Oh, and repair costs will be in the double-digits of dollars, vs four digits for that expensive, slow, low res iPad in the Outback.
Is the HK sound system exactly the same as previous versions or is there an improvement?
Looks like a ford explorer lol
True
Ford Explorer is nice 😊
Thanks! Outstanding Review 😎
I like the tech and glad it finally got a 360 camera. Ryan, did they improve the backup camera resolution quality? I couldn’t tell from the video.
I think this car would look much better in the wilderness version. Also one can only hope they release an XT version of this with the turbo…
No resolution improvement.
Come on hybrid!!! I hope you talk some about the differences in driving on and off road between this and the Crosstrek.
Where are you in Montana? I moved away a few years ago, but lived there my entire life until somewhat recently.
Excellent review!
Ryan, you da man.
Maybe I missed it, but where in Montana is this? Looks amazing. Great video as always 🙌
Outside Missoula.
@@drivingsports thanks!
if you push the little camera icon on the screen when you are reversing, it will switch through different camera modes, especially if you just want the backup camera without the split screen sensors next to it.
Yes, we play with that more in our next video. (700 mile roadtrip)
Great camera work. This review touched on everything we'd want to know. And yes, the vehicle could use the additional power of a good hybrid system.
I’m currently watching you smile and laugh through the backroad turns now… I love that you make your job fun! Great video so far bro.
As always… well done and entertaining to watch. Riddle me this… whyyyy have they not turbo’d the forester wilderness?!? And any rumors of an ascent wilderness in the future?
I think it’s a pricing issue. More power will be from the hybrid. No word on Ascent.
@@drivingsports makes sense. I’m less concerned about passing power and more with towing. Will keep an eye for the ascent wilderness and hybrid forester. Not sure why, I just like the forester more than the outback. Although overall interior is smaller, it feels more roomy.
@@theadambragg Of the subaru line the Forester seems to be the best size and layout of the subaru's, for me. It is just to damn scarily slow and I do Not want to have anything to do with a turbo. It needs "about 30 more horse power and 30 more FT pounds of torque"?
@@theadambraggI would not buy any Subaru for towing, or any CVT vehicle for that matter. If you need a crossover for towing, get an explorer or used highlander with a v6. Maybe even a maverick
Looks good! I hope they come out with a hybrid soon and a plug-in would be even better. It should be interesting if how they arrange the power train. If they want to keep their existing AWD system, the electric motor will have to drive the transmission, maybe similar to the Toyota Tundra setup. It will mean lower mpg, but better AWD.
I hope they improve the latest hybrid, we've had hybrid (2 litre boxer) Foresters in the UK for years and they're slower than your 2.5 ! I have a 2024 hybrid, it's not quick but it's still a great car. I'm hoping they bring out a plug in hybrid over here when we eventually see the new model.
Hey Ryan, the Forester Wilderness 2025 will have a small screen with more physical buttons. So that's good for those who don't like the big portrait screen.
How do you know this? Whats your source?
@@GooseWurkzThe Wilderness is still on the SK platform for 2025.
Definitely not true, as the Crosstrek Wilderness has the big screen like the other newer Subarus.
@SimulatorsStudio 25 Forester Wilderness will be carry over of current Gen. W/ no change
It needs a turbo engine, Period 👌🏻
They had a turbo before and not enough people bought it so they got rid of it. With a hybrid coming I’d be surprised if they brought the turbo back.
Please no. Turbo engines do not have the reliability and durability of an N/A. Instead Subaru needs to push its engineers to match Toyota's A25A at 205-210hp. This would much improve the passing power.
@@0HOON0 they need a good hybrid system like toyota. they cant keep making NA engines with how emission standards are getting super strict and states like CA banning ICE engines in a few years.
@@xxichikokoxx Well its expected that the new Hybrid will be taken from Toyota's directly, or at least it should be considering Toyota's investment in Subaru. Subaru's last hybrid car was terriable though.. so I hope its better. Personally I'm fairly anti-hybrid, but do see the appeal due to those emission standards which cribble the engines now with so little power. I'm not a fan of turbos (most mechanics are as well for the reliability issues they have)., but its so tempting considering how under powered this engine is. I'm now debating. Honda CR-V or this. -
@@0HOON0 Exactly …my wife’s BRZ has a 2.4 230hp -it’s not some futuristic thing “Oh someday when the technology gets there.”
finally another forester cover!!
I really like this. They got rid of a lot of the "quirky" design elements, like the overly angled hood layout.
Please, please add a turbo option. It would not only solve the problem of speed, but higher altitude loss of power. It’d just be nice to have that extra oomph when you need it. Please Subaru.
Not happening. Hybrid can fix that too.
No turbo needed. Just adds complexity and cost. People need to relax and maybe slow down a tad.
Then I’m not buying another Subaru lol I want more power, regardless of turbo or hybrid. The current engine and CVT are not suited for California freeway on-ramps, you cannot get up to speed when merging, very dangerous sometimes
LOTS of people do Not like Turbos, because of reliability and wear issues and often gas mileage. (Sure they can get decent gas mileage... when the turbo Is not coming on. But in real life you will probably be engaging the turbo Often, also on when you are on some tough/rugged nasty dirt road situations, or when presented with "steep climbs" the turbo will get put in to use and Be Sucking Gas. Turbo engines are "short term" rides. Best to have a 'racing crew and a sponsor paying to take care of your car. 😅😉
The factory that makes Forester already makes 1.8T version for Japanese market.
So just push your local dealership to bring it to North America.
The engine is not as fast as the old 2.0T, but it offers much more torque so definitely better acceleration then 2.5NA.
About the AWD, both front & rear Differentials are open Diffs so does the power going to either get help from the brakes to get it to each side to help with traction????
So glad I went with a 23 FW
Seems a shame to have just the 2.5 boxer because it did look like fun to drive fast on gravel. At least give us a lock out option for the front wheels so that you could flat track it thru curves.
What would keep them from boring it out to 3 liters?
You talked a lot about how you like the seats and think the seats are an improvement which is good to see. I know its been years since you've probably tested an SJ Forester, but how would you say they compare? How would you individually rate SJ seats to everything else you have reviewed?
Personally on drives over 45 minutes i get sore and uncomfortable in my 2016 touring that i bought last year. And the lumar support feels like too much even with it fully moved back. Trying to figure out if this is a universal experience or if i just need to adjust my seat more.
The previous model's were just ok. Drove a family member's Crosstrek and it was much more comfortable for long drives. So this change is a big step up.
Try out the new seats. I think you’ll see they’re a big improvement.
I’m glad to hear the seats are improved. There’s nothing wrong with the current seats, but the head restraints are only good for navel gazing.
We own a 2021 Outback with the natural aspirated engine, and it's okay. My wife didn't want the turbo because she wanted the better gas mileage. It's slow. I'm looking at a next car, and as much as I do like the looks of this, I can't get over not having a more powerful engine option. Subaru not having the turbo option is such so unfortunate. I am also curious when there will be a Wilderness, and what all that would include. One of the things that bugs me is you can only get cooling in the Touring. I love the look of the wilderness, especially in the blue color they have in that trim, and that's a feature I wish you could get.
Thanks for the review. Are the cameras still the same terrible "subaru special" quality?
We cover that near the end of the video.
Ryan - the ten seconds you take on cars like this to see if you fit in the back is very important to me as I look for my “campable” vehicle!
As for handling, I look forward to trying the improved system out. When one experiences the previous Forester with Subaru’s mild acceleration, I have always found them to be Russian tank simulators.
However, for all the extra capability one gets, this is worth keeping in my short list.
Great in depth look as usual, thank you!
You hit all my initial thoughts on the exterior: front has too much going on yet is too soft at the same time, I don't think the rear taillights are consistent with the rest of the design at all, and overall if you took the badges off I'd guess it was a Ford. Almost like they took the body of an Edge, shrunk it, then put the Kia Sportage taillights on it. I can't picture this thing as a wilderness.
Lots of pros you point out are nice (fuel tank size!) however not even close for us to consider upgrading from our '17 XT. The design has been going downhill since and this one made it worse in my opinion, so much that I couldn't overlook it for the new features. If I were looking now, I'd personally hurry up an get a '24.
Last week, I bought a 2024 Crosstrek Limited with a 2.5-engine and yes it's slow but it's my wife's car. I drive my AMG C63S without her in the car for real speed.
Great job Ryan. Would have liked to see more about 0-60 times because we live at 5,100 feet. Have a 2016 turbo XT now that does fine at elevations up to 8,000 feet.
In regards to the power output… I have a ‘22 Crosstrek Limited that I’ve had for a little over 2 years, which has the older 2.5, but let’s be honest, the new one isn’t that much different. Anyway, I’ve found that it accelerates much better at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle, especially at highway speeds, than it does at full throttle. Full throttle seems to overwhelm the drivetrain and bog it down more than just giving it a few less beans. Just an observation as kind of a work around for the lack of power. Other than that I love my CT. And if you’re looking for speed and quickness in a vehicle, these aren’t really the ones to be looking at anyway, but it just does so many other things well.
Ryan got another?..iam thinking about buying the new 2025 Subaru Forester Touring model like in this video,if I wanted to do the same kinda off reading you did in this video here what kinda tires would you recommend for this vehicle that would still be able to alot of highway driving and occasionally off road like you did here..I really don't want to get into the whole off reading to justify buying a wilderness version..
Can't wait to see your long distance road trip in this vehicle..Be safe,have fun,keep up the great job with your videos adventures!!😂🫡💯👍👌
Falken Wildpeak Trails are excellent. We have them on my wife’s Crosstrek.
Front end looks like a 2022+ Equinox, 2024 VW Atlas, and Ford Explorer and rear end looks like a 2024 Nissan Armada
I’m not complaining but wondering why they don’t put the turbo in it? I think if the forester had the obw specs it could be even more capable with a better approach and departure angle?
I definitely prefer your vehicle reviews. Another great one!
Looking more and more like the outlander
One other thing about the AWD, I’ve heard it only sends 10% to the rear wheels at all times until the computer control for the AWD detects wheel spin?? That helps with Fuel economy they say and the reaction time is much faster to send power to whatever wheel needs the power?
It’s 60/40 f/r. It will do 90/10 if the ABS, traction control, or stability control demands it.
Minor changes, it’s like a facelift
It is interesting that Subaru is going to give The Sport trim differently suspension for a sport feel…interesting. I have a 2023 and wish the steering had more feedback.
The take rate for the old Forester Turbo was not high. The issue with the old Turbo was it used Premium fuel. Put the 2.4 liter turbo from the Outback in it (using regular fuel) and it will sell. Do you think Subaru will ever put the Outback Turbo in the Forester?
Hybrids are likely the future.
This ⬆️
@@0HOON0 They ought to make the Hybrid as the base engine and the Turbo (from Outback ) the performance/Wilderness engine.
Like the design and the added rigidity, but really do not like the instrument panel (like having physical controls) and really wish that there was a easy/user option (or even by ODBC) to disable 99% of the 'safety & efficiency (i.e. engine turnoff)' features. Really do not like the trend of autos trying to warn or get in the driver's way. they are machines and should always be something that you have ultimate control over at least as an option (and no, the 'temporary' disablement doesn't help it just adds more steps you need to do each time you get in the car. That being said, will be watching for the updated forester wilderness version and perhaps modding it to disable crap.
Great job!
I think the new design has some similar details as first and second gen foresters. Little bit retro. I like it.
We loose the second screen in the 25! That stinks! That screen is such an awesome feature. I have live MPG, date, and weather up there!
Getting tired of "new" Subaru models that are just basically minor upgrades. I don't know why they stubbornly refuse to upgrade the powertrain. They desperately need the hybrid, and some sort of turbo for the Forrester and Crosstrek with 200+HP. to fit in between the2.5L and the 2.4L outback turbo. Subaru used to have this segment pretty much to themselves, but competition is very stiff now, and they need to up their game. I am a Subaru fan, but not sure I would buy another, with all the competition they have now. They still have probably the best AWD system outside of full off road vehicles, but that is their only clear advantage they have left over the competition.
Edit: BTW, where is the "Snow" part of the review? This was more of a "first drive" than a review. Dont mean to sound like a complainer though; I love your channel. It is my favorite YT review site by far.
I’m curious does that dirt track has corrugation?
Is that a 2013 Ford Explorer?
This Forester or Rav4 Adventure for the things you did in the video? Need a quiet road trip car that can handle snow and ice like a champ, and take me camping on most soft roads.
Does the TomTom mapping require a subscription? (I can’t believe I have to ask)
Looks wise, it kind of reminds me of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Wish it was a hybrid. Then I would definitely be interested.