Thanks for covering the Base trim! It looks like you're the first to cover the 2025 Base on TH-cam. This definitely helped with confirming there's a dual screen instead of the 11.6 inch, but is there really no lighting in the rear cargo area at all? (12:12). Is the LED in the tailgate (12:27) standard or optional on the Forester? And yes, the new mic sounds great (8:09).
You’re welcome, I knew when I found the Base I needed to film it because once it’s gone I might not find another one for a long time haha. Yeah, the dual screens seem to be on all of the Base model Subarus (I just can’t remember what the lowest trim Ascent has even though I’ve filmed out a long time ago)! I ‘think’ the hatch light is standard. I have a walk around exterior/interior of the Base, Premium, and Sport I’ll make public soon that also shows some of the window stickers and that one likely will confirm that question, I just can’t remember off hand if there’s any lighting options on the base models extra option list. And thanks for the response on the mic!! I filmed some videos in a lot of wind the other day and I think it’s way more professional grade than what I had been using in the past haha. 😅
Finally… Someone FINALLY did a review on the ‘25 base models. I got my fill of TH-camrs reviewing the sport, premium and touring models. It’s finally reassuring to see someone do a full and honest review of the base model. Now, with that being said.. I’ll stick with my ‘24 base model. Don’t get me wrong, the ‘25’s are a very good looking vehicle, but I feel like mine has a look all in its own. It has a look that most people say, that it’s boxy and has a unique design, this model (even though I like it) does look like a Ford Explorer. The new model took 2 hp away, but added 2 tq. You can get this model with only 4 speakers. You can’t even add the optional 2 tweeters that you could on the outgoing model. The radio is just weird and outta place in my opinion (should have carried over the base radio from ‘24). Ok, you added a rear lift gate spoiler as standard equipment and yes, I do love the wheels on this model as opposed to my optional wheels that I have on mine. Don’t care for the crosstrek center console (love mine more). So is the new price worth it? I guess. Would love to see it $1000 cheaper. You are essentially paying for a bit more, but at the same time, a bit less. If the price would have been around $28,500-$29,000, even $29,500, then ok. I can’t justify (me personally) spending $31k after everything and that’s even before you put some optional toys on it. And at that point, you might as well go next trim level up. But hey, this will sell, because the market is there more than the other trim levels. Yes those sell well too, but not hand over fist as the base models that get overlooked so much. Happy shopping everyone.✌🏼
I hear you there, lol. I usually film almost every trim level of each Subaru model (just because I’m a Subaru owner so it’s easy to share more insight on this platform). And when I found the Base I took that one out intentionally before a Sport that was also available because I also care about Base models and they’re so hard to find haha. I’ve also filmed another video with this one, a premium, a sport, and a 2024 Base model to show the differences between Base models and then the next 2 trim levels. It’s currently on my membership program and I’ll likely make it public in about a week or so. 🙂
Looking good, but the Base level should have tinted glass and privacy glass in the rear doors & rear hatch.😮😮 Currently I own an 22 Equinox, but I'm really interested in the Forrester base. Premium trim is nice but I don't like Sunroofs.
I prefer the lack of a sunroof as well, I park under a tree that drops a lot of sap. I also love the lack of a power tailgate as I transport dogs. Bummer about no heated seats and blind spot though.
I wish the sunroof would be optional on all Forester trim levels like it is on the Crosstrek/Impreza. As a long term buyer, not having the sunroof cuts down on chances of roof leakage and eliminates the (very) small chance of the spontaneous exploding sunroof.
I'm with you on not liking the sunroof. It seems like all vehicles are equipped with them. As far as I'm concerned it's just something else that could either break or leak.
Love that you found a base model to preview. All the big TH-cam car reviewers usually get the highest premium trim level to review. It would be better if you were a tad less jerky with the camera when you're showing the inside, such as the center counsel. Slower and longer views would be better. Thanks for sharing the review.
I like it. Far from a cheap Penalty Box. I could definitely live with one. Though as usual in the industry, most affordable version is the hardest to find.
Good honest review. This no frills trim is a great value and looks really good! Personally I would get a loaded Touring trim for the extra amenities but that is just me! LOL 😂
Thanks! And I totally get that, lol. I’ve also reviewed the Sport (not public yet) and now we’ve taken delivery of our Premium. I’ll likely do the Limited and Touring soon. I feel bad for everyone who watches my videos and doesn’t like the Subaru stuff because I think the next few weeks I’ll post a lot more of the 2025 Forester videos I have lol. 😂
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 congrats on taking delivery of your Premium! I love all things Subaru so I look forward to your review of it as well as the other Forester Trims.
Thanks! I still have a lot of other videos stored up, but most of them are not time sensitive and more like enthusiast performance vehicles that will always be cool which I can post anytime. But I figure while there’s a lot of people deciding right now on scooping up a 2024 or if they do want a 2025 Forester the more information I can get out the less likely others might be to making the wrong decision for them. 🤷♂️
I had a 19 Forester Touring and it was the biggest LEMON 🍋 to ever leave Japan. After 5 years it had only 15K miles on it because it was in the shop more often than it was in my garage or on the road. But my wife’s Outback is as solid as it gets.
No blind spots, not even a flip key ( old school key. I liked my 2023 Mazda CX-5 better with standard blind spots monitor and push start base for $26750 .
Going to rent a 2025 Premium in 2 weeks to cement that the car is comfortable for a 6'4" person, that it's quiet inside and there's plenty of room for my dog box. Wish they would have kept the Rockford Fosgate speaker option for $500. Not paying $1700 for the Harmon Kardon option. Already got a great quote on the Sport I want to order. If the trip goes well we will be giving our 2006 Forester to our son.
I think if anything this one seems better. But honestly the wind and different tires between vehicles and days filming makes a decent difference. Also I’ve probably been so distracted by how these new ones feel better that maybe I’ve not been as focused on other subtle differences like that yet. But we now have our 2025 Forester and I’m already learning more just as an owner of one. 🙂
Would prefer with dark colored interior trim. Off white will take frequent cleaning. I don't like roof racks but the alloy wheels and roof, I think, are option packaged together. I would pass on those, I guess. Otherwise, all you need! Good, honest review!
Good insight! We recently picked up our 25 Premium and it has black seats with blue stitching. It was nicer than I expected it to be and the dark interior does look like it will hide dirt quite well. But only time will tell. 🤷♂️🙂
They don’t sound bad, or worse than you would expect. I’m just usually not very impressed with stock car speakers. Even the upgraded systems usually are only half decent haha. 🤷♂️
Oh yeah! The only time I’ve ever needed to actually use X-mode on my Outback Wilderness was in the video I made last winter when I intentionally got myself stuck to see how to get myself out. In that situation I needed it, but in normal driving in winter I’ve never needed it haha.
We ended up reserving one that was the closest to what we had wanted, which was a White Premium with the optional package to include the safety features (blind spot and rear cross traffic alert). It has few other options. We actually just picked it up the other day, and I’ll like share an intro video to it tomorrow that I just finished filming. In a future video I’ll show the exact window sticker, but it MSRP’d about 35,500 and unfortunately I can’t share exact pricing on that or the 10 year warranty we bought due to the deal we were cut. The dealer took good care of us, but to be fair they offer rather good deals to everyone they can from what I’ve seen and heard.
In another video, you mentioned that the first thing you do is turn off the auto start/stop feature. I must have missed that in this video. Is there a hard key for that, or is it buried in the on-screen menu? I didn't see any switches over the left knee other than the headlight panel dimmer. Sure would be nice if there was a way to turn it off for 100 start cycles or something longer term but not quite so long to conflict with the spirit of intended reduction in fuel comsumption.
Now that you ask I question where it was lol. I think it was just in the lower screen or somewhere that’s not difficult to get to. I don’t think I pushed it on camera because it was off camera when I would start the vehicle and then get it prepared to drive in that portion of the video. I like that idea, hopefully they offer something like that down the road!
I would think Subaru might make some Foresters in Indiana and some in Japan. If this model is replacing the Legacy witch was a pretty low volume production model there is no way Subaru can produce them all in Indiana. I would think Subaru would split the production between both the Indiana plant and the Japan plant. That is what they are doing with the Crosstreck. I have heard that Subaru might move the Outback production to Japan in 2026 but that isn't in stone.
It will be interesting to see what they ultimately actually end up doing. I’m super hopeful that with the Legacy out of production and I’ve heard the new Outback is a major redesign that maybe the Baja version will resurface. 🤞
That’s for sure! And if I didn’t live somewhere where I occasionally drive through 8”+ of snow there wouldn’t be as much need for a Subaru over a CR-V or RAV4, but in this area the symmetrical AWD is seriously a game changer haha.
I apologize I don’t know all the configurations that can be had. Depending on if you’re in the U.S. or Canada that might differ, but you could probably build it on the website you have access to. And if that doesn’t work talk to a dealership or explore others videos. 🙂
In just so sad about how they look. I had a 98 Forester S and a 21 Forester Sport and I just can't get past how ugly this one is. I like that it's more square, but it has so many problems. Ford front end, Mitsubishi tail lights, Rav4-esque wheel arches with that weird crease over the plastic, and that awful little belt on the D pillar. Yuck. Luckily I bought a 24 Legacy Sport recently, so maybe by the mid-cycle refresh they'll fix all the ugliness and have the hybrid worked out.
I can see why some people would want a roof rack but there is a big reason why not, if you take it to a car wash, they will not wash the entire top of the car, so for me I would rather not have a roof rack especially in the low trim.
That’s a good point! But to be fair how many base model vehicle owners take their car to the car wash regularly? That’s a genuine question, I have no clue if it’s more or less than a more expensive version of the same car haha.
I think it just has roof rails. I have a '19 Impreza Premium with roof rails (no crossbars) and haven't had problems with the automatic car wash on the roof. My car wash complaint is that the hatchback never gets well cleaned, especially with the spoiler and liftgate handle. Main purpose of the auto car wash is to get the winter road salt rinsed from the undercarriage. I have yet to put anything on the roof, though I have some lumber handy for makeshift crossbars should the need arise. It would be a nuisance loading on top of a Forester, more so than an Impreza.
Subaru welcome me and family to the brand in 2015 with its forester 2015 xt, machine suv with 0 problems passing cars with 5 person incide and full trunk. Today 2024 we say GOOD BYE to subaru for not keeeping at least the more enjoyable family suv for some customers like the New f xt. Shame subaru. The same can be said for the crostrek without a 1.8t as old levorg or a 2.0t or 2.4t.
I don’t have any clue, other than I’m sure the 2026s will start rolling out by next summer. Subaru seems to push new model years sometimes by the middle of the previous year, like we’re seeing with there’s new Foresters lol.
I’m happy a base model is being reviewed.
0:43 Posting the price under the first minute of the review. Yeah one of my favorite reviewers.
Haha I’m so glad you appreciate that! Sometimes I forget, but it’s one of the things I like to try to include.
I purchased the base model and I am very pleased! I’m not much on moon roofs or heated seats so it fits my wife and I perfectly!
Thanks for covering the Base trim! It looks like you're the first to cover the 2025 Base on TH-cam.
This definitely helped with confirming there's a dual screen instead of the 11.6 inch, but is there really no lighting in the rear cargo area at all? (12:12). Is the LED in the tailgate (12:27) standard or optional on the Forester?
And yes, the new mic sounds great (8:09).
You’re welcome, I knew when I found the Base I needed to film it because once it’s gone I might not find another one for a long time haha. Yeah, the dual screens seem to be on all of the Base model Subarus (I just can’t remember what the lowest trim Ascent has even though I’ve filmed out a long time ago)! I ‘think’ the hatch light is standard. I have a walk around exterior/interior of the Base, Premium, and Sport I’ll make public soon that also shows some of the window stickers and that one likely will confirm that question, I just can’t remember off hand if there’s any lighting options on the base models extra option list. And thanks for the response on the mic!! I filmed some videos in a lot of wind the other day and I think it’s way more professional grade than what I had been using in the past haha. 😅
Awww yea, Ace of Base! Love it!
I have a base 2014. They’ve never had a rear cargo light. But I have A phone with a light.
Finally a review of 2025 Basic model. It looks better than RAV4 & CR-V and the price is reasonable, also AWD too.
The best thing about Subaru base models is no high gloss black plastic!
That’s a good point!
Finally…
Someone FINALLY did a review on the ‘25 base models.
I got my fill of TH-camrs reviewing the sport, premium and touring models.
It’s finally reassuring to see someone do a full and honest review of the base model.
Now, with that being said..
I’ll stick with my ‘24 base model.
Don’t get me wrong, the ‘25’s are a very good looking vehicle, but I feel like mine has a look all in its own.
It has a look that most people say, that it’s boxy and has a unique design, this model (even though I like it) does look like a Ford Explorer.
The new model took 2 hp away, but added 2 tq.
You can get this model with only 4 speakers.
You can’t even add the optional 2 tweeters that you could on the outgoing model.
The radio is just weird and outta place in my opinion (should have carried over the base radio from ‘24).
Ok, you added a rear lift gate spoiler as standard equipment and yes, I do love the wheels on this model as opposed to my optional wheels that I have on mine.
Don’t care for the crosstrek center console (love mine more).
So is the new price worth it?
I guess.
Would love to see it $1000 cheaper.
You are essentially paying for a bit more, but at the same time, a bit less.
If the price would have been around $28,500-$29,000, even $29,500, then ok.
I can’t justify (me personally) spending $31k after everything and that’s even before you put some optional toys on it.
And at that point, you might as well go next trim level up.
But hey, this will sell, because the market is there more than the other trim levels.
Yes those sell well too, but not hand over fist as the base models that get overlooked so much.
Happy shopping everyone.✌🏼
I hear you there, lol. I usually film almost every trim level of each Subaru model (just because I’m a Subaru owner so it’s easy to share more insight on this platform). And when I found the Base I took that one out intentionally before a Sport that was also available because I also care about Base models and they’re so hard to find haha. I’ve also filmed another video with this one, a premium, a sport, and a 2024 Base model to show the differences between Base models and then the next 2 trim levels. It’s currently on my membership program and I’ll likely make it public in about a week or so. 🙂
Looking good, but the Base level should have tinted glass and privacy glass in the rear doors & rear hatch.😮😮 Currently I own an 22 Equinox, but I'm really interested in the Forrester base. Premium trim is nice but I don't like Sunroofs.
I prefer the lack of a sunroof as well, I park under a tree that drops a lot of sap. I also love the lack of a power tailgate as I transport dogs. Bummer about no heated seats and blind spot though.
I wish the sunroof would be optional on all Forester trim levels like it is on the Crosstrek/Impreza. As a long term buyer, not having the sunroof cuts down on chances of roof leakage and eliminates the (very) small chance of the spontaneous exploding sunroof.
I'm with you on not liking the sunroof. It seems like all vehicles are equipped with them. As far as I'm concerned it's just something else that could either break or leak.
You can always tint the windows yourself. I prefer my windows clear.
@@GradGooseIt really helps to reduce the glare.
Love that you found a base model to preview. All the big TH-cam car reviewers usually get the highest premium trim level to review. It would be better if you were a tad less jerky with the camera when you're showing the inside, such as the center counsel. Slower and longer views would be better. Thanks for sharing the review.
I appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts!!
Please do a review of the 2025 Forester Base performance on snow and mud. Thank you.
I like it. Far from a cheap Penalty Box. I could definitely live with one.
Though as usual in the industry, most affordable version is the hardest to find.
Very true! I was thrilled to find this one so early into their production.
Good honest review. This no frills trim is a great value and looks really good! Personally I would get a loaded Touring trim for the extra amenities but that is just me! LOL 😂
Thanks! And I totally get that, lol. I’ve also reviewed the Sport (not public yet) and now we’ve taken delivery of our Premium. I’ll likely do the Limited and Touring soon. I feel bad for everyone who watches my videos and doesn’t like the Subaru stuff because I think the next few weeks I’ll post a lot more of the 2025 Forester videos I have lol. 😂
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 congrats on taking delivery of your Premium! I love all things Subaru so I look forward to your review of it as well as the other Forester Trims.
Thanks! I still have a lot of other videos stored up, but most of them are not time sensitive and more like enthusiast performance vehicles that will always be cool which I can post anytime. But I figure while there’s a lot of people deciding right now on scooping up a 2024 or if they do want a 2025 Forester the more information I can get out the less likely others might be to making the wrong decision for them. 🤷♂️
I had a 19 Forester Touring and it was the biggest LEMON 🍋 to ever leave Japan.
After 5 years it had only 15K miles on it because it was in the shop more often than it was in my garage or on the road.
But my wife’s Outback is as solid as it gets.
@@Doc1855 Did you qualify for the Lemon Law?
No blind spots, not even a flip key ( old school key. I liked my 2023 Mazda CX-5 better with standard blind spots monitor and push start base for $26750 .
That’s a good point. But also CX-5s are just a great value. 🤷♂️🙂
Great review!
Thanks! This was a fun one.
Going to rent a 2025 Premium in 2 weeks to cement that the car is comfortable for a 6'4" person, that it's quiet inside and there's plenty of room for my dog box. Wish they would have kept the Rockford Fosgate speaker option for $500. Not paying $1700 for the Harmon Kardon option. Already got a great quote on the Sport I want to order. If the trip goes well we will be giving our 2006 Forester to our son.
That sounds like a good way to experience one without the commitment! I hope it goes well. Thanks for sharing!!
Excellent review as usual .. are you able yet to comment on the wind & road noise and/ or engine/ CVT noise of this model vs. the previous one?
I think if anything this one seems better. But honestly the wind and different tires between vehicles and days filming makes a decent difference. Also I’ve probably been so distracted by how these new ones feel better that maybe I’ve not been as focused on other subtle differences like that yet. But we now have our 2025 Forester and I’m already learning more just as an owner of one. 🙂
Would prefer with dark colored interior trim. Off white will take frequent cleaning. I don't like roof racks but the alloy wheels and roof, I think, are option packaged together. I would pass on those, I guess. Otherwise, all you need! Good, honest review!
Good insight! We recently picked up our 25 Premium and it has black seats with blue stitching. It was nicer than I expected it to be and the dark interior does look like it will hide dirt quite well. But only time will tell. 🤷♂️🙂
Did you say that the base model speakers don't sound very good?
They don’t sound bad, or worse than you would expect. I’m just usually not very impressed with stock car speakers. Even the upgraded systems usually are only half decent haha. 🤷♂️
Without the X-MODE, is the AWD system all that useful on the base model?
Oh yeah! The only time I’ve ever needed to actually use X-mode on my Outback Wilderness was in the video I made last winter when I intentionally got myself stuck to see how to get myself out. In that situation I needed it, but in normal driving in winter I’ve never needed it haha.
dealers are overcharging, in Canada they sell the crosstrek as high as 47g
Woah, that’s crazy haha.
Awesome video dude, that blue looks dope. Can we do Base model without those King Kong roof rails?
Thanks! Yeah it really looked nice in person. Haha no, the King Kong roof rails are now standard on the Base from my understanding.
What options are you getting on your premium? If you don’t mind answering how much discount did you get? Are you trading in your Outback?
We ended up reserving one that was the closest to what we had wanted, which was a White Premium with the optional package to include the safety features (blind spot and rear cross traffic alert). It has few other options. We actually just picked it up the other day, and I’ll like share an intro video to it tomorrow that I just finished filming. In a future video I’ll show the exact window sticker, but it MSRP’d about 35,500 and unfortunately I can’t share exact pricing on that or the 10 year warranty we bought due to the deal we were cut. The dealer took good care of us, but to be fair they offer rather good deals to everyone they can from what I’ve seen and heard.
In another video, you mentioned that the first thing you do is turn off the auto start/stop feature. I must have missed that in this video. Is there a hard key for that, or is it buried in the on-screen menu? I didn't see any switches over the left knee other than the headlight panel dimmer.
Sure would be nice if there was a way to turn it off for 100 start cycles or something longer term but not quite so long to conflict with the spirit of intended reduction in fuel comsumption.
Now that you ask I question where it was lol. I think it was just in the lower screen or somewhere that’s not difficult to get to. I don’t think I pushed it on camera because it was off camera when I would start the vehicle and then get it prepared to drive in that portion of the video.
I like that idea, hopefully they offer something like that down the road!
Why not have hydraulic hood rods as KIA?
To save $4 🤷♂️😅🤦♂️
That's too bad. So, multiple issues don't qualify under the Lemon Law?
I would think Subaru might make some Foresters in Indiana and some in Japan. If this model is replacing the Legacy witch was a pretty low volume production model there is no way Subaru can produce them all in Indiana. I would think Subaru would split the production between both the Indiana plant and the Japan plant. That is what they are doing with the Crosstreck. I have heard that Subaru might move the Outback production to Japan in 2026 but that isn't in stone.
It will be interesting to see what they ultimately actually end up doing. I’m super hopeful that with the Legacy out of production and I’ve heard the new Outback is a major redesign that maybe the Baja version will resurface. 🤞
Won't come close to CR-V or Rav in sales but the Subaru faithful will like it.
That’s for sure! And if I didn’t live somewhere where I occasionally drive through 8”+ of snow there wouldn’t be as much need for a Subaru over a CR-V or RAV4, but in this area the symmetrical AWD is seriously a game changer haha.
Not this Subaru faithful. I've had four, including two Foresters (98 and 21) and this one is too ugly to even consider.
Call me a nut 🌰😃👍, but I like the dual screen. I generally like base models.
Haha, I get it! Honestly, I think the dual screen might be more straight forward and quicker to respond than the 11.6”. 😂
So is it possible to get a black interior on the base model? Or do I have to step up to the premium for the black interior?
I apologize I don’t know all the configurations that can be had. Depending on if you’re in the U.S. or Canada that might differ, but you could probably build it on the website you have access to. And if that doesn’t work talk to a dealership or explore others videos. 🙂
Anemic acceleration, passing trucks would be dangerous on a 2 lane road on a trip. Needs turbo.
I hear you. That’s the biggest reason I got rid of my 2019 Crosstrek to buy a turbo Outback.
In just so sad about how they look.
I had a 98 Forester S and a 21 Forester Sport and I just can't get past how ugly this one is. I like that it's more square, but it has so many problems. Ford front end, Mitsubishi tail lights, Rav4-esque wheel arches with that weird crease over the plastic, and that awful little belt on the D pillar.
Yuck.
Luckily I bought a 24 Legacy Sport recently, so maybe by the mid-cycle refresh they'll fix all the ugliness and have the hybrid worked out.
I can see why some people would want a roof rack but there is a big reason why not, if you take it to a car wash, they will not wash the entire top of the car, so for me I would rather not have a roof rack especially in the low trim.
That’s a good point! But to be fair how many base model vehicle owners take their car to the car wash regularly? That’s a genuine question, I have no clue if it’s more or less than a more expensive version of the same car haha.
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Well we have lots of car washes here for 19.99 a month unlimited car washes.
I think it just has roof rails. I have a '19 Impreza Premium with roof rails (no crossbars) and haven't had problems with the automatic car wash on the roof. My car wash complaint is that the hatchback never gets well cleaned, especially with the spoiler and liftgate handle. Main purpose of the auto car wash is to get the winter road salt rinsed from the undercarriage. I have yet to put anything on the roof, though I have some lumber handy for makeshift crossbars should the need arise. It would be a nuisance loading on top of a Forester, more so than an Impreza.
@@Turtle_Two It is good to hear that it works for you. I have Lexus GX470 stock roof rack they won't wash any of the top.
Subaru welcome me and family to the brand in 2015 with its forester 2015 xt, machine suv with 0 problems passing cars with 5 person incide and full trunk.
Today 2024 we say GOOD BYE to subaru for not keeeping at least the more enjoyable family suv for some customers like the New f xt. Shame subaru.
The same can be said for the crostrek without a 1.8t as old levorg or a 2.0t or 2.4t.
I hear you. I’m glad you were able to enjoy the XT while it worked for you guys!
They got rid of my favorite color!
dont like, front looks like a honda *-*
even worst... a ford
i like the badge on the read sides.
dont like the wheel design tho
Not worth it, no xmode.
X-mode is great, but I’ve only ever actually needed it when I was filming a video intentionally getting my OBW stuck haha.
So much plastic. A shame on the car manufacturers. We want metal and chrome plates.
I think it's my next car. I'll get the base model. Any idea how long until ordering changes over to Indiana? I prefer the Japanese version.
I don’t have any clue, other than I’m sure the 2026s will start rolling out by next summer. Subaru seems to push new model years sometimes by the middle of the previous year, like we’re seeing with there’s new Foresters lol.