My lease on the 2021 Forester Limited is ending soon, and I’m debating whether to buy it out or go for the new 2025 model. There’s one at my local dealer with all the features I’d want. I know people have mixed opinions on the new design, but how does it actually drive? Is it a good upgrade, or should I just stick with what I have?
I got the 2025 Forester Touring and love it. Solid ride so far.
Avi said:
I got the 2025 Forester Touring and love it. Solid ride so far.
How’s the screen? I had an Outback loaner for a few days, and the glare was terrible. Not sure if it’s the same on the Forester.
@Spencer
You can turn the screen off when you’re not using it. I thought it’d bother me too, but it’s actually been pretty useful.
@Spencer
Haven’t had any glare issues. Might depend on how the sun hits it. I like the setup, but I do wish switching between navigation and Sirius was a little easier.
Avi said:
I got the 2025 Forester Touring and love it. Solid ride so far.
Got the 2025 base model and regret it. The vibration is terrible, and I feel every little bump in the road. Thinking about trading it in already.
Can you live with the big screen?
oliviamartin said:
Can you live with the big screen?
That’s one of the things making me hesitate.
oliviamartin said:
Can you live with the big screen?
That’s one of the things making me hesitate.
I have a 2025 Premium, not the Sport, but honestly, the screen hasn’t been a big deal. The important stuff like defrost, volume, and temp still have physical buttons. If you like the car overall, I wouldn’t let the screen stop you.
I’d buy out the lease. I just paid off my 2021, and it feels great not having a car payment. The residual value on yours is probably between 12-15k, and if your mileage is low, it might be worth holding onto. You could pay it off in two years and start saving for your next car.
@Parrish
Wait, so you’re saying a 2021 Forester is only worth 12-15k?
Brady said:
@Parrish
Wait, so you’re saying a 2021 Forester is only worth 12-15k?
No, that’s just how much you’d owe if you buy it out at the end of the lease. The actual value is probably higher.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve never had a glare problem. Bought a 2025 Forester Sport in September, and it’s been great so far. The screen does have a little lag sometimes, but nothing major.
Same situation here. Love my 2021, but was thinking about upgrading for the quieter ride. The new screen is what stopped me. Just couldn’t deal with it, so I’m holding onto mine and waiting for the hybrid in 2026.
@Fife
Yeah, the screen is my biggest concern. Had an Outback loaner for a few days, and the glare was awful.
Spencer said:
@Fife
Yeah, the screen is my biggest concern. Had an Outback loaner for a few days, and the glare was awful.
The Forester screen sits more upright than the Outback’s. I’ve had no issues with glare on mine.
@Fife
So you’re waiting for the hybrid… even though it’s going to have the same screen?
@Fife
Not sure why people think the hybrid will be any different.
Came from an old Impreza with no screen at all, and the 2025 Forester’s screen hasn’t been an issue for me. First time in an SUV, and I love sitting higher up. Feels more open compared to the CRV and Santa Fe I test drove.
People complain about the screen glare, but I’ve only noticed it twice in two months. It’s not as bad as some make it seem.