My lease on a 2021 Forester is ending soon, and I’m deciding between a 2025 Sport or a 2024 Impreza RS.
I’ve heard the usual warnings about buying the first year of a new generation, so I wanted to hear from current 2025 Forester owners. What are your biggest gripes or issues so far? Or, if you love it, what makes it great?
Appreciate any insight!
Biggest issue for me: the wireless charging pad is unreliable. Even small movements can cause it to stop and start randomly.
Tate said:
Biggest issue for me: the wireless charging pad is unreliable. Even small movements can cause it to stop and start randomly.
Same here! Also, my microphone keeps cutting out.
@Wyatt
There’s a head unit update that should fix the mic issue. It’s available at dealerships now and will eventually roll out as an over-the-air update.
Tate said:
Biggest issue for me: the wireless charging pad is unreliable. Even small movements can cause it to stop and start randomly.
Seems to be a common issue across Subaru models. My 2024 Crosstrek does the same thing.
I bought my first Forester new in 1998 and drove it for 312,000 miles before trading it in. Since then, I’ve owned almost every generation of Forester, always purchasing in the first year of release.
We take our Foresters on serious road trips—Arctic Ocean, Baja, lots of off-pavement adventures—and I’ve never had a major drivetrain failure that wasn’t normal wear and tear. Clutches, brakes, and wheel bearings wear out eventually, but that’s expected.
Avoiding the first model year made sense 50 years ago, but with today’s manufacturing, it’s less of a concern—unless you’re dealing with a company known for quality issues (Subaru generally isn’t). If you like the 2025, I wouldn’t hesitate to get it.
@Akira
I used to think this too, but the Subaru Ascent changed my mind. That model’s first year had so many issues it dragged down Subaru’s overall reliability ratings. I’m hoping the 2025 Forester avoids that.
Also, Subaru brakes and wheel bearings seem to wear out faster than other brands. It’s not necessarily a defect, but it’s something to be aware of.
@Brice
Do you have data to back that up, or is it just anecdotal? People are way more likely to complain than to praise something that works fine. If 10 people complain about brakes, but 90 never say anything because they had no issues, does that mean the brakes are bad?
Subarus tend to be driven in tougher conditions than a typical sedan, so wear and tear on things like brakes and wheel bearings can be expected. As for the ‘weak windshield’ complaints, every major windshield manufacturer follows the same industry standards. Subaru windshields aren’t thinner or weaker; they just get hit with more rocks because Foresters are driven on rougher roads.
I also have a 2021 Forester, and my biggest reason for skipping the 2025 is the touchscreen replacing most of the physical buttons. I intentionally avoided the 2021 Outback for the same reason.
Touchscreens make things cheaper for manufacturers but worse for drivers. Also, as people age, touchscreen sensitivity declines, making it frustrating to use. Not something young buyers think about, but it’s a real issue for older hands.
@Charlotte
I’ve had touchscreen sensitivity issues too. Tried using a screen protector, but it made things worse. I get that cars are adding more features, but I wish they’d keep physical buttons for the most important functions.
I went with a 2024 Touring instead of a 2025 base model, and I’m happy with that choice.
I had a 2018 Forester XT before this. When I had to replace it, I debated between a 2024 and a 2025. I chose the 2025 and don’t regret it.
The infotainment works fine for me, but I do miss the turbo from my XT. Other than that, the 2025 drives better. Installed a dashcam, Yakima crossbars, and Autostop Eliminator so far. Trailer hitch is next.
Biggest downside: the wireless charger is terrible. I’d recommend replacing it.
Infotainment sucks.
Trevor said:
Infotainment sucks.
Well, yeah, it’s a Subaru.
I have a 2025 Touring and highly recommend it. The engine isn’t powerful if you love spirited driving, but it’s fine for everyday use.
If you want great acceleration, you’d need to spend an extra $20K for a Lexus NX.
@Blaine
‘Just spend an extra 20K’—no big deal, right?
It’s my first SUV. I’ve had mine for about three weeks, and I like it more now than when I bought it. The media system needs a firmware update, though. Planning to schedule that next week.
Bowie said:
It’s my first SUV. I’ve had mine for about three weeks, and I like it more now than when I bought it. The media system needs a firmware update, though. Planning to schedule that next week.
After just three weeks? And you have to bring it in? That’s annoying.
I’ve had mine for a few weeks now, and I love it! I upgraded from a 2018 Premium to a 2025 Sport.
Only issue: the front seat heaters don’t seem to work. Minor, but I’m surprised they shipped with this problem.
@Donna
Can you elaborate? I haven’t read anything about that yet.