The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Has Arrived

So the first-ever Subaru Forester Hybrid is coming to the U.S. this spring. It’s got Subaru’s hybrid system, all-wheel drive, and some new tech. They’re saying it’ll get up to 581 miles on a full tank with 35 MPG combined, which is a 10 MPG boost for city driving. Starts at $34,995.

Some highlights:

  • Hybrid badging, new Daybreak Blue Pearl color option
  • StarTex (animal-free) interiors on some trims
  • 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster + 11.6-inch touchscreen
  • Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist with new Emergency Stop Assist

Good deal or just another overpriced hybrid?



581 miles on a full tank sounds good, but 35 MPG doesn’t seem that great for a hybrid… or am I missing something?

Vesper said:
581 miles on a full tank sounds good, but 35 MPG doesn’t seem that great for a hybrid… or am I missing something?

It’s better than the regular Forester, but yeah, some hybrids do better. Subaru’s full-time AWD makes a difference though.

Vesper said:
581 miles on a full tank sounds good, but 35 MPG doesn’t seem that great for a hybrid… or am I missing something?

Yeah, the AWD setup is mechanical, not just an electric boost to the rear wheels like Toyota’s. That’s why it’s not as fuel-efficient but should handle better.

Vesper said:
581 miles on a full tank sounds good, but 35 MPG doesn’t seem that great for a hybrid… or am I missing something?

What’s StarTex?

Sorrell said:

Vesper said:
581 miles on a full tank sounds good, but 35 MPG doesn’t seem that great for a hybrid… or am I missing something?

What’s StarTex?

It’s Subaru’s ‘animal-free’ interior material. Basically fancy synthetic leather.

@Creg
Ahh, so just a marketing way to say vegan leather? Got it.

No spare tire again, right? Subaru keeps doing this and it’s annoying.

Kenan said:
No spare tire again, right? Subaru keeps doing this and it’s annoying.

Nope, no spare. Just a tire repair kit. Same thing Toyota and Hyundai are doing on their hybrids.

RuthMitchell said:

Kenan said:
No spare tire again, right? Subaru keeps doing this and it’s annoying.

Nope, no spare. Just a tire repair kit. Same thing Toyota and Hyundai are doing on their hybrids.

Ugh, that’s a dealbreaker for me. I’d rather have the extra weight and space used for a real spare.

I like the safety features. The new EyeSight system with Emergency Stop Assist sounds solid. Does it actually stop the car by itself though?

Chan said:
I like the safety features. The new EyeSight system with Emergency Stop Assist sounds solid. Does it actually stop the car by itself though?

Yeah, if the driver becomes unresponsive while using Adaptive Cruise Control, it stops, turns on hazards, unlocks the doors, and calls emergency services.

@Barrett
Oh wow, so it’s kind of like Ford’s BlueCruise thing? That’s actually pretty cool.

Chan said:
@Barrett
Oh wow, so it’s kind of like Ford’s BlueCruise thing? That’s actually pretty cool.

Sort of, but without hands-free driving. It’s more of a fail-safe if the driver passes out or something.

Does it still have that annoying CVT?

Hayden said:
Does it still have that annoying CVT?

Yep, it’s the Lineartronic CVT. Subaru isn’t getting rid of that anytime soon lol.

Barbara said:

Hayden said:
Does it still have that annoying CVT?

Yep, it’s the Lineartronic CVT. Subaru isn’t getting rid of that anytime soon lol.

Welp, that’s a bummer. I really wanted to like this one, but I hate CVTs.

Is this worth it over the RAV4 Hybrid?

Sunny said:
Is this worth it over the RAV4 Hybrid?

Depends on what you want. The RAV4 gets slightly better MPG and has a spare tire, but Subaru’s AWD is better for bad weather and off-road stuff.

@Bailey
Makes sense. I live somewhere with bad winters, so I guess AWD might be worth it.