Trying to decide between the 2024 and 2025 Forester. It’ll mostly be for commuting, but I also want something good for road trips, camping, and hauling gear.
2025 models: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness.
2024 models: 2.5i, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring.
Never really had to research cars before—always drove whatever the family had—so I’d love some advice on what to look for and what to avoid.
I’d go with the 2025. Same engine as before, same parts used in other Subaru models, but the ride and steering feel smoother. Cabin noise is also lower. Probably the best Forester with a non-turbo engine they’ve made so far.
One thing to check is loan interest rates. I wanted a 2025 Premium, but my local dealer gave me a much better rate on a 2024 Wilderness, which was the only 2024 they had left.
Also, the 2025 Wilderness is the same as the 2024. The 2026 model is the one that will be different.
I like the 2024 more for one reason… it still has real buttons and knobs. I’d get annoyed having to go through a touchscreen just to turn on my seat heater or adjust the temperature. I’d rather do it quickly without taking my eyes off the road.
@Dexter
Seat heaters are always in the same spot on the screen, so you’ll get used to it. Temperature and defrost still have physical buttons.
Check out the features on each trim and figure out what matters to you.
The 2024 is the last model of its generation, so most of the early issues have probably been fixed over the years.
The 2025 is the start of a new generation, so it could still have some unknown problems that haven’t been worked out yet. Sometimes it’s minor stuff, but other times it leads to recalls.
I thought 2023 was the last year without a tablet-style display. If you don’t want a big screen, maybe look for that one.
@Raleigh
The 2024 doesn’t have the tablet either. That’s actually one of the reasons we got a certified pre-owned 2024 instead of a new 2025.
Nidra said:
@Raleigh
The 2024 doesn’t have the tablet either. That’s actually one of the reasons we got a certified pre-owned 2024 instead of a new 2025.
Thanks for the correction! I thought they switched earlier, but that makes sense since it would’ve needed a refresh to fit the bigger screen.
@Raleigh
No worries! Just went through this process in January when we bought ours. I think I’d get used to the tablet eventually, but the 2024 just felt more natural. My wife loves it, so that’s what matters lol.
@Nidra
Haha congrats! Hope it treats you well.
@Raleigh
2024 dropped the CD player but kept the same infotainment setup as 2019-2023.
If you’re looking at the Wilderness trim, the 2024 and 2025 models are basically the same.
Kipp said:
If you’re looking at the Wilderness trim, the 2024 and 2025 models are basically the same.
Technically, there is no 2025 Wilderness. Anything left on lots is still a 2024 model. The 2026 Wilderness was just announced a couple of weeks ago.
I’d go with the Sport. Better gas mileage than the Wilderness.
I couldn’t find a 2024 non-Wilderness Forester anywhere within 200 miles. Ended up just going with a 2025.
I like the 2025 for the upgraded infotainment. The layout makes sense—radio info stays at the top, climate controls at the bottom, and CarPlay in the middle. Really easy to use.
Kinda bummed that the 2026 model is getting a fully digital gauge cluster though… wish they had added that this year.
Towing is the same on all trims—1,500 lbs max, which is fine for small trailers. Wilderness is the only one that can handle more, but it gets worse gas mileage. Other than that, the differences are mostly just extra features and interior upgrades.