2025 Subaru Forester Sport: Familiar, Yet Fresh

With the average new car transaction price hitting $47,462 in March 2025 (thanks, Kelley Blue Book), our recently acquired 2025 Subaru Forester Sport feels like a welcome throwback to affordability. Its as-tested price? A much friendlier $37,730.

What's New for 2025?

Now in its sixth generation, the Forester gets a full redesign. While the silhouette remains unmistakably Forester, the updated headlights, taillights, and new body panels give it a sharper, more modern vibe. Ours wears a bold combo of blue paint and bronze wheels—a nod to Subaru’s rally roots, perhaps?

Under the Hood

Power still comes from a 2.5-liter flat-four, though Subaru’s fine-tuned it for better responsiveness. Horsepower dips slightly (180 hp vs. 182), but torque sees a small bump (178 lb-ft, up from 176) and now peaks much earlier—at 3700 rpm instead of 5400. That should mean zippier response in everyday driving… in theory.

Real-World Performance

Our initial 0–60 mph run clocked in at 8.4 seconds—not exactly thrilling, even in this segment. Still, the Forester remains composed and capable. Steering, now upgraded with a WRX-derived dual-pinion setup, feels slightly more alive but won’t fool you into thinking you’re in a sports car.

Grip, Braking, and Ride

Standard all-wheel drive and 19-inch bronze wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Turanza EL450 all-season tires (235/50R-19) provide good all-weather traction. On the skidpad, the Forester held 0.82 g, and it stopped from 70 mph in 170 feet—about average in this class.

Interior and Features

We kept options minimal. The Sport trim comes packed with gear: an 11.6-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and heated seats. For $1,700, we added a Harman/Kardon audio upgrade, reverse automatic braking, and a power liftgate. Value-wise, it's a solid setup.

First Impressions from the Fleet

With just over 2,000 miles on the odometer, our Forester is settling into its role as a family hauler and weekend warrior. Between grocery runs and plotting canoe trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, we’re looking forward to testing its real-world utility—and its off-road readiness.

Next Check-In: 10,000 miles – stay tuned!