Watch out Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander and Mazda CX-5! 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid revealed in the US with more grunt, better fuel efficiency ahead of Australian launch

The new Subaru Forester Hybrid has been launched in the US ahead of its Australian debut later this year, marking the first time Subaru has ever equipped the Forester with proper hybrid power.

It delivers genuine enhancements to power, fuel efficiency and range, unlike the current mild-hybrid system, which delivers a paltry 0.7L/100km improvement in fuel efficiency, a 26kW/43Nm reduction in output and 15-litres less in fuel tank capacity.

The new hybrid follows the same formula as the Crosstrek Hybrid, which preceded it in the US, coming equipped with a next-generation 2.5-litre four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ engine paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), an electric forward traction motor and an electric motor generator that powers the battery pack and starter.

On its own, the petrol engine generates 119kW, while the electric driver motor will deliver 86kW/269Nm, up from 12.3kW/66Nm on the current model.

Total torque outputs remain unconfirmed, but we know total power will top 142kW, an increase of 32kW over the current mild-hybrid or 6kW over the petrol version.

The lithium-ion battery pack will have a usable capacity of 0.7kWh, which is relatively small but sufficient enough for a hybrid.

Subaru is promising up to a 40 per cent improvement in urban fuel efficiency over the current range and a 25 per cent improvement in combined city and highway driving.

That should see fuel use drop below 6.0L/100km. Total range is claimed at 935km.

Symmetrical all-wheel drive remains standard alongside the inclusion of Subaru’s X-mode traction control system. The Forester will continue to provide 220mm of ground clearance as well.

Inside, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display comes standard in addition to an 11.6-inch multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

As with the Crosstrek, Subaru's new Emergency Safety Assist feature will come included. It works by autonomously stopping the vehicle, engaging the hazard lights and unlocking the doors if the driver becomes responsive while Adaptive Cruise Control is engaged.

The connected services, which are now run through StarLink, will then call emergency services.

In the US, the Forester will be offered in an exclusive new exterior colour, Daybreak Blue Pearl, with a contrasting Crystal Black Silica roof.

Hybrid badging adorns the fenders and tailgate, while customers can also option for more hard-wearing, synthetic leather seats.

A starting price of $34,995 ($55,705) has been confirmed in the US, although Australian pricing remains unconfirmed.

Subaru is yet to announce an official launch date, though it has said it will precede the arrival of the new Crosstrek sometime this year.

Expect exact pricing and local specifications to arrive closer to then.

Australians bought 13,445 Foresters last year, making it the seventh best-selling medium SUV in the country.