Subaru Forester 2025 News

Subaru locks in more hardcore off-road variants of its core SUV range.

Subaru Australia will have a richer hybrid line-up with its new, sixth-generation Forester and it expects its electrified variants will outsell the petrol variants.Subaru Australia General Manager, Scott Lawrence, said it expects the hybrid sales split to widen as time goes on.“Ultimately, customers will decide, and we have got a really firm view that we need to give customers options,” said Mr Lawrence.“That’s why we have petrol range as well as a hybrid range.“What will be interesting to see how that changes over time.“We see good demand for both, maybe slightly stronger in hybrid, but as time goes on, we do see that customer demand changing towards hybrid.”In 2024, Subaru sold a total of 13,445 examples of the Forester. Only 1718 examples were equipped with a hybrid powertrain, equalling only 12.8 per cent.It’s expected this year’s figure will rise with the introduction of the new Forester. First deliveries are set to take place in early July.Compared to the outgoing Forester Hybrid, this new-generation model is considerably more electrified. It features Subaru’s new Strong Hybrid technology rather than mild-hybrid technology.Using a 2.5-litre flat-four petrol engine as a base (up from the 2.0-litre in the outgoing model), it’s paired with a 90kW/276Nm electric motor and a 1.1kWh battery pack.Total system output is 145kW, which is 9kW more than the standard 2.5-litre flat-four petrol engine the Forester receives.Subaru claims combined fuel consumption for the Forester Hybrid is 6.2L/100km, which is 27.4 per cent better than what the regular Forester claims (7.9L/100km).It doesn't compare to favourably to its main rival, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD, which produces more power (163kW) and drinks less fuel (4.8L/100km).The new Forester Hybrid is claimed to be able to travel over 1000km on a tank of petrol. It has a 63L fuel tank.At launch Subaru is offering the Forester Hybrid in three trim levels – AWD Hybrid, AWD Hybrid Sport, and AWD Hybrid Touring.Pricing for the hybrid models starts at $46,490 before on-roads, and extends to $55,990 before on-roads.Compared to the equivalent petrol variants, the hybrids are between $3000 and $6500 more expensive. It’s worth noting, however, that some trim levels have differing standard equipment.As examples, the Forester AWD Hybrid Sport and AWD Hybrid Touring gain larger 19-inch alloy wheels and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. These don’t feature on the equivalent petrol variants.Another difference is the Forester Hybrid doesn’t come with a spare wheel as standard. Instead it has a tyre repair kit.Subaru Australia however is offering the Forester Hybrid with an optional tow ball-mounted spare wheel accessory. At this stage it hasn’t detailed how much this costs.

The sixth-generation Subaru Forester has had its Australian debut as part of the Melbourne Motor Show, with a local launch pencilled in for mid-2025.While the mid-size SUV was revealed in North America in late 2023, this is the first time the new Subaru Forester has been unveiled for Australia.Along with the Melbourne reveal for the 2025 Forester, Subaru Australia has confirmed the variants for the Australian line-up, consisting of four petrol and three hybrid grades.While pricing and more details around mechanical specifications are yet to be confirmed, the both petrol and hybrid versions of the Forester feature a drivetrain based around a 2.5-litre four-cylinder flat-four ‘Boxer’ engine.Hybrid variants add to that a 1.1kWh battery supplying power to an 88kW electric motor, which works with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system via continuously variable transmission (CVT) that can simulate an eight-speed transmission.  The hybrid system in the Forester is new compared to the current-gen’s setup, which has been widely criticised for its lacklustre efficiency.A big bump in tech features means even the entry-grade petrol Forester AWD comes with features like a surround-view camera for parking and traversing terrain, Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite, nine SRS airbags including far side and front-centre airbags, reverse AEB and an emergency stop system for unresponsive drivers. Heated front seats and a wireless phone charger are welcome additions to an entry grade, although existing Subaru owners might be familiar with the 11.6-inch multimedia central touchscreen, as well as elements like the steering wheel and general interior layout.The step up from that is the Forester AWD Premium which adds sat-nav, a powered tailgate, power-adjustable seats and auto-folding mirrors.Moving up the line-up and the AWD Sport adds an upgraded X-Mode terrain mode select, water-repellent synthetic leather seat trim, a sunroof, 18-inch alloys and unique styling.Finally, the top-spec Forester AWD Touring scores a leather steering wheel, 10-speaker Harma/Kardon sound system, front seat ventilation and low-profile roof rails.The hybrid half of the line-up mirrors the petrol models, with the exclusion of a Sport variant.As mentioned, pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but expect an increase over the current-gen which starts from $38,690 before on-roads and rises to $50,140.

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.