2025 Subaru Forester
Now in its 2025 model year, the Subaru Forester is a SUV priced from $29,995 to $43,295 across 10 trims. This page compiles safety, fuel cost, reliability, and ownership data from six independent sources, all linked to the original publisher.
Among 95 value SUVs, the 2025 Subaru Forester earns a B for fuel cost. NHTSA rates it at 5 stars. RepairPal gives it 3.5 out of 5 for reliability. NHTSA has 3 recall campaigns on file, more than the 1.8 average for SUVs.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2025 Subaru Forester are high published crash-test results and lower estimated fuel cost, with lower estimated five-year cost, but there is a high volume of owner-reported problems on file.
- safety
- fuel cost
- estimated 5-year cost
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2025 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among hybrid SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,250. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2025 →
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $4,104 below the similar-vehicle average.
Limits and cautions
- NHTSA has 50 owner complaints on file, compared to an average of 29 for 2025 SUVs. Top reported areas include Visibility, ADAS / Safety Tech, Brakes.
- There are 3 recalls on file, above the current SUVs average. Zero-recall cars 2025 →
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $29,995 - $43,295
- EPA Combined MPG
- 26-35 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,250 - $1,700/yr
- Recalls on File
- 3 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $1,500 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 50 on file
- Brand Origin
- Japan
How Safe Is the 2025 Subaru Forester?
With both a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation, the 2025 Subaru Forester has passed the two most rigorous crash test programs in the United States. Among SUVs, 82% earned the top NHTSA score. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 17.4%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard |
NHTSA evaluates frontal, side, and rollover performance. IIHS adds small overlap and roof strength tests. Both sets of results are shown here.
How Did the 2025 Subaru Forester Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS awarded the 2025 Subaru Forester a TSP+ designation, which requires good or acceptable ratings in all crashworthiness categories plus effective front crash prevention. IIHS tests are independent of NHTSA and use different crash configurations. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Small SUVs
Crash tests measure how a vehicle performs in a collision. Recall data reveals whether the manufacturer or NHTSA has found safety defects requiring correction.
Does the 2025 Subaru Forester Have Any Recalls?
With 3 recall campaigns on file, the 2025 Subaru Forester exceeds the 1.8 average for SUVs. Affected components include CHILD SEAT, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP, WHEELS. Note that more recalls can indicate more proactive defect identification. All recall repairs are free. Source: NHTSA.
3 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: CHILD SEAT, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP, WHEELS
Most recent: February 2026
Units affected: 161,610
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 50 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Subaru Forester. This is above the average of 29 complaints for 2025 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
7 in the last 90 days · 37 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-03-03
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported, fire reported, injury reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- Visibility25
- ADAS / Safety Tech6
- Brakes4
- Fuel System3
- Powertrain3
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
Safety data covered, the next consideration is what this vehicle costs to run. Fuel economy is where most owners feel the difference between trims.
What Is the 2025 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy?
At up to 35 combined MPG, the 2025 Subaru Forester's most efficient trim costs an estimated $1,250 per year in fuel, $146 less than the $1,396 average for value SUVs. Real-world results will vary. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 26 to 35 combined MPG/MPGe depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $1,500/yr |
| Premium | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $1,500/yr |
| Sport | 28 MPG | 25 | 32 | $1,550/yr |
| Wilderness | 26 MPG | 25 | 28 | $1,700/yr |
| Premium Hybrid | 35 MPG | 35 | 34 | $1,250/yr |
| Limited | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $1,500/yr |
| Sport Hybrid | 35 MPG | 35 | 34 | $1,250/yr |
| Limited Hybrid | 35 MPG | 35 | 34 | $1,250/yr |
| Touring | 28 MPG | 25 | 32 | $1,550/yr |
| Touring Hybrid | 35 MPG | 35 | 34 | $1,250/yr |
Fuel costs are predictable from EPA data. The less visible costs, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, are estimated by AAA for this vehicle class.
What Does the 2025 Subaru Forester Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2025 Subaru Forester ranges from $72,625 to $101,245 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Compact SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,746/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,554/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $641/yr |
| Financing | $898/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.69/mi |
With 10 trims available, the cost and equipment differences are worth examining. The comparison below shows how price, fuel economy, and features vary.
How Do the 2025 Subaru Forester Trims Compare?
With 10 trims priced from $29,995 to $43,295, the 2025 Subaru Forester offers a range of equipment levels. Trims are available with Gasoline and Hybrid powertrains, which affects fuel economy and pricing. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $29,995 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | 180 hp | 3,510 lbs | $72,625 |
| Premium | $33,385 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | 180 hp | 3,569 lbs | $76,015 |
| Sport | $36,105 | 28 MPG | $1,550/yr | 180 hp | 3,611 lbs | $95,250 |
| Wilderness | $36,285 | 26 MPG | $1,700/yr | 182 hp | 3,620 lbs | $96,180 |
| Premium Hybrid | $36,595 | 35 MPG | $1,250/yr | 194 hp | 3,873 lbs | $94,545 |
| Limited | $37,695 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | 180 hp | 3,613 lbs | $80,325 |
| Sport Hybrid | $39,595 | 35 MPG | $1,250/yr | 194 hp | 3,913 lbs | $97,545 |
| Limited Hybrid | $41,010 | 35 MPG | $1,250/yr | 194 hp | 3,911 lbs | $98,960 |
| Touring | $41,595 | 28 MPG | $1,550/yr | 180 hp | 3,664 lbs | $100,740 |
| Touring Hybrid | $43,295 | 35 MPG | $1,250/yr | 194 hp | 3,946 lbs | $101,245 |
The Subaru Forester lineup has contracted from 11 trims in 2024 to 10 trims in 2025. Hybrid trims now represent 40% of the lineup, a new addition since 2024. The entry price has increased $2,900 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- Base (added 2025)
- Premium (added 2025)
- Sport (added 2025)
- Wilderness (added 2025)
- Premium Hybrid (added 2025)
- Limited (added 2025)
- Sport Hybrid (added 2025)
- Limited Hybrid (added 2025)
- Touring (added 2025)
- Touring Hybrid (added 2025)
Trims no longer available
- Base AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Premium Prod. CVT (last available 2024)
- Premium CVT (last available 2024)
- Sport Prod. CVT (last available 2024)
- Sport CVT (last available 2024)
- Limited Prod. CVT (last available 2024)
- Limited CVT (last available 2024)
- Wilderness Prod. CVT (last available 2024)
- Wilderness CVT (last available 2024)
- Touring Prod. CVT (last available 2024)
- Touring CVT (last available 2024)
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base AWD GAS | $27,095 29 MPG | — | — |
| Premium Prod. CVT | $30,295 29 MPG | — | — |
| Premium CVT | $30,295 29 MPG | — | — |
| Sport Prod. CVT | $31,865 29 MPG | — | — |
| Sport CVT | $31,865 29 MPG | — | — |
| Limited Prod. CVT | $33,975 29 MPG | — | — |
| Limited CVT | $33,975 29 MPG | — | — |
| Wilderness Prod. CVT | $34,920 26 MPG | — | — |
| Wilderness CVT | $34,920 26 MPG | — | — |
| Touring Prod. CVT | $37,395 29 MPG | — | — |
| Touring CVT | $37,395 29 MPG | — | — |
| Base | — | $29,995 29 MPG | $29,995 29 MPG |
| Premium | — | $33,385 29 MPG | $33,385 29 MPG |
| Sport | — | $36,105 28 MPG | $36,105 28 MPG |
| Wilderness | — | $36,285 26 MPG | $38,385 26 MPG |
| Premium Hybrid | — | $36,595 35 MPG | — |
| Limited | — | $37,695 29 MPG | $37,695 29 MPG |
| Sport Hybrid | — | $39,595 35 MPG | — |
| Limited Hybrid | — | $41,010 35 MPG | — |
| Touring | — | $41,595 28 MPG | $41,595 28 MPG |
| Touring Hybrid | — | $43,295 35 MPG | — |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Beyond the purchase decision, the next question is long-term dependability. Here is the reliability rating currently available for this vehicle.
How Reliable Is the 2025 Subaru Forester?
RepairPal rates the 2025 Subaru Forester at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for value SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Subaru backs this vehicle with the following warranty terms. Coverage begins from the original purchase date.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Subaru Forester Come With?
Subaru provides the following warranty coverage for the 2025 Forester. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2025 Subaru Forester Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2025 Subaru Forester as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.5L flat 4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 - 194 hp |
| Torque | 176 - 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal |
| Length | 182.7 - 183.3 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 72.0 - 72.2 in |
| Height | 68.1 - 68.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.9 - 105.1 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,510 - 3,946 lbs |
What Changed for the 2025 Subaru Forester?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
This page reflects published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2025 Subaru Forester. The trim evolution section above shows how pricing and lineup composition have changed since 2024. All data updates automatically when source agencies publish new information.
2025 Subaru Forester FAQ
How does the 2025 Subaru Forester compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2025 Subaru Forester has a safety grade of A, a fuel cost grade of B, and a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2025 list.
Which 2025 Subaru Forester trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 10 available trims, the Base has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $72,625, starting at $29,995 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $101,245. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2025 Subaru Forester insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Compact SUV class at $1,726 per year, or about $144 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2025 Subaru Forester. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2025 Subaru Forester maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Compact SUV class at $1,746 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,726/yr) and depreciation ($3,554/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $10,279 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2025 Subaru Forester depreciate?
AAA estimates the Compact SUV class depreciates about $3,554 per year, or roughly $17,770 over five years. On a base MSRP of $29,995, that represents about 59% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2025 Subaru Forester?
The most efficient 2025 Subaru Forester trim costs an estimated $1,250 per year in fuel, or about $104 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $146 less than the average for similar suvs. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2025 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Subaru Forester?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2025 Subaru Forester include 2025 Honda CR-V, 2025 Toyota RAV4, and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2025 SUVs.
What changed on the 2025 Subaru Forester from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 10 new trims were added, 11 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $2,900 for the Subaru Forester lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2025 Subaru Forester cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2025 Subaru Forester include about $857 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $104 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $961 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2025 Subaru Forester available as a hybrid?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Forester is available with a hybrid powertrain option alongside conventional powertrains. Hybrid trims typically offer better fuel economy at a higher starting price compared to conventional gas trims. See our Hybrid SUVs 2025 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.