2025 Subaru Forester Preview: Not quite new, but should be thoroughly improved

On paper, the 2025 Subaru Forester is brand new, but compared to the legitimately overhauled Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson of recent years, this generation didn’t exactly start with a clean slate. That said, there were a wealth of changes and updates made that should amount to a Forester better able to keep up with those newer rivals while maintaining most of the unique attributes that keep Subaru loyalists so loyal.

While very little has changed under the skin, the looks are certainly different enough to cue double takes in the REI parking lot. There will be no mistaking the 2025 for a 2024, unless of course it’s a Wilderness model, in which case, well, itis totally the same as 2024. The outgoing off-road variant will continue to be produced alongside the new Forester until a replacement Wilderness is ready to roll.

But there is big news: A hybrid is coming! Just not soon and with details TBD. We have yet to drive the new 2025 Subaru Forester, but look for our first drive review coming in late April.

The 2025 Subaru Forester is being labeled as “all-new,” but that’s really stretching the definition of “all.” It uses the same Subaru Global Platform and 2.5-liter boxer-four as the outgoing model. It has the same wheelbase, height and track width, while only adding 0.6 inches to the length and 0.5 inches to its width. The cargo area expands by a whopping 0.7 cubic feet behind the raised back seat. Yes, that was sarcasm.

Despite the carryover platform, there are mechanical updates. The process of putting together the underlying chassis was improved, and it now utilizes more structural adhesives, making it stronger and stiffer than the outgoing Forester’s. Handling, ride and interior noise levels benefit, Subaru says. The steering is also enhanced with a version of the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic steering rack.

The interior design may be new to the Forester, but it’s virtually indistinguishable from what you’ll find in the Outback, Crosstrek and Ascent. Apart from some dimpled surfacing on the passenger-side dash, you really can’t tell the difference. Admittedly, the included 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen (and the weird dual 7-inch screen setup