The 2025 Subaru Forester brings more to the compact SUV market, making it easy to have a fantastic vehicle with the right features and qualities for your drive.

The Forester has been around for nearly three decades and continues to be the ideal stepping stone for drivers who will eventually make their way up to the Outback. Some look at the Forester as frumpy, but others realize just how friendly and useful this little SUV can be. In fact, the Forester has been popular enough to be sold in 2.7 million models during its time on the market. Could the Forester be the SUV you want to drive?

What’s new for this Subaru SUV?

If you look at the upgraded Forester and see some changes, you’ll be glad to know you aren’t seeing things. Every exterior body panel is new, giving you squared-off wheel wells and modern elements that make it more appealing. The size has barely changed, but this new Forester is wider and longer than the previous model.

Going inside, we see new seats with more aggressive thigh and shoulder bolsters that give passengers more comfort and support. The materials have been upgraded to be much better than before, taking this Subaru SUV up the market for a little more fun. You’ll notice more dashboard padding and a sensuous leather steering wheel that gives this little SUV a finished look.

Which Forester is right for you?

For several years, the Forester has been one of the most capable and useful SUVs in its class. Very few models feature the benefits of standard AWD, and the Subaru version is much better than what most SUVs bring to the table. There could be a Forester that’s right for you, which is what we want to figure out here.

Check out the 2025 Subaru Forester models and figure out which one will give you the driving experience you’re looking for.

Should you choose the base model?

The base version of the Forester is simply called Forester, which is a little boring, but it makes sense. Unless you must stick with the lowest price point, you should probably skip over this trim and move on to the next version. Still, this base Subaru SUV provides a decent foundation of driving excellence with the Symmetrical AWD system, EyeSight driver assist features, and a pair of 7-inch screens for the infotainment and climate features offered in this SUV.

What happens at the Premium trim?

If you move up one trim on the ladder, you’ll find the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium. This model has a much better 11.6-inch touchscreen instead of the dual 7-inch screens of the base model. This trim also gives you heated seats, a wireless connection, and a moonroof to give you a few more comfort and convenience items for only a small price increase. You can add a power rear liftgate and blind-spot detection to the mix and enjoy a great drive at a good price in the Premium trim.

Could the Sport trim be the Forester for you?

The next model in the Forester lineup is the Sport trim, which takes things to a new place. You can enjoy the look of bronze accenting and the StarTex faux leather, which is easy to clean. There are a few good options at this trim level, but it might be a trim to skip, especially if you want a more sporty and off-road-ready version, which can be found at the Wilderness trim level. Still, the Sport model might be right for some drivers.

Maybe the Touring trim is what you want?

If you step up to the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring, you’ll find an SUV that has some impressive and near-luxury features to give you the look and feeling you want. This trim gives you suede seat inserts and a 360-degree camera. Some options make the cabin even more enjoyable, such as the Harman Kardon audio system, navigation system, and reverse automatic braking, which all give this SUV a little more of what you want to enjoy during your drive.

How much stuff can you carry?

Regardless of trim, the Forester allows you to carry up to 28 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats upright. Once you fold the seats flat, 69 cubic feet of usable space is open to you, making it easy to bring a surfboard to the shore or possibly take your mountain bike to the trailhead.

Which version of the 2025 Subaru Forester will you drive? It could be one of the four trims highlighted here, giving you a compact SUV with all the right features for some off-road adventures.