Hybrids have been flying off the lots for the past five years, especially as gas prices kept climbing, and EV sales hit some bumps. Drivers and automakers quickly saw that adding a hybrid option to a popular model made it even more appealing—hybrid sales took off.
These cars don’t just save you fuel; they often pack more power under the hood thanks to their hybrid systems. Compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V hybrids have become household names, but there’s a new hybrid contender quietly making waves.
It’s not as famous yet—partly because it only arrived earlier this year and isn’t a top seller like the RAV4. But with a strong hybrid system and standout features, it’s only a matter of time before this one grabs everyone’s attention.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, iSeeCars, and J.D. Power.
Dependable and Efficient: Meet the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
J.D. Power Gives It an 83/100 for Quality and Reliability
The 2025 Subaru Forester marks the debut of a new generation for this trusted model. With big updates come questions about reliability and safety—something many drivers naturally keep an eye on.
Rated “Great” for Reliability in 2025 Rankings
The Subaru Forester scores an impressive 83/100 overall and reliability rating from J.D. Power. It also earns solid marks for driving experience (77/100), resale value (85/100), and dealership experience (89/100).
When it comes to safety, the IIHS names the Forester (except the Wilderness trim) a Top Safety Pick. Meanwhile, the NHTSA awards it a perfect five-star rating, giving drivers plenty of confidence on the road.
Built to Last, Just Like You’d Expect From Subaru
Subaru doesn’t always grab the spotlight like Toyota or Honda, but its fans are fiercely loyal—and for good reason. It’s not uncommon to see Subarus pushing past 200,000 miles and still going strong.
iSeeCars put the Forester through its paces and came back with solid numbers across the board:
- Overall: 86/100
- Reliability: 83/100
- Value Retention 84/100
- Safety: 90/100
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Delivers Where It Matters Most
The Subaru Forester Hybrid is a compact five-seater that blends SUV practicality with car-like comfort. The sixth-gen Forester launched in 2024 as a 2025 model, with four hybrid variants joining the lineup in early 2025.
Back when it debuted in 1997, the Forester helped define the compact crossover segment—it was basically a lifted station wagon with AWD, and it worked. Now, nearly 30 years later, it still leans into that do-it-all spirit.
Thanks to Subaru’s trusted all-wheel-drive system and Toyota’s proven hybrid tech, the Forester Hybrid brings together two brand strengths in one package. It’s powered by a fuel-efficient boxer engine and built on a partnership that’s as dependable as the vehicle itself.
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Specifications
|
Powertrain |
2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with dual permanent-magnet AC synchronous motors |
|---|---|
|
Horsepower |
194 hp (combined) |
|
Torque |
199 lb-ft |
|
Transmission |
CVT with six-speed manual mode |
|
Drivetrain |
All-wheel drive |
|
Range |
581 miles |
|
Fuel Economy (City) |
35 mpg |
|
Fuel Economy (Highway) |
34 mpg |
|
Fuel Economy (Combined) |
35 mpg |
The most affordable hybrid in the 2025 Subaru Forester lineup is the Premium Hybrid, starting at $36,595. That’s just a few thousand more than the gas-only Premium trim, which begins at $33,385.
For comparison, the entry-level gas Forester starts at $29,995, while the top-of-the-line Touring Hybrid comes in at $43,295. Like Toyota and Honda, Subaru keeps hybrid pricing reasonable—offering better efficiency without a steep premium.
Full Hybrid Performance, With Subaru’s Signature AWD
One common knock on the Subaru Forester is its modest power output. The gas-only versions make 180 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the hybrid setup gives it a slight boost.
Unlike the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid—which powers the front wheels with the gas engine and kicks in the rear electric motor only when needed—the Forester’s hybrid system drives all four wheels all the time. It’s a full-time AWD setup, not a part-time patch.
Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system is always active, offering constant grip and better balance. With a low-mounted boxer engine near the center of gravity and sensors that adjust power to each wheel in real time, the Forester stays composed through corners and confident in bad weather—no drama, just traction.
Flying Under the Radar in the Hybrid Game
The Subaru Forester doesn’t usually come up in hybrid conversations—and that’s understandable. The 2025 model is the first true hybrid offered in the U.S.
That said, Subaru did release a hybrid version of the previous-gen Forester overseas back in 2019. It was more of a mild hybrid, but it still earned solid reviews for efficiency and everyday usability.
Not as Famous as the RAV4 or CR-V, but Just as Capable
The Subaru Forester Hybrid enters a packed field filled with heavy hitters like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Being new to the hybrid game and priced a bit higher, it hasn’t grabbed quite the same spotlight as those established favorites.
The RAV4 and CR-V hybrids have been U.S. staples for years, with their efficient powertrains overshadowing their gas-only siblings. Meanwhile, Ford’s Maverick pickup and Escape SUV, along with Hyundai and Kia’s growing hybrid lineups, add even more competition.
Notably, the RAV4 recently knocked the Ford F-150 off its long-held spot as America’s best-selling vehicle—a clear sign of just how popular hybrids have become.
Quietly Matching the Competition in Efficiency and Versatility
The Subaru Forester doesn’t quite top the fuel efficiency charts like the RAV4 or CR-V, but its 35 mpg combined—and notably 35 mpg in city driving—still holds up well for everyday use. Like most hybrids, it uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery, which can assist the engine or even power the car on its own for short trips.
Beyond efficiency, the Forester is a super-practical daily driver. Its permanent AWD tackles icy city streets and wet roads with ease, while its ground clearance and rugged build mean it can handle muddy trails and rough terrain without breaking a sweat.
Inside, the Forester offers roomy five-passenger seating and nearly 30 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for errands or weekend getaways. The cabin feels premium, with large, modern screens for instruments and infotainment, plus Apple Maps, SiriusXM, and full smartphone compatibility.
Ready for Anything With Built-in Safety and Traction
The Subaru Forester has aced the toughest safety and crash tests in the U.S., equipped with all the airbags and crumple zones you’d expect. But these days, safety isn’t just about what happens in a crash—it’s also about the smart tech helping you avoid one.
Driver assistance features cover everything from keeping you in your lane to braking automatically when danger’s near. They’re designed to make your journey smoother, safer, and a whole lot less stressful.
Every Forester Comes With Subaru EyeSight Driver Assistance as Standard
Subaru’s driver assist system, EyeSight, uses two cameras near the wing mirrors to keep an eye on the road ahead. It helps manage your speed with adaptive cruise control, adjusting to the cars in front of you smoothly.
EyeSight also alerts you if you start drifting out of your lane and can even slam on the brakes or ease off the throttle if a crash is about to happen. Slowing down before impact makes a huge difference in reducing the force—and potentially the damage—of a collision.
Year-Round Confidence With Symmetrical AWD
The Subaru Forester’s boxer engine sits low in the chassis, perfectly aligned with the drivetrain for better efficiency and a low center of gravity. That means it stays stable and composed through corners, giving you more confidence behind the wheel.
Pair that with permanent, adaptive AWD, and you’ve got a vehicle that’s ready for anything—rain, snow, slush, or mud. Unlike the common belief that AWD is just for off-roading, this system constantly adjusts power to each wheel to keep you steady on slippery roads all year long.