2025 Subaru Forester Touring Review: Adventure-Ready Comfort With Everyday Practicality

Subaru’s all-new 2025 Forester Touring refines the brand’s signature blend of utility, safety, and go-anywhere capability with a premium touch. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t scream for attention but rewards you every day with comfort, confidence, and a quiet sense of capability.

A More Refined Cabin for Everyday Comfort

The interior of the 2025 Forester Touring is noticeably more upscale than previous models. Perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with suede bolsters, bronze contrast stitching, and soft-touch surfaces bring a luxurious touch to a traditionally rugged nameplate. The panoramic moonroof lets in plenty of light, while the 11-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system brings a rich, immersive sound experience.

With heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control, the Forester Touring is clearly built with comfort in mind—no matter the season. Plus, the cargo area offers 27.5 cubic feet with the seats up, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet when folded, making it a fantastic road trip companion or grocery hauler.

Tech That Works For You

The Forester Touring is equipped with the latest version of Subaru’s STARLINK® 11.6-inch multimedia navigation system, now with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. While the interface could still use some refinement in terms of responsiveness and layout, it gets the job done. There’s also a digital rearview mirror, wireless phone charger, and a 360-degree surround view camera system that adds confidence when maneuvering in tight spaces.

The Drive: Capable, Composed, and Confident

Powering the 2025 Forester is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER® engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a Lineartronic CVT with an 8-speed manual mode, and while 0-60 in 8.7 seconds isn’t thrilling, it’s sufficient for day-to-day commuting and weekend mountain getaways.

What really sets the Forester apart is its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and dual-function X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control, making it feel ready for muddy trailheads or snowy ski resorts. Steering is responsive, the ride is smooth and composed, and it handles off-road detours with ease.

Fuel Economy and Value

With an EPA-rated 28 mpg combined (25 city / 32 highway), the Forester Touring is one of the more efficient AWD SUVs in its class. Priced at $41,390, it offers strong value given its premium features and rugged versatility. That said, if fuel economy is a major factor, the hybrid variant is 40% more efficient and may be worth considering.

Chris Score: 91/100

The 2025 Subaru Forester Touring is not a flashy SUV. It’s a well-thought-out, capable, and refined machine that excels in daily livability while still offering legitimate weekend capability. It won’t wow you with outright speed, but it rewards with comfort, visibility, and a sense of go-anywhere freedom.

If you want a vehicle that can commute, explore, and keep you comfortable in any season, the Forester Touring is worth serious consideration. It’s Subaru doing what Subaru does best—only this time, with a little more polish.