The verdict: The redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester sticks to its predecessor’s successful script as an adventure-ready compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive and better-than-average off-road capability while gaining new tech and convenience features and better all-around refinement.
Versus the competition: The Forester stands out in the crowded compact SUV class by virtue of its boxy, space-efficient profile and its great-outdoors-focused design philosophy. It stacks up well against the Ford Bronco Sport, Jeep Compass, and Toyota RAV4’s Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels.
Subaru’s plucky Forester compact SUV is perennially one of the brand’s bestselling vehicles, usually running neck and neck with the smaller Crosstrek and larger Outback in annual sales. The Forester has carved out an enviable position in a highly competitive class by offering excellent cabin space and rough-terrain capability in a sensibly sized package, topped off with Subaru’s signature outdoorsy image.
*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.
