The 2.5L SUBARU BOXER^® 4-cylinder is lighter than the previous engine and incorporates direct injection for superior horsepower and torque.

 

All trim levels are equipped with SI-DRIVE^®, an advanced engine management system with driver-selectable modes tailored to suit different conditions.

 

Intelligent (I) Mode:

• Standard on all trims, I mode directs the throttle to open more gradually to reduce emissions, deliver greater smoothness and boost fuel economy by as much as 10% overall.

 

Sport (S) Mode:

• Certain trim levels feature S mode, it keeps the engine and transmission in it's most efficient settings. The throttle opens quickly in this mode, providing smooth shifts, acceleration and solid passing power. Ideal for highways, suburban streets and mountain roads.

 

Sport Sharp (S#) Mode:

• The Sport trim has exclusive access to the more performance-oriented S# mode. In this mode, throttle response is even more direct, precise rev control is maintained across the entire rev range. Ideal for tackling twisty roads and confident highway merging and overtaking.

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Lineartronic^® CVT + Symmetrical Full-Time AWD

 

All versions of the 2025 Forester come equipped with a technologically advanced transmission that helps generate maximum efficiency at all times.

 

This CVT delivers predictable power delivery in all conditions, allowing the AWD system to shift engine torque to the wheels with grip under hard acceleration or in low-traction conditions. Certain trim levels feature available paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel and a manual shift mode, creating even more driver engagement and heightened response.

 

There are two different versions of the advanced X-MODE^® system available on the all-new Forester.

 

Standard Version:

The operation of both the VDC and X-MODE^® system is controlled through the central touchscreen, allowing you to tackle steep and slick hills with uncommon confidence.

 

Available Dual-function Version:

Select between two settings tailored to specific driving conditions such as, snow/dirt and deep snow/mud. Available on the Sport trim level and above, the dual-function X-MODE^® system provides an even greater level of control in challenging driving conditions, terrain and weather.

 

Award-winning EyeSight^® Driver-Assist Technology

 

Standard equipment on all trim levels, the fourth-generation version of the award-winning EyeSight^® system is more effective than ever. The system features a new wide-angle mono camera, which dramatically improves its ability to detect obstacles or potential danger in the road ahead.

 

Utilizing improved recognition software and control software, the new EyeSight^® incorporates such features as:

• Automatic Emergency Steering
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Vehicle Hold
• Emergency Stop Assist
• Pre-Collision Braking
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management
• Lane Centring Assist
• Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning
• Lead Vehicle Start Alert

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Award-winning Subaru DriverFocus^® – Distraction Mitigation System (DMS)

 

Exclusively available on the Limited and Premier trim levels, the system utilizes facial recognition software and a camera angled at the driver’s face to monitor fatigue or lack of attention.

 

When the driver starts to show signs of losing focus, DriverFocus^® sends out a helpful chime and an alert that appears on the instrument panel. The system can also store the preferences for the positioning of the driver power seat and side mirrors, the climate control settings and the multi-function display readouts for up to five different drivers. DMS can also read hand gestures to adjust climate control settings to the preferred levels, a function that enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.

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Awareness-boosting SRVD System

 

Available on the Forester Touring and above, the Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection system (SRVD) provides three different and important benefits to the driver.

 

Through lights positioned on the side mirror housing, the Blind Spot Detection function warns of vehicles travelling in blind spots. When changing lanes, the Lane Change Assist function alerts you to fast-approaching vehicles coming up from behind. And when reversing out of a parked position, Rear Cross Traffic Alert signals the driver of any vehicles or pedestrians approaching from either side.

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Confidence-inspiring Reverse Automatic Braking

 

When reversing, this critical safety system automatically applies the brakes when the risk of colliding with someone or something behind the vehicle is high.

 

The system also features an obstruction warning feature, which utilizes different alarm patterns to signal when the vehicle is coming closer to the obstruction. Reverse Automatic Braking is available on the Touring trim level and above.

 

When reversing, this standard rearview camera projects a clear image of what’s behind the vehicle onto the centre console screen.

 

Additionally, a washer system helps ensure the camera lens is always clear of dirt, mud and grime. This indispensable camera brings new levels of safety into sharp focus.

 

Superior Visibility, All Around

 

A large liftgate, as well as an A-pillar and partition windows integrated into the front doors to reduce blind spots to the bare minimum.

 

In addition, the side mirrors, which feature a large glass area, are positioned on the door panels instead of the windows to further improve visibility forward and to the sides. Lastly, the classic high seating position on the Forester gives this compact SUV an uncommonly large view of the road ahead.

 

Corner-illuminating Steering Responsive Headlights

 

Also standard across the entire 2025 Forester model range, these headlights automatically turn in the direction the steering wheel is turned.

 

This feature helps better illuminate the road ahead, even when that road isn’t straight, generating increased visibility and safety to even the most challenging of driving situations.

 

Safe and Effective High Beam Assist (HBA)

 

Standard on all versions of the all-new Forester, HBA automatically switches the high beams on and off according to the proximity of other vehicles.

 

When the system detects an oncoming vehicle or you are closing the distance to the vehicle travelling in front of you, the high beams automatically switch off. When other vehicles are far enough away, the high beams switch on again. Simple, effective and super-safe.

 

High-performance Braking System

 

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) incorporates the latest technology to generate increased responsiveness and, in turn, uncommon driver confidence.

 

The Electronic Brake-force Distribution feature automatically optimizes the brake pressure, front to back, according to different vehicle loads. When the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal are applied at the same time, Brake Override automatically cuts engine power. In emergency situations, Brake Assist automatically boosts stopping power to shorten braking distances. Lastly, the electronic brake booster has been enhanced to improve the effectiveness of the Pre-Collision Braking feature of the Subaru EyeSight^® system.

 

Next-generation Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

 

Standard on all trim levels, VDC utilizes multiple sensors to monitor vehicle dynamics, assess driving conditions and determine whether the vehicle is under control.

 

When the sensors detect the Forester is approaching the limits of stability, the system automatically adjusts the AWD torque distribution, engine output and braking force at each wheel to counteract the situation. The Active Torque Vectoring system, incorporated into VDC, applies brake pressure to the inside front wheel and sends engine torque to the outside front wheel to aid in cornering. These advanced systems create the feeling of added security and increased confidence under even the trickiest of driving conditions.

 

*VDC is also known as electronic stability control.