Subaru Forester gets a controversial redesign for 2025

Just a couple of days after it was leaked in the online world, receiving a multitude of negative criticism and feedback, the all-new sixth generation of the Subaru Forester compact crossover has officially been unveiled.

The latest generation of one of the Japanese automaker’s most popular models was revealed at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show and gets a complete redesign with a whole new exterior and interior, updated technology, and improved safety.

Let’s start talking about the exterior which is the most controversial aspect of the 2025 Subaru Forester. It gets a more rugged exterior which makes use of more straight lines. Interestingly, the front fascia looks very similar to the previous generation Ford Explorer. The side profile on the other hand is similar to the outgoing Forester with a tall roof and large windows. The rear goes for a sporty look with the clear wraparound taillights. The Forester name is also spelled-out across the center.

The interior should look very familiar as it was yanked straight out of the current generation Crosstrek, and is similar to what you’ll see in other Subaru models. Smack in the center is an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, where you can work on various vehicle functions.

Carried-over from the outgoing Subaru Forester is the 2.5-liter FB25 flat-four naturally-aspirated gasoline Subaru Boxer engine. It still produces the same 180 horsepower and 241 Nm of torque, mated to a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). We also won’t be surprised if other markets like ours retains the 2.0-liter FB20 Boxer Engine.

As expected, Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology suite comes as standard. Subaru says the latest version should operate more smoothly and quickly in more kinds of conditions, thanks to a wider field of view and updated control software. 

It also gets Emergency Stop Assist which activates when the driver is unresponsive to vehicle warnings when using adaptive cruise control. This feature will stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and unlock the doors. 

It may take about a year before the all-new Subaru Forester reaches our shores if we were to base on the previous generation. With such a controversial redesign though, we don’t mind for now. We do hope that this new one does grow on us easily.