After extensive testing and research, CR determined this car to be:
- SAFE AND RELIABLE
- GOOD PERFORMANCE
- COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT
one of our 162 recommended SUVs
2025 Subaru Forester
Road Test Results
Overall
Acceleration
Transmission
Braking
Emergency Handling
Fuel Economy
Ride
Noise
Usability
Owner Reports
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Highs
- Comfortable ride
- Excellent fuel economy
- Short stopping distances
- Airy outward views
- Roomy rear seat
Lows
- Feels underpowered
Best Version to Get
At a minimum, we’d go with the second-tier Premium trim. It brings a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and heated side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, reclining rear seats, power panoramic sunroof, keyless access with push-button start, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charger, and an 11.6-inch infotainment screen (vs. a 7-inch version) over the aptly-named “Base” model. If you go with the Premium, we’d definitely tick the box for the optional package that brings blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning, and which also includes a power liftgate. If you want leather seats, pick the fourth-tier Limited, which also gives you a heated steering wheel and paddle shifters (to be able to manually override the transmission).
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