Is Subaru discontinuing the Forester?
No. Subaru has not announced any plan to discontinue the Forester, and the model remains in active production with regular updates for 2025 and beyond. This article examines the current status, market position, and what buyers can expect in the near term.
Current status of the Forester
The Forester continues to be a core pillar of Subaru’s lineup, with ongoing production and model-year updates. It remains a central option in the compact SUV segment, known for all-wheel drive, practicality, and safety features. While Subaru periodically refreshes its range and adjusts its marketing emphasis, there has been no official statement indicating the Forester will be retired. Market dynamics—such as competition within the segment and Subaru’s electrification goals—are shaping how the Forester fits into the brand’s longer-term strategy, but discontinuation has not been announced.
Official statements and roadmap
Subaru has not released any public plan to retire the Forester. The company’s communications in recent years have continued to position the Forester as part of a stable, long-term lineup rather than signaling a phase-out. The broader electrification and product-planning efforts are guiding how Subaru evolves its SUVs, but there is no confirmed timetable for ending Forester production.
Global market considerations
Availability and configurations of the Forester can vary by country, with some markets offering hybrid or electrified variants in line with local regulations and demand. Across major markets, however, the Forester remains listed as part of Subaru’s offerings rather than a candidate for discontinuation.
Before moving on to how this affects buyers and the market, here is a concise view of the key factors influencing whether a model remains in production.
Before each list, this paragraph explains what the list covers. The items below summarize the indicators that the Forester is likely to stay in Subaru’s lineup rather than be retired, based on production status, updates, and market strategy.
- Active production and continued availability in major markets
- Regular updates and mid-cycle refreshes to keep the model competitive
- Inclusion in Subaru’s broader electrification and product roadmap
- Steady or robust sales performance relative to competing models
Concluding the list, these indicators collectively suggest the Forester will remain a staple in Subaru’s global lineup for the foreseeable future.
What buyers should watch in the near term
For prospective and current Forester owners, several developments could shape the model’s appeal without signaling a discontinuation.
- Continued availability of the gasoline Forester with periodic feature updates and safety enhancements
- Hybrid or electrified variants offered in select markets as Subaru advances its electrification strategy
- Ongoing improvements to infotainment, driver-assistance technology, and cabin comfort
In summary, while Subaru is pursuing a broader electrified lineup and making market-specific choices, there is no official move to retire the Forester. Buyers should expect continued production, periodic updates, and potential hybrid options in some regions, rather than a discontinuation.
Summary
Which is more reliable, the Toyota RAV4 or the Subaru Forester?
The Toyota RAV4 generally has a reputation for higher long-term reliability than the Subaru Forester, with lower average annual repair costs and less frequent, severe repairs. However, the Subaru Forester has a strong reputation and a higher rating from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, particularly with the newer models. Both are considered good choices, and recent model years of the Forester have been redesigned to be more reliable.
You can watch this video to learn about the reliability of RAV4 and Forester: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Dec 14, 2024
Toyota RAV4
- Higher reliability rating: Often ranks higher in reliability surveys and has lower average annual repair costs.
- Longer-term ownership: Has a strong reputation for minimizing long-term issues and frequent maintenance, partly due to its engine technology and hybrid options.
- Lower repair costs: Has an average annual repair cost of $429, which is significantly lower than the Forester's $632.
Subaru Forester
- Strong safety and ratings: Earned a higher overall rating from Consumer Reports and a highest-tier safety rating from the IIHS.
- Improving reliability: Recent redesigns have made reliability improvements, such as reintroducing mechanical thermostats and eliminating less reliable systems.
- Average repair costs: Has an average annual repair cost of $632 and average frequency and severity of repairs compared to other vehicles.
Which one is right for you?
- Choose the RAV4 if: Your priority is maximum long-term reliability and the lowest ownership costs, especially over many years of ownership.
- Choose the Forester if: You want a vehicle with a strong safety record, good visibility, and a capable all-wheel-drive system. You should consider the model year, as reliability has been improving with recent redesigns.
This video compares the performance and features of RAV4 and Forester: 52sAutoMobiYouTube · Oct 30, 2025
What Subaru is being discontinued in 2025?
the Subaru Legacy
Along with these changes, the Subaru Legacy will be discontinued after the 2025 model year. It's your last opportunity to snag this exceptional sedan, so don't wait.
Did Subaru stop making the Forester?
The Forester Wilderness carries over from the 2024 model year, continuing in production alongside the all-new 2025 Forester. The 2025 Subaru Forester SUV is well-equipped with impressive standard features including Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for $29,995 MSRP.
Is there going to be a 2026 Forester?
The upcoming 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid introduces next-generation hybrid efficiency alongside renowned all-wheel drive performance.
