What is the difference between the 2024 and 2025 Forester?
The Subaru Forester has long been a favorite among SUV enthusiasts, offering a blend of reliability, safety, and practicality. With the release of the 2025 model, many are wondering how it compares to its 2024 predecessor. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between the two models to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Exterior Design Updates
While the 2024 Forester maintained a familiar design, the 2025 model introduces subtle yet impactful changes to its exterior. These updates include:
- A refreshed front grille with a more modern, angular design.
- New LED headlight and taillight designs for improved visibility and aesthetics.
- Additional color options, including a striking new metallic blue shade.
These changes give the 2025 Forester a slightly more contemporary and rugged appearance, appealing to drivers who value style alongside functionality.
2. Interior and Technology Enhancements
The 2025 Forester takes a step forward in terms of interior comfort and technology. Here’s what’s new:
- An upgraded infotainment system with a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen (compared to the 8-inch screen in the 2024 model).
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the need for cables.
- Improved cabin materials, including soft-touch surfaces and optional leather upholstery in more trims.
- Enhanced sound insulation for a quieter ride.
These updates make the 2025 Forester a more comfortable and tech-savvy choice for modern drivers.
3. Performance and Efficiency
Both the 2024 and 2025 Forester models feature the same 2.5-liter flat-four engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. However, the 2025 model boasts slight improvements in fuel efficiency due to optimized engine tuning and aerodynamics. Drivers can expect:
- Up to 1 MPG improvement in combined fuel economy.
- Smoother acceleration thanks to refined CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) programming.
While the performance differences are minor, they contribute to a more refined driving experience in the 2025 model.
4. Safety Features
Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the 2025 Forester builds on this legacy with additional features:
- Enhanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with wider field-of-view cameras.
- Standard rear-seat reminder system across all trims.
- Optional 360-degree camera system for better parking and maneuvering assistance.
These updates make the 2025 Forester an even safer choice for families and daily commuters.
5. Pricing
The 2025 Forester comes with a slight price increase compared to the 2024 model. On average, buyers can expect to pay around $1,000 more for the newer model, depending on the trim level. However, the added features and improvements may justify the additional cost for many buyers.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2025 Subaru Forester offers several notable upgrades over the 2024 model, including a refreshed design, enhanced technology, improved fuel efficiency, and additional safety features. While the performance remains largely the same, the 2025 model’s refinements make it a compelling choice for those seeking a modern, reliable SUV. If you’re deciding between the two, consider whether the updated features align with your priorities and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Subaru Foresters not selling?
The popular Forester's five-month drop in sales performance has a lot to do with the economy. Many seniors look at the Forester and compare the price with the Crosstrek and can get an excellent all-wheel-drive vehicle for about $5,000 less—and even more so on the upper Touring trim level.
Is Subaru Outback longer than Forester?
The Forester is a compact crossover, which gives it a small SUV silhouette with up to 72.2 inches of width and up to 183.3 inches of length – about 9 inches fewer than the Outback.
What is the weakness of a Subaru Forester?
Excessive oil consumption, unexpected acceleration, engine stalling while driving, the check engine light staying on, engine reluctance when accelerating, and the engine catching fire or malfunctioning are among the top engine issues expressed by 2015 Forester owners.
Is 2025 Forester made in Japan?
The 2025 models are also made in Japan. Supposedly once the Outback production moves to Japan and the Legacy production ends the Foresters will be built in the USA. It appears the Forester and Crosstrek will be Subaru's top sellers in the United States so it makes to move production closer to consumption.
What should you pay for a 2024 Subaru Forester?
2024 Subaru Forester Pricing
The 2024 Subaru Forester has a starting sticker price of $28,440, with the range-topping Forester Touring kicking off at $38,740.
What is the average age of a Subaru Forester owner?
62
Forester buyers are older than all car buyers' median age. A recent report from Automotive News (by subscription) says that Subaru Forester buyers are older than the average in the auto industry. The average age of a Forester buyer today is 62 versus 60 for the auto industry.
How much will the 2025 Subaru Forester cost?
| 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model/Trim | Transmission | MSRP |
| Forester Premium Hybrid | CVT | $34,995 |
| Forester Sport Hybrid | CVT | $37,995 |
| Forester Limited Hybrid | CVT | $39,410 |
How many miles per gallon does a Subaru get in 2024?
The 2024 Subaru Outback Gas Mileage by Trim Level
2024 Subaru Outback Base: 26 mpg city / 32 mpg highway* 2024 Subaru Outback Premium: 26 mpg city / 32 mpg highway* 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition: 26 mpg city / 32 mpg highway*
What is the average lifetime mileage for a Subaru Forester?
200,000 to 250,000 miles
With the proper care and maintenance, Foresters can usually last on average 200,000 to 250,000 miles which can be about 13 to 17 years based on a driving average of 15,000 miles per year.
What is the difference between a 2024 and 2025 Subaru Outback?
That means the 2025 Outback is similar to the 2024 model.
Subaru published one change for the 2025 Outback: Power moonroof, DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, navigation, and a 360-degree heated steering wheel are now standard on Limited trims.
