14 Next-Gen Subaru Forester Hidden Features You Didn’t Know About

I have covered quite a few new upgrades on the remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester. I've written about its ten hidden interior features, its five secret upgrades, and four secret design changes. Now, there are more new things to discover about the next-generation Forester you didn't know. 

Here are fourteen features that I will call hidden because they aren't in plain sight. If you are considering purchasing the new Forester, check out the new improvements and some fun new features the Japanese automaker infused into the sixth-generation Forester.

1. Forester Sport trim gets new upgrades

The 2025 Forester Sport trim gets additional suspension upgrades for improved driving dynamics. Subaru says they want the Sport trim to be more sporty for customers. It adds 19-inch bronze wheels and bronze trim. 

2. A smoother Auto-Stop-Start 

Forester has been upgraded with a higher output starter motor that improves vibration for the Subaru stop/start system when the engine restarts. The Subaru auto-stop-start has been one of the most criticized features, and it should be improved on the new Forester. 

3. Wheel cutouts

New front-wheel cutouts on the wheel arches reduce road noise and improve stability. Forester's unique cutouts near the front wheel release air that would otherwise get trapped, enhancing the vehicle's stability and reducing road noise, which results in a quieter cabin.

4. A new headliner

New adhesives in the new black headliner will help reduce road noise. There is also more insulation in the roof design.

The Next-Generation Subaru Forester, 5 New Features And Its 5 Secret Upgrades @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforester #forester2025 #foresterwilderness #foresterhybridhttps://t.co/f85uWWILSu
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) January 17, 2024

5. Ventilated front seats

For 2025, Forester gets air-conditioned (cooled) front seats on the upper Touring trim level. The ventilated front seats are a first for the compact SUV. You can also get heated rear seats with the top of the lineup Touring trim level. 

6. A new Smart Mirror

If cargo or passengers block the view for the driver, the 2025 Forester gets Subaru's Smart digital rearview mirror to help the driver see the vehicle's rear. 

Subaru Forester Easter Eggs

What are Easter eggs? They are physical features tucked away in car cubbyholes, headlights, and fuel filler flaps. The new Forester has quite a few that you didn't know about. 

7. There's a small hummingbird decal on the passenger front windshield, one on the upper left side of the panoramic sunroof, and two on either side of the rear glass panels. 

The Remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester - 10 All-New Hidden Interior Upgrades @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforesterhttps://t.co/sPUUWDSetu
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 25, 2023

8. In the cargo area, there is a mountain range feature on the rear cargo deck.

9. There's a telescope feature on the right side of the rear cargo side panel.

10. On the left side, there's a lantern on the rear cargo side panel.

11. On the inside of the rear hatch, there is a compass.

12. There are hiking boot prints on the lower inside panel on the driver's side.

Don't Let The New Subaru Forester's Boxy Look Fool You - 4 Secret Changes @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforester #forester2025https://t.co/QmCneOWemf
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) January 20, 2024

13. On the rear passenger side lower inside panel, there are dog prints.

14. Subaru Stars from the automaker's logo are incorporated into the rear passenger doorstep panel.

The 2025 Subaru Forester will be a hot model for customers this spring. There's more to the new Forester than you can see at first glance. 

What is the price of the 2025 Forester? 

Subaru says pricing for the all-new Forester will be announced closer to its on-sale date this spring. Stay tuned. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the next-generation 2025 Subaru Forester story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• Subaru Outback Surges Ahead In Popularity Before Next-Gen Model Arrives
• The Subaru SUV That’s A Vehicle Buyer’s Bad Dream
• Where Subaru Ranks Now With All Car Brand’s Dealer Fees - They Keep Rising

Watch The 2025 Subaru Forester Promises More AWD Capability & Future Electrification

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

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photo credit: Subaru USA