2025 Subaru Forester, The Trim To Avoid

Don't be lured in by it's low price. There's one 2025 Subaru Forester trim level you want to avoid buying. And which trim is the best?

Why Does Subaru Even Sell It? 

We are intrigued as to why any Subaru retailer in the U.S. would even consider ordering it. The 2025 Subaru Forester, while completely remodeled (read my report here), has one trim level that falls short. Unfortunately, the next-generation Forester Base trim level fails to meet the high standards you may have for this vehicle.

If it's so lame, why does Subaru even offer the Base trim level? 

Before I explain why you should avoid the new Forester Base trim level, I'll answer the question of why Subaru Corporation even offers it.

It's all about the pricing structure.

The 2025 Forester Base trim starts at $29,695. Subaru needs a cheap trim level to say the new next-generation Forster has a starting price under $30,000, but that's not entirely accurate. Read my 2025 Forester pricing and model guide here.

When you add in the dealer destination and delivery fees ($1,395), which include handling and inland freight fees, the price jumps to $31,090. Those fees are non-negotiable. Every customer must pay them, and the fees may be more in some states like Alaska and Hawaii.

Subaru says, "Whatever adventures you have planned, the flexible, capable Forester all-wheel-drive compact SUV is ready to take them on. With standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, you can handle all kinds of weather and road conditions with confidence."

Don't get me wrong; the Base Forester is not a stripped-down model. 

The Forester Base Features

As with all trim levels, the 2025 Forester Base comes with:

• A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine 
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
• Subaru Starlink Multimedia
• Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive)
• Maximum towing capacity (1,500 lbs)
• Vehicle Dynamics Control 
• Traction Control System
• Active Torque Vectoring
• Trailer Stability Assist 
• Electric Power-Assisted Rack and Pinion Steering
• 4-wheel independent suspension
• 4-wheel disc brakes
• Brake Assist
• Brake Override System
• 8.7 inches of ground clearance
• LED Steering Responsive Headlights
• Roof spoiler
• Two-speed windshield wipers with variable-intermittent mode and mist feature
• Single-speed rear window wiper with fixed-intermittent mode

That's a long list of features the Base trim has that all Subaru Forester trims come standard with. 

Something's Missing

But let's look at what's missing from the Base, and then you can decide if you want that trim level. 

The most significant feature the Base Forester lacks is Subaru's excellent X-Mode. It's standard on all other trim levels except for the Base.

For those new to the Subaru brand, X-Mode enhances the automaker's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. 

Here is a brief explanation.

"X-Mode optimizes engine output and transmission ratio, increases all-wheel drive system engagement, and uses enhanced control of the VDC system to reduce individual wheelspin, providing optimal traction on low-friction surfaces. Sport, Limited, and Touring models include dual-function X-MODE with Deep Snow / Mud setting. Wilderness models also include Low Speed / Low Ratio Gradient Control," says Subaru.

For more details on X-Mode and dual-function X-Mode, read my report here.

You Don't Want to Leave Home Without It

I always use the Subaru X-Mode in my Crosstrek and wouldn't want to be without it. I live in Colorado's snowy country, and it's a must in case of severe weather. You'll want it on your new Subaru Forester if you experience snow, ice, mud, and slick wet conditions while driving on the road or traveling off-pavement. 

There's more. Base Forester doesn't have Hill Descent Control.

X-Mode also incorporates Hill Descent Control, which helps to maintain a constant vehicle speed when traveling downhill, enhancing vehicle control. If you are off-road and defending a steep trail, you'd be glad you had it. Another time you would use it is when you are going down a steep road in the winter when the ice is slick as snot.

You Can't Get The Best Wheels

You'll get machine-finished 17-inch dark metallic wheels on the Forester Base trim. They look tiny and out of proportion. On other trims, you can get 18- or 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a dark metallic machine finish or bronze finish. They change the look of the small SUV.

LED fog lights are not available on the Base trim. In fact, no fog lights are available on the Base trim. In very low-lighted areas and dense fog, you'll want fog lights. It could be a safety issue. 

You're out in the cold with Base

The windshield wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors (All-Weather Package) are not available on the Base trim. This leaves you out in the cold and prevents you from seeing the road. 

These comfort and convenience features are unavailable on Base: Take a seat because the list is long. 

• 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, 4-way manually adjustable passenger seat
• 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, 8-way power adjustable passenger seat
• Heated front seats (All-Weather Package
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Reclining rear seatbacks
• One-touch folding rear seatbacks
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped shifter handle
• StarTex water-repellent upholstery
• Leather-trimmed upholstery
• Keyless Access with Push-Button Start
• Foot-activated hands-free Power Rear Gate with automatic close, height memory function, and vehicle lock button
• Auto-up/auto-down windows in all positions with anti-pinch protection
• Transmission paddle shifters
• Illuminated front and rear USB-C input charging port
• 11.6-inch Multimedia and navigation touchscreen
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability

These Safety tech features are unavailable on Base.

• Blind-spot detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Reverse Automatic Braking
• Starlink Safety and Security tech

Base Is Bare Bones

While the Base trim level may seem appealing at first glance, it's important to note that it's a model with many features you want but can't get. It's a bare-bones version of the 2025 Forester. Before making a decision, it's worth considering if the Base trim meets your expectations and needs. 

Which 2025 Forester trim is the best?

I like the Forester Sport trim the best.

The new Forester Sport is a stylish compact SUV with unique styling elements and exceptional curb appeal. The Sport trim is likely to be a popular choice among many buyers.

The Forester Sport adds 19-inch alloy wheels with a bronze finish, a gloss black front grille, a rear "Sport" badge with a bronze finish, and chrome and bronze side badges. It also has gray StarTex upholstery with brown stitching, a dark gray dash panel, and a unique bronze steering wheel insert.

The Sport upgrades to dual-function X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, and an 8-speed manual shift mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 

In addition to the enhanced styling, the Forester Sport delivers sharper handling with a re-tuned suspension, improving driving stability while retaining ride comfort.

What is the 2025 Forester pricing?

The 2025 Forester has five trim levels: Base ($31,090), Premium ($33,390), Sport ($35,890), Limited ($37,390), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,395).

The 2024 Forester Wilderness carries over with a starting price of $36,265. Destination and Delivery ($1,345)

Conclusion:

Few buyers will want the 2025 Subaru Forester base trim level unless it's about price. If it's all you can afford, it's better than nothing if you want the next-gen Forester. 

How about you? Are you looking to buy the new 2025 Forester? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru USA