5 More Hidden Features In The All-New 2025 Subaru Forester

Your Subaru dealer doesn't know.

This 2025 Subaru Forester report is about the hidden features of the all-new Forester. Many Subaru dealers still need to learn about all these features. If you're looking at a new Forester compact SUV, be sure to check them out here. These features are most commonly missed; you can have fun telling the Subaru salesperson about them. 

Subaru had fun with these.

Subaru has added a playful touch to the Forester by hiding images throughout the cabin, reflecting the new compact SUV's adventurous spirit. As many owners will use their new model for outdoor escapades, it's a fun challenge to see how many of these hidden images you can spot. 

The hidden features are tucked away in car cubbyholes, headlights, and fuel filler flaps. The new Forester has many you could easily miss unless you know where to look. 

• 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. 
• In the cargo area, there is a mountain range feature on the rear cargo deck.
• There's a telescope feature on the right side of the rear cargo side panel.
• On the left side, there's a lantern on the rear cargo side panel.
• On the inside of the rear hatch, there is a compass.
• There are hiking boot prints on the lower inside panel on the driver's side.
• On the rear passenger lower inside door panel, there are dog prints.
• Subaru Stars from the automaker's logo are incorporated into the rear passenger doorstep panel.
• There are mountains near the rear wiper blade. 

You might also like "The Next-Generation Subaru Forester, 5 New Features And Its 5 Secret Upgrades" in my report here. 

What are those round openings in the cargo area?

There are more convenience features in the 2025 Forester. The seemingly inconspicuous round openings in the rear cargo area serve a purpose-they are there for specialty cargo hooks. These handy hooks, available for purchase, provide extra cargo-securing ability, ensuring your belongings stay in place during your adventures. You simply pop out the insert in the opening, and screw in the handy hooks. 

What if your hands are full?

There is a power rear gate that can be operated with the key fob. But that's not the new hidden feature. There's a new button on the inside of the dash. Now, the Forester has an on-off switch on the dash. This is the hidden feature for the foot-activated automatic rear gate for 2025. You can open the rear gate with your foot. There is also a hands-free option to close it when you are done loading your cargo.

There is a new rear gate height adjustment. If you need to keep your rear gate from hitting something you have loaded on top or maybe avoid hitting your garage door, there is an adjustment button on the top of your rear gate. It saves the height memory of your adjustment.

Also, check out "The Remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester - 10 All-New Hidden Interior Upgrades" in my report here.

After you've been on a muddy trail.

The 2025 Forester now has a rear camera lens cleaner. With the vehicle turned on and the rear camera view on, you turn on your rear wiper and push the washer fluid function, and it cleans the lens automatically.

Before, you had to use your key fob, but now, you can remotely start your car from your smartphone. You can also adjust the heated seats and inside temperature and lock and unlock your Forester. 

There is a button on the right side under the rear gate lid. You can set up a five-digit code to unlock your vehicle if you lose your keys or if you are hiking, trail running, kayaking, or mountain biking and want to avoid taking your keys with you, damage them, or getting them wet. You can lock them in the car and gain access when you return to your vehicle. Read my report here and learn how to set it up. 

Are you checking out the all-new 2025 Forester? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know what you like about it. 

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 North Orlando