America’s Most Anticipated New Models, The All-New Subaru Forester Hybrid Is Wild

It's been a while since Subaru had a highly-anticipated new model.

Newsweek's latest list of the most anticipated new vehicles for 2025 features the all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid. I'll list the latest, most anticipated models and then delve into what makes the Forester Hybrid stand out, making it one of the most intriguing Hybrid options on the market. 

Newsweek says, "Whether it's a newly imagined sport utility vehicle or the re-emergence of a highly regarded halo car, the vehicles coming to market in 2025 prove that Americans' attitudes about personal transportation are diverse and are being served from all angles." 

"Automakers are developing and producing vehicles that are available with several powertrain options, fit the lifestyles of modern families, can adapt to the terrain, and go further off-road than ever before."

The all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid reveal is only a few months away, and the anticipation is building. Customers have eagerly awaited a new hybrid Forester, and now it's finally within view.

Newsweek says that longtime nameplates, like the Forester, are also making consequential vehicle introductions in 2025. 

It will be wild enough for U.S. customers.

"Subaru will sell the Forester Hybrid to its American buyer base for the first time. The compact SUV, which generally appeals to environmentally minded outdoors people, has been up against hybrids from Honda and Toyota for years."

First, check out the 25 most anticipated new vehicles, and then I'll give more information on the Forester Hybrid. 

Newsweek's Most Anticipated New Vehicles 2025 in alphabetical order.

• Acura ADX - Expected First Quarter 2025
• Aston Martin Vanquish - Expected Early 2025
• Audi A5/S5 - Expected Late spring/early summer 2025
• Audi Q5 - Expected Spring/summer 2025
• Bentley Continental GT Speed - Expected Early 2025
• Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Expected 2025
• Ford Expedition - Expected Spring 2025
• Honda Passport - Expected Early 2025
• Hyundai Ioniq 9 - Expected Second quarter of 2025
• Jeep Wagoneer S - Expected 2025
• Kia EV9 GT - Expected 2025
• Lincoln Navigator - Expected Early 2025
• Lucid Gravity - On sale now
• Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan - Expected First half of 2025
• Nissan Armada - On sale now
• Nissan Murano - Expected First quarter of 2025
• Polestar 4 - Expected Early 2025
• Porsche 911 Carrera GTS - On sale now
• Ram 1500 Ramcharger - Expected First half of 2025
• Range Rover Electric - Expected 2025
• Subaru Forester Hybrid - Expected Spring 2025
• Volkswagen Tiguan - Expected 2025
• Toyota 4Runner - Expected Early 2025
• Volvo EX30 - On sale now
• Volvo XC90 - Expected Early 2025

What does Newsweek say about the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid?

Newsweek says, "The new Forester Hybrid for North America is distinct from that sold in Europe, including differing from Europe's e-Boxer powertrain. (Read more about the differences in my report here) Its hybrid powertrain system was developed using some shared components with Toyota, but it is tuned for North American buyers, with a specific emphasis on refinement and comfort," the company told Newsweek. 

"It will also run Subaru-specific hardware not on any Toyota vehicles. The model will retain the creature comforts and features that were part of the 2025 Forester redo, including a more aerodynamic fascia, updated seats, and the latest version of the company's EyeSight driver-assist technology suite of safety and driver-assistance features. Pricing for the model will be announced closer to its on-sale date."

Here is what I do know about the next-generation Forester Hybrid.

Subaru of America has been silent regarding the new Forester Hybrid. However, Subaru Corporation released new information.

Here is what Subaru revealed about its next-generation hybrids in its recent announcement.

Subaru announced it would launch its strong-hybrid system (SHEV), also called a full-hybrid technology, in Japan's Forester compact SUV and Crosstrek subcompact SUV first, and then they will make their U.S. launch. They will now use the larger 2.5-liter Boxer engine. Read more in my report here.

Subaru's next-gen Hybrid is wild enough for North American customers.

Subaru Corp. gets around 70 percent of its global sales from the U.S. market. The automaker knows the importance of satisfying its American customer base and is determined to ensure the success of its new models. 

Subaru's next-generation full-hybrid delivers improved performance. 

The full-hybrid or SHEV system draws on elements of the parallel hybrid setup pioneered in cars such as the Toyota Prius. Subaru will tap into Toyota's technology, adopt a similar system to its horizontally opposed 2.5-liter Boxer engine, and mate it to a longitudinal driveshaft for a mechanically connected, all-wheel-drive layout.

It adopts a series-parallel system that efficiently uses the engine or motor as the power source, depending on the situation.

Subaru's next-gen hybrid will use the 2.5-liter Boxer engine.

The Forester and Crosstrek hybrids, sold in the U.S., will be full hybrids using Subaru's 2.5-liter Boxer engine. The e-Boxer mild hybrid with the 2.0-liter engine sold in Europe and Australia produces 143 horsepower. The new Forester and Crosstrek full hybrids will produce 158 horsepower.

The more powerful hybrid tech will fit Americans' needs.

Subaru says the engine and electric motor torque increase substantially from the mild hybrid offered in the European spec Forester e-Boxer. Subaru did not provide a total system power or torque figure for the engine and electric motor combined. But the powertrain cuts about 2.1 seconds off the mild hybrid's 0 to 62 mph time, it said.

The new Subaru 2.5-liter hybrid system is mated to an 88-kW electric motor versus the mild-hybrid's 10-kW motor. The bigger battery also helps improve fuel economy. The potent full-hybrid gets a 1-kilowatt-hour power pack, up from 0.6 kWh in the mild hybrid. It also has a higher voltage, 260 volts, versus 188. 

Subaru says the new next-generation Forester and Crosstrek hybrid delivers a 50 percent boost in driving range and a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy, resulting in the best fuel efficiency in Subaru's lineup. In addition, extended EV driving also improves quietness.

There's more for U.S. customer's specific needs.

The new Subaru SHEV will be coupled with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology. It will have the exact high ground clearance and off-road capability as the current gas models. You'll be able to drive safely on rough terrain or snowy roads, catering to Subaru's most active customers.

The Forester Hybrid is wild enough for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Subaru didn't forget about taking the Forester Hybrid off-road. The next-gen Subaru SHEV hybrid will power electric appliances like a small refrigerator, phone chargers, small electric cooktops, and other electric devices when you are camping. A power outlet is located in the rear cargo area for outdoor enthusiast's power needs. 

When will U.S. customers be able to purchase the new hybrids?

Customers in the U.S. will get the next-generation Forester Hybrid first. Subaru did not say when the new Crosstrek Hybrid will make its North American launch, but I suspect it will soon. It could make its reveal at the LA Auto Show. Stay tuned. 

As I reported in my report here, Subaru will begin production of the new Forester at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) factory in Lafayette, Indiana. SIA will add production of the next-generation Forester gasoline model starting next year. The report says U.S. production of the next-generation Forester hybrid will begin around 2026. 

Are you waiting to buy the next-gen Forester Hybrid? Do you think it's "wild" enough? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Denis Flierl - I've been at the forefront of automotive news as the Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. This role, coupled with my previous experience in a consulting role with every major car brand and as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, ensuring my audience is always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, AllSubaru, and WRX STI News X social media. I also use Facebook, @DenisFlierl, and Instagram for my daily reports!