Don't Let The New Subaru Forester's Boxy Look Fool You - 4 Secret Design Changes

The 2025 Subaru Forester gets a boxier look, but Subaru says it's more aerodynamic. How can that be? There are four ways the Japanese automaker pulled it off.

Do you like the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester exterior design? If you've seen many images, the sixth-generation Forester looks boxier than the outgoing fifth-generation compact SUV. Many customers have commented that they don't like it. What do you think? 

Alex Prestigiacomo, a Subaru insider, helped discover the exterior changes in the YouTube video below. Even though the new Forester looks boxier, there’s more to the story. Here's how Subaru engineers pulled off the latest design language and why.



 A new exterior design

It starts with the Forester's grille. The 2025 Forester looks boxier than the fifth-generation Forester compact SUV, so it's surprising that Subaru says the new model is more aerodynamic. 

Four changes made the Forester slip through the air easier. My most significant question is, why didn't Subaru give the new Forester a raked-sloping roofline like most new compact SUVs?



My Take

There are two significant reasons. They wanted the Forester to have more headroom for customers and the best outward visibility from the driver's seat. They accomplished those two essential characteristics that the previous generation Forester had.  

Here is how Subaru engineers pulled it off and how the new changes benefit customers. 



New wheel well cutouts 

The Forester has unique cutouts near the front wheel that release air that would otherwise get trapped, improving stability and reducing road noise, which results in a quieter cabin. There is also more insulation in the roof design.

The Subaru Symmetrical AWD badge is moved.



Subaru also moved the Symmetrical AWD badge from the left side of the rear tailgate to the driver's side B pillar. There is also a small lip on the badge designed to create improved airflow on the side of the vehicle. 

Redesigned taillights

Forester gets a new taillight design, but it has a significant purpose. There is a small subtle curve on the taillight that also reduces airflow. 



A new sleeker roof rack

The roof rack design has also changed. The mid and upper trim levels have a new, sleeker, more modern appearance. This also aids in creating improved airflow over the roof. 

Did the new Forester grow in size?

The 2025 Forester has the same footprint as the previous generation. Subaru kept the sixth-generation Forester about the same size as customers were happy.

How do the changes affect the Forester fuel mileage?

Subaru and EPA have yet to release the next-gen Forester fuel mileage data. I will bring the results as soon as they are released. 

What is the price of the 2025 Forester? 

Subaru says pricing for the all-new 2025 Forester will be announced closer to its on-sale date this spring. But get ready for a significant price increase. Stay tuned. 

When will Subaru release the 2025 Forester Hybrid trim level?

I reported in an earlier story that Subaru will offer a new 2025 Forester Hybrid, which should be coming next spring. Stay tuned for more details. 

When will Subaru reveal the next-generation Forester Wilderness trim level?

Subaru has yet to announce when the 2025 Forester Wilderness will be released. I expect it late this year.

The 2025 Subaru Forester gets a boxier look, but the compact SUV is more aerodynamic, thanks to some subtle design changes you may not notice.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this 2025 Subaru Forester design 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

• The Next-Gen Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Shows Up In The UK, But It’s Not For U.S. Customers
• To Finish The Year Subaru Now Has 8 Big Winners, And Then There’s One Black Sheep
• The Next-Generation Subaru Forester, 5 New Features And Its 5 Secret Upgrades

Watch 10 NEW Features on the 2025 Subaru Forester - 2024 vs 2025

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.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

Please leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and post X to your followers! 

photo credit: Subaru USA