The Hot Subaru Forester Cools Off As Next-Gen Models Arrive

Once on a hot streak, the Subaru Forester has taken a step back in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup. See what happened to the Forester now that the new next-generation 2025 models arrived. 

The hot Forester cools off. 

The all-new 2025 Subaru Forester arrived on U.S. shores last month, so why did the compact SUV's sales cool off? Forester, the hottest model on the planet, slipped to third place in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup. 

Here is the Forester report for June. Then, I will explain why Forester has taken two steps back. 

Even though Forester drops to third place in June's sales performance, Subaru of America says, "Forester also had a strong showing with 11,108 vehicles sold, a 4.1 percent increase over June 2023."

SOA reports Forester sold 11,108 compact SUVs in June 2024, compared with 10,669 models delivered in June 2023. Forester increased 4.1 percent even with the shutdown of the 2024 models. That was good enough for third place behind the Outback and Crosstrek. 

You can read my Outback (number one overall) sales report here and my Crosstrek's #2 performance report here. Customers now choose them as their top choices in June, which will likely be short-lived. 

The highly anticipated, remodeled 2025 Forester models have finally arrived.

The new 2025 Forester is available now across the U.S. In my report, which you can read here, the first 2025 models arrived in June with significant upgrades.

The Forester has been the hottest model this year and has the second-highest percentage of sales volume increase in the first six months. The Solterra is the leader now. 

Despite dropping to third in June, Forester still leads Outback and Crosstrek in total sales volume for the first six months of 2023. 

Still, Forester is the overall volume leader for SOA, with 92,849 models delivered to customers. Forester's sales are up 51.4 percent through the first six months of 2024. 

Why did Forester slip to third place in June?

The Forester compact SUV slipped to third place in June as Subaru Corporation switched from the 2024 models to the all-new sixth-generation 2025 Forester. Subaru had to retool its assembly lines, so this was the reason why the Forester lost its number-one spot.

This typically happens when a model receives a complete remodel to the new generation. The Japanese automaker has to finish producing its remaining supply of fifth-generation models and then switch to the new sixth-generation model. 

According to my sources close to Subaru, the response to the new Forester has been overwhelmingly positive. Subaru Corporation has hit the mark with the perfect blend of new features and upgrades, instilling confidence in the new model.

Automotive News says, "Subaru buyers have long coveted the ability to go anywhere. But they increasingly want more creature comforts and connectivity, a major focus of the latest Forester."

Automotive News says there are notable new Forester updates. They are:

• Improvements in Noise, vibration, and harshness
• Forester is powered by an updated version of Subaru's 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine.
• Forester's new electronically assisted steering rack provides more direct response natural steering dynamics and is more comfortable to drive.
• Forester features an upgraded crash structure to meet future crash tests.

Forester gets new convenience tech:

• A 360-degree overhead camera view
• A smart rear-view mirror
• A new kick sensor-activated hands-free power rear liftgate

The list goes on.

• The next-generation Forester receives all-new, more comfortable seats.
• Roof racks and rails are standard across the Forester lineup for the first time.
• The bigger rear cargo area has new mounts and utility hooks for securing accessories.

Hidden outdoor references are called Easter Eggs.

Automotive News says, "Subaru engineers and designers know their customers and have tucked references to outdoor life throughout the latest Forester. There are paw prints, boot prints, a lantern, a telescope, a compass, and the outline of a mountain range embossed on interior door panels. The silhouette of a bird is featured in the corner of several glass panels."

Sales of the compact SUV drop to third as it's out with the old Forester and in with the new Forester. I look for the latest next-generation 2025 Forester to be in demand and overtake both the Outback and Crosstrek. Stay tuned. 

For more details, read my 2025 Subaru Forester pricing and model guide here. 

What are your thoughts?

Are you checking out the new 2025 Forester? Will you step up to a new model this year? 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 North Orlando