The Next-Generation Subaru Forester, 5 New Features And Its 5 Secret Upgrades

Should you buy the 2024 Subaru Forester now or wait for the remodeled 2025 Forester? Check out the new upgrades before you decide.

In a recent story, I covered the ten new hidden interior features customers should know about. In this report, I'll cover ten more significant upgrades you'll want to know about on the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester. 

Some of the information I'll cover comes from Alex Prestigiacomo, a Subaru insider who works at Bachman Subaru in Louisville, Kentucky. You can check out his YouTube video below for additional information. 

The outgoing fifth-generation 2024 Subaru Forester is an excellent compact SUV, but new changes are coming this spring on the new sixth-generation model. You should wait for the remodeled Forester to arrive. I will cover five new exterior improvements and five hidden upgrades in this report. We'll start with the ones you can see. 

Five new exterior features you will want to know about.

1. A new exterior design

You can see a new grille if you've seen the new images. It looks boxier than the previous generation, so it's surprising Subaru says the new model is more aerodynamic, making it quieter inside the cabin. The unique cutouts near the front wheel release air that would otherwise get trapped, improving stability and reducing road noise. 

Subaru also moved the AWD badge from the rear hatch to the side of the vehicle. This, along with new tail lights, also reduces airflow.  

2. A new exterior color

A new River Rock Pearl color will be available. It will be available on all but the base trim level. The Sport trim will now have bronze accent pieces outside instead of the red and bronze wheels. 

3. New improved seats

The Forester gets new seats similar to the next-generation Crosstrek. If you've read my Crosstrek seat story, you know how improved and comfortable they are. Subaru says the front seats feature slimmed-down shoulder areas for better visibility and access to the rear seats. You can read that report here for additional information. 

4. A new sleeker roof rack

The roof rack design has also changed. The upper trim levels have a new, sleeker, more aerodynamic appearance. 

5. A new infotainment touchscreen

Inside is a new 11.6-inch high-resolution infotainment touchscreen display from the new Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, and Impreza, as well as similar steering wheel, seat, and console controls. It also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto capability, and a wireless charger for the first time. 

Five new hidden or secret features you can't see.

1. Upgraded steering

The new Forester has improved steering response. Without getting too technical, it now has a dual-pinion electronic steering system. It's similar to the WRX sports car. 

2. Improved eyesight cameras

The EyeSight has two cameras and now a third lens that has been upgraded with new technology and software. It gives the vehicle a wider field of view to detect cars, pedestrians, and bicycles.

3. A new 360 camera

The 2025 Forester features a new surround-view camera with a 360-degree birdseye overhead view.

4. A revised auto start/stop

The new Forester's auto start/stop has also been revised. Subaru says the gas-saving feature is quieter when the engine restarts, and they have reduced the engine vibration. I have written a lot about the old system. Check it out here. 

5. A foot-activated rear gate

A kick sensor-activated hands-free power rear gate enables owners to open and close it automatically simply by placing their foot under the back bumper cover.

Available for the first time on a Subaru model, a new kick sensor-activated Hands-Free Power Rear Gate enables owners to open and close the rear gate automatically simply by placing their foot under the back bumper cover. 

The 2025 Subaru Forester should stay a top pick for customers when it arrives this spring. There's more to the new Forester than you can see at first glance. 

What is the price of the 2025 Forester? 

Subaru says pricing for the all-new Forester will be announced closer to its on-sale date this spring. Stay tuned. 

Your turn.

What do you think of the 2025 Subaru Forester?

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the 2025 Subaru Forester 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 6th-Generation 2025 Subaru Forester It's All Here - Images, Details, Video
• New Report - Subaru Just Made A Huge Leap In The Global Race To Electrify Its AWD Lineup
• The Subaru Forester Boost Gear, It’s Not The New 2025 Forester Wilderness

Watch the 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.

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photo credit: Subaru USA