The One Feature You Want That’s Missing On The Next-Gen Subaru Forester

Subaru Corporation is bringing more safety features to the sixth-generation 2025 Forester, but a missing upgrade leave customers wanting more. The all-new subcompact SUV comes with a new exterior design, upgrades to the interior, improved driving dynamics, and new safety upgrades, but still no Active Driving Display or head-up display.

I have talked to many customers who want a head-up display (HUD) system that projects information onto the windshield. What was once exclusively available in luxury vehicles and head-up displays now come standard on some mainstream brand cars. Hyundai, Mazda, and Toyota offer head-up displays.

It's a great convenience feature and offers another level of safety for drivers to keep their eyes on the road. So far, Subaru has yet to provide any new model with HUD, and the 2025 Forester won't come with it either.

Why is a head-up display a critical feature?

A head-up display is more than a luxury feature. It's a needed safety feature because it allows the driver to keep both eyes on the road by directly putting essential information in the driver's sight. Many automakers like Mazda and Hyundai now offer a head-up display on lower trims, and you don't have to buy a luxury car. It's the one feature Subaru should offer on all its SUVs.

Which mainstream automakers offer a HUD?

A report from Kelley Blue Book says some mainstream brands offer models with a HUD. Mini offers it in all of its models. Among Mazda models, only the MX-5 Miata doesn't provide a HUD. Toyota offers it in 10 models. Chevrolet, GMC, Kia, and Hyundai offer a HUD in at least four models. Jeep has three HUD-equipped models, while Nissan has two. Subaru does not provide any models with a head-up display.

The new 2025 Forester comes with the latest EyeSight safety technology. 

Standard on all 2025 Forester models is the latest EyeSight Driver Assist Technology system. "The newest version of the EyeSight system operates more smoothly, quickly, and under a greater range of conditions than prior versions." 

These improvements are thanks to a broader field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. EyeSight can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alert the driver and apply brakes to avoid collisions. Additional active safety features are available for Forester, including Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The Best and Worst New Subaru Outback Features via @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto #subaru #outback #subaruoutback #outbackwildernesshttps://t.co/kReRGeYPjJ
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 20, 2023

Emergency Stop Assist activates for the first time on a Subaru if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. The new standard safety feature will stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and unlock the doors.

An available Surround View Monitor offers a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle and its surroundings for enhanced situational awareness while parking. The system combines images from four vehicle cameras to create a single image with a bird's-eye view of the area around the entire vehicle. 

Unfortunately, Subaru doesn't offer a HUD on any vehicle in its lineup. The sixth-generation 2025 Subaru Forester compact SUV won't have a head-up display either.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this 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. 

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• Subaru Just Got Shut Out Of The North American Car Of Year Finalists

Check out: The all-New 2025 Subaru Forester First Look // What do you think of the design? 

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