Subaru Forester Is Cold As Next-Gen Models Arrive

The highly anticipated next-generation 2025 Subaru Forester has made its debut, but its sales are yet to soar. The question remains, are customers eagerly awaiting its arrival, or will the new compact SUV fail to impress Subaru's loyal fan base?

What happened to the hot Forester?

The remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester arrived but has yet to take off. The opposite is true; sales are cold. Are customers waiting, or will the new compact SUV be a big hit with Subaru's faithful? 

The newly remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester, with its significant upgrades over the popular 2024 Forester, is a vehicle that piques curiosity. Despite its unique features, it appears it's not selling as expected. There's more going on here.

I'll explore the new compact SUV further but first, let's look at the Forester's sales performance numbers for July. 

The first drop this year. 

Forester had a significant drop in sales in July, with 10,682 vehicles sold to U.S. customers compared with 14,504 in July 2023. Forester dropped 26.4 percent as Subaru Corporation switched from the 2024 Forester to the all-new 2025 Forester compact SUV. Is something wrong with the new model?

Subaru says, "Demand is increasing as Subaru builds inventory transitioning to the all-new 2025 Forester model."

That statement suggests that Subaru likely let the inventory of the 2024 Forester dwindle to make room for the all-new, redesigned next-generation 2025 Forester that arrived last month. Read my report here.

Subaru can't time it perfectly. 

The drop in sales should not be concerning as the outgoing fifth-generation Forester sold out, and the new next-gen models hadn't arrived yet. The ideal would be for Subaru of America retailers to sell the last 2024 model as shipments of the new model fill their showrooms. It's impossible to know and it's difficult for Subaru Corporation to time the switch perfectly. 

Despite the drop in sales, the Forester still leads all other nameplates in the number one sales ranking, up 36.6% for the year. This is a testament to its enduring popularity and the trust it has garnered from customers. It's a promising sign for the new model. 

Poston says, "Forester's sustained recognition for outstanding safety continues to drive new and returning customers to the Subaru brand and our retailers."

The new Forester is now at Subaru showrooms across the U.S. 

Subaru retailers have the remodeled 2025 Forester compact SUV in their showrooms now. Before you visit a dealer, check out a new configurator tool from Subaru of America that allows you to build it to your specifications and to see which 2025 Forester trim is best. 

You can choose the trim level, color, packages, and accessories and find the price. If you do this before you visit the dealer, you'll know precisely which features and options you want and the pricing.

Read my 2025 Forester pricing and model guide here. 

What is the 2025 Forester pricing?

The 2025 Forester has five trim levels: Base ($31,090), Premium ($33,390), Sport ($35,890), Limited ($37,390), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,395).

The 2024 Forester Wilderness carries over with a starting price of $36,265. Destination and Delivery ($1,345)

Which Forester trim is the best value?

I like the Forester Sport.

The Forester Sport, priced at $35,890, is a stylish compact SUV that stands out with its unique design elements and exceptional curb appeal. This Trim is expected to be a top choice among buyers.

Subaru says the Sport trim level adds 19-inch alloy wheels with a bronze finish, a gloss black front grille, a rear "Sport" badge with a bronze finish, and chrome and bronze side badges. Inside, the Forester Sport adds gray StarTex upholstery with brown stitching, a dark gray dash panel, and a unique bronze steering wheel insert.

To further support drivers, the Sport upgrades to dual-function X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, and 8-speed manual shift mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 

In addition to the enhanced styling, the Sport trim delivers sharper handling with a re-tuned suspension, improving driving stability while retaining ride comfort.

A $1,700 options package adds to Forester Sport a Harman Kardon premium audio system with a 576-watt equivalent amp and 11 speakers, power rear gate, Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking, and SI-Drive Engine Performance Management (Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes).

I will watch the new Forester closely and see if customers take to it as much as they did the fifth-generation model. Stay tuned. Read my report on Forester's transition to the U.S. plant here.

Which trim level of the 2025 Forester has piqued your interest the most? Click the red 'Add New Comment' link below and share your thoughts with us and other Subaru enthusiasts.

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: Reedman-Toll Subaru