The Subaru Forester Gets Dropped Down A Notch

The Subaru Forester has been Subaru of America's hottest model, but things changed last month. The Forester isn't the leader anymore, at least in May. 

The Subaru Forester just lost its top-seller status. The Outback midsize SUV took over the top spot in May and it's my guess it won't last long. You can see why in my report here.

Subaru of America (SOA) reported that the Forester dropped a notch on the lineup's leaderboard. First, look at the results, and then I'll explain what's coming next. 

SOA retailers sold 15,345 Forester compact SUVs in May compared with 10,582 in May 2023, while the automaker delivered 16,506 Outback midsize SUVs to customers. Forester slipped to number two overall for the first time this year.  

The fifth-generation Forester has been the hottest model this year and continued to increase its sales volume significantly. And that's before the all-new sixth-generation 2025 Forester arrived. In my report, which you can read here, I mentioned that the first 2025 models arrived last week and will count in June's sales. 

Forester Hasn't Cooled Off Yet

Despite losing the top seller position, the Forester compact SUV was again a hot model, with a 45 percent increase over May 2023. The Solterra had the highest percentage of increase, up 254.6 percent. Crosstrek was the third hottest SUV, with 13,836 vehicles sold, a 32.3 percent increase over the same month in 2023. 

The Forester is still the overall volume leader for SOA in the first five months, with 81,741 models delivered to customers. Forester is now up 61.4 percent in 2024. 

2024 Models Will Be Gone Soon 

I would expect Forester sales to retake the top spot as the all-new 2025 Forester arrives now. There are still a few 2024 Foresters for sale on SOA lots, but they will be gone soon. 

Customers who can find a 2024 Forester can still get a good deal now, as retailers are clearing space for the new sixth-generation models. 

How Good Are The Deals?

Subaru of America offers 72-month financing on the remaining Subaru Forester compact SUV. Subaru offers 2024 Forester financing with a 2.9% APR for 72 months. The payment is $319/month for 36 months, with $2,760 due. No down payment is required. 

From what I've seen, Subaru Corporation has stopped the 2024 Forester production in Japan to make way for the remodeled 2025 Forester models on the assembly line in Gunma, Japan. Check out my recent Forester production report here.

The Subaru Forester lost its top seller status in May, but it won't be for long as the new sixth-generation compact SUV inventory arrives on U.S. shores. 

You Can Order The 2025 Forester Now 

If you shop for a new, redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester, Subaru of America has a new tool available. Check it out here before you visit the dealer. I recently wrote about two new features only found on the Forester and no other Subaru model. Read my report here. 

The remodeled 2025 Forester compact SUV is arriving now at U.S. retailers, and a new configurator tool from Subaru of America allows you to build it to your specifications and to see which 2025 Forester trim is best. 

If you are shopping for a new compact SUV, check out the 2025 Forester from my recent report here. 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.

You can read my report on the special next-generation 2025 Forester financing 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)

There Are Two New Foresters Coming

Subaru still has to announce the outdoor-themed 2025 Forester Wilderness, but it will likely launch sometime next year. Subaru will redesign the rugged trim level, and as soon as Subaru of America announces it, I'll bring you the details. Stay tuned.

I also know that the next-generation Forester Hybrid will be released next year and will likely launch in late spring 2025. What I don't know yet is its powertrain.

Will it be a conventional Hybrid or a Plug-In Hybrid? I recently reported that Subaru of America accidentally leaked it in an email sent to current Subaru owners. 

Subaru of America initially said the new Forester Hybrid would have plug-in hybrid technology. They later redacted the report and said they had made a mistake. You can read my report here.

The corrected email said," Details haven't been announced other than to note that it's the first-ever hybrid Forester and that the Subaru Forester Hybrid will be available about a year after the conventionally powered Forester goes on sale. The all-new Forester is expected in showrooms in Spring 2024." 

Before the new Forester Hybrid and 2025 Forester Wilderness trims arrive, you can get Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels this year. 

Do you own a Subaru SUV? Will you trade it in on the remodeled next-gen 2025 Forester? If so, what do you like most about the compact SUV? 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: Tucson Subaru