Consumer Reports Puts The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid To The Test

The 2025 Subaru Forester has become a favorite at Consumer Reports. In fact, it became their Top Pick for 2025 in its size class. Recently, the consumer testing firm took a closer look at the new 2025 Forester Hybrid to see whether Subaru’s next-generation electrified driveline is as good as its internal combustion sibling.    

As an overview, you might not tell the difference between the 2025 Forester and the Hybrid. There are four trim levels shared between them. However, a few Hybrid badges differentiate the two driveline models.  

The big difference is underneath the hood. This series-parallel hybrid powertrain integrates a 2.5-liter BOXER engine and electric motors with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission. Together, this offers 194 total system horsepower.  

The hybrid system was developed to yield up to 40% better fuel efficiency than non-hybrid models. The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earns an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated rating of 35 MPG city, 34 MPG highway, and 35 MPG combined. This is an improvement of 10 MPG in city fuel economy. In turn, this improved fuel economy can yield up to 581 miles of range on a single tank of fuel. 

While it brings efficiency, the 2025 Forester Hybrid still delivers the superb combination of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling with the addition of the X-MODE Dual Mode system with Hill Descent Control, Active Torque Vectoring, and Vehicle Dynamics Control. The standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance is greater than that of many SUVs, yet the compact SUV maintains a comfortably low step-in height for both front and rear passenger entry.  

As with all 2025 Forester models, the Hybrid benefits from Subaru’s leading safety and driver assistance technologies. All trim levels are equipped with the latest version of Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The newest version of EyeSight operates more smoothly and 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.
 
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid now features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with navigation and Apple Maps compatibility on all trim levels. The new digital cluster adds more usable screen area, joining the Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system. The latter screen serves as a hub for the wireless smartphone integration for both Apple and Android devices, with both getting a full-screen display.  

Consumer Reports stated that the 2025 Forester Hybrid Premium they bought for testing simply “knocked it out of the park.” They also pointed out that it is “more pleasant than the regular Forester…quieter…a touch quicker…” They even said the ride is improved over the other Forester models. Ultimately, Consumer Reports dubbed the 2025 Forester Hybrid “more of a good thing.” 

You can get the 2025 Forester Hybrid in Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels. If the 2025 Forester Hybrid is your choice for sustainable and practical transportation, contact us at Ewing Subaru of Plano to experience one soon!