2025 Subaru Forester Sport: Three Quick Takes

What Is The Subaru Forester Sport?

The Sport model slots in the middle of the Forester lineup, which was updated for the 2025 model year. The sixth generation has more standard equipment, boxier styling and a hybrid powertrain. The Sport model is powered by Subaru’s tried-and-true 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (180 hp, 178 lb-ft of torque) teamed with a CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive.

My tester came in a rich color called Sapphire Blue Pearl and rolled on 19-inch alloy wheels with a bronze finish. There are also bronze-colored accents inside and out. It’s all very on-brand for Subaru, and this is the color scheme I would get.

The Sport model also had a panoramic sunroof, X-Mode traction control (including dirt and snow settings), blind-spot detection, LED headlights and foglights, and a set of roof rails. The inside had Subaru’s StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant dark gray material with bronze accents. With the optional Harmon Kardon 10-speaker sound system, this Forester checked in at $37,756.

How Does It Drive?

Similar to almost every Forester I’ve driven for the last 15 years or so, yet more refined and with better steering. The so-called sport-tuned suspension offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance and maintains bearing on soft roads and bumpy pavement. Go back a few years, and Foresters felt a little top-heavy in turns and expressway curves.

No more. Subaru did a nice job of buttoning down this new generation with a good deal of poise. The boxer four is predictable and unremarkable in a good way. The Forester is not a quick SUV, but it’s adequately powered and the four-pot is more refined than its predecessors, producing less of a coarse sound and driving experience. The boxy silhouette and slightly elevated driving position offer excellent visibility.

Should I Buy A Subaru Forester Sport?

Yes. I rank it behind the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-50 in this segment, but you should consider the Forester when benchmarking compact SUVs. It’s in the mix with things like the Hyundai Tucson, Chevy Equinox, and Kia Sportage. Subaru does a nice job of giving the Forester an outdoorsy vibe, even in the lower trims, and that offers more character than most of the segment. It’s Jeep flavor without having to live with some of the compromises of Jeep. When the Cherokee returns, Subaru will get more competition in this area.

The 2025 Forester is an outstanding family SUV. The backseat isn't huge, but I was able to fit a forward-facing car seat and a high back booster with ease, and the children were comfortable enough. Groceries, a golf bag, and loads of baseball and football equipment filled the cargo area, which is reasonably spacious.

Subaru did a nice job with the update, making it boxier – in a less controversial way than the Outback – adding some subtle though meaningful updates. I would pay a little more and opt for the Sport Hybrid model, but the Forester Sport is a well-equipped compact SUV that’s excellent for small families or as a complement to the three-row trickster.

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