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The 2025 Subaru Forester Sport delivers an all-new look. With a solid mix of performance, comfort and practicality, it is a contender in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. While I could not call the Forester a flashy choice in any manner, it has plenty to offer for those seeking reliability and capability.
Exterior looks
My Forester Sport distinguished itself with a gorgeous Crystal White Pearl exterior with blacked-out trim and bronze 19-inch alloy wheels that added a sporty flair. The LED headlights add a modern touch, while its tall, boxy shape remains true to Subaru’s practical design ethos. Overall, I find Subaru styling conservative, and the Sport trim does just enough to stand out without being overly bold.
Cabin
Inside, the Forester Sport features a functional and well-thought-out cabin. Distinct stitching and accents on the seats and dashboard tie the interior to the trim’s sporty theme. The materials feel durable, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas.
I found the cabin to be spacious, comfortably seating five adults with ample headroom and legroom, even in the rear seats. Cargo space is one of Forester’s strengths, offering 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with them folded. The wide rear hatch and low-load floor make it very easy to stow bulky items.
Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Forester Sport features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission and Subaru’s standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, the Forester delivers dependable performance in various driving conditions.
While the engine provides adequate power for daily driving, I ran into a couple of points during my week-long test where it was underwhelming during hard acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.
The CVT will never appeal to those seeking a more engaging driving experience. However, the Forester’s primary driving was smooth all week. I found the handling to be precise, and its higher ground clearance (8.7 inches) makes it capable of handling light off-road adventures.
Tech
The 2025 Forester Sport comes well-equipped with Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. I found it to be intuitive and responsive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Sport trim also includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tailgate and keyless entry.
Safety is a priority for Subaru, and the Forester doesn’t disappoint. The latest version of the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite comes standard, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Forester Sport also adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for added peace of mind.
Pricing
The base price for the 2025 Subaru Forester Sport is $34,495. With added options and destination charges, the final cost of our test vehicle came to $37,590. This price point positions it competitively within the compact SUV market, offering a balance of features and capability for the money.
The 2025 Subaru Forester Sport is a dependable, practical, and safe choice for any family. While it may lack thrilling performance or luxurious finishes, it excels in areas that matter most to its target audience: space, reliability and versatility. If you’re looking for a well-rounded SUV with all-weather confidence and strong resale value, the Forester Sport deserves consideration.
• John Stein is a freelance journalist based in Chicago. He has more than 25 years of experience driving, testing and writing about the automotive industry, its latest innovations and new vehicles.