Welcome back, automotive enthusiasts! Or, if you’re new to Automotive Anonymous, welcome aboard. Today, I’m excited to share a detailed update on our 2025 Subaru Forester after driving it for 1,000 miles. This premium model, finished in Crystal White Pearl, has been with us for almost two months, and we’ve put it through various scenarios—from long cross-state journeys to off-roading adventures. In this blog post, I’ll cover everything from performance and features to what it’s like driving a dirty Forester (yes, I left it dirty just for this review).
First Impressions
One of the standout features of the 2025 Subaru Forester is its LED headlights and fog lights, which come standard across all trims. What’s particularly interesting is the steering-responsive headlights that do more than just turn left and right; they perform a theatrical up-down, left-right movement when you fire up the engine. This added flair is a small but enjoyable feature.
Despite the vehicle being covered in dirt from our off-road trips, the Crystal White Pearl paint holds up remarkably well. Unlike darker colors that show every scratch and imperfection, the light color does an excellent job of masking dirt and grime.
The side mirrors on our premium model are gray, and along with the tinted windows, they add a sleek and stylish contrast to the vehicle’s overall look.
Performance and Handling
After 1,000 miles, the Forester has proven itself to be a reliable and comfortable vehicle for daily driving and long trips alike. Around town, the power is more than adequate, thanks to the CVT and well-tuned gearing.
However, on the interstate—especially when driving uphill or attempting to pass a semi—the engine does struggle a bit. This is particularly noticeable when the vehicle is close to its maximum payload capacity of 900 pounds or towing its rated 1,500 pounds.
For those of you new to my channel, I always test vehicles using GPS to measure 0 to 60 times, given the varying density altitudes where I drive (ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 feet). Naturally aspirated engines like this one might take 7.5 to 8 seconds at sea level but could take up to 10 seconds at higher altitudes.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Subaru Forester continues to impress. The factory window tint, along with the 3M color-stable tint on the front windows, significantly reduces heat and glare, making for a comfortable ride even in bright conditions.
The air conditioning system is particularly efficient, often requiring me to turn it down, even though the vehicle has a lot of glass surfaces. The rear seat vents also do an excellent job of keeping the backseat passengers cool, which is a nice touch.
On the tech side, the Apple CarPlay integration is seamless, connecting within seconds of starting the vehicle. While the sound system isn’t as high-end as those in the Limited or Touring trims, the clarity is still decent, and the bass speakers do a satisfactory job.
Cargo Space
One of the areas where the Forester shows its limitations compared to its sibling, the Outback, is in cargo space. The Forester’s 30-something cubic feet of room is tall and wide at the top, but it lacks the additional foot of length that the Outback offers.
For someone like me, who tends to travel light, the space is sufficient. However, if you’re planning to load up for a big trip, you might find the Outback’s cargo area more practical.
That said, the Forester still offers more space than smaller crossovers like the 2019 Crosstrek I used to own. After loading and unloading it on various trips, I found the Forester to be more than capable for most everyday needs.
Safety and Driving Experience
Subaru’s commitment to safety is well-known, and the 2025 Forester is no exception. From the standard all-wheel-drive system to the advanced LED headlights, this vehicle is designed with safety in mind.
Living in an area that gets snow for about a third of the year, I can’t stress enough how important a good all-wheel-drive system is. Last year, I tested various Subarus under snowy conditions, and I’m excited to see how the new Forester performs this winter.
Though the Forester doesn’t feel as stable at interstate speeds as larger vehicles like the Outback or Ascent, it’s still a well-balanced ride. The short wheelbase and square stance make it particularly agile at lower speeds, making it a joy to drive around town and on mild off-road courses.
Interesting Features and Final Thoughts
Before wrapping up, I wanted to share a couple of interesting features I discovered. First, under the hood, there’s a small rectangular plastic square, which some of you have asked about. It turns out this piece is for adjusting the height of smaller aftermarket batteries, ensuring they connect properly to the vehicle’s cables.
Another feature worth mentioning is the automatic headlights. Even when the switch is turned off, the headlights come on when the vehicle is put into gear at night. I haven’t tested this thoroughly yet, but it’s an intriguing safety feature that prevents you from driving without headlights in low-light conditions.
Overall, after 1,000 miles, I’m thoroughly impressed with the 2025 Subaru Forester. It’s a substantial vehicle, especially for its price point of around $35,000 with a few added options. We haven’t encountered any issues so far, and I’m particularly pleased that this first year of the new generation is still assembled in Japan, known for its quality Forester production.
