Subaru Forester 2025: Where Japanese Power Meets Toyota Hybrid Innovation

The all new 2025 Subaru Forester marks a bold evolution in the brand’s SUV lineup, blending its iconic Boxer engine with Toyota’s trusted hybrid technology. With its debut set for April 2025, this sixth generation model brings a redesigned exterior, a refined interior, and a new level of performance and efficiency. Whether it's city commutes or desert adventures, the Forester is poised to deliver a balanced mix of versatility, strength, and intelligent engineering that resonates with the needs of GCC drivers.

Bolder Looks for Confident Adventures

Subaru has reimagined the Forester’s design under the “Ready for Adventure” philosophy. This new generation features a more commanding stance, a wider front profile, and sleeker lighting integration. Strong horizontal lines and sculpted wheel arches add visual weight, while new color combinations highlight the SUV’s confident identity.

Measuring 4,655 mm in length and 1,830 mm in width, the Forester is slightly larger than its predecessor yet maintains the same 220 mm ground clearance and 2,670 mm wheelbase for familiar drivability. Inside, the cabin has been elevated with premium finishes and practical technology. A 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.6 inch center display dominate the dashboard, while soft touch surfaces and wood inspired trims give the interior a sense of luxury and strength.

Hybrid Power That Balances Strength and Efficiency

At the heart of the 2025 Forester lies a next generation "Strong Hybrid" powertrain, combining Subaru’s 2.5 liter Boxer engine with Toyota’s THS-II hybrid system. This setup delivers 160 hp from the petrol engine and 119.6 hp from the electric motor, offering responsive performance with improved fuel economy. Unlike most hybrid crossovers, the Forester retains Subaru’s signature mechanical all wheel drive with a propeller shaft, ensuring greater traction and stability off road.

For traditionalists, Subaru will also offer a 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 177 hp and 300 Nm of torque. Three main trims will be available: the Premium S HEV with a luxury focus, the X-BREAK S HEV built for rugged outdoor use, and the SPORT EX, which delivers a more dynamic, sporty aesthetic. Each trim comes with tailored interior details, wheel designs, and color themes, creating distinct personalities within the lineup.

Cabin Comfort Meets Everyday Versatility

Subaru has taken a refined approach to the Forester’s interior, focusing on both luxury and practicality. The dashboard combines bold shapes with elegant materials, including optional wood texture panels and soft touch finishes. Depending on the trim, drivers can enjoy aluminum or bronze accents, leather wrapped steering wheels, and plush upholstery. In the Premium S HEV trim, highlights include silver finished grilles, 19 inch aluminum wheels, and available Nappa leather seats for a truly upscale feel.

The X-BREAK S HEV trim leans into the SUV’s adventurous side with water resistant polyurethane and synthetic leather seats, rugged roof rails, and a two tone paint scheme. It rides on dark 18 inch alloy wheels and features protective cladding around the wheel arches and bumpers, perfect for Gulf drivers who frequent both city roads and off the beaten path terrain.

Rear passengers aren’t left out either. Smart storage solutions, rear air vents, and USB ports ensure comfort for everyone on board. The 60:40 split folding rear seats create a flat and spacious cargo area, ideal for camping gear, road trip essentials, or even everyday errands.

Smarter Safety for Every Journey

Subaru equips the new Forester with its most advanced safety suite yet. The EyeSight X system includes three cameras, one of which is ultra wide angle, to provide a broader view of the vehicle’s surroundings. It supports features like hands free driving in traffic and semi autonomous steering, significantly reducing stress on long drives or congested roads.

Additional safety enhancements include a full digital driver display, multi angle surround view camera system, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Tech savvy drivers will appreciate the inclusion of a wireless charging pad, USB Type-C and Type-A ports, and EV mode control for hybrid operation.

Subtle design touches throughout the cabin also reflect the SUV’s adventurous DNA, such as patterned kickplates, off road style icons, and clever storage trays. Even the door panels feature hidden trekking boot prints, a playful nod to the Forester’s outdoorsy heritage.