The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, one of the brand’s most anticipated SUVs in a long time, began arriving at U.S. dealerships a few weeks ago. When we got to spend some time around the hybrid model, it didn’t appear very different from its gas-powered donor.
However, it has some substantial differences beneath its familiar design. Following our time with the SUV, these are five ways the 2025 Forester Hybrid is better than the gas model.
Emergency Stop Assist
Thanks to Emergency Stop Assist, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid promises much greater safety than the gas model. This system automatically stops the vehicle if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings when Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control is active. It also activates the hazard lights and unlocks the doors, ensuring first responders can rescue the driver as quickly as possible. Subaru Connected Services automatically calls emergency services after these steps.
Regenerative Braking
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid’s regenerative braking function recovers kinetic energy that usually goes to waste when braking, and uses it to charge the traction battery pack, reducing fuel consumption.
EV Mode
An EV mode located in the lower-right area of the dashboard switches off the gas engine and operates the vehicle only using the energy stored in the traction battery pack for short distances. This feature can be useful to leave home in the early hours or arrive back late silently, without disturbing neighbors.
Higher MPG
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid clubs a 2.5-liter gas engine with an electric motor, with a CVT and a mechanical AWD system working together to direct drive to the wheels. This setup leads to 194 system horsepower and 35 MPG of EPA-estimated combined fuel economy—up to 9 MPG higher than the gas model. In the city, it delivers up to 10 MPG higher (35 MPG), and on the highway, up to 6 MPG higher (34 MPG).
Longer Range
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid and its gas-only donor have a 16.6-gallon fuel tank. However, thanks to the electrified powertrain, it is a better long-distance companion. While the gas model runs out of fuel in 481 miles, the HEV goes 100 miles farther at 581 miles, both as per EPA estimation. Thus, it is a better choice for adventure escapes to faraway destinations, especially remote locations.
In the base trim, priced at USD 38,015, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is USD 6,600 more expensive than the gas model (USD 31,415). According to EPA estimates, the hybrid model provides up to USD 450 savings in gas costs annually.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
