By Malusi Msomi

Subaru Southern Africa has officially introduced the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester, marking the sixth generation of the brand’s most successful model. First launched in 1997, the Forester has sold over 4.5 million units worldwide and accounts for more than half of Subaru’s local sales. The new generation brings updated styling, improved technology, and enhanced safety features.

Updated design and styling

The 2025 Forester features a bolder exterior design with a larger grille, compact LED headlights, and Subaru’s latest star-cluster emblem. Muscular wheel arches and aerodynamic elements highlight its rugged character while improving efficiency. Roof rails are standard, with alloy wheels available in 17-inch or 18-inch sizes depending on the model.

New colour options include River Rock Pearl alongside familiar choices such as Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, and Autumn Green Metallic. Specialised colours like Cashmere Gold Opal and Daybreak Blue Pearl are also available for the first time.

Performance and capability

All Forester models are powered by Subaru’s 2.5-litre BOXER engine delivering 136 kW and 247 Nm, paired with a Lineartronic CVT with 8-step manual mode and paddle shifters. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive remains standard, offering stability and grip across all surfaces.

The vehicle maintains its off-road capability with 220 mm ground clearance, approach and departure angles of 20.3 and 25.8 degrees respectively, and X-Mode with Hill Descent Control for improved traction. Depending on the model, X-Mode is available in single or dual-function versions. Subaru SI-Drive offers selectable drive modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual.

Interior and technology

The cabin is designed for practicality and comfort. Wide-opening doors and ISOFIX points cater to families, while cargo space measures 496 litres with seats up and 1,174 litres with seats folded flat. Interior trims range from durable fabric in entry models to Alcantara and leather combinations in the Premium grade.

The Forester introduces improved infotainment, featuring dual 7-inch touchscreens in the Field model or an 11.6-inch tablet-style display in higher grades. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported, and the Premium model includes a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Standard across the range is Subaru’s Driver Recognition System, which uses facial recognition to store driver preferences such as seating position and climate settings. Noise and vibration insulation has been improved for a quieter cabin experience.

Safety and driver assistance

Safety remains a priority with the latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist Technology fitted to all models. The system now has a wider field of view and improved processing for functions like Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring, and Autonomous Emergency Steering.

Additional safety features include Blind-Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking on higher trims. The Forester also introduces the Emergency Driving Stop System locally, which can safely bring the car to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive.

Model Range and Pricing (South Africa)

• Forester 2.5i Field: R699,000
• Forester 2.5i Touring: R740,000
• Forester 2.5i Sport: R790,000
• Forester 2.5i Premium: R830,000

All models come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the full EyeSight safety suite, and Subaru’s standard warranty and maintenance plan.

Warranty and maintenance

Each Forester includes a 5-year/150,000 km warranty and a 3-year/75,000 km maintenance plan (extendable to 150,000 km). Service intervals are set at 15,000 km, and Subaru Assist provides roadside support.