2025 Subaru Forester Price and Specs Revealed for Australia
With a debut at the Chicago Auto Show earlier in the year, Subaru has officially revealed price and specifications for the new Forester (priced from AUD$43,490 plus on-roads), a week after Toyota unveiled the latest generation of their top-selling car in Australia, the Toyota RAV4.
To put this new Forester release in context, the RAV4 was the top-selling vehicle in Australia in 2024 with 58,718 vehicles sold, but that number looks tiny when you compare it to the sales in the United States, where the RAV4 outsold the Ford F-150 for the first time, according to Jato Dynamics data. F-150 sales dropped 5 per cent to 460,915 in 2024. Meanwhile, Toyota RAV4 registrations increased by 9 per cent to 475,193, and it seems this is the wake-up call that Subaru needed, unveiling the new model shortly after the sales figures were announced.
Now, Subaru Australia is ready to bring the top-selling Forester to market, and it's going to be their most important model release in decades as it shapes up to become the best alternative to the RAV4 and other competitors like the Mitsubishi Outlander as it will be available from mid-2025 in both hybrid and non-hybrid formats. While yet to be released, the current-generation Toyota RAV4 starts from AUD$42,260 plus on-roads. Let's take a closer look!
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid | Image: Subaru USA
What's Under the Bonnet of the New Subaru Forester?
You'll have two powertrain options available with the new Subaru Forester in Australia:
Non-hybrid Subaru Foresters (priced from AUD$43,490 plus on-roads) will be powered by:
Engine : 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer 4-cylinder
: 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer 4-cylinder Power : 136kW @ 5,800rpm
: 136kW @ 5,800rpm Torque : 247Nm @ 3,700rpm
: 247Nm @ 3,700rpm Transmission : Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with: 8-speed manual mode Broader gear ratio range (8.1) Retuned for stronger take-off acceleration Lower 1st and reverse gears for increased performance on hills
: Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with: Fuel economy : 7.9 litres/100km (combined)
: 7.9 litres/100km (combined) Fuel tank capacity : 63L
: 63L Towing: 1,800kg braked, 750kg unbraked
Hybrid Subaru Foresters (from AUD$46,490 plus on-roads) will be powered by:
Engine : 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine with 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery Power : 121kW @ 5,600 rpm Torque : 212Nm @ 4,000–4,400 rpm
: 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine with 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery Combined system output : 145kW
: 145kW Transmission : TH2B Hybrid Transaxle Planetary gearset Integrated secondary electric motor/generator (MG1)
: Fuel economy : 6.2L/100km (combined)
: 6.2L/100km (combined) Range : Over 1,000km per tank (indicative)
: Over 1,000km per tank (indicative) Towing: 1,200kg braked, 750kg unbraked
The non-Hybrid 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer 4-cylinder produces 136kW @ 5,800rpm and 247Nm @ 3,700rpm. However, what we're most interested in here is the hybrid Forester, which features a 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine with a 90kW electric motor powered by a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. That figure is similar to the new 2026 Toyota RAV4's 143kW of power, but down compared to the 226kW PHEV variant that has just been announced.
Notably, the city fuel economy has jumped by 30 per cent over the naturally aspirated petrol, and even more impressively, this hybrid powertrain delivers an impressive driving range of over 1,000km per tank (based on laboratory results under ADR testing conditions).
Unlike the RAV4, the Forester does not have an electric motor powering the rear wheels, and because of this Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, the brand says that it retains a low centre of gravity and optimal handling whilst adding enhanced range.
2025 Subaru Forester Petrol Variant | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia
To add to this, the hybrid Forester also gets a torque vectoring system, vehicle dynamics control and an off-road X-Mode system from the standard petrol model, while the ground clearance stands at a class-leading 220mm.
That said, there is an even more off-road-focused Wilderness version in the United States, which comes with the standard petrol engine while having a significant increase in ground clearance at 236mm along with different suspension, all-terrain tyres, and a beefier set of bumpers.
It remains to be seen whether Subaru will ever offer this car here in Australia, as it wasn't announced at the release today, but we'd love to see it!
2025 Subaru Forester Mid Spec Hybrid Variant | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia
What's the Interior of the Subaru Forester Like?
Every model in the all-new Subaru Forester range will come with a tablet-like 11.6-inch Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility alongside a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster on 'selected' Hybrid variants. Take note that Satellite navigation will only be built-in on Premium and above models, but a 6-speaker audio system will be included as standard here in Australia, with a Harman Kardon® 10-speaker system with subwoofer on Touring and Hybrid Sport.
Of course, like all new Subaru models, the Forester will come with the brand's top-level safety systems, including the Eyesight Driver Assist Technology with active cruise control, innovative Driver Monitoring System, Emergency Driving Stop System, 360-Degree View Monitor, and nine SRS airbags.
Importantly for comfort purposes, the seats have been redesigned with ergonomics in mind as they've been developed with anatomy experts to improve lower back and hip support and keep your spine aligned, all the while minimising fatigue on long drives. Heated front seats are standard across all variants, and power-adjustable lumbar support and 8-way electric front seats are available on higher trims. The only way to get leather, however, is on the Touring variants of the Forester that use a Leather and Ultrasuede® (black or brown/black) material.
'Inspired by six generations of adventure, this next-generation Forester features a bold, rugged design, with the confidence of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and renowned X-Mode,' said General Manager of Subaru Australia, Scott Lawrence. 'It's built to take you from city streets to untamed trails with ease. Its revolutionary design brings advanced safety and immersive in-car technology, and enhanced all-terrain capability. We are looking forward to sharing more details on the all-new Forester range in both petrol and hybrid over the coming months.'
2025 Subaru Forester Top Spec Hybrid Variant | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia
When is the New Subaru Forester Coming to Australia?
Pre-orders for the new Subaru Forester are available from today, before first vehicle arrivals in Australia begin in July 2025.
'The new-generation Forester is stronger, smarter and more capable than ever — and it's exactly what Australians need from an SUV,' said Scott Lawrence, General Manager, Subaru Australia. 'During local testing it's handled everything we threw at it, from rough country roads, unpredictable weather, steep climbs and changing conditions. It's built to take on real Australian driving, and the addition of Subaru's latest Hybrid technology gives drivers the very best Subaru SUV.'
You can place an order for the new Subaru Forester at Subaru Australia's website (linked below) or by contacting your local retailer.
2025 Subaru Forester | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia
Full List of Model Specifications for Subaru Forester in Australia
The all-new Subaru Forester will be available in seven variants, this is how the model range is broken down in Australia.
Petrol-Only Variants of the Subaru Forester
Forester AWD – from AUD$43,490 plus on-roads
2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
X-Mode
Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) – 2 mode
Subaru's Vision Assist with Panoramic 360 Degree View Monitor
9 SRS airbags now including: Far Side airbag Front Passenger Seat Cushion airbag
The latest gen of Subaru EyeSight® which now adds: Wide-angle monocular camera Emergency Driving Stop System
Front side radar
Reverse Automatic Braking
Driver Monitoring System
An 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
Wireless Qi charger
Heated front seats
Ladder style roof rails
18-inch alloy wheels
Forester AWD Premium – from AUD$46,490 plus on-roads adds:
Satellite navigation
Powered tailgate with kick sensor
Powered front seats: 8-way power seat with dual memory – driver Electric lumbar support – driver 8-way power seat – front passenger
Auto driver's seat and door mirror adjustment DMS functions
Auto folding door mirrors with auto dipping passenger mirror on reverse
Forester AWD Sport – from AUD$48,490 plus on-roads adds:
X-Mode – 2 mode
Water repellent synthetic leather seat trim
Electric sunroof
Dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels
Unique styling cues such as: Black front grille with green insert Symmetrical All Wheel Drive exterior badge – Green Exterior Sport badge – Green Interior seat stitching – Green leather steering wheel with green stitching Shift boot with green stitching
Forester AWD Touring – from AUD$50,990 plus on-roads adds:
10 speaker, plus sub-woofer and amplifier, Harman Kardon® audio system
Leather and Ultrasuede® accented seat trim in a choice of a black or brown colour themes
Front seat ventilation
Stylish gloss black exterior highlights on the: Front grille Front and rear bumper Side garnish Door mirrors caps
Low profile roof rails
Hybrid Variants of the Subaru Forester
Forester AWD Hybrid – from AUD$46,490 plus on-roads
Next generation strong hybrid e-Boxer
Lineartronic CVT with Sports Regeneration Paddles
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
X-Mode – 2 mode
Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive)
Subaru's Vision Assist with Panoramic 360 Degree View Monitor
9 SRS airbags now including: Far Side airbag Front Passenger Seat Cushion airbag
The latest gen of Subaru EyeSight® which now adds: Wide-angle monocular camera Emergency Driving Stop System
Front side radar
Reverse Automatic Braking
Driver Monitoring System
An 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
Wireless Qi Charger
Heated front seats
Ladder style roof rails
18-inch alloy wheels
Forester AWD Hybrid Sport – from AUD$54,990 plus on-roads adds:
Stylish bronze accents on the: Front and rear bumper Side garnish Symmetrical All Wheel Drive badge
Electric sunroof
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
Satellite navigation
Powered tailgate with kick sensor
Auto driver's seat and door mirror adjustment DMS functions
Powered front seats: 8-way power seat with dual memory – driver Electric lumbar support – driver 8-way power seat – front passenger
Auto folding door mirrors with auto dipping passenger mirror on reverse
10 speaker, plus sub-woofer and amplifier, Harman Kardon® audio system
Enhanced suspension for improved comfort on bumpy roads
Low profile roof rails
19-inch alloy wheels – Bronze colour
Forester AWD Hybrid Touring – from AUD$55,990 plus on-roads adds:
19-inch alloy wheels – Dark grey machined gloss finish
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