Subaru's adventurous compact crossover is finally available in hybrid form

Hamilton Spectator

11-07-2025

The fuel tank and battery are full. I've mapped out the next seven days over roughly 2,000 km in southeastern British Columbia. I set off and slowly escape Vancouver and see the mountains clearly on Crowsnest Highway 3. As the hours tick by, the odometer quickly climbs and the fuel gauge oh-so slowly descends. What better way to put the new Forester Hybrid to the fuel savings test than to explore B.C.'s expansive Rainforest-to-Rockies route, complete with a plethora of ascents, descents and curves?
Experiencing the majestic Rocky Mountains on a road trip is always exhilarating. With minimal fuel stops, my ride is encouraging me to keep driving and adventuring further.
It's better late than never for the first-ever Subaru Forester hybrid. Nearly every competitor has a hybrid offering. Perhaps the 'right over rushed' approach was taken here, as it's finally here and builds upon popular Subaru elements. Symmetrical all-wheel drive, 8.6-inches of ground clearance, award-winning EyeSight active safety features and decent off-road-ish capabilities remain in tact.
There's a marginal increase in power over the gasoline version, and, on the road, the hybrid performs well. Acceleration is strong and there's ample passing power, which was especially helpful on the hilly and twisty Highways 3, 31A, 23, 6 and the unpredictable Coquihalla.
On urban roads, the Forester hybrid is eager to engage its all-electric mode at lower speeds.
Like all other self-charging hybrids, there's a sweet spot for the accelerator, which, when found, keeps the electric propulsion engaged longer.
Through the ascents of the Rockies, it was all gasoline power and the Forster conquered them with ease, despite the engine noise increasing.
I coasted on my descents, the hybrid system doing most of the work and the 'EV' mode light was often glowing.
On unpaved and wet roads in south eastern B.C., the Forester hybrid was sure-footed throughout, reinforcing my decision to use this as my road trip vehicle.
When the hybrid system engaged, the electric silence took some getting used to as I traversed nearly 2,000 km through the Thompson Okanagan and Kootenay regions.
I thought the music got louder, then realized the battery power was taking over for the engine.
This hybrid powertrain was developed in partnership with Toyota, so it maintains the famous symmetrical all-wheel drive Subaru is known for and adds Toyota's popular hybrid system. Mazda's CX-50 hybrid was also created in partnership with Toyota's hybrid system. Three cheers for successful collaborations!
Inside, the key difference is the presence of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a welcomed upgrade over the analog dials and small screen in nonhybrid trims.
This hybrid is decked out; it includes an 11.6-inch infotainment system, ventilated front seats, leather seats with ultrasuede inserts, and tasteful brown accent stitching.
I can happily report that, through my journey, the seats provided excellent comfort and support, I experienced no discomfort at all on my trip.
For those who dislike clutter, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are included. A panoramic sunroof and an 11-speaker premium audio system made my adventure that much more enjoyable.
The Forester hybrid is rated to use 1.4 litres/100 km less in fuel than its gasoline counterpart. Natural Resources Canada's says there's an average of $434 saved per year in fuel costs.
With almost 950 km of estimated range per full tank, you'll stay in motion longer and reduce your fuel rewards points accumulation.
Across 1,807.6 km over seven days in mixed Rocky Mountain and small town driving conditions, I averaged an excellent seven litres/100 km
The notable drawback is this vehicle is only available in its top trim level. There's also a $3,000-premium over the (top-trim) gasoline equivalent. Honda's CR-V hybrid launched similarly in 2023 and now there are four trims. Expect the Forester hybrid to follow a similar route in the coming years.
My seven-day solo B.C. road trip brought me through lesser known, yet more interesting, destinations, including Osoyoos, Boundary Country, Nelson, Kaslo, New Denver, Nakusp and Salmon Arm. The hybrid technology minimized my refuelling stops and maximized my time discovering delightful, picturesque pieces of Canada.
Type:
Five-door compact crossover; front-engine, all-wheel drive
Engine:
2.5-litre, four-cylinder hybrid; 194 horsepower, (torque figure not made available)
Fuel:
6.8 litres/100 km in the city; 7.0l/100 km on the highway; 6.9l/100 km combined
Transmission:
Continuous Variable (CVT)
Cargo:
779 litres
Towing:
1,500 pounds
Price:
$48,195