Latest news with #Forester

Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Subaru Launches Radical 2025 Forester Lease Deal for July
The 2025 Subaru Forester received a redesign last year, and it's the most radical styling change for the brand's best-selling model, now in its sixth generation. The popular compact crossover manages to carry over the ethos of the fifth generation while looking more SUV-like than ever. It now offers a more cohesive design, improved sound deadening, and a more refined cabin. Gone are the lobster claw-style headlights and taillights, replaced by more unified front and rear fascias, more prominent fenders, and a bit less creasing along the doors. Overall, the new Forester has a more grown-up look. The Forester has a sweet host of standard features, including remote keyless entry, LED headlights, and "welcome lighting," which casts a beam of light on the exterior front door handles at night. We recommend the Sport trim level due to its well-balanced combination of equipment, appearance, and price within the Forester lineup. The Forester Sport features attractive bronze trim and exclusive wheels, along with additional creature comforts such as heated front seats and a large 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. Interestingly, Subaru says the current 2024 Forester Wilderness will continue alongside the new 2025 Forester models until an unnamed future date, and we expect the Wilderness trim to move to the new model in 2026. Price for the 2024 Forester Wilderness remains unchanged at $36,265. If all of that sounds like a terrific deal, Subaru's attractive lease deal for the month of July should make it even better. Through July 31, 2025, you can lease a new 2025 Forester Base (MSRP $31,415) for $289/month for 36 months with $0 security deposit and $4,288 due at lease signing. The mileage limit is 10,000 miles/year, and there's a disposition fee of $300 at the end of the lease period. The good news is that the monthly lease price is the same in New York, NY, as it is in both Chicago, IL, and San Francisco, CA. The aforementioned amount due at least signing does not include tax, license, title, registration, insurance, additional options, and dealer charges. Learn more here. All Foresters are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine good for 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission. The Forester doesn't provide any other engine options, but EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2025 Forester Base are 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Forester Base trim is loaded with excellent standard features, with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive headlining the list. In addition to AWD, the Forester Base comes with 17-inch dark metallic machined finish alloy wheels, LED steering-responsive headlights, automatic headlights, raised roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual 7-inch infotainment screens, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, remote keyless entry, and tire pressure monitoring. The Forester is big on space with a colossal 39.4 inches of second-row legroom, one of the best in its class. The tall 39.6 inches of headroom means there's plenty of space for tall folks across the row. Cargo space is a generous 74.4 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded down and 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, a couple of cubes more than the higher trims. One of the Forester's big bonuses is its continued commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for the 2025 model year. The 2025 Subaru Forester gets a redesign that many will approve of, giving it a more upscale look than any of its predecessors. The Forester looks more mature now, and it has improved both inside and out. On top of that, the affordable monthly lease payment makes it one of the best lease deals in the segment for July. Before signing the lease agreement, be aware of the costs due at signing, including taxes and registration fees, etc. Read the lease agreement carefully and inquire about potential additional costs at the dealership. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Subaru Isn't Going to Like Toyota's Hybrid MPG Numbers
Subaru Isn't Going to Like Toyota's Hybrid MPG Numbers originally appeared on Autoblog. Subaru returns to the hybrid game Subaru loyalists have been asking—no, begging—Subaru to produce a hybrid that isn't an expensive Crosstrek PHEV with Toyota's leftover technology since 2021. Subaru attempted to develop its own system in 2014 for the Crosstrek, and it was…quite terrible. Then in 2019, Toyota and Subaru worked together for the Crosstrek PHEV, which had Toyota's hybrid technology paired with a true AWD system. The car was okay, but the price was costly for a small SUV PHEV. Then, Subaru gave up in 2023, and loyalists were pretty upset about it. Now, unlike Subaru's several (and successful) competitors, there wasn't a single hybrid in the Subie lineup. That all changed this year, with two new EVs and a singular hybrid—the Forester. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Like old times, Subaru and Toyota worked closely together to develop the 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid. Subaru developed a significant amount of its own technology this time around, but Toyota was heavily involved in the decision-making and engineering processes for hybridization, while Subaru assisted in developing an effective AWD system. Now, the Forester competes with the Toyota RAV4 on both sides of the coin, both as a gas-only SUV and an AWD hybrid SUV. They're both similar in size, cargo space, family-friendliness, and now, efficiency. So, is one really better than the other? They're very similar, but also very different Both of them were '90s babies. The Toyota RAV4 came first in 1994, but it wasn't 4WD until 1996. It fit with the small, capable, roomy, and affordable Japanese SUVs that swept the country. Then the Subaru Forester came along in 1998, which had an AWD system and a personality that many were quickly charmed by. Both SUVs were hot sellers, but when Toyota hybridized the RAV4 in 2016 (shortly after the first model year of the Crosstrek hybrid), it gained a leg up over the rapidly selling Forester. The Forester wouldn't be a hybrid until a full decade later. Toyota's been increasing the shares it has in Subaru since its first purchase in 2005, and the partnership has resulted in some really cool cars. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are great examples. So, the Subaru Forester hybrid obviously shares a lot with the RAV4, but there are some key differences worth noting. First would be the AWD system While Toyota and Subaru swap secrets, the Toyota RAV4 AWD hybrid does not include a traditional AWD system. The RAV4 is only AWD when bought as a hybrid, while the Subaru is AWD no matter what engine is in it. The AWD system in the Toyota has two axles in the front, while the rear 'axle' is purely electronic. There's no physical contact between the rear axle and the engine at all. When it doesn't detect slipping, the SUV is programmed to bias the front wheels for the sake of efficiency. When slipping is detected or the driver puts it into 'Trail' mode, the AWD system is evenly split. The brakes are automatically applied to individual wheels that don't have traction, and power is sent to wheels that do. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Subaru's AWD system is more traditional. Like the Foresters before it, all four wheels have their own axle attached to the front and rear differential. There's also a center differential, which allows the front and rear to spin at different speeds while making turns. It's something Subaru's always done well, and it's quite nice to see the automaker carry the torch into the next generation. Its only downside, though, and it's a big one, is the fact that a mechanical AWD system is much thirstier than an electronic (or 'intelligent') AWD system. It's more effective off-road and in poor weather conditions, but at the cost of miles per gallon. The Toyota is miles ahead of the Subaru…literally When I had the Toyota a week before the Subaru, I was amazed by how efficient it was for being AWD. During my week, I was averaging 36.2 mpg in Normal mode, and when I switched it to Eco mode halfway through my review, I was getting 36.3. I'm confident that if I'd had it in Eco the whole time, I would be getting closer to 38 mpg with no problem. With two kids in their car seats, gear, my husband, and it being a mid-sized SUV, that's impressive. To date, I haven't driven a more efficient hybrid SUV. The Subaru, on the other hand, never made it over 30 mpg. Mostly driving around town with the occasional jaunt on the highway, the closest I got to 30 mpg was 29.2. On the days when I'm mostly driving around town with lots of stopping and going at low speeds, it dropped to 26.5. Still, for an SUV that has a true, mechanical AWD system, it is fantastic. Another advantage of the RAV4 over the Forester is the pricing. The LE, which is the base model of the RAV4 hybrid, starts at $32,600, while the Forester hybrid starts at $36,595. The maximum MSRP for the RAV4 Limited is $40,905, while the Subaru Touring hybrid is $43,295. Now, if we're talking a PHEV, the Toyota becomes the more expensive choice, but the Forester doesn't have a PHEV, so it's not exactly a fair competition. Final thoughts The Subaru Forester has the potential to be in the ring with the almighty RAV4, but I don't think it's there yet. I'm a Subaru loyalist, but if someone felt torn between the RAV4 and the Forester strictly for the hybridization, I'd have to recommend the RAV4. Toyota's had several years to iron out and refine its hybrid and eCVT system, while this is the Forester's first model year as a hybrid with an all-new system. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot I loved about the Forester over the RAV4, but that will come later. Call me old school, but I'm always hesitant when it comes to the first model year for any car. I'll be watching with close, eager eyes as Subaru experiences and grows from the 2026 model. Subaru Isn't Going to Like Toyota's Hybrid MPG Numbers first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2025 Subaru Forester hybrid's 35 mpg impresses despite pesky electronics
The 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid ratchets up efficiency with a 35-mpg combined city/highway fuel economy rating in a conservatively styled new model that should burnish the brand's reputation for durable practicality. The Forester is Subaru's second hybrid, following the subcompact Crosstrek. Expect the efficient drivetrain to proliferate across the automaker's lineup. In dealerships now, the Forester hybrid also has more power than the gasoline model, which also is on sale now. The Forester is new for 2025. Prices start at $29,995. Hybrids start at $36,595. I tested a nicely equipped Forester Sport hybrid that stickered at $39,595. All prices exclude $1,430 destination charges and tariffs. More: 2026 Toyota RAV4 goes all-hybrid as automaker warns tariffs threaten new-car affordability More: 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport hybrid: Mostly show, just enough go Subaru Forester trim levels and prices Base model: $29,995 Premium: $33,385 Sport: $36,105 Wilderness: $36,285 Premium hybrid: $36,595 Sport hybrid: $39,595 Limited hybrid : $41,010 Touring: $41,595 Touring hybrid: $43,295 Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude $1,420 destination charge and tariffs. Tough competition The Forester is Subaru's top-selling model, with 95,972 sales ― up 3.4% ― so far this year. It's one of the brand's cornerstones, alongside the subcompact Crosstrek ― 90,334 YTD ― and compact Outback ― 73, 257, and about to be replaced by a new model. The five-passenger Forester competes with compact SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and VW Tiguan. It's a crowded class full of excellent vehicles. The Forester's 183.3-inch length is a 6.8-inch improvement from the '24 models. The 2025's length is typical of the class. The Forester's styling hews close to the upright, conservative look that has made the SUV popular for years and helps differentiate it from Subaru's larger Outback. Key features of 2025 Subaru Forester Available hybrid model New 2.5L boxer engine Standard all-wheel drive 11.6-inch touch screen 8.7 inches of ground clearance Driving impressions The Forester hybrid gets 194 hp from its combination of a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and electric motor. That's up from 180 on the gasoline Forester. Subaru doesn't provide a figure for combined torque, but the hybrid's acceleration is adequate for city and highway driving. The all-wheel drive system's features includes a faster acting center differential for torque distribution, right-to-left torque vectoring and hill descent control. The EPA rates the Forester hybrid at 34 mpg in the city, 35 on the highway and 35 combined. Thanks to a 16.6-gallon gas tank, Subaru claims the Forest hybrid can go 581 miles on a tank, topping hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson by 15 to 63 miles. The Forester hybrid can tow up to 1,500 pounds. What could be better? Several of the Forester's electronic systems could use refinement. Voice recognition was inconsistent and several people I called commented on poor quality. The 11.6-inch, portrait orientation touch screen had a cluttered home screen. On the bright side, primary climate controls ― airflow, fan speed, seats ― are permanently in place at the bottom of the screen. A handful of physical switches ― the only existing ones are volume, tuning and temperature ― might help. Or a bigger screen with less blank plastic trim around it. The steering wheel alert repeatedly told me to put my hands on the wheel when they already were. Why buy a 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid? The Forester hybrid improves a model that was already a favorite with buyers. The improved fuel economy ― 21% versus a gasoline-power Forester ― will save owners about $250 a year, according to EPA figures. That's at current prices, and if there's anything we should know by now, it's that gas prices go up over time. Factor in more power and the traditional Subaru values of standard all-wheel drive and advanced safety features and the 2025 Forester should find welcome buyers, unless tariffs raise prices severely. 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid at a glance All-wheel drive five-seat compact hybrid SUV Seats five Base price: $36,595 On sale now Model tested: Sport hybrid Price as tested: $39,595 Power: 2.5L horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, electric motor Total system output: 190 horsepower Transmission: Continuously variable automatic Wheelbase: 105.1 inches Length: 183.3 inches Width: 72 inches Height: 68.1 inches Ground clearance: 8.7 inches Passenger volume: 106.6 cubic feet Cargo volume: 27.5 cubic feet behind rear seat, 69.1 behind front seat Curb weight: 3,913 pounds Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds Assembled in Gunma, Japan Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pesky electronics undermine 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid's appeal


Hamilton Spectator
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Subaru's adventurous compact crossover is finally available in hybrid form
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


Motor 1
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
There's a Reason Why Subaru WRX Sales Are Way Down
People aren't buying the Subaru WRX, or so it would seem. Through June of this year, the company has only sold 6,431 examples of its iconic sports sedan, marking a 30.8 percent decrease from last year. In June, only 350 of them made their way to buyers—a significant 74 percent drop compared to last year. But it's not just that people aren't interested in the new WRX (although the numbers would indicate that many buyers are shying away from the latest generation). According to Subaru, in a statement to CarBuzz , WRX sales are down largely due to production shifts at the automaker's Gunma Prefecture manufacturing facility in Japan. Photo by: Subaru According to a spokesperson, Subaru has reduced WRX production to meet the demand of the Forester and Forester Hybrid models. The Forester is Subaru's best-selling vehicle of 2025 so far, with 95,972 units moved. The recent arrival of the Forester Hybrid means that even more customers will be eager to get their hands on the brand's compact SUV. Subaru also cites "very low inventory levels" for WRX. The company notes that "there are fewer than 500 units of WRX on the ground at the moment." The silver lining for the WRX is that Subaru will soon shift production of the Forester to its Lafayette, Indiana, manufacturing facility alongside other SUVs like the Ascent, Crosstrek, and Outback. That could, in theory, make room for higher WRX production numbers in Japan. Photo by: Subaru These sales figures from June only compound the WRX's struggles in 2025. In May, sales were down a whopping 71.2 percent, with just 482 examples rolling off dealer lots. That marks a 23.6 percent year-over-year. Subaru as a whole has seen its sales decrease slightly in 2025, with the entire brand down 10.4 percent in May, and down still by 0.2 percent in June. That said, the Crosstrek, Forester, and even the BRZ sports car are all on pace for sales increases in 2025. The Latest From Subaru We're Not Getting Another WRX STI. But That's Okay Subaru Is Teasing a New Performance Model. Could It Be an STI? Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: CarBuzz Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )