How 2025 Subaru Forester Trims and Options Break Down

The 2025 Forester lineup: five trims with different standard features

Subaru offers the 2025 Forester in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Onyx Edition XT, and Limited. Each trim adds features to the one below it, and the Onyx Edition XT is the only one with a turbocharged engine as standard. The Base model starts with all-wheel drive, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. From there, each higher trim adds comfort, safety, or performance features rather than requiring you to choose them separately.

All 2025 Foresters come with the same safety suite as standard: EyeSight Driver information Technology (Subaru's collision avoidance system), adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning, and lane-keep information. This means you are not paying extra to get the core safety technology—it is included across the board. What changes between trims is interior materials, convenience features, and available upgrades.

Key Takeaways

The Base and Premium trims use a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, while the Onyx Edition XT and Limited come standard with a turbocharged 2.5-liter that produces more power and torque.
Each trim level includes the previous trim's features plus new ones, so Premium adds to Base, Sport adds to Premium, and so on.
Interior materials and infotainment systems vary by trim: Base has a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offer an 8-inch screen and available premium audio.
Heated seats, power moonroof, and leather upholstery are available on some trims but standard on others, depending on which level you choose.
The Sport trim emphasizes handling and appearance with a lowered suspension and unique exterior styling, while the Limited focuses on luxury and convenience features.

Base and Premium: the naturally aspirated engine lineup

The Base trim is the entry point and includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. You get all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth upholstery, and manual seat adjustment. The steering wheel is not heated, and there is no moonroof or premium audio system.

The Premium trim adds heated front seats, a power moonroof, automatic headlights, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support. The infotainment screen remains 6.5 inches, but you gain access to Subaru's smartphone integration features. The engine and transmission are identical to the Base. If you want heated seats and a moonroof but do not need the turbocharged engine or luxury materials, the Premium is where those features first appear.

Sport: handling-focused suspension and exterior styling

The Sport trim keeps the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine but adds a sport-tuned suspension that lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches and stiffens the springs and dampers. This changes how the Forester handles in corners and over rough roads—it is more responsive but less cushioned than the Base or Premium. The exterior gets unique styling: a more aggressive front bumper, a roof spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels instead of the 17-inch wheels on lower trims.

Inside, the Sport adds an 8-inch touchscreen (larger than the 6.5-inch on Base and Premium), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sport-themed interior trim. You keep the naturally aspirated engine and the same horsepower as Base and Premium. The Sport appeals to drivers who want a more athletic feel and modern interior without paying for the turbocharged engine or the full luxury package of the Limited.

Onyx Edition XT and Limited: turbocharged power and premium interiors

The Onyx Edition XT is where the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine becomes standard. This engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque—a significant jump from the 182 horsepower of the naturally aspirated models. The turbo engine is paired with the same eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Onyx Edition XT includes an 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and unique exterior styling that sets it apart from the Sport.

The Limited trim is the top of the line and includes everything from the Onyx Edition XT plus additional luxury features: leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, and an available premium audio system. The turbocharged engine is standard here as well. The Limited also offers an available all-wheel drive system with multi-mode control, allowing you to adjust how power is distributed between the front and rear wheels depending on driving conditions.

Engine options and what they mean for performance

The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine in the Base, Premium, and Sport trims delivers 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This is adequate for everyday driving and moderate towing (the Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds with this engine). Fuel economy is slightly better than the turbocharged version, though the difference is modest—expect around 26 to 28 miles per gallon combined depending on driving conditions.

The turbocharged 2.5-liter in the Onyx Edition XT and Limited produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine accelerates faster, handles highway merging more easily, and can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The trade-off is that fuel economy drops to around 23 to 25 miles per gallon combined. If you regularly tow, drive in mountainous terrain, or want quicker acceleration, the turbo engine is worth the upgrade. If you drive mostly on flat highways and do not tow, the naturally aspirated engine is sufficient and saves you money at the pump.

Interior features and technology across trims

The infotainment system is the most visible difference in the cabin as you move up trims. Base and Premium models have a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while Sport, Onyx Edition XT, and Limited have an 8-inch screen. All screens include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The 8-inch screen is easier to read and faster to navigate, but both sizes perform the same core functions.

Seating materials change from cloth on Base to available leather on Premium and standard leather on Limited. Heated front seats are standard on Premium and above; heated rear seats are only on the Limited. The power driver's seat with lumbar support is standard on Premium and above. If you spend a lot of time in the car during cold weather, the Premium or higher is worth considering for the heated seats alone. The Limited's heated rear seats are a luxury feature that most buyers do not need unless passengers regularly sit in the back.

Exterior styling and wheel options

All 2025 Foresters share the same basic body shape, but trim levels differ in wheels, trim pieces, and styling details. Base and Premium come with 17-inch alloy wheels. The Sport upgrades to 18-inch wheels with a more aggressive design. The Onyx Edition XT and Limited also have 18-inch wheels but with a different finish that matches their luxury positioning.

The Sport trim includes a roof spoiler, a more aggressive front bumper, and unique side cladding that gives it a more rugged appearance. The Onyx Edition XT has its own exterior styling that emphasizes the turbocharged performance. The Limited keeps the standard Forester look but adds chrome trim and other luxury details. If appearance matters to you, the Sport stands out most visibly from the highway, while the Onyx Edition XT and Limited look more refined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the turbocharged engine on the Sport trim?

No. The turbocharged engine is only available on the Onyx Edition XT and Limited trims. If you want the turbo engine, you must step up to one of those two trims. The Sport trim is limited to the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine.

What is the difference between the Onyx Edition XT and the Limited?

Both have the turbocharged engine, but the Limited adds leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. The Limited is the luxury version; the Onyx Edition XT is the performance-focused turbo model. If you want maximum comfort and features, choose the Limited. If you want turbo power without the extra luxury features, the Onyx Edition XT is less expensive.

Is the Sport trim worth it over the Premium?

It depends on what you value. The Sport adds a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen, and unique styling. If you enjoy driving and want a more responsive feel, the Sport is worth it. If you prioritize comfort and do not care about handling, the Premium is sufficient and costs less.

Do all 2025 Foresters come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. All five trim levels come standard with all-wheel drive. There is no front-wheel-drive option for the 2025 model year. This means every Forester has the same drivetrain regardless of which trim you choose.

Which trim has the best fuel economy?

The Base and Premium trims with the naturally aspirated engine have the best fuel economy, around 26 to 28 miles per gallon combined. The Sport is similar since it uses the same engine. The Onyx Edition XT and Limited with the turbocharged engine get around 23 to 25 miles per gallon combined. If fuel economy is your priority, stick with the naturally aspirated models.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.