The 2025 Subaru Forester comes in five main trim levels, each adding features and capability
The 2025 Subaru Forester lineup includes Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims. Each step up adds comfort features, safety technology, or performance upgrades. The Base model starts with all-wheel drive as standard, along with Subaru's EyeSight Driver information Technology, which uses cameras to monitor the road and help prevent collisions. From there, each trim adds options like heated seats, larger touchscreens, leather upholstery, or upgraded suspension.
Understanding what each trim includes helps you decide which features matter most to you and what price range fits your budget. The differences are real — a Premium model will have noticeably different interior materials and technology than a Base, and a Touring adds luxury touches that Base buyers won't see.
Key Takeaways
- The Base trim includes all-wheel drive and EyeSight safety technology standard, making it the entry point to the Forester lineup.
- Premium adds heated front seats, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- Sport focuses on handling with a stiffer suspension and larger wheels, plus a power moonroof and upgraded interior styling.
- Limited and Touring add leather seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, and additional safety features like adaptive headlights.
- Engine and transmission are the same across all trims — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Base and Premium: Core features and everyday comfort
The Base trim is where most Forester buyers start. It includes a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera, and Subaru's EyeSight system. The interior uses cloth upholstery, and you get manual seat adjustment. Heating is available for the front seats but not standard on Base.
The Premium trim steps up with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats as standard, and a power driver's seat with four-way adjustment. The Premium also adds roof rails and a power moonroof. If you want modern smartphone integration and heated seats without paying for the Sport's performance upgrades, Premium is the logical choice.
Sport: Performance tuning and aggressive styling
The Sport trim is built around handling rather than luxury. It uses a stiffer suspension tuned for tighter cornering, 18-inch alloy wheels (versus 17-inch on Base and Premium), and a lower ride height. The interior gets sport-themed styling with contrast stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. You also get the power moonroof and the 8-inch touchscreen from Premium.
Sport does not add leather seats or the power driver's seat — those come on Limited and Touring. If you spend time on winding roads or want a Forester that feels more responsive in turns, Sport's suspension changes are noticeable. If you mostly drive highways and city streets, the difference may not justify the cost over Premium.
Limited and Touring: Luxury and advanced safety
Limited adds leather upholstery, a power driver's seat with lumbar support, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The infotainment system includes a 6.5-inch color driver information display between the gauges. Safety features expand to include adaptive headlights that swivel with the steering wheel, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Touring is the top trim and includes everything from Limited plus a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and Subaru's DriverFocus system, which uses an interior camera to monitor driver attention and alert you if you appear drowsy. Touring also adds a power liftgate and a panoramic moonroof. If you want the most technology and comfort features Subaru offers in the Forester, Touring is the destination.
Engine, transmission, and fuel economy across all trims
Every 2025 Forester uses the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All models pair this engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. Subaru does not offer a front-wheel-drive option or a different engine for 2025.
Fuel economy is rated at 26 miles per gallon city, 33 highway, and 29 combined by the EPA. Real-world mileage varies based on driving habits and conditions, but most owners report numbers close to these estimates. The Sport trim's stiffer suspension and lower ride height may result in slightly lower fuel economy than other trims, though the difference is typically small.
Safety features standard and available by trim
EyeSight Driver information Technology comes on every 2025 Forester. This system uses stereo cameras mounted on the windshield to detect vehicles ahead, pedestrians, and lane markings. It can explore the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent, and it helps keep you centered in your lane at highway speeds. EyeSight is standard, not optional.
Moving up the trim levels adds features like adaptive headlights (Limited and up), blind-spot monitoring (Limited and up), rear cross-traffic alert (Limited and up), and DriverFocus drowsiness detection (Touring only). All trims include a backup camera, and all include Subaru's X-Mode, which adjusts engine, transmission, and brake behavior for off-road or slippery conditions.
Interior space and cargo capacity
Cargo space is identical across all trims: 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 35.4 cubic feet with them up. The Forester's boxy shape means usable cargo room is generous compared to sedans of similar length. Rear legroom is 38.2 inches, and headroom is 38.0 inches, so adults fit comfortably in back.
The main interior differences between trims are upholstery material (cloth on Base and Premium, leather on Limited and Touring), seat heating (standard on Premium and up), and the size of the touchscreen. Storage cubbies and door pockets are the same across all trims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sport trim worth it over Premium if I don't drive aggressively?
The Sport suspension is noticeably stiffer and lowers the ride height by about 0.6 inches. If you mostly drive highways and city streets, you may not feel the benefit. However, if you value the sport styling and the 18-inch wheels, and you don't mind a slightly firmer ride, Sport can be worth the cost. Test drive both to compare.
What's the main difference between Limited and Touring?
Touring adds a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, DriverFocus drowsiness detection, a power liftgate, and a panoramic moonroof. Limited gives you leather seats and heated rear seats at a lower price. If you spend a lot of time on long drives, Touring's extra technology and comfort features may justify the cost.
Can I get a Forester with front-wheel drive?
No. All 2025 Forester models come with standard all-wheel drive. Subaru does not offer a front-wheel-drive option for this generation.
Does the Forester have a hybrid or electric option?
The 2025 Forester uses only the 2.5-liter gasoline engine. Subaru offers a hybrid version of the Outback, but not the Forester for 2025. If fuel economy is your priority, the standard CVT transmission and all-wheel drive are your only options.
What warranty comes with a new 2025 Forester?
Subaru's basic warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Powertrain coverage extends to five years or 60,000 miles. Rust perforation is covered for five years with no mileage limit. Warranty terms are the same across all trims.