2026 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

I have owned the 2025 Subaru Forester Sport Hybrid for almost a year now. We just had a massive snowstorm so I’m able to write about how it has fared in bad winter conditions. I previously had a Mazda CX5 for almost 11 years and I loved that SUV. But I wasn’t crazy about the 2025 model which had me looking at other SUVs. Both of these SUVs have mostly pros and very few cons. Pros: The hybrid version makes the interior cabin ultra quiet. I can barely tell the car is on even when it switches to gas mode. The Forester is more powerful than the CX5, making driving more enjoyable. I know I’m in the minority here, but I actually like their infotainment screen and I like its location. The CX5 had the screen in the center dashboard. I like the location of the Forester; I don’t have to raise my arm up high. I like the large screen, especially when viewing my maps. I like the exterior look of the forester, and the river rock gray color is so good at hiding dirt. I get compliments on the color and the bronze hubcaps all the time. The Harman Karmon sound system is amazing, even better than the Bose I had with the Mazda. The backup camera is great at detecting cars coming from far away and alerts me with plenty of notice. The Forester is more comfortable for long distance drives, compared to the CX5. I comfortably drove six hours. I wish the drivers seat was a little longer, but I have long upper legs. The Forester absorbs bumps on the road extremely well. Defroster works quickly and is strong. Heated seats get very warm. Cons: There is one major thing about the Forester that I don’t like and it’s the sport-tech trim seats (Basically a faux leather). It’s awful in summertime. It holds onto heat and the seats are super hot when the temperature outside reaches over 85°. My back gets sweaty driving a short distance, even early in the morning. This one reason will likely have me trading this car in sooner than I normally would. I highly suggest opting for either cloth or leather seats, stay away from the sport tech trim. I also wish the trunk were a little bit larger, and the backseat area was a little bit smaller. I’m not sure the Forester is very well insulated. I can feel pockets of cold air coming in around the gearshift. Which also explains why the interior must get so hot in the summertime. While, I’m happy to have the latest safety features, they can feel like a bit too much sometimes. Another con is that there is a lag when phone calls come in. After I accept the call, I have to wait about 3 seconds before saying hello. Otherwise, they will not hear me answer the call. As someone else mentioned, cupholder location is bad; This needs improved. Winter weather. We just got about 15 inches of snow in southwestern Pennsylvania last week. This area of the country is very hilly. I felt more in control with the Forester than I did the CX5. It grips the road better and plows through snow more easily. It has Normal mode, snow mode, and deep snow mode. Snow mode was great and helpful. Deep snow mode was a little tricky to use and made driving more challenging, I need to research this mode more. The windshield for the Forester is much closer to my face than the CX5. This has taken some getting used to, I definitely preferred the location and slanting of the CX5 windshield better. Is the hybrid version worth the extra money? Hard to say. I definitely fill my tank up less, but not significantly. I do love the whisper quietness of the hybrid. I believe I’m getting 34 miles per gallon. And, it’s better for the environment, so that’s a win. Overall, this is a good SUV. It feels safe and the ride is very smooth. It’s powerful, comfortable, accelerates very quickly and easily, has a great sound system. The pros very easily outweigh the cons.

500 miles into owning this 2025 Forester and I’m looking into trading it in and taking a massive loss. - massively inconsistent experience with acceleration. If I’m traveling 30 MPH and want to go 35 MPH, I have to press on the gas slightly more and wait 10 minutes or press harder and hear the engine rev so loudly you’d think I was drag racing. - the eyesight is a nightmare. I can be pulling into my driveway at a slow pace and it will slam the brakes as I approach my garage door, stopping 5 or more feet from it. I’m riding the brakes and going under 5MPH here. - The seats are miserable after anything more than 10 minutes driving. - I cannot believe this is even possible since it’s the simplest thing in the world, but the heat absolutely sucks. It always feels cold. - the touch screens and radio are an embarrassment to people with fingers. This is my first and last Subaru.

Purchased my 2025 Subaru Forester Sport and love the new body style and interior improvements of a quieter and more comfortable ride. This is my 4th Forester and so far the best one. I also got the optional package that has the power lifgate and the Harmon Kardon 11 speaker sound system which is well worth it since previous stock audio was not good. This one Rock's 🤟 I have always got Great trade in value from my Forester's which is a plus when purchasing a new vehicle. My only negatives are the infotainment takes time to get use to it and you have to look down to see it. And as others mentioned the cup holders seem to far back.

I've been waiting for the Forester become " boxy" again, and here it is in 2025! Seats are very comfortable, quiet cabin, good maneuverability. Drives smoothly, and have the option of Sport Mode for a more reactive feel. Very pleased!

Bought the 2025 Forester about 5 months ago. Engine performance is fine and the ride is adaquet. The new tech package leaves alot to be desired. First and foremost the wireless charging is useless. Iphone wont stay connected to the charger and any movement of the vehicle causes the phone to move and the charging to stop. Subaru knows they have a design flaw but because it is not a safety issue they feel no need to address it. Subaru tech at my dealership when I told him about the issue said, "We know. Can I have the car washed for you? It is complimentary." Thanks for the top notch service. There is considerable lag on the touch screen and the Apple Car Play often continues connection even aftet the car is off and the door is open. Guess they think extended connection here makes up for the lack of connection of the wireless charging. The cup holders are arranged so that the driver has to look down and back for thier holder. Small irritation, but takes away from the overall driving experience. The passenger side seat belt will often not flip all the way over after it is used and makes a metal on plastic rattle. I have to stop and flip it all the way over to stop the noise. My last car was a 2018 Outback and it was the best car I ever had. Sad to say the Forester, and more importatnly, Subaru's lack of concern over the wireless charger, leaves one with a sour $35,000 dollar taste in one's mouth.

I bought this recently from Granite Subaru in Hudson, NH and I am so pleased I did. The Premium trim comes with great features AWD, Multiple cameras for safety, lane departure alert, 12" Media Screen with CarPlay, Panaramic Sunroof, roof racks, and much more. The size, features and gas mileage fit my life perfectly.