2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Unveiled Ahead of Australian Arrival

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show overnight, with the new-generation SUV launching in Australia mid-year.

The Forester will gain a new 2.5-litre petrol flat-four engine, combined with a hybrid system said to be borrowed from Toyota.

Subaru is marketing the new powertrain as a ‘strong hybrid’ to help differentiate its outgoing line-up of mild-hybrid vehicles – badged simply as ‘Hybrid’ variants.

Whereas mild-hybrids use an electric motor to provide assistance to the petrol engine during acceleration – like a stiff tailwind – traditional hybrid models like this new Forester Hybrid can be driven in electric mode at low speeds, and are far more effective at lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

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In fact, the new Forester Hybrid is said to be 25 per cent more efficient than the model it replaces.

According to overseas reports, the new Forester Hybrid uses a 1.1kWh battery to feed an 88kW/270Nm electric motor, for a combined output of 145kW when working with the petrol engine.

However, unlike rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the Forester Hybrid will still be able to send power from the petrol engine to all four wheels, via a CVT automatic transmission.

Rather than powering an axle directly, Subaru has added two electric motors to the transmission – utilising the same principles as mild-hybrids, though with more power and effectiveness.

Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for higher grades, an 11.6-inch portrait infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Subaru’s latest Eyesight driver assist technology.

Subaru also unveiled the Forester Wilderness – a rugged off-road variant with increased ground clearance, upgraded suspension, all-terrain tyres, heavy-duty roof rails, LED fog-lights, better underbody armour, and a larger transmission cooler.

Despite Subaru Australia registering the ‘Wilderness’ name back in early 2022, the models have yet to be offered to local buyers.

Local pricing and specifications for the 2025 Subaru Forester will be announced closer to its launch in the middle of the year.