Sixth Generation Subaru Forester Revealed: Australian Specs

Subaru has revealed the all-new sixth-generation Forester at the Melbourne Motor Show ahead of its mid-2025 launch in Australia. The new model introduces updated powertrains, design changes, and a range of safety and technology upgrades across seven variants.

The new Forester will be available with either a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer petrol engine or Subaru’s new e-Boxer hybrid powertrain. The hybrid system combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine, an 88kW electric motor, and a 1.1kWh battery with an 8-speed CVT.

Subaru states that the hybrid variant is the first in Australia to use this new system and claims a driving range of over 1,000km per tank. Both powertrains come with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode terrain management.

Standard features across the range include a new generation of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system, 9 airbags, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Driver Monitoring System and 360-degree camera are also included.

Higher-grade models include features such as an electric sunroof, powered tailgate with kick sensor, Harman Kardon audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, and an upgraded 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The AWD Touring grades offer leather and Ultrasuede® upholstery and cosmetic exterior enhancements.

Ground clearance is listed at 220mm, and the Forester retains ladder-style roof rails and 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels depending on the variant. Hybrid variants also introduce bronze or gloss black exterior accents depending on the trim.

Scott Lawrence, General Manager of Subaru Australia, said: “The new-generation Forester is stronger, smarter and more capable than ever - and it’s exactly what Australians need from an SUV.” He added that local testing included rough country roads and varying conditions.

Pricing and full specifications will be released closer to launch.

2025 Subaru Forester Specifications

Petrol Drivetrain

Forester AWD

• 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• X-Mode
• Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) – 2 mode
• Subaru Vision Assist with Panoramic 360 Degree View Monitor
• 9 SRS airbags including:
  • Far Side airbag
  • Front Passenger Seat Cushion airbag
• Latest-generation Subaru EyeSight® with:
  • Wide-angle monocular camera
  • Emergency Driving Stop System
  • Front side radar
  • Reverse Automatic Braking
• Driver Monitoring System
• 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Wireless Qi charger
• Heated front seats
• Ladder style roof rails
• 18-inch alloy wheels

Forester AWD Premium

Adds over Forester AWD:

• Satellite navigation
• Powered tailgate with kick sensor
• Powered front seats:
  • 8-way power seat with dual memory – driver
  • Electric lumbar support – driver
  • 8-way power seat – front passenger
• Auto driver’s seat and door mirror adjustment via DMS
• Auto folding door mirrors with auto-dipping passenger mirror on reverse

Forester AWD Sport

Adds over Forester AWD Premium:

• X-Mode – 2 mode
• Water repellent synthetic leather seat trim
• Electric sunroof
• Dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels
• Sport styling cues:
  • Black front grille with green insert
  • Symmetrical All Wheel Drive badge – Green
  • Exterior Sport badge – Green
  • Interior seat stitching – Green
  • Leather steering wheel with green stitching
  • Shift boot with green stitching

Forester AWD Touring

Adds over Forester AWD Sport:

• Harman Kardon® 10-speaker audio system with subwoofer and amplifier
• Leather and Ultrasuede® seat trim (black or brown colour themes)
• Front seat ventilation
• Gloss black exterior highlights on:
  • Front grille
  • Front and rear bumpers
  • Side garnish
  • Door mirror caps
• Low profile roof rails

Hybrid Drivetrain

Forester AWD Hybrid

• Next-generation strong hybrid e-Boxer
• 2.5-litre Boxer engine + 88kW electric motor + 1.1kWh battery
• Lineartronic CVT with Sports Regeneration Paddles
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• X-Mode – 2 mode
• Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive)
• Subaru Vision Assist with Panoramic 360 Degree View Monitor
• 9 SRS airbags including:
  • Far Side airbag
  • Front Passenger Seat Cushion airbag
• Latest-generation Subaru EyeSight® with:
  • Wide-angle monocular camera
  • Emergency Driving Stop System
  • Front side radar
  • Reverse Automatic Braking
• Driver Monitoring System
• 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Wireless Qi charger
• Heated front seats
• Ladder style roof rails
• 18-inch alloy wheels

Forester AWD Hybrid Sport

Adds over Forester AWD Hybrid:

• Bronze styling accents on:
  • Front and rear bumpers
  • Side garnish
  • Symmetrical All Wheel Drive badge
• Electric sunroof
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Satellite navigation
• Powered tailgate with kick sensor
• Auto driver’s seat and door mirror adjustment via DMS
• Powered front seats:
  • 8-way power seat with dual memory – driver
  • Electric lumbar support – driver
  • 8-way power seat – front passenger
• Auto folding door mirrors with auto-dipping passenger mirror on reverse
• Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio system with subwoofer and amplifier
• Enhanced suspension for improved comfort on bumpy roads
• Low profile roof rails
• 19-inch alloy wheels – Bronze colour

Forester AWD Hybrid Touring

Adds over Forester AWD Hybrid Sport:

• 19-inch alloy wheels – Dark grey machined gloss finish
• Leather and Ultrasuede seat trim (black or brown colour themes)
• Front seat ventilation
• Gloss black exterior highlights on:
  • Front grille
  • Front and rear bumpers
  • Side garnish