2025 Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid Touring Australian Version
By Lorenzo Bianchi July 22, 2025
Subaru’s first strong hybrid Forester pairs real AWD with real EV efficiency.
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Rugged design meets plush tech for everyday comfort and weekend escapes.
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First-in-class safety features now include Emergency Driving Stop System.
A Familiar Face, Sharpened with Purpose
Subaru hasn’t just updated the Forester — the 2025 Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid Touring feels like a proper rethink. Now in its sixth generation, it lands in Australia as the first in its class to pair permanent mechanical all-wheel drive with genuine hybrid efficiency.
From the outside, it’s still unmistakably Forester. Upright, practical, and adventure-ready. But the details tell a new story — a wider grille, tighter proportions, more angular lighting. It’s cleaner now, yet tougher-looking. No showboating, just confidence.
Strong Hybrid Power Meets Real-World Range
At the core of this new Touring variant is Subaru’s Strong Hybrid e-Boxer. The setup combines a 2.5-litre petrol Boxer engine with a 90 kW electric motor and a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. Together, they deliver 145 kW — up 32% from the previous mild hybrid.
That power bump is noticeable. More importantly, it's quiet when it matters and delivers torque without lag. Subaru claims a driving range of over 1,000 km, with decent electric-only performance in stop-start traffic. And for those who still prefer petrol-only, Subaru offers a refined non-hybrid 2.5L version with smoother CVT response.
Go-Anywhere DNA, Refined
The Forester’s off-road credibility hasn’t gone anywhere. With 220 mm of ground clearance, X-Mode, and Hill Descent Control standard across the range, it still handles dirt tracks, loose gravel, and muddy trails without breaking a sweat.
New dual-pinion steering — borrowed from the WRX — sharpens response and feel. Whether carving rural backroads or navigating tight city streets, it gives the Forester a touch more precision without sacrificing comfort.
Interior Comfort, Built for Australian Life
Step inside and it’s all about calm, usable space. A wide, horizontal dash creates visual openness. There’s an 11.6-inch touchscreen front and center with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus USB-A and USB-C ports throughout. Premium variants get wireless phone charging and a 12.3-inch digital cluster with custom views.
Even better, improved seat ergonomics, cabin insulation, and overall layout make long drives feel effortless. Families, commuters, and road trippers alike will feel the upgrade.
Class-Leading Safety Tech Comes Standard
The new Forester doesn’t just protect — it anticipates. Subaru’s latest EyeSight® Driver Assist System now includes a wide-angle monocular camera and the new Emergency Driving Stop System. Combined with the Driver Monitoring System, panoramic 360° camera, and nine airbags, it sets a new standard for safety in the segment.
It still proudly holds its five-star ANCAP safety rating, but the focus is clearly on moving toward zero fatal accidents — a goal Subaru publicly backs for 2030.
Final Thoughts
Against hybrid rivals like the RAV4 or CR-V, the 2025 Forester AWD Hybrid Touring quietly asserts its value. It’s not chasing trends — it’s doubling down on what Subaru owners expect: control, comfort, and capability, now with a smarter heart under the hood. It’s a new chapter, but the story’s still unmistakably Forester.
Technical Specification
Performance
- Hybrid (e‑Boxer) Power: 145 kW (≈194 hp) combined
- Petrol-Only Engine: 2.5 L Boxer delivering 136 kW (≈182 hp) and 247 Nm torque
- Acceleration (Hybrid): ~9.5 seconds (0–100 km/h)
- Ground Clearance: 220 mm
Body Measurements
- Length: ~4,620 mm (181.9 in)
- Width: ~1,815 mm (71.5 in)
- Height: ~1,730 mm (68.1 in)
- Wheelbase: ~2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Powertrain & Drivetrain
- Hybrid System: 2.5 L petrol Boxer with 90 kW electric motor, 1.1 kWh battery
- Transmission: Lineartronic® CVT with paddle-shift regeneration mode
- Drivetrain: Permanent Symmetrical AWD with X-Mode and Hill Descent Control
- Steering: New dual-pinion electric steering setup
Capacities
- Fuel Tank: 63 L
- Cargo Volume (Hybrid): 484 L (seats up); 1,162 L (seats folded)
- Fuel Economy (Hybrid): ~6.2 L/100 km (combined)
- Driving Range (Hybrid): Over 1,000 km on full tank
Towing Capacity:
- Petrol — 1,800 kg braked; Hybrid — 1,200 kg braked
Price
- Touring Petrol AWD: From AUD 50,990 (plus on-road costs)
- Touring Hybrid AWD: From AUD 55,990 (plus on-road costs)