The 2025 Subaru Forester Sport hits the pavement with more than just a fresh face. Yes, it’s got sharper styling and a more refined cabin, but the real story here is how it evolves in ways that matter—bringing composure, usability, and capability into tighter focus. In a compact SUV segment packed with contenders, Subaru has tuned its best-seller for those who crave practicality without giving up a little edge.
A Familiar Shape with Fresh Details
Subaru knows its audience, and the design updates reflect that. There’s no wild reinvention here—just a cleaner, more sculpted front end, a larger hexagonal grille, sleeker LED headlights, and reworked air intakes. It’s a thoughtful refresh rather than a bold redesign.
The Sport trim cranks up the attitude with gloss black accents, copper-finish touches, and unique 19-inch wheels finished in dark gray with a machined surface. The overall look leans more toward athletic trail-runner than mall cruiser, and while ground clearance stays the same as the base model, the Sport’s stance and detailing make it look like it’s ready for the dirt.
No Turbo, But More Refined Performance
Under the hood, Subaru sticks with the tried-and-true 2.5-liter flat-four engine, pushing out 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a CVT and, of course, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. No turbo here—and yes, some fans will still wish for one—but Subaru has tweaked the power delivery and chassis tuning to make this Forester feel a bit more confident behind the wheel.
Throttle response is smoother and more linear, and the steering has gained a welcome bit of weight. It’s still not trying to be sporty, but for a small SUV, the handling feels more secure and composed than before. The dual-function X-Mode, standard on the Sport trim, gives it surprising confidence on slippery trails or snowy roads. Unlike some of its more pavement-biased competition, this Forester still enjoys getting dirty.
Smoother Ride, Quieter Cabin
Subaru didn’t just touch the surface—it put in the work where it counts. Revised suspension bushings and improved damping help the Forester Sport soak up road imperfections with more grace. It’s no luxury SUV, but the difference is noticeable, especially compared to previous generations.
Subaru also added more sound insulation and thicker glass, cutting down road and wind noise. The cabin remains calm at highway speeds, and the overall ride is more comfortable—especially on longer drives. For current Forester owners thinking about an upgrade, the smoother ride might be one of the biggest surprises.
Practical, Durable, and Now More Upscale Inside
Hop inside, and you’ll find a cabin that feels purpose-built but with an eye toward polish. The 2025 Forester Sport shares the updated dash design seen in models like the Outback, anchored by an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen that runs an updated Starlink infotainment system. It’s not the flashiest in the class, but it’s intuitive and easy to live with. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
Unique to the Sport are copper-accented contrast stitching, durable cloth seats with a textured feel, and metallic trim inserts. It doesn’t pretend to be luxurious, but it’s thoughtfully done—and built to handle wear and tear. Front seats are supportive for long drives, rear legroom remains excellent, and cargo capacity holds strong with 74.4 cubic feet available when you fold the back seats.
Smarter Tech, Safer Driving
Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver assists continues to improve. For 2025, it offers a wider field of view and smoother operation. Adaptive cruise control feels more natural, and lane centering is less twitchy. The Sport also gets blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional features like a 360-degree camera—great for navigating trailheads or tight city parking.
A Harman Kardon premium audio system is available, but even the standard six-speaker setup does the job. Other useful upgrades include ventilated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and dual-zone climate control. These comfort and convenience touches elevate the Forester Sport from purely practical to everyday livable.
Strong on Efficiency, Even Without a Hybrid
Despite sticking with a traditional gas engine, the 2025 Forester Sport returns solid EPA ratings—26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. That’s respectable given its all-wheel-drive system and higher ride height. While Subaru hasn’t yet rolled out a Forester Hybrid, rumors suggest one may be on the horizon. Until then, this gas-powered version gets the job done with no shame.
Pricing for the Sport trim starts around $33,000, positioning it above the Premium trim but below the high-end Limited and Touring. Given the standard AWD, thoughtful upgrades, and safety tech, it’s a compelling value—especially for buyers who prioritize durability and all-weather capability.
Why the Sport Trim Just Works
Within the Forester lineup, the Sport stands out for its balance. It adds visual flair and functional upgrades like dual-function X-Mode and unique wheels, but it doesn’t venture into luxury SUV price territory. It’s the Forester you want if you’re planning weekend escapes and still need a reliable commuter during the week.
It may not have the aggressive posture of the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road or the smooth road manners of the Honda CR-V Hybrid, but the Forester Sport owns its space. It delivers everyday dependability with a hint of adventure, and it does so in a way that feels honest and enduring.
Quietly Confident, Just Like Always
The 2025 Subaru Forester Sport isn’t flashy—and that’s the point. It improves where it matters, stays true to its rugged roots, and offers real-world versatility without trying to be something it’s not.
In a segment filled with louder, flashier competition, the Forester quietly continues to do what it does best: be the dependable, capable, and smartly designed SUV that buyers can count on.