Ugly infotainment mars the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid experience

Subaru, once synonymous with performance vehicles from the late '90s and early 2000s, has shifted its focus towards producing rugged, all-wheel-drive cars that prioritize practicality. The latest addition to their lineup, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, aims to improve fuel efficiency—a characteristic where Subaru has often lagged behind. This latest model features a 2.5-liter flat-four engine that operates on the Atkinson/Miller cycle, delivering 162 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. Complementing this engine is an electric motor that contributes an additional 118 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a combined output of 194 horsepower sent to all four wheels through a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Interestingly, this hybrid powertrain mirrors that of the smaller Crosstrek Hybrid, which was previously tested. The Forester Hybrid boasts a respectable EPA-rated fuel economy of 35 mpg, an improvement from the traditional Forester’s 29 mpg. However, during real-world testing, achieving even 31 mpg proved challenging, particularly with winter conditions affecting performance. Driving a hybrid with a CVT can be an odd experience; sometimes the vehicle opts for electric power alone, while at other times, the engine's RPMs fluctuate unpredictably as it alternates between charging the battery and propelling the car. Notably, the Atkinson cycle engine can be noisy under heavy acceleration. In terms of overall driving comfort, the Forester Hybrid offers a smooth ride, supported by tires with ample sidewall and a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, allowing for decent suspension travel. While it may not deliver the sporty handling of Subaru's WRX models, it remains a capable and comfortable vehicle on the road, apart from some engine and wind noise.