• 2025 Forester Hybrid doesn’t have a charge port
• Subaru suggests 35 mpg or better combined
• Subaru hopes to sell nearly a third of Foresters in hybrid form
• 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid models will be made in Indiana

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid isn’t the brand’s first hybrid, but it’s Subaru’s first hybrid truly set for the mass market. 

Due to arrive at U.S. dealerships this spring, the Forester Hybrid won’t be limited to low volume, kept to particular states, or limited to one or two trims. It’s being offered in a range of versions, starting at $36,415, including the $1,420 destination fee, Subaru revealed Thursday with the release of pricing and specifications at the Chicago auto show.

The Forester Hybrid, which is part of an accelerated rollout of Subaru EVs and hybrids rolling out over the next several years, costs about $3,000 more than an equivalent non-hybrid for most of the lineup (or only $1,305 more in top-trim Touring form). To make it worth that premium, Subaru focused on pragmatic aspects, including serious gas-mileage gains and a performance advantage, while maintaining the kind of all-wheel-drive ability it says its customers look for—and making sure there aren’t any packaging sacrifices in opting for the hybrid.

2025 Forester Hybrid efficiency: Around 35 mpg?

Efficiency-wise, Subaru expects that the Forester Hybrid will return up to 40% better fuel economy on the EPA city cycle and up to 25% better fuel economy on the combined cycle. Currently the Forester gets up to 26 mpg city and 33 highway, with 29 mpg combined, with Sport and Touring versions at 25/32/28 mpg, so we anticipate the Hybrid to meet or beat 35 mpg combined.  

At around 3,900 pounds depending on the version, the Forester Hybrid weighs about 300 pounds more than the non-hybrid, and its combined output is 194 hp—just 14 hp more than non-hybrid Forester models. Yet the more robust torque delivery of the system yields an acceleration edge for the hybrid, especially at highway speeds. Passing times have improved 10-15%, it says.

Subaru has carried over two hallmarks of the brand: its all-wheel drive system, and its “boxer” flat-4 gasoline engine—here in Atkinson-cycle format, with the 2.5-liter flat-4 making 180 hp. But what’s between those core components is different. In place of its Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), there’s a version of Toyota’s planetary-gear hybrid system, engineered to Subaru’s needs and featuring a stronger traction motor. 

Same Symmetrical AWD system as other Subarus

For delivering all-wheel drive, the Forester Hybrid employs what’s essentially the same torque distribution system as other automatic-transmission Subaru models. That means an electronically controlled (and electrically actuated) wet multi-plate clutch pack apportioning torque to the front or rear wheels as appropriate for the conditions or driving dynamics. 

That’s a different approach than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, for instance, which relies on a separate 54-hp rear motor, mounted at the rear wheels. Subaru says that approach doesn’t allow the system to provide nearly as much power at the rear wheels as it potentially can at the front wheels. 

Because of Subaru’s approach, the Forester Hybrid has a larger traction motor in front than what Toyota uses in the RAV4—although the RAV4 achieves 40 mpg combined.

To adapt to the weight gain and slightly different weight distribution, Subaru retuned the suspension, although its 8.7 inches of ground clearance is the same as that of base gasoline Foresters. 

The Forester Hybrid gets an SI-Drive sport mode as well as its X-Mode system, tuning the behavior of the all-wheel-drive and traction systems for various terrains, as well as Hill Descent Control. The hybrid system can tap into six simulated ratios, allowing somewhat more engine braking and regenerative braking, but based on previous experiences with such a feature in Toyota models it’s likely to be very mild in both respects. 

You might not easily be able to tell the Forester Hybrid apart from other models in the Forester lineup, outside of badging for the fenders and tailgate. But it will be available in an exclusive Daybreak Blue hue, and a contrasting black roof will be offered with some of its exterior colors. The Hybrid will also mark the debut of the brand’s first certified-animal-free StarTex upholstery.

Forester Hybrid comfort, cargo space carry over

The roomy interior of this model is otherwise unchanged, and the Forester Hybrid’s 1.1-kwh lithium-ion battery pack fits directly under the cargo floor but doesn’t change cargo space, seat folding, or the shape of the floor. The only very small difference is that on the driver’s side of the cargo area there’s a cooling duct rather than a storage pocket. 

The Forester lineup was fully redesigned for 2025, and we’ve already taken note that Subaru has advanced cabin quiet and ride comfort to another level with the latest non-hybrid Forester models; so we’re expecting it to carry forward to the Hybrid, too. 

Features and standard equipment are comparable to non-hybrid Foresters, with Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims in parallel to all but the non-hybrid Forester’s Base trim. 

Forester Premium Hybrid models start at $36,415 and include a power rear tailgate, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and 18-inch alloy wheels. 

The Sport Hybrid, for $39,415, adds premium audio, synthetic leather upholstery, and 19-inch alloys. The $40,830 Forester Hybrid Limited adds navigation, a heated steering wheel, a power passenger seat, and blue accent stitching. Top Touring versions of the Forester Hybrid, at $43,115, get a leather interior with suede-like inserts and a real leather steering wheel, plus cooled front seats and heated outboard rear seats, and a two-tone finish is available. Of note is that there’s no Forester Hybrid without the power sunroof. 

These models have the latest version of its EyeSight suite of driver-assistance and active-safety features, including adaptive cruise control. At the Sport level the Hybrid gets reverse automatic emergency braking, and at the Touring level it adds a surround-view camera system and driver monitoring.

2025 Forester Hybrid from Japan, 2026 U.S.-made

Initial 2025 Forester Hybrids, like non-hybrid models, will come from Japan. But that all changes with the 2026 model year. All 2026 Forester models will be U.S.-made, in Indiana—including the Forester Hybrid, non-hybrid Foresters, and the new Forester Wilderness also confirmed at Chicago. 

Subaru also has the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid set for a fall arrival. While that won’t be the niche model the outgoing plug-in hybrid or earlier hybrid Crosstrek models were, Subaru underscored to Green Car Reports that it’s planning to go big with the Forester Hybrid—selling nearly a third of its Foresters as hybrids. Given how this looks like a more appealing way to present what’s already a winning package, we’ll be surprised if it doesn’t meet that target.