Subaru Canada recently announced the arrival of the next-generation 2025 Forester. It is sleek and new, with a contemporary interior and exterior design, now available in North Bay at Subaru of North Bay.
The car had its premiere at none other than the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. It features improved dynamic performance, new advanced technologies and features for added comfort and connectivity, EyeSight Version 4 with a wide-angle mono camera standard on all trims, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and new Emergency Stop Assist driver safety feature.
“The sixth-generation SUV offers the most advanced features, modern design and improved ride comfort in its history,” says Lynn Renaud, General Sales Manager at Palladino Subaru in Sudbury.
The Forester has been well-received among Canadian buyers of SUVs. In the past 25 years, one in four Subarus sold was a Forester.
The 2025 Forester will be available in Convenience, Touring, Sport, Limited and Premier trim levels.
All-new exterior and interior design
The Forester still has its trademark classic and rugged looks, but this version is sleek and contemporary. Here’s what you can expect:
- a bold grille on the front of the vehicle that merges into compact LED headlights, creating an integrated shield effect
- bold shoulder lines that emphasize height and strength
- prominent wheel arches that highlight its off-road capability
- front, side and rear under guards are standard (colour finish varies according to trim level)
- steep rear glass increases cargo capacity
Several functional aerodynamic improvements have been made that further enhance the vehicle’s performance and stability. These include:
- an air outlet at the trailing edge of the front wheel opening allows air to exit from the wheel well more easily. This contributes to reduced lift on the front tires and improves driving stability
The interior of the all-new Forester features:
- a prominent multimedia system with an integrated centre information display
- contoured dash elements and textured trim pieces that have been intelligently designed to avoid visible damage from daily use
- a dark headliner that hides scuffs that can occur from passengers and cargo loading and unloading
- strategically designed pillars and a generous glass area ensure a great all-around view from inside the car
- rear dark-tint privacy glass (standard)
Structure and safety
The following improvements have been made, further enhancing Subaru’s renowned commitment to safety.
- the Subaru Global Platform for the 2025 Forester has been enhanced with 10% stiffer torsional rigidity
- the full inner frame construction features stronger welding techniques and more structural adhesive (from 8 to 27 metres), which contributes to better body rigidity and a lighter weight
- these updates deliver improved dynamic performance, a smoother ride and a quieter cabin
The latest version of the award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on all 2025 Forester models. It features a wide-angle mono camera and operates quicker and more smoothly under a wider range of conditions thanks to a wider field of view, updated control software and the addition of an electric brake booster.
EyeSight can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alert the driver and apply braking to avoid collisions. There are additional active safety features available for the Forester. These include Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
For the first time on a Subaru, the Emergency Stop Assist activates if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The new standard safety feature will stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights and unlock the doors. If subscribed, SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services will then place a call to emergency services.
On models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering is included. This is a safety feature that works with EyeSight and Blind-Spot Detection to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision within a lane at speeds slower than 80 km/h.
The DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System is available on Limited and Premier trims. This uses a camera that is angled at the driver’s face and facial recognition software to monitor fatigue or lack of attention. DriverFocus also includes customizable driver profiles that can be linked to memory seat and side mirror positions.
Surround View Monitor offers enhanced all-around situational awareness while parking, including a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle and its surroundings.
How it works: the system combines images from four vehicle cameras, creating a single image with a bird’s-eye view of the area around the entire vehicle.
The standard Rear Seat Reminder was designed to help prevent child and pet entrapment; it alerts the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle.
The Subaru Forester was first introduced to Canada for the 1998 model year. Since then, it has received numerous safety awards from several trusted organizations, including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The outgoing Forester received the 2023 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award, marking the 17th consecutive year the Forester has earned this distinction (2007-2023); that’s more than any other small SUV! The outgoing Forester also received the highest possible rating for front crash prevention from IIHS.
Capability and versatility
The all-new 2025 Forester offers the capability and versatility of a large SUV and the comfort and efficiency of a car. The 220-mm ground clearance for all Forester models is taller than many SUVs, yet it maintains a comfortably low step-in height for both front- and rear-passenger entry.
A revised Subaru Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system is standard across the model line. It offers a faster response time, more agile handling and better control both on- and off-road.
X-MODE with Hill Descent Control is standard with the Forester. It maximizes wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. With the Forester Sport and higher trim levels, you upgrade to dual-function X-MODE, which offers increased capability in a wider range of adverse conditions.
The versatile Forester also features 60:40-split folding rear seatbacks. When both seatbacks are down, the cargo area offers up to 2,107 litres of useable space. You can also load and unload easily, thanks to the wide rear gate opening with low liftover. Adventurers will love having more cargo-carrying options with the standard roof rails.
For more on the 2025 Forester, including details about performance, handling and in-vehicle technology, visit Subaru of North Bay or call 705-472-2222.
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