Subaru has recently introduced the 2025 Forester Hybrid at the Chicago Auto Show, marking the first time the company has incorporated a hybrid-electric powertrain into the Forester model. This debut also signifies the first North American launch of Subaru’s new Strong Hybrid powertrain.
The Forester Hybrid is equipped with a newly-developed 2.5-liter boxer engine specifically designed for hybrid use, utilizing a combination of Atkinson and Miller cycles for enhanced efficiency. Its transaxle is paired with two motors – one for regenerative generation and the other for propulsion, resulting in a total power output of 194 horsepower (142.7 kW). As is customary with most Subaru vehicles, all-wheel drive comes standard.
Subaru anticipates that the new hybrid system will improve fuel economy by up to 40% in urban areas and 25% overall, aligning with the performance of a similar system utilized in the Japanese release of the Crosstrek Hybrid.
Subaru
The Strong Hybrid system developed by Subaru in partnership with Toyota is based on the series parallel system found in the Prius but has been modified to integrate seamlessly with Subaru’s boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD system, offering a total range of up to 581 miles (935 km).
This advanced hybrid design will replace the earlier hybrid-electric system previously utilized by Subaru, offering enhanced performance. EPA ratings for the 2025 Forester Hybrid are 35 mpg (6.7 l/100km) in the city, 34 mpg (6.9 l/100km) on the highway, and 35 mpg combined, marking a significant improvement over the non-hybrid model in city driving.
Subaru
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is available starting at US$34,995 plus destination costs.
Source: Subaru
