2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Gets e-Boxer Tech With 194 Horsepower
Initially promised at the debut of the next-generation Forester back in November 2023, hybrid technology is finally coming to Subaru’s compact SUV after more than 25 years on the market.
The 2025 Forester Hybrid officially made its debut today at the Chicago Auto Show along with the similarly equipped 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid. The former will go on sale this spring, while the latter is due to launch in the fall.
- Also: 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Adds Rugged Side to Latest Forester
- Also: 2025 Subaru Forester: Continuity Through Change
This electrified Forester has its work cut out for it, with the popular Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 all offering hybrid technology of their own. And don’t forget the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, which competes with not only the Forester but also the Outback. You see, the next-generation 2026 Outback will offer a hybrid variant, too. Details about that model have yet to be shared, however.
Although it borrows several components from Toyota, including a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery, the Forester Hybrid is not some sort of RAV4 Hybrid clone like the CX-50 Hybrid is. Rather, Subaru uses its signature 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine, this time with an Atkinson cycle. The engine alone is rated at 162 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque, but it teams up with two electric motors. One is located between the engine and transmission, while the second is mounted in front of the transmission.
These two electric motors work together with the four-cylinder and CVT, delivering power to all four wheels via a permanent AWD system. That’s what makes the Forester Hybrid different from competitors, with the goal of providing a better driving experience thanks to greater stability, increased off-road capability and more efficient torque distribution.
The traction motor alone generates 199 lb-ft of torque. However, Subaru did not specify a combined torque rating. In addition to quieter operation, the hybrid system boosts output to 194 hp, which is an extra 14 hp over conventionally powered Forester models, but not as much as what you get with the aforementioned rivals. Alas, information such as curb weight and fuel consumption figures have yet to be released.
Inside, look for a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster with TomTom navigation. Cargo capacity is not affected by the rear-mounted battery, which is great. Likewise, the gas tank is the same size in order to maximize range between fill-ups.
Meanwhile, Subaru’s newest version of EyeSight driver assistance technology operates more smoothly and quickly and under a greater range of conditions than prior versions. These improvements are thanks to a wider field of view, updated control software and the addition of an electric brake booster.
In Canada, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid will be available exclusively in top-line Premier trim. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but we expect it to cost over $50,000 including freight and PDI. Just so you know, U.S. customers will have a selection of four hybrid models in part thanks to a stronger U.S. dollar and differing greenhouse gas emission regulations.
What About the Crosstrek Hybrid?
The smaller 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will launch in Canada in December of this year, again with a single trim level (Limited). Pretty much all of the extra stuff we detailed above will be included in that model, right down to the digital instrument cluster. However, there will be a few styling differences such as unique body colours (Sand Dune Metallic and Citrus Yellow Metallic), whereas the Forester Hybrid can only be identified by some “e-Boxer” badges.
The Crosstrek Hybrid’s lone direct competitor will be the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Now, if you were hoping for the technology to transfer to the Impreza hatchback, don’t hold your breath. Subaru will focus on electrifying its fleet of SUVs and crossovers first, which makes perfect sense as these are better-selling and more lucrative products for the company.
One last thing: Subaru is currently reassessing its manufacturing plans. Instead of Indiana as initially projected, production of these hybrid models could move to Japan, where Canadian-spec Foresters and Crosstreks (except for the Crosstrek Wilderness) are manufactured. On one hand, the new hybrid system built around the 2.5-litre engine is exclusive to North America, but on the other hand, import tariffs and a weak Canadian dollar may force Subaru to go in a different direction.
