Ars: Forester Hybrid boosts economy but its infotainment mars the experience

Ars Technica's review of the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid says the compact SUV improves fuel economy and offers a pleasant ride, but that its infotainment system mars the overall experience.

The Forester Hybrid pairs a 2.5 L flat-four Atkinson/Miller cycle engine that makes 162 hp and 154 lb-ft with an electric motor-generator starter and an electric traction motor rated at 118 hp and 199 lb-ft. Together they send a combined 194 hp to all four wheels through Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive and a planetary continuously variable transmission; the same powertrain is used in the Crosstrek Hybrid.

Subaru quotes a combined EPA figure of 35 mpg, about 40 percent better than the unelectrified Forester's 29 mpg, and the hybrid gains 14 hp over the non-hybrid model—a difference the review says is unlikely to be noticed. In practice, the reviewer struggled to exceed 31 mpg during a week with the car and noted that cold temperatures reduce efficiency.

The review describes typical CVT-hybrid behavior, where the engine's revs do not always linearly reflect wheel power and the Atkinson-cycle engine does not sound mellifluous when worked hard. Otherwise the Forester was praised for a comfortable ride on tall-sidewall tires, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and being mostly refined on the move aside from engine and some wind noise.

Key Topics

Tech, Subaru Forester Hybrid, Subaru, Crosstrek Hybrid, Atkinson Cycle, Cvt