I’ve got an exciting SUV on deck today—the 2025 Subaru Forester, which has received a much-needed redesign! If you’re in the market for a reliable, family-friendly five-passenger SUV that blends practicality with safety, the refreshed Forester may be just what you’re looking for.

If you’re new here—welcome! I’m Kelly The Car Mom, a mom of four and a certified child passenger safety tech. I review cars with families in mind to help you figure out if they could work for you. Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the 2025 Subaru Forester.

Before you dive in and start car shopping, make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle today’s market with confidence. To learn everything from dealership prep to a complete negotiations strategy, check out my Car Buying Course!

2025 Subaru Forester Highlights

Fresh New Look: A sleeker design that feels modern and updated.
Family-Friendly Features: Great visibility, spacious trunk, and flexible car seat setups.
High Safety Ranking: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with excellent reliability ratings.
Great Car For The Price: Starting just under $30,000.

2025 Subaru Forester Exterior

The 2025 Subaru Forester finally gets a stylish refresh after its last redesign in 2014. While it retains its classic shape, the new model looks sharper and more modern. The sleeker lines and updated grille bring the Forester into the current decade without being too flashy—perfect for families who want something practical yet attractive.

The size of the car remains largely unchanged, making it ideal for those who need an SUV that’s easy to maneuver but still spacious enough for daily family life.

2025 Subaru Forester First Row

The driver’s seat of the 2025 Subaru Forester is incredibly comfortable, with plenty of headroom and legroom for taller drivers. The materials used throughout the cabin are a mix of sporty and borderline luxurious, including two-tone leather seats and textured faux carbon fiber accents on the dash. However, some elements—like the piano gloss black trim—can show fingerprints easily, which might be a downside for families with little ones.

Infotainment System

While the infotainment system offers great functionality, including physical buttons (which many drivers prefer), its design leaves something to be desired. I’ve described it several times as looking like a "Fisher-Price phone," but it does include key features like wireless charging, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The system is easy to use but could use a visual upgrade to match the rest of the refreshed interior.

2025 Subaru Forester Second Row

The second row of the Subaru Forester provides excellent legroom (39 inches) and decent headroom—even when wearing a bulky winter coat. This makes it comfortable for both older kids and adults alike. For families with children in car seats, this is where the Forester shines:

Car Seat Setup

The second row car seat hardware includes:

Five Lower LATCH Anchors: Two sets in the outboard seats and one shared anchor in the middle seat.
Three Tether Anchors: Conveniently located across the back.

I was able to fit three car seats across using slim models like the Graco SlimFit3 LX and Peg Perego Viaggio booster seat. However, not all three-across combinations will work due to the bench’s limited width. Families using rear-facing or booster seats should note that recessed buckles can make self-buckling more challenging for kids.

With 39.6 inches of second-row legroom, taller drivers may need to be mindful of rear-facing car seat placement. I tested this using a Graco SlimFit3 LX at one of its highest recline settings and found there was still about an inch or two of clearance behind my driver’s seat—a great result for a smaller SUV.

Trunk Space

The trunk space in the 2025 Subaru Forester is impressive for a five-passenger SUV. Without a third row to take up space, it offers plenty of room for strollers, groceries, or sports gear. The flat-folding rear seats expand this space even further, making it ideal for larger hauls or road trips.

Additional features include:

Removable Cargo Cover: Perfect for privacy when storing valuables.
Underfloor Storage: Handy for smaller items or emergency kits.
Temporary Spare Tire: Located under the floor for easy access.

Who Is This Car For?

The 2025 Subaru Forester is an excellent choice for families who want a safe, reliable SUV with plenty of flexibility for car seats and cargo. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something smaller than a three-row SUV but still need enough space to accommodate kids, gear, and everyday life.

This car caters to:

Families needing versatile car seat setups (including some three-across combinations).
Parents who prioritize safety features and reliability ratings.
Drivers who want an affordable yet stylish SUV with great trunk space.

Wrap-Up: The 2025 Subaru Forester Redesign

Subaru has done an excellent job refreshing an already great car with the 2025 Forester redesign. While some aspects—like the infotainment design—could use further refinement, its practicality, comfort, and safety features make it an outstanding option for families.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you’re searching for a compact SUV that offers reliability, thoughtful family-focused features, and modern styling at an affordable price point, I’d highly suggest taking this one out for a test drive.

Would you consider the 2025 Subaru Forester as your next family car? Let me know in the comments below! And if you want to check out other family-friendly cars on the market this year, be sure to read my recent posts:

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