Sharper, safer, more versatile than ever
The all-new 2025 Forester has officially landed in South Africa, bringing with it a bold new look, improved technology, and the sort of safety and capability that has made it a family and adventure favourite for nearly three decades.
First introduced in 1997, the Forester has shifted more than 4.5 million units worldwide. Locally, it’s a cornerstone of the Subaru brand, accounting for more than half of all Subaru sales in South Africa. With this sixth generation, Subaru is promising more refinement and innovation while keeping the rugged practicality that Forester fans have always loved.
A fresh design with an adventurous edge
One look at the new Forester and you’ll notice the sharper, more modern stance. A larger grille, compact LED headlights and muscular wheel arches give it a tougher presence, while new aerodynamic touches help improve efficiency. Roof rails are standard across the line-up, and models ride on either 17- or 18-inch alloys, depending on grade.
Subaru has also added some playful design details – little adventure-themed motifs tucked away in spots like the windscreens and door trims. As for colours, there’s a full palette to choose from, including the brand-new River Rock Pearl alongside old favourites like Crystal White, Magnetite Grey, Sapphire Blue, Brilliant Bronze and Autumn Green. Cashmere Gold Opal and Daybreak Blue Pearl also make their South African debut on this Forester.
Boxer power and Subaru confidence
Under the bonnet, every Forester gets Subaru’s proven 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine. It puts out 136kW and 247Nm, paired with a Lineartronic CVT gearbox featuring an 8-step manual mode and paddle shifters. As always, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard, ensuring stability and grip whether you’re cruising on tar or exploring a gravel track.
Ground clearance sits at 220mm, with approach, break-over and departure angles carefully tuned for real-world adventure. X-Mode with Hill Descent Control is standard across the range, while Subaru’s SI-Drive lets you toggle between efficiency or responsiveness at the touch of a button.
Refined and family-friendly inside
Step into the cabin and you’ll find a space designed to make family life and road trips easier. Wide-opening doors, ISOFIX anchors on the rear seats, and a flat load bay with one-touch folding rear seats mean practicality comes standard. Boot space measures 496 litres with the seats up, stretching to 1 174 litres when folded flat.
Different trims cater to different lifestyles – from durable fabric in the Field and Touring, to adventure-proof polyurethane in the Sport, right up to Alcantara and leather in the Premium. Depending on model, you’ll also find luxuries such as a panoramic sunroof, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, rear USB charging, air vents, and a hands-free tailgate.
Tech has taken a big leap forward too. The base Field model runs dual 7-inch touchscreens, while the rest of the range enjoys a big 11.6-inch tablet-style display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium buyers get the full audio experience with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Subaru’s clever Driver Recognition system, which remembers each driver’s preferences using facial recognition, is standard across the line-up.
Safety front and centre
Safety has always been Subaru’s strong suit, and the new Forester pushes the envelope even further. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on all South African models, now with a wider field of view and faster processing. Features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring, Pre-Collision Braking, Autonomous Emergency Steering and more.
Premium models add Reverse Automatic Braking, a 360-degree camera system, and extra driver aids. Subaru has also introduced its Emergency Driving Stop System locally for the first time – a feature that can safely bring the car to a halt if the driver becomes unresponsive.
Model line-up & pricing
- Forester 2.5i Field: R699 000
- Forester 2.5i Touring: R740 000
- Forester 2.5i Sport: R790 000
- Forester 2.5i Premium: R830 000
*Subaru backs the Forester with a 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 3-year/75 000km maintenance plan, which can be extended to 150 000km.
