Is the Subaru Forester Hybrid a good car?

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid stands out by pairing Subaru’s redesigned compact SUV with a more efficient hybrid setup. According to the test-drive summary, the redesign reinforces the Forester’s terrain-tackling character, while the hybrid model adds efficiency, more power, and a few extra features. That combination makes it appealing to buyers who want a practical SUV that still leans into Subaru’s rugged image.

Its strengths are easy to understand from the test-drive notes: it is fuel-efficient, comfortable, and impressive off-road. Those traits give it a broad appeal for drivers who value all-weather confidence and everyday usability. The tradeoffs are just as clear, though, since the performance is described as fairly pedestrian and the ride quality as firm. For shoppers who care more about efficiency and capability than outright speed or a plush ride, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid has a distinctive and well-rounded appeal.

Expert reviews rate the 2025 model among the highest across all years.

30.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

What should I look for when buying a used Subaru Forester Hybrid?

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is excellent at 97.2% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features.
• Infotainment: an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Fuel efficiency: up to 35 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 35 mpg in combined driving.

Which Subaru Forester Hybrid trim should I buy?

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid offers these trims:

• Premium: The entry-level Premium trim starts at $36,415 and gives you the hybrid setup, standard all-wheel drive, and the core efficiency and capability that define the model.
• Touring: The Touring trim adds the top-end touches, including the contrasting black roof, front-seat ventilation, heated outboard rear seats, and the driver attention monitor, making it the best-value choice if you want the most comfort and equipment.

What Subaru Forester Hybrid do most buyers choose?

The Subaru Forester Hybrid years with the most listings are 2026 and 2025.

When a model year has the most listings, you usually get more shopping flexibility and a better chance of finding the color, trim, and price that fit your needs. Higher-volume years also tend to be easier to compare side by side, which can make it simpler to spot a strong deal.

Is the Subaru Forester Hybrid safe?

• 2025: 8/10

All Forester Hybrid models come standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features.

For the safest used buy, the 2025 model posts the highest confirmed score of 8/10.

Should I buy a used Subaru Forester Hybrid now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Sweet-spot year: The 2025 model has the most listings. The Subaru Forester Hybrid offers a practical, comfortable, and capable character that makes it easy to live with every day.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: All Forester Hybrid models are powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder "boxer" engine, and the hybrid system uses two motor/generators with a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
• Tech: All Hybrid Foresters come with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Safety: All Forester Hybrid models come standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features.
• Starting price: The 2025 Subaru Forester has a starting price of $36,415 for the entry-level Premium trim.

If you're buying used today, the 2025 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2027 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.