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.

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

The main trade-offs are fairly pedestrian performance, a firm ride quality, and a cabin that can feel more conventional than before.

30.5% 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 96.6% — 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...

• Premium: The entry-level Premium trim gives you the hybrid setup at the lowest starting price, making it the best-value choice if you want the Forester Hybrid’s core efficiency and capability.
• Touring: The Touring trim adds the top-spec touches, including the contrasting black roof, front-seat ventilation, heated outboard rear seats, and a driver attention monitor.

What Subaru Forester Hybrid do most buyers choose?

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

Higher-volume years tend to draw more shoppers because you usually get more inventory to compare, which can make it easier to find the right color, trim, and price. They also tend to be the years buyers return to most often when they want the broadest mix of availability and value.

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, rugged character with comfortable everyday manners and strong all-weather confidence.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: All Forester Hybrid models are powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder "boxer" engine, a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and they produce 194 horsepower.
• 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 (including $1,420 in destination fees).

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 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.