The all-new 2025 Subaru Forester blends rugged reliability with refined comfort, proving once again why this SUV remains a South African favourite.
- The 2025 Subaru Forester enters its sixth generation with sharper design, advanced safety, and trademark all-terrain confidence.
- Family-friendly practicality shines through with generous boot space, ISOFIX anchors, and wide-opening doors.
- More refined than ever, the Forester remains a dependable, understated choice for those who prefer substance over flash.
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There’s a certain honesty about the Subaru Forester that’s hard not to admire. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s not pretending to be a city slicker disguised as an off-roader, nor is it an over-the-top performance SUV desperate for attention. Instead, the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring continues to do what it’s always done best – deliver rock-solid dependability, impressive capability, and a reassuring sense of calm.
So, naturally, The Sandton Times took it for a week-long test drive through the concrete jungle and jacaranda backroads of the greater Sandton outback to see what keeps people hooked on this iconic badge.
A Legacy Six Generations Strong
Since its debut in 1997, the Subaru Forester has quietly built a loyal following. More than 4.5-million have found homes worldwide, and over half of Subaru’s local sales are thanks to this unassuming SUV. That’s no small feat in a country obsessed with bakkies and badge prestige. Now in its sixth generation, the 2025 Forester arrives sharper, safer, and more versatile than ever – but still very much the practical, adventure-ready family SUV that South Africans enjoy.
Distinctive New Design
Visually, the Forester has evolved – albeit cautiously. Subaru isn’t rewriting the rulebook here, but rather refining it. The bolder front grille, compact LED headlights, and the brand’s refreshed star-cluster emblem all give it a stronger, more confident stance. Muscular wheel arches hint at its ruggedness, while new aerodynamic details improve efficiency.
There are also little Easter eggs scattered throughout the design – subtle symbols and motifs etched into the lower windscreen and door panels, reminders of the Forester’s adventurous spirit. But if we’re honest, while it’s modern and clean, it’s less “look at me” and more “see you at the hiking trail.” It’s not a look for everyone, but it certainly has its audience.
Colour options now include the new River Rock Pearl, joining established favourites like Crystal White, Ice Silver, and Magnetite Grey, as well as two newcomers to South Africa – Cashmere Gold Opal and Daybreak Blue Pearl.
Engineering At Its Core
Every Forester remains powered by Subaru’s signature 2.5-litre BOXER engine. It’s a familiar and well-proven setup, producing 136kW and 247Nm – just enough to get you going, but not quite enough to pin you to your seat. It’s paired with the Lineartronic CVT, featuring an 8-step manual mode for when you feel like taking control via the paddle shifters.
This horizontally opposed engine design lowers the centre of gravity, making the Forester feel planted and stable. Combined with Subaru’s trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, it grips confidently on just about any surface. With 220mm of ground clearance, approach and departure angles that laugh at the average dirt road, and standard X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, the Forester remains one of the most capable soft-roaders in its class.
During our week around Sandton – from slick tar to gravel detours and the occasional “roadworks special” – it handled with predictable, steady assurance. It’s not a car that begs to be driven fast, but one that rewards confidence.
Quieter, More Refined Cabin
Inside, the 2.5i Touring trim delivers a blend of practicality and premium touches. The colour combinations and stitching give it personality, though some of the fabric choices might divide opinion – especially in a model aimed at the outdoor lifestyle crowd. Subaru’s StarTex spill-proof trim is clever, but fabric still feels like a compromise in this otherwise tech-savvy cabin.
Comfort levels are high, thanks to supportive seats and excellent visibility that feels almost panoramic. The large windows and upright driving position create a commanding view of the road. Getting in and out is easy, and with 496 litres of boot space (expanding to 1’174 litres with the rear seats folded flat), there’s plenty of room for dogs, duffels, and DIY projects.
The infotainment system is anchored by an 11.6-inch touchscreen – the same interface used in higher-end Subaru models. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Bluetooth and voice control built in. The system itself is intuitive, though the graphics could do with a refresh; it feels a little ‘Blackberry’ compared to rivals, but it is user friendly despite this.
Thanks to improved insulation and soundproofing, the Forester is quieter than ever. Even at highway speeds, wind and road noise are kept impressively at bay, making long drives far more relaxing.
Driving Experience
On the road, the Forester delivers exactly what you’d expect from Subaru: stability, composure, and an uncanny sense of security. The steering is light but accurate, and the suspension feels tuned for comfort first. You’ll float over speed bumps and potholes without fuss, and while body roll is noticeable in corners, it’s never excessive.
It’s not an exciting drive per se – conservative and wholesome might be more accurate. There’s no adrenaline rush, but there’s also no stress. The Forester simply does everything it’s supposed to, effortlessly.
Benchmark Safety
Subaru has long been the poster child for safety, and this new Forester doesn’t disappoint. Every model in South Africa comes with the latest generation of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The system now boasts a wider field of view and faster response times, adding features like Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring, and Autonomous Emergency Steering.
The 2.5i Touring model we tested also includes Blind-Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The top-spec Premium model even adds Reverse Automatic Braking and a 360-degree camera system.
A standout addition is Subaru’s Emergency Driving Stop System – if the driver becomes unresponsive, it can safely bring the car to a halt, turn on the hazards, unlock the doors, and even pulse the brakes to wake you up. Thankfully, we didn’t put that one to the test, but it’s a reassuring safety net.
Model Range & Pricing
The Forester range in South Africa starts at R699,000 for the 2.5i Field and climbs to R830’000 for the fully loaded Premium. The 2.5i Touring we drove sits at R740’000, making it a sweet spot in the line-up – offering great spec without venturing into luxury SUV territory. All models come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight safety suite, and a 5-year/150,000km warranty. A 3-year/75’000km maintenance plan (extendable to 150’000km) and 15’000km service intervals round out the ownership experience.
The Verdict
The 2025 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring is, in many ways, the embodiment of the Subaru ethos – safe, capable, reliable, and built for real-world living. It’s not flashy, but it’s functional. It’s not quick, but it’s consistent. It’s not trying to impress you – it’s trying to take care of you. Sure, it’s not the sexiest SUV on the road, and it won’t set your pulse racing like some of its turbocharged or hybrid rivals. But for those who value peace of mind, practicality, and that unique Subaru sense of adventure, it’s hard to fault.
It’s the SUV for those who’d rather head to the mountains than the mall, and who appreciate that reliability is sometimes the most luxurious feature of all. If you’ve already drunk the Subaru Forester Kool-Aid, you’ll find plenty to love here. If not, you might just be surprised by how satisfying calm competence can feel – even in the restless heart of Sandton.
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