The new 2025 Subaru Forester has arrived in Los Angeles and continues growing its sales among adventure seekers and families alike. With so many trails around the city, it offers the ground clearance and AWD to enjoy a day out.

This sixth-generation model builds upon the legacy that began in 1997 as a compact family car that continues to offer the practical features LA drivers love while introducing some needed updates that enhance the overall driving experience. Suppose you’re looking for a versatile vehicle to navigate both city streets and desert escapes. In that case, the Forester deserves your attention in the Best Of LA automotive options.

The Forester has steadily grown in popularity. Sales have climbed impressively from 50,000 to 175,000 units annually. It is the number one Subaru model in the USA, manufactured by the Japanese manufacturer. The 2025 model maintains the recognizable Forester silhouette yet updates it for modern tastes and a better interior. It does preserve the boxy-roomy styling, extra ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive that adventure-minded younger drivers value.

Besides the comfortable seating, the cargo space is what impresses me most. Specifically, with the rear seats up, you’ll find plenty of room for gear, and when folded flat, the space expands to a substantial 75 cubic feet. Every Forester has roof rails, making it perfect for transporting bikes, kayaks, or camping equipment for your Adventures in LA.

For Los Angeles drivers who frequently navigate through traffic on the 405 or head to the mountains for weekend escapes, the Forester provides a balanced driving experience. Despite having modest power from its 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) efficiently uses the available power. What it lacks in quickness, it makes up for in capability, especially when venturing off the beaten path to Discover LA’s hidden natural treasures.

Technology and Safety Features
The Forester offers substantial value within its segment. The sizeable 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. The tech is a large wireless smartphone charging pad in the center console. Note that the base model has a smaller touchscreen.

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and every Forester comes equipped with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features. You’ll benefit from standard automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Although some users find the system’s warnings somewhat intrusive, the comprehensive safety package provides peace of mind, especially when navigating LA’s unpredictable traffic conditions. I did not find it too intrusive compared to other cars in the market.

The Forester lineup offers several trim levels to suit different budgets. The prices start at $31,090 for the base model and range to $41,390 for the top-tier Touring trim. The Sport trim is the sweet spot, with the attractive bronze trim, exclusive wheels, and the larger infotainment screen. LABest friends looking for the best value should focus on this mid-range option.

Despite its many strengths, the Forester isn’t without compromises. For instance, the engine can become noisy during hard acceleration; I found that, in general, road noise is louder in this car than in the competitors. Subaru claims the new generation Forester features enhanced sound dampening, resulting in a quieter interior environment. Still, it doesn’t work as they expected.  However, the vehicle’s versatility and practicality offset these minor drawbacks. Above all, the Forester excels at being a well-rounded compact SUV that handles everyday driving and occasional adventures with equal competence.

The 2025 Forester fuel economy is fair. I managed around  26 mpg in city driving and 33 mpg on the highway, close to its official rating. As a result, the Forester offers decent efficiency for daily commutes and longer road trips.

The Forester takes the lead for those who enjoy exploring beyond paved roads.  In particular, the standard asymmetric all-wheel-drive system and almost 9 inches (8.7″) ground clearance allow for confident handling on unpaved trails. Adventurous LA residents will appreciate the Forester’s ability to transition seamlessly from urban environments to outdoor destinations.

The interior comfort in the Forester is very good. I like the SmartTex upholstery, which is water-repellent. It is worth noting the generous rear seat space, which easily accommodates both adult and child safety seats. Furthermore, the wide-opening doors facilitate easy entry and exit. This seemingly small detail makes a big difference in daily use. Therefore, parents will appreciate Forester’s family-friendly design and touches throughout the vehicle.

Visibility is great, something important once you leave the asphalt. The Forester remains comfortable for daily commutes and longer journeys through Southern California roads and trails.

The Subaru Forester has built a solid reputation for reliability and longevity, contributing significantly to its value proposition. This is important, adding to the appeal for budget-conscious shoppers who want to maximize their investment. Strong resale values further enhance the overall ownership experience. As a result, LABest enthusiasts seeking long-term value will find much to appreciate in the Forester’s complete package.

Value and Versatility

When comparing the Forester to competitors in the crowded compact SUV segment, its standard all-wheel drive, off-road capability, and overall added values stand out as an advantage. Some rivals offer flashier styling or more powerful engines, but few match the Forester’s practicality, capability, and value combination.

In conclusion, the 2025 Subaru Forester offers a compelling blend of practicality, capability, and value, making it well-suited for living in Los Angeles.  Above all, I admit that the Forester is a well-rounded compact SUV that handles everyday driving needs while enabling weekend adventures.