It has been a while since I have been behind the wheel of a Subaru, but Subaru recently remedied that problem for me. They gave me the keys to a new 2025 Subaru Forester Sport. After spending a week with this all-wheel-drive machine I came up with a few PROs and CONs.
PRO: Great All-wheel-drive
Subaru’s feature one of the industries best all-wheel-drive systems. Thrown in there most commuter vehicles all the way to the performance ones.
PRO: Big Navigation Screen
Literally front and center in the Forester Sport is a huge navigation/infotainment display. Everything from your favorite tunes to climate control are controlled from the display.
PRO: SI-Drive
Most Subaru’s feature the Subaru Intelligent Drive, SI-Drive, system. You get two modes: Intelligent (I) Mode and Sport (S) Mode. I Mode focuses on vehicle efficiency, smooth acceleration, and stable handling, basically eco mode, while S Mode brings the power and full performance capabilities of the vehicle.
PRO: X-Mode
All wheel drive gives false sense of confidence in many snowy situations. All wheel drive can quickly become no wheel drive in the wrong situations, but the Subaru Forester features the X-Mode system which helps in some of those wrong situations. The X-Mode system allows you to adjust the all wheel drive between Snow/Dirt, Normal, and Deep Snow/Mud options.
CON: Doesn’t Feel Much Bigger than a Crosstrek
I spent significant years behind the wheel of a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek, so I can tell you that inside the Forester Sport I felt right at home, but that could have been part of the problem. I didn’t really get the vibe it was that much bigger than a Crosstrek in terms of what you feel inside. Sure, I could quote measurement figures that claim it is, but it just didn’t feel like it.
CON: Interior Quality Level
While there is nice leather sprinkled about the cabin, there are plenty of plastic bits that match it. You feel that the quality level is not in the direction of luxury.
For more of his automotive exploits, you can follow Danny on Instagram @DKorecki and subscribe to his YouTube channel, Danny Drives.