Torque News Editor-in-Chief Says “Subaru’s Future Is Not EVs, It’s a Mysterious 194 HP Surprise, It’s the 2025 Forester Hybrid”

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Torque News Editor-in-Chief Armen Hareyan believes the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is the Japanese automaker's future now, and it's not EVs like the new 2026 Trailseeker EV that's coming out. 

Could he be right?  

Armen says, "Subaru has always been a brand that dances to the beat of its own Boxer engine, known for its rugged all-wheel-drive systems and unique horizontally-opposed engines. While many automakers are rushing headfirst into fully electric or even hydrogen-powered futures, Subaru is making a distinctive move."

Introducing the all-new 2025 Forester Hybrid compact SUV, a unique move by Subaru that's set to redefine the hybrid market. 

They are also making another distinctive move into EVs with the 2026 Trailseeker EV. The Forester uses Toyota's hybrid technology, along with the Trailseeker. Both vehicles are designed and manufactured by Subaru. However, significant parts of the Trailseeker EV's technology and architecture are shared with Toyota. 

The Forester is Subaru's long-standing compact SUV, the Japanese automaker's top-selling model in 2025. If Torque News' Editor-in-Chief is correct, the Forester will stay Subaru's top-selling all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Subaru is Going Hybrid 

Armen says, "They're embracing the hybrid, but with a familiar twist – announcing the 2025 Forester Hybrid, a vehicle that promises to deliver 194 horsepower while maintaining the core Subaru DNA that enthusiasts love."

"This isn't just any hybrid; it's a 'next-generation' hybrid powertrain built with the significant collaboration of Toyota. This partnership means a powerful combination of gasoline and electric engines, yet the Forester Hybrid will retain its renowned AWD capability and Boxer engine design for that signature Subaru stability."

Don't Forget About the Crosstrek Hybrid 

In January, Subaru of America introduced the all-new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid. It's coming this Fall, 2025. 

But unlike the Forester Hybrid, the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid uses a hybrid powertrain developed by Subaru, not Toyota technology. While Subaru has a business relationship with Toyota and has used Toyota's hybrid technology in the Forester, the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid features its own unique series-parallel hybrid system.  

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid utilizes some Toyota hybrid technology. Specifically, Subaru has paired its own engine and all-wheel-drive system with hybrid components sourced from Toyota. While the hybrid system is heavily modified for the Forester application, it does incorporate Toyota hybrid components. 

Why will Forester Hybrid Outsell the Crosstrek Hybrid? 

The Forester appeals to an older demographic that will have the financial resources to pay for the hybrid technology.

A recent report from Automotive News (subscription required) states that Subaru Forester buyers are older than the average in the automotive industry. The average age of a Forester buyer today is 62, compared to 60 for the auto industry. 

A younger demographic of active buyers, including mountain bikers, hikers, snowboarders, surfers, kayakers, and campers, is drawn to the Subaru Crosstrek. They are younger and have less disposable income, so they are more likely to opt for the standard gas-only powered Crosstrek. 

Back to the Forester Hybrid

Armen says, "From the Forester's updated yet still robust exterior to a tech-forward interior featuring a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and advanced safety features like emergency stop assist, Subaru is aiming for a blend of innovation and classic reliability."

The Forester and Crosstrek Hybrid Arrive At the Right Time 

Subaru made the right choice to offer the Forester and Crosstrek Hybrid trim levels. Hybrid sales are increasing, while sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are slowing. 

Armen says, "The hybrid market is booming, projected to reach over $580 billion by 2034, with Asia-Pacific leading the charge. With the 2025 Forester Hybrid hitting dealerships this spring, Subaru is positioning itself right in the heart of this growth."

It's Why Subaru Now Builds the Forester Hybrid in the U.S.  

Understanding Subaru's strategic decisions, such as the choice to manufacture the Forester Hybrid in the U.S., provides valuable insights into the company's business strategies.

• Subaru decided to manufacture the new Forester at their Lafayette, Indiana, plant for several reasons. Primarily, it's a move to enhance local production and reduce potential tariffs on imported vehicles.
• Specifically, shifting Forester production to the US plant helps Subaru avoid tariffs that could be imposed on vehicles imported from Japan. Additionally, it allows Subaru to expand its production capacity in the US, catering to the increasing demand for the Forester and its hybrid variant.
• The company also aims to lower prices and increase accessibility for North American customers by producing the Forester locally. 

Speaking of Price Increases 

As reported by Automotive News, Subaru has made price adjustments across its lineup, citing 'current market conditions' as the reason. These changes, ranging from $750 to $ 2,055 depending on the model, aim to balance increased costs while maintaining a competitive value proposition for customers.

"The changes were made to offset increased costs while maintaining a solid value proposition for the customer. Subaru pricing is not based on the country of origin of its products," Subaru said in a statement.

What is the Price of the 2025 Forester Hybrid?

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $36,595, but prices may vary depending on the trim level and options selected. The base model is the Forester Premium Hybrid. The Forester Limited Hybrid starts at $40,830, and the Forester Touring Hybrid begins at $43,115, according to Subaru. These prices exclude destination and delivery charges, which are $1,420. 

What Does Edmunds Say About the Forester Hybrid?

"The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is a real improvement over the standard Forester. It's quicker, quieter, and more comfortable, all while being significantly more efficient. Though it suffers from a lackluster infotainment system and an overall lack of polish, the Forester Hybrid is a solid choice overall for a small hybrid SUV."

How Fuel-Efficient Is the Forester Hybrid?

Kelley Blue Book reports that the new Forester Hybrid is EPA-estimated to achieve 35 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 35 mpg combined. This is significantly better than the non-hybrid Forester, which typically achieves 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The hybrid model's fuel economy is boosted by the addition of a hybrid powertrain that combines a gasoline engine with electric motors and a battery pack. 

Subaru Is Going All-In With Hybrid Technology 

Look for Subaru to also introduce Outback and Ascent hybrid trim levels for U.S. customers. While I don't know the timeline, Subaru is making a distinctive move into offering more Hybrid SUVs. It's a new strategy that the Torque News Editor-in-Chief says is the future for the small Japanese automaker. 

Check out the Torque News YouTube video: Subaru's Next Chapter Isn't EVs or Hydrogen — Just a Mysterious 194 HP Surprise.

It's Your Turn 

Do you agree with Subaru's hybrid strategy?

What are your initial thoughts on Subaru choosing a hybrid path with the Forester rather than a full EV or hydrogen vehicle for its next major release?

Do you think the collaboration with Toyota on the hybrid powertrain will enhance or dilute the traditional "Subaru feel" of the new Forester Hybrid?

Considering the rapid growth of the hybrid market, do you believe this move will solidify Subaru's position, or are they playing it too safe compared to other manufacturers that are going all-in on EVs?

Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know your thoughts. 

Check out my Subaru Outback Wilderness story: So, While Camping In My 2024 Subaru Outback In the Middle of Nowhere, I Left My Tailgate Open, and 2 Hours Later My Battery Is Dead 

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl, Torque News YouTube