Subaru will look to take advantage of renewed interest in hybrid cars with the launch of the 2025 Forester Hybrid next year.
Subaru’s website already has an option for claiming one and confirms that deliveries will start in the middle of next year.
Subaru has been without a hybrid vehicle, at least in the U.S., since the Crosstrek Hybrid bowed out at the end of 2023. The automaker has an electric vehicle in the form of the Solterra, but the arrival of the Forester Hybrid will mark the brand’s return to the hybrid segment.
The Forester Hybrid will be in the redesigned sixth-generation Forester that arrived earlier this year, also as a 2025 model. Subaru also offers the previous-generation Forester Wilderness for the 2025 design year.
2025 Subaru Forester
Camouflaged prototypes of the Forester Hybrid have been spotted. Judging by the prototypes, there is most likely very little to differentiate the electrified crossover from the regular model, aside from the badges.
The powertrain is believed to be a newly evolved setup known as the Subaru Strong Hybrid. Already debuting in a Crosstrek hybrid in Japan, it combines a streamlined hybrid edition of Subaru’s iconic 2. 5-liter flat-four engine with a beefier electric motor and battery than in previous Subaru hybrid systems. Electric power evolved through Toyota.
Subaru Strong Hybrid powertrain
In the Crosstrek Hybrid presented in Japan, the 2. 5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine alone develops 158 HP, while the electric motor develops 88 HP. The battery has a capacity of 1. 1 kWh. Subaru didn’t reveal all the details, but said the new Crosstrek Hybrid will consume about 20% less fuel than its predecessor while also achieving a 0-60 mph time two seconds faster.
Subaru fans have more to look forward to in the near future. A redesigned Outback has been spotted testing, and there will likely be a rugged Wilderness version of the latest Forester at some point.