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The All-New Subaru Forester Hybrid, More Questions And New Answers

We know Subaru is offering an all-new next-generation 205 Forester Hybrid. But will it be a conventional Hybrid or a Plug-In Hybrid? That's the question now. Here’s why you’ll want to know.
2025 Subaru Forester

I recently reported that a new Subaru Forester Hybrid is coming. However, details of the new Forester Hybrid were leaked in an email sent to owners. They slipped and said it was a Forester Plug-In Hybrid. Then they sent out a corrected version saying the first email incorrectly identified comments made by Subaru President and CEO Atsushi Osaki about the 2025 Subaru Forester. Check out my report here.

Subaru customers have been waiting for a Subaru Hybrid, and as I reported earlier, it's coming next spring of 2025, possibly as a 2026 model-year vehicle. 

Subaru Forester Hybrid Is On the Way

But the question is, will it be a conventional Hybrid or a Plug-In Hybrid? "Ahead of the formal walk-around of the 2025 Subaru Forester at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Atsushi Osaki, President and CEO of Subaru Corporation, announced that Subaru will debut an all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid." He did not specify which one it would be. 

Subaru of America says," Details haven't been announced other than to note that it's the first-ever hybrid Forester and that the Subaru Forester Hybrid will be available about a year after the conventionally powered Forester goes on sale. The all-new Forester is expected in showrooms in Spring 2024."

Subaru is tight-lipped about the next-generation Forester Hybrid and whether it's a Plug-In Hybrid. Subaru always keeps things close to the vest and does not openly share new model information, so I'm not surprised.

Forester Hybrid Vs. Forester Plug-In Hybrid 

What's the difference between a conventional hybrid and a Plug-In Hybrid?

There's a significant difference that will affect customers who buy one. A conventional Forester hybrid has a Subaru Boxer internal combustion engine and an electric motor that work together to run the vehicle. 

Subaru could use the smaller 2.0-liter engine or the 2.5-liter. Subaru also has a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine that is now available in some Japanese spec vehicles. They may use it to power the new Forester Hybrid. 

In a conventional hybrid vehicle, the battery does not need to be recharged between trips. It recharges automatically, usually with regenerative brakes doing the work. 

Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs) are a different animal. They also have an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, but their chargeable batteries are utilized first. This allows customers to use electric power for shower trips. 

Subaru will use one of its gasoline-powered engines or the turbocharged engine in a PHEV. The gas-powered Subaru Boxer engine kicks in once the batteries are depleted, and then you run on full gas mode until you stop and recharge the battery.

Customers will get improved fuel mileage. If the 2025 Forester is a Plug-In Hybrid, it can run on full electric power until the battery is depleted. A Plug-In Forester Hybrid is going to have improved overall fuel efficiency.

Hybrid Vehicles Are More Reliable

In my research, I've found that hybrid vehicles are the most reliable powertrain. According to Consumer Reports, hybrids experience 26 percent fewer problems on average than their gasoline counterparts, making them a top choice for those seeking dependability.

It's important to note that Toyota's Plug-In Hybrids stand out in reliability. These include the Lexus UX and NX Hybrid, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Highlander Hybrid, and the RAV4 Hybrid.

I would say it will benefit Subaru significantly because they will use Toyota technology to develop the new Forester hybrid. Toyota has excellent Hybrid technology, and Subaru has the advantage of years of expertise to draw on.

Will Subaru use Toyota's Plug-In Hybrid or conventional Hybrid technology? We will know for sure when it arrives next spring. Subaru will likely make the official announcement late this year. Stay tuned. 

IT'S YOUR TURN

Will you wait for the new Forester Hybrid or stay with a gas-engine model? Click the red Add New Comment link below to let us know.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Forester Hybrid story. See you tomorrow for my latest report.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News contributing reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand, and I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time. 

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

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Comments

Steve Colton (not verified)    May 1, 2024 - 10:54AM

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2013 Ford Fusion hybrid ordered new specfically without $7,000 plug-in option or dreadful Microsoft sourced center screen. Zero, yes 0, reliability issues over 100k mi. A few recalls which was fine for a first yr new model. One major problem with plug-in then was 700 pound additional battery and reduction of barely adequate trunk space. Solve these three issues and I'm in.

Ryan (not verified)    May 1, 2024 - 2:49PM

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I hope they stick with traditional hybrids over the plug-in to keep costs down. Between the federal PoS credits and state rebates on EVs, it's probably going to be cheaper to buy a Model Y than the new Forester Hybrid (even as a traditional hybrid), which I see as a problem for Subaru. Granted, EVs do not make sense for everyone and Teslas still have quality control issues, but price points matter, essentially for comparisons sake.

I don't think any Forester priced near/over 40K would represent a good value, which has been a staple of the brand. You're knocking on the door of a Highlander Hybrid, which is objectively better in just about every way.

Paul Schwartz (not verified)    May 1, 2024 - 8:23PM

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I'll wait for a plug in hybrid if my 2014 Forester lasts long enough. If it dies before the new model is available I'll look at Toyota.

Jim Graul (not verified)    May 2, 2024 - 10:46AM

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I am hoping that Subaru will develop a PHEV Forester in the near future. I will be needing a new Forester in 2 years and would like it to be a PHEV.

Gary Ballew (not verified)    May 3, 2024 - 3:27PM

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I have a 2020 Forest and haven’t spent one extra dime on it. I get 33 miles a gallon overall. It’s got 45,000 miles on it. My question is , will the new Forest give me 10 to 15 miles per gallon more for the extra money? I have owned three already, with no problems. Gary Ballew

Larry j (not verified)    May 5, 2024 - 4:31PM

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Was thinking about getting a new Forester this year but if I knew the new Forester hybrid was going to be a conventional hybrid I would wait , no interest in a plug in electric hybrid! ☹️
Maybe I'll look at the Toyota's this year instead of waiting.