New 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Details Leaked From Dealer Meeting

I already reported that a new Subaru Forester Hybrid is coming. But new Forester Hybrid details were leaked from the Subaru dealer meetings held during the National Automobile Dealers Association's (NADA) annual gathering.

Subaru's meetings are private and not open to the automotive press. Only Subaru retailers are allowed inside. It's a time for Subaru of America's retailers to tell the Camden, N.J. automaker their concerns. Subaru can inform its retail network about new products and upcoming plans. I cover the event every year from the outside. 

News leaked out via Automotive News (by subscription) about the new Forester Hybrid and another new Subaru electric SUV coming soon. 

Automotive News reports that Subaru told its U.S. retailers, "plans include the use of a Toyota hybrid system in the redesigned 2025 Forester." 

Subaru discontinued its only Hybrid model, the 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid, when they redesigned the Crosstrek for the 2024 model year. It was a good move because it was too expensive for subcompact SUV shoppers and only had a 17-mile all-electric range. And it was not selling well. 

Toyota designed the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid system, but it did not sell well for obvious reasons. It was too expensive and had very limited availability.  

The new Forester Hybrid is next on the radar.

The next-generation Forester Hybrid will also get Toyota Hybrid technology, but hopefully, it's an improved version of what the Crosstrek PHEV offered. If Toyota gives Subaru the excellent hybrid technology it uses in the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, the Forester will be a hot new compact SUV for Subaru of America's retailers. 

An All-New Next-Gen Subaru Forester Hybrid Emerges From The Shadows via @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #foresterhybridhttps://t.co/yEDRDk5MQd
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 20, 2023

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets 39 mpg in combined driving. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid achieves 38 mpg in hybrid mode after traveling up to 42 miles on electric power.

Subaru did not leak which powertrain the 2025 Forester Hybrid will use from the meetings. Either one would give the next-generation Forester a significant improvement in fuel mileage. 

A second Subaru electric SUV is coming.

Presently, Subaru only has one electric vehicle for retailers to sell, the slow-selling Solterra, which makes up less than 2 percent of Subaru of America's sales volume.

I previously reported on a new Subaru electric 3-Row SUV that Toyota would build in its U.S. plant. Automotive News confirms that Subaru also revealed at the dealer meetings a "new electric vehicle, such as an Ascent-sized 3-row crossover will be built by Toyota in Georgetown, Kentucky" at its newly revamped plant. 

A New Report Says An All-New Subaru 3-Row EV Is Now Planned For The U.S. via @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto #subaru #subaruev #ev https://t.co/wBtRKOpEoH pic.twitter.com/ZF3CgkqW5H
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) August 3, 2023

Toyota said this week it would invest $1.3 billion more into its massive assembly plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, to construct a line to build battery pack assemblies, according to an Automotive News report.

A Subaru spokesperson confirmed to Kelley Blue Book that a new Forester hybrid is coming, but declined to confirm the Toyota tie-up, saying "details on the powertrain will be disclosed closer to the production date."

When will the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid make its U.S. launch?

During the new 2025 Forester's unveiling, Subaru Corporation CEO Atsushi Osaki said the hybrid will arrive about a year after the redesigned model launches. So that means spring of 2026. Stay tuned. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• The Remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester - 10 All-New Hidden Interior Upgrades
• The All-New 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness Rendering - Would You Buy It?
• Where’s The New 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness? It’s A No Show

Watch The 2025 Subaru Forester Promises More AWD Capability & Future Electrification

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA