2025 Subaru Forester STI Sport review

4 days ago 17
  • Doors and Seats

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    NA

  • Engine

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    NA

  • Engine Power

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    136kW, 239Nm

  • Fuel

    FuelIcon

    Petrol 7.4L/100KM

  • Transmission

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    NA

  • Warranty

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    NA

  • Ancap Safety

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    5/5 star (2019)

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Cecilia Distefano

The latest Subaru Forester gets the STI treatment, but does the likeable SUV deliver more than just a badge?

subaru-forester

Likes

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Dialled-in suspension and handling

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Plush nappa leather upholstery

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Spacious and practical family car

Dislikes

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Same power output as other variants

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A steep price point challenges its value proposition 

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Outdated infotainment tech

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2025 Subaru Forester STI Sport

The iconic STI badge makes a comeback with the current Subaru Forester as it enters run-out ahead of a new model due in early 2025, but don’t expect a blast of early 2000s nostalgia. Forget the turbocharged engine and aggressive styling, Subaru has taken a more subdued approach to this STI-badged Forester.

While big wheels and bold body kits are absent, the Forester STI Sport offers black exterior accents, nappa leather upholstery, and a suspension system finely tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI). Limited numbers are available, and Subaru Australia is already calling it a future collector's item.

So, does this restrained evolution spell disappointment, or is there more beneath the surface? We get behind the wheel to find out.

How much is a Subaru Forester?

With a starting price of $48,640 before on-road costs, the Forester STI Sport takes its place at the top of Subaru’s non-hybrid Forester line-up, positioned between the 2.5i-S and the more expensive Forester Hybrid S.

The 2.5i-S, priced at $47,140 before on-road costs, comes equipped with features like automatic LED headlights, a power tailgate, a sunroof, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, and heated front seats.

For an additional $1500, the STI Sport adds black and red nappa leather upholstery, red stitching on the steering wheel and dashboard, dark grey alloy wheels, black exterior trims, and STI branding in the instrument cluster and tailgate.

Subaru’s hybrid line-up starts with the Hybrid L at $44,090, while the cream of the crop, the Hybrid S, commands a $50,140 price tag before ORCs, which is $1500 dearer than the STI Sport.

In the fiercely competitive mid-size SUV market, you can get a similarly specified Mazda CX-5 G25 GT SP from $50,310, while the Nissan X-Trail ST-L 4WD is slightly cheaper at $47,290. The segment-leading Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid is marginally pricier at $48,910, although it is a hybrid. All prices listed are before on-road costs.

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Key details2025 Subaru Forester STI Sport
Price$48,640 plus on-road costs
Colour of test carCrystal White Pearl
OptionsCarpet mat set – $218
Price as tested$48,858 plus on-road costs
Drive-away price$54,244 (VIC)
RivalsMazda CX-5 |Nissan X-Trail | Toyota RAV4

How big is a Subaru Forester?

At 4640mm long, the Subaru Forester boasts an incredibly spacious cabin, with the STI Sport’s interior certainly feeling a bit more lively compared to its fellow Forester stablemates. The soft-touch surfaces and luxurious nappa leather trim elevate the interior, giving it a plush, high-quality feel.

The huge sunroof keeps the entire cabin bright and cheerful too. Even the doors and compartment lids are reassuringly heavy, adding to the car’s perceived quality. Although, the buttons below the infotainment screen feel cheap as they wobble around a bit when you press them.

Storage solutions are clever, with features like a glasses holder integrated into the front of the centre console lid – perfect for someone like me who regularly switches between sunglasses and regular specs – and a neat coin holder inside the centre console lid. You also have big bottle holders in all doors and a nook for your phone.

Adding to the convenience are physical climate controls, which many of us will appreciate over being buried in the infotainment touchscreen. That’s a big plus for me.

subaru-forester

2025 Subaru Forester

Practicality extends to the rear, where the 498-litre boot space offers ample room for everyday needs. While it falls short of the segment leaders like the Nissan X-Trail (585L) and Toyota RAV4 (542L), it comfortably outdoes the Mazda CX-5’s 438L.

Folding down the second-row seats (in a 60/40 split) is easy-peasy thanks to controls near the electric tailgate. This expands storage space to 1060L, or up to a cavernous 1740L when loaded to the ceiling.

Beneath the boot floor is a full-sized spare tyre – handy if you’re camping or adventuring in the middle of nowhere and get a flat. The full-size spare ensures you can keep going without the limitations of a space-saver tyre, which often comes with speed and distance restrictions.

2025 Subaru Forester STI Sport
SeatsFive
Boot volume498L seats up 
1060L seats folded (to window line)
1740L seats folded (to ceiling)
Length4640mm
Width1815mm
Height1730mm
Wheelbase2670mm

Does the Subaru Forester have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

The Forester’s technology offering is a mixed bag, combining straightforward functionality with some outdated elements. The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is purely for entertainment – no buried climate controls or overly complicated vehicle settings here – which makes it refreshingly intuitive and easy to use. The screen itself is bright and colourful, but the physical buttons below for menus like apps and maps feel cheap and detract from the overall experience.

There’s also a 6.3-inch multifunction display, which allows you to cycle through different pieces of information on the car’s running status and also displays the side and front view monitors when parking, which is pretty neat. On a personal note, I’m not a fan of the font used throughout the system. I think I get the edgy vibe Subaru is going for, but for me, a simple sans-serif font would make the interface more sleek and feel less busy.

The Forester is equipped with AM/FM/DAB+ radio, satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Connectivity options are dated, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and USB-A ports feeling behind the times compared to competitors. In saying that, though, they do work really well. I was able to connect my phone via Bluetooth in seconds and it worked seamlessly throughout the duration of the test.

The compact 4.2-inch digital cluster display, while functional and customisable, also makes the car feel older than it is. Information is well presented across multiple formats, and though it can initially feel overwhelming, it quickly becomes second nature to locate details on the go like temperature settings or the time.

Overall, the Forester’s tech is practical and user-friendly, but it lacks the polish and modernity seen in rival offerings, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

Subaru currently does not offer a smartphone app to track the vehicle’s location, unlock the doors, or control other functions.

Is the Subaru Forester a safe car?

The Subaru Forester boasts a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating based on its 2019 assessment. It achieved an impressive 94 per cent for adult occupant protection and 86 per cent for child occupant protection. The vehicle also received a respectable 78 per cent for its safety assist systems and 80 per cent for vulnerable road user protection.

Occupant protection is further enhanced by seven airbags, including dual frontal, side chest, curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag.

What safety technology does the Subaru Forester have?

The Forester STI Sport is equipped with a suite of active safety technologies, including lane-keep assist, driver attention monitoring, automatic reverse braking, and Subaru’s driver monitoring system. These systems generally perform well and contribute to a safer driving experience.

Lane-keep assist, for instance, feels relatively precise and only intervenes when the vehicle approaches the edge of the lane, avoiding unnecessary alerts. Similarly, speed warning systems are non-intrusive, chiming only when genuinely needed.

The driver attention monitoring system is effective but occasionally overzealous, issuing reminders to keep your eyes on the road even when you’re performing legitimate tasks like adjusting climate controls or doing a head check. In the Forester STI Sport the internal camera can also be used as a facial recognition system to recall the driver's preferred settings.

Parking is made easier with a nifty camera system that offers front and side views, though a 360-degree camera would be a welcome addition. The front sensors, however, can be overly sensitive, beeping when obstacles are obviously still a fair distance away.

A standout feature is the bright LED headlights, standard across the Forester range. These include an active cornering function that adjusts the beam direction based on steering input, significantly improving visibility around bends – perfect for night-time drives on winding roads.

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)Yes Includes cyclist, pedestrian, night-time awareness
Adaptive Cruise ControlYes
Blind Spot AlertYesAlert only
Rear Cross-Traffic AlertYesAlert only
Lane AssistanceYesLane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centring function
Road Sign RecognitionYesAlert only
Driver Attention WarningYesIncludes driver monitoring camera
Cameras & SensorsYesFront and rear sensors, reverse camera, side and front view monitor

How much does the Subaru Forester cost to run?

The Forester STI Sport comes with Subaru’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, along with a year of roadside assistance for added peace of mind. However, running costs are slightly higher than some rivals.

Service intervals are set at 12 months or 12,500km, which is shorter than the 15,000km intervals offered by many competitors. Over three years, servicing totals $1387, or $2675 over five years. For comparison, the Mazda CX-5 costs $2576 over five years, while the Toyota RAV4 is significantly cheaper at just $1300 over the same period.

A quote for comprehensive insurance for the Subaru Forester came to $1542 per annum. This is a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.

On this front, the Forester is cheaper than most rivals, including the Mazda CX-5 at $1654 per annum and even undercuts the Toyota RAV4, which will cost $1704 to insure per annum.

At a glance2025 Subaru Forester STI Sport
WarrantyFive years, unlimited km
Service intervals12 months or 12,500km
Servicing costs$1387 (3 years)
$2675 (5 years)

Is the Subaru Forester fuel-efficient? 

The Forester STI Sport’s fuel efficiency is reasonable for a mid-size SUV. Subaru claims the Forester achieves 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in urban driving and 7.4L/100km on a combined cycle.

During testing, the Forester returned a low of 8.6L/100km after a day of driving through regional Victoria. However, after a week of mixed driving, the real-world figure settled at 9.2L/100km, closely aligning with Subaru’s urban claim.

While its consumption isn’t class-leading, the Forester runs on regular 91-octane unleaded fuel, keeping fuel costs manageable.

Fuel efficiency2025 Subaru Forester STI Sport
Fuel cons. (claimed)7.4L/100km
Fuel cons. (on test)9.2L/100km
Fuel type91-octane unleaded
Fuel tank size63L

What is the Subaru Forester like to drive?

The Forester STI Sport doesn’t deliver the performance of the STIs of yesteryear, but it offers a confident and easy driving experience.

Powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine producing 136kW and 239Nm, it’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that gets the job done, even if it doesn’t wow on paper. The familiar Subaru engine rumble is certainly present for those familiar with the brand.

The 'S/I' (Sport and Intelligent) drive modes offer only subtle differences, with Sport mode delivering slightly quicker acceleration, but it’s certainly not transformative. There are also drive modes for off-road conditions like mud and snow, making it a great companion for adventurers tackling unsealed paths.

At the same time, the Forester feels very comfortable navigating busy city streets, thanks to its excellent visibility and responsive handling. The STI-tuned suspension dampers keep the ride composed over uneven roads, with little to no body roll through corners.

Steering is light, which may appeal to some, but lacks the feedback drivers like myself might prefer.

Overall, the driving experience is simple yet pleasant, with just enough refinement to make it enjoyable for a wide range of drivers, whether you’re commuting, road-tripping, or heading off the beaten track.

Key details2025 Subaru Forester STI Sport
Engine2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power136kW @ 5800rpm
Torque239Nm @ 4400rpm
Drive typeAll-wheel drive
TransmissionContinuously variable automatic
Power-to-weight ratio86.3kW/t
Weight (tare)1576kg
Spare tyre typeFull-size
Payload647kg
Tow rating1800kg braked 
750kg unbraked
Turning circle10.8m

Can a Subaru Forester tow?

The Subaru Forester STI Sport offers enough towing capability to make it a practical choice for weekend getaways or light-duty hauling.

With a maximum braked towing capacity of 1800kg, it can handle items like small caravans, boats, or trailers, while the unbraked capacity of 750kg is ideal for lighter loads. The 647kg payload would accommodate passengers, luggage, and gear quite comfortably.

Should I buy a Subaru Forester?

The Subaru Forester is a highly practical and capable mid-size SUV, and could be an excellent choice for those who enjoy outdoor adventures or camping trips. Its off-road capability, spacious interior, and no-fuss practicality may tick all the right boxes for families or individuals seeking a dependable companion for everyday use and weekend escapes.

However, when it comes to the STI Sport variant, it’s not the most compelling option in the range. While it offers sharper handling and premium touches like nappa leather, its higher price doesn’t come with significant performance gains.

For most buyers, a less expensive Forester variant with the standard suspension tune and a simpler interior will meet family needs just as effectively while saving a bit of coin.

Subaru Forester cars for sale

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For Sale

2024 Subaru Forester

2.5L SUV 4WD

$43,875

Drive Away

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For Sale

2022 Subaru Forester

2.5L SUV 4WD

$41,190

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For Sale

2023 Subaru Forester

50 Years Edition 2.5L SUV 4WD

$41,077

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For Sale

2022 Subaru Forester

2.5L SUV 4WD

$34,485

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For Sale

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$40,994

Drive Away

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For Sale

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2.0L SUV 4WD Hybrid

$43,975

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For Sale

2022 Subaru Forester

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$42,220

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NusedSmall

For Sale

2022 Subaru Forester

2.5L SUV 4WD

$38,672

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How do I buy a Subaru Forester? The next steps.

The next-generation Forester is just around the corner, and with it may come a price hike. If the current model is on your radar, and budget constraints are a factor, now might be the time to secure a deal.

If you’re drawn to the STI Sport’s unique styling and features, it’s worth considering – but keep in mind that the Forester’s core strengths are available across the range, and can be had for less.

The next step on the purchase journey is to check the Subaru website to book a test drive of your preferred Forester variant or use the configurator to build your own.

Subaru tells us the Forester is readily available across the country. You can also find Subarus for sale at Drive Marketplace.

For the latest updates since this article was published, you'll find all the Subaru Forester news here.

Ratings Breakdown

2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport Wagon

7.5/ 10

Infotainment & Connectivity

Interior Comfort & Packaging

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