eâBoxer Hybrid Powertrain & Efficiency
- The hybrid setup integrates a 162âŻhp petrol engine and one electric traction motor (118âŻhp), plus a generator motor, paired with Subaruâs Lineartronic CVT and signature Symmetrical AWD
- EPA ratings estimate 35âŻmpg combined (35 city / 34 highway) â roughly 40% better city economy than the nonâhybrid Forester
- Translated to metric, about 6.7âŻL/100âŻkm combined, with city roughly 6.8âŻL/100âŻkm and highway about 7.0âŻL/100âŻkm â better but still behind competitors like RAV4 Hybrid or Ford Escape Hybrid (~6.0âŻL/100âŻkm)
- Realâworld drivers often report lowâtoâmidâ30âŻmpg (â 7â8âŻL/100âŻkm), especially in highway or rural conditions, though city driving improves efficiency
Why the Hybrid Limited Stands Out
Efficiency & Range
- A full 63âŻL fuel tank yields up to 581 miles (ââŻ935âŻkm) of range between fillâups, thanks to improved fuel efficiency
- It delivers about 40% better efficiency in city driving vs the standard 29âŻmpg Forester
Power & OffâRoad Capability
- With 194âŻhp and 154âŻlbâft torque, it's slightly more powerful than the nonâhybridâs 180âŻhp, and retains full Symmetrical AWD, dual XâMode, and hillâdescent control for rugged terrain
- Subaruâs approach ensures electric assist does not compromise its goâanywhere capability.
Trim & Features
- The Limited Hybrid trim starts at an MSRP around $41,010 and is wellâequipped with safety tech like EyeSight driverâassist, privacy glass, animalâfree upholstery options, and more

Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Efficient city fuel economy | City mpg vs competitors is modest |
Strong AWD and offâroad capability | CVT can feel drony or sluggish |
Zero-charging hybrid convenience | Slightly heavier, less power than some rivals |
Long driving range per fill | Interior infotainment and polish lag behind peers |
Highlights:
- Ideal if you appreciate Subaruâs AWD capability and want reliable efficiency without plugging in.
- The Limited Hybrid offers a significant stepâup in economy over traditional Foresters while maintaining comfort and capability.
- Competitors like Honda CRâV Hybrid or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid edge ahead in fuel efficiency and acceleration but sacrifice some mechanical simplicity and AWD nuance
Potential Downsides:
- The CVT and hybrid system lack the crisp response or refinement found in some rivals.
- Diesel fans, cruisers or highway commuters often report lower mpg than Subaruâs claims, especially outside of stopâandâgo city driving
Conclusion
Yes, the 2025 Forester Hybrid Limited is a genuinely fuel-efficient SUV that uses Subaruâs eâBoxer hybrid architecture cleverly to enhance city efficiency and retain its allâwheelâdrive character â all without ever needing to plug in.
That said, if ultraâcompetitive fuel economy, faster acceleration, or a more refined interior are your priorities, other hybrid crossovers might offer more compelling alternatives. Still, for drivers wanting rugged reliability, long range, and Subaruâs familiar AWD DNA, itâs a smart choice.