2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid and Wilderness: What to Expect in Australia
The next-generation Subaru Forester is coming in mid-2025, and it’s bringing some major upgrades, including a new 'strong hybrid' powertrain and the rugged Wilderness off-road edition. While Australian availability for the Wilderness variant remains uncertain, the Forester Hybrid is expected to hit our roads, offering improved fuel efficiency and cutting-edge tech.
For those in Illawarra, Sutherland, and beyond, Tynan Subaru will be the go-to dealership for this exciting new Forester lineup when it lands in Australia.
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid: A New Electrified Era
Subaru’s 'strong hybrid' system marks a major shift for the Forester, as it replaces the 2.0L e-Boxer hybrid with a Toyota-sourced electric motor and high-voltage battery, paired with a 2.5L four-cylinder boxer engine. This series-parallel hybrid setup produces 145kW and maintains Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive (AWD) with an electronic CVT (E-CVT) transmission.
Fuel Efficiency: How Does It Compare?
Subaru claims a 25% fuel efficiency improvement over the outgoing e-Boxer hybrid, with up to 30% better mileage in urban driving. The US figures indicate:
- 6.7L/100km combined fuel consumption (compared to 6.0L/100km for the US AWD Toyota RAV4 Hybrid)
- Up to 935km driving range
While Subaru's hybrid system isn't as fuel-efficient as Toyota’s, it retains mechanical AWD, unlike the on-demand rear motor AWD setup in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Plus, the Forester Hybrid keeps essential off-road features like:✅ X-Mode system for better traction✅ Hill descent control✅ Active torque vectoring
Inside, the hybrid model boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, StarTex leather-accented upholstery, and Apple Maps integration via CarPlay.
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Tougher Than Ever
Subaru’s Wilderness range is built for serious off-roading, and the 2026 Forester Wilderness takes it up a notch. With improved ground clearance, off-road angles, and all-terrain features, it’s designed to tackle Australia’s toughest terrain—if it makes it here.
Key Upgrades:
- 236mm ground clearance – higher than the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
- 23.5° approach, 25.5° departure, 21° breakover angles – better than the standard Forester
- 10% stiffer chassis with stronger welds and adhesives
- Faster centre differential lockup for reduced wheelspin
- All-terrain Yokohama Geolander tyres on 17-inch alloys
- X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes
- Higher towing capacity: 1.6 tonnes (up from 680kg in the US model)
- Heavy-duty roof rails (363kg static, 80kg dynamic capacity)
Inside, the Wilderness adds copper accents, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and exclusive digital cluster graphics.
Australian Release and Pricing
Subaru Australia has confirmed that the Forester Hybrid will launch in mid-2025, with petrol versions also expected. The Wilderness edition remains under review, but Subaru has shown strong interest in bringing its off-road lineup to Australia.
For now, the US-market Forester Hybrid starts at $US34,995 (~$AU56,000), but Australian pricing will be confirmed closer to launch. Expect the Forester Wilderness to arrive in late 2025 if approved for our market.
Find Your Next Subaru at Tynan Subaru
If you’re in Illawarra, Sutherland, or surrounding areas, keep an eye on Tynan Subaru for the latest updates on the 2025 Forester range. Whether you’re after the fuel-efficient Hybrid or hoping for the Wilderness edition, Subaru’s latest lineup is shaping up to be one of its most exciting yet.
Stay tuned for more details as we approach the Forester’s mid-2025 Australian launch! 🚗💨
Ensure you search the Tynan stock through our link here.
Credit: Drive.com.au