The Subaru Forester has long been a top pick for drivers looking for a practical, safe, and adventurous SUV. For 2025, Subaru has refreshed the Forester with sharper styling, new features, and a wider range of trims to suit almost any need or budget. Choosing the best trim can seem complex since the lineup covers everything from a nicely equipped base model to a luxury-oriented Touring trim, a sporty Sport edition, and the rugged Wilderness. Each has its own blend of technology, capability, and style. In this guide, we’ll walk through the 2025 Subaru Forester trims—Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and the off-road-ready Wilderness—so you get a clear picture of what each one offers.

The Foundation: Base and Premium Trims

The lineup kicks off with the Base Forester, which delivers the essential Subaru experience: standard all-wheel drive, strong safety tech, and lots of everyday practicality. All non-hybrid Foresters, including the Base, come with a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Base rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and features LED Steering Responsive Headlights that turn as you steer for better nighttime visibility.

Inside, the Base trim is equipped with a single 7-inch dual-screen infotainment setup. This gives you easy access to functions like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. For climate, dual-zone automatic controls let both driver and passenger choose their ideal temperature. Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is standard, bringing advanced features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Lane Keep Assist.

Moving up to the Premium trim means more comfort and smarter tech. Upgrades include a large, vertically oriented 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability. The driver enjoys a 10-way power seat, while both front seats get heating. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, panoramic power moonroof, and All-Weather Package (with a windshield wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors) are included, making the Premium feel much more upscale. X-MODE® is added for enhanced performance on slick roads and mild trails by optimizing traction and engine settings with the push of a button.

Getting Sporty and Adventurous: Sport and Wilderness Trims

Craving a more dynamic appearance and additional features? The Sport trim steps things up. Unique bronze-finish 19-inch alloy wheels and Crystal Black Silica exterior accents make it stand out. Inside, you’ll find durable StarTex® water-repellent upholstery with orange stitching, perfect for active routines and messy adventures. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel let you use the CVT’s 8-speed manual mode, creating a sportier driving feel. Dual-function X-MODE® with a “Deep Snow/Mud” setting is included, so you’re ready for rougher roads or sudden storms. Standard safety is heavier here, too, adding Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Drivers who want maximum trail capability should check out the Wilderness trim, which carries over on the previous platform for 2025. The Wilderness is designed specifically for off-roading, riding higher with 9.2 inches of ground clearance, a rugged suspension, and all-terrain tires with a full-size spare. Like other non-hybrid Foresters, it uses the 2.5-liter engine with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to suspension and cooling system upgrades, it boasts a 3,000-pound towing capacity. That's double that of other trims and a strong asset for outdoor adventures. Fuel economy is lower because of its off-road setup, coming in at an EPA-estimated 25 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.

The Wilderness trim is easy to spot with hexagonal LED fog lights, an anti-glare hood decal, and Anodized Copper finish accents. Inside, you’ll find StarTex® water-repellent seats and all-weather floor mats that stand up to dirt, water, and pets. If you frequently go off the beaten path and need capability plus style, Wilderness is ready to go.

The Height of Comfort: Limited and Touring Trims

Want more luxury and advanced features? The Limited and Touring trims focus on upscale comfort and next-level conveniences. The Limited starts with everything you get in the Premium, but adds leather-trimmed seating and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The exterior stands out with smart 18-inch machine-finish alloy wheels and heated, turn signal-integrated side mirrors. For ease, the Limited includes a foot-activated power rear gate (great for loading groceries or gear hands-free), a heated steering wheel, and one-touch folding rear seatbacks for flexible cargo space.

Sitting at the very top, the Touring trim is built for maximum comfort and tech. You’ll recognize it by exclusive 19-inch dark gray wheels and satin chrome side mirror caps. Inside, the Touring features perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated rear outboard seats. Seating and mirrors offer two-position memory, so they’re always ready for different drivers. Entertainment is top-notch with a standard 11-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system and navigation baked into the 11.6-inch infotainment screen.

A notable highlight is the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, which is exclusive to the Touring trim. Using sensors and an infrared camera, this system monitors for signs of driver fatigue or distraction, providing warnings to help keep you safe. The Touring also equips a 360-Degree Surround View Monitor for full visibility when parking or navigating tight spots.

Which Forester Trim Is Your Perfect Match?

The 2025 Subaru Forester has a trim for virtually every type of driver and budget:

  • Base: Great for value-seekers who want AWD, excellent safety tech, and real practicality.
  • Premium: Adds the biggest comfort and tech upgrades for a smart price step up.
  • Sport: Appeals to drivers who love bolder style and a more responsive, adventurous ride.
  • Wilderness: Built for explorers, with serious off-road strengths, including 3,000-pound towing (thanks to special cooling and suspension), tough style, and lower fuel economy due to trail-ready hardware.
  • Limited: Brings luxury touches such as leather and premium features that make every drive feel first class.
  • Touring: The most feature-packed Forester, with top comfort, premium audio and navigation, plus exclusive safety tech like DriverFocus® and a surround-view camera.

No matter where you end up in the Forester family, you’ll get Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and long-standing reputation for safety, comfort, and versatility.