A Subaru with Toyota hybrid will arrive in 2025

The first references to the Forester with a full hybrid engine are popping up in the USA. It could also arrive in Europe in mid-2025

By: Christopher Smith

Translated by: Brian Potter

Dec 29, 2024 at 4:55am ET

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We have known for some time that a full hybrid Forester is on the way. Already at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2023, Subaru of America president Jeff Walters had stated that this powertrain would arrive soon. We now know that this model will arrive in mid-2025.

On Subaru's official website for the United States, in fact, the Forester Hybrid is mentioned for the first time. And it is very likely that, after the US market launch, this variant will also debut in Europe, where hybrids - especially full hybrids - are in great demand.

Japanese alliance

Powertrain details have not yet been announced, but we do know that Toyota will be in charge of the electric motor and battery technology. This should come as no surprise, given the partnership between the two companies.

A collaboration that has already paid off for the Subaru Solterra, which shares practically everything - from styling to powertrains - with the Toyota bZ4X EV are identical.

The Forester Hybrid teaser photo on Subaru's US website

Photo by: Subaru

It is likely that this new version of the Forester will echo what we have seen on the Crosstrek Hybrid, which is currently sold in Japan. Specifically, on this model we find a 2.5-litre boxer four-cylinder with a single electric motor. This would allow the Forester to run only in electric mode for short periods at low speeds.

More power, but still 4x4

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Currently, the Forester is sold in Europe (including the UK) with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine with 150 PS mild hybrid system. The automatic transmission is continuously variable, while traction is all-wheel drive, as the tradition of the Japanese SUV dictates.

Subaru Forester 2024, the version for Europe

Photos by: Subaru

The full hybrid version should make more power available (perhaps the same 160 PS as the Crosstrek Hybrid), while fuel consumption will be lower. We expect confirmation of the CVT gearbox and four-wheel drive. The price? It could exceed the approximately £38,000 starting price for the Subaru mild hybrid.