2025 SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID FAMILY REVIEW WITH CHILD SEAT INSTALLATION

EV Channels Review

The 2025 Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid offers a compelling package for families, building upon the strengths of its gasoline counterpart. Reviewers praised its comfortable cloth seats, excellent visibility thanks to large windows, and a surprisingly spacious rear seat that easily accommodates a rear-facing child seat without compromising front-seat comfort. The interior features a pleasant mix of textures and colors, though the infotainment system's laggy performance and Apple CarPlay connectivity issues were noted as significant drawbacks. The digital gauge cluster was appreciated for its informative display, but the steering was described as somewhat loose, though the reviewer became accustomed to it. While the hybrid system boosts city fuel economy, real-world highway testing averaged 30 MPG, falling short of the EPA's 35 MPG combined rating, particularly at higher Texas highway speeds. The cargo space is slightly reduced compared to the non-hybrid due to battery placement, but still offers practical utility. Priced around $38,171 as tested, it's positioned as an accessible entry into the hybrid SUV market, with its practicality and family-friendly features being key selling points despite the infotainment shortcomings.