Its new styling may be called sophisticated, but the 2025 Subaru Forester retains the boxy, rather utilitarian look for which it is known. It’s not fast or sporty either.

But folks (especially adventurous ones to whom Subaru directs its marketing) tend to keep returning to their compact Subie crossover. For many in hilly or snowy regions, it’s the standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system which delivers consistent power to all four wheels. No front or rear bias here, waiting for sensors to detect wheel slippage.

Retirees, meanwhile, appreciate the easy access with wide-opening doors, hip-level seats and high rooflines for more headroom. And the practical-minded say it’s more about the reliability and sensibly priced parts and service. With proper care, a Subaru can deliver at least 200,000 miles, the Japanese carmaker says.

Whatever the reasons, there’s more to like in the completely redesigned, sixth-generation Forester, especially in Limited trim. It gets exterior enhancements, updated safety features and technology (including a much bigger touchscreen).

Up front is a wider grille that merges into thinner LED headlights; On the sides, angular fender flares encase the wheel wells. New trapezoid-shaped tail lights are connected by a thick black strip. A new hands-free power liftgate has stamped lettering to spell out Forester.

The powertrain is similar to last year with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. If anyone’s counting, that’s two fewer horses this time around but two more pound-feet of torque. The good news is that Subaru retuned the powerplant to boost punch at lower rpm.

The result is a quicker-than-expected launch from stoplights and onto highway ramps. It doesn’t feel as slow as it actually is — 0-60 mph in over eight seconds, and the quarter-mile in twice that. More power would help, especially for better towing capacity now at 1,500 pounds.

All Foresters have a CVT (continuously variable transmission) with an eight-gear simulation, plus paddle shifters on the steering column.

More important for the Subie brand, perhaps, is the comfortable and quiet ride. Wind and road noise are but an afterthought thanks to extra sound-deadening materials under the roof and floor — better to hear conversation or the 576-watt Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Meanwhile, a stiffer chassis (10% stiffer, says Subaru) helps improve both ride quality and handling. Forester gets a new steering system based on Subaru’s sporty WRX. It offers more precision while still light on feedback.

On slick or loose road surfaces, Forester’s dual-function X-Mode traction works with the all-wheel-drive system to maximize grip. Push the touchscreen settings for dirt/snow or deep snow/mud and the system monitors wheel spin and directs torque to the wheels in need. Forester’s ground clearance of 8.7 inches helps protect the underbody from deep ruts and rocks.

In spite of the standard AWD, Forester fares well on fuel economy: The EPA estimates 33 mpg highway, 26 city, for 29 mpg combined.

The cabin this year is decidedly more upscale, especially in Limited and Touring trims, with ventilated leather seats, a new dash with softer materials and rear camera-mirror. Odd but playful little accents dot the interior, like scattered paw prints and a tiny bird in the top corner of the windshield.

Two-tone seats feature Alcantara inserts and were redesigned for extra bolsters and comfort for backs, hips and thighs. Driver gets 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger has eight-way.

Rear seaters can’t complain with plenty of room for body parts all around. They get a comfortable fold-down armrest with cupholders, and their own AC vents and USB and USB-C ports.

But the elephant in the room — er, cabin — is the large tablet-style infotainment screen. The 11.6-inch touchscreen houses Subaru’s StarLink multimedia system and includes climate controls, too.

It gets mixed reviews. Some think it’s too big and looks like it belongs in a pickup truck, but that’s only half the story. The resolution could be better and it can be tedious to menu-hop, especially while driving. It does offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The driver can find data like speed, navigation and warnings on an exceptional Augmented Reality head-up display. The gauge cluster, steering wheel and rest of the cockpit remain largely unchanged from last year.

Cargo volume is impressive with 26 cubic feet behind the second row and nearly 75 cubes with the 60/40-split seats folded flat. That’s among the best in class. Access is easier with the new hands-free lift back — just swipe a foot under the bumper. And a rubber cargo floor is ready to protect against grungy boots, fishing and camping gear.

Safety gets a boost with the latest iteration of Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, standard on all trims. It has a wider field of view, says Subaru, and is one of the more user-friendly adaptive-cruise systems on the market.

A new feature, Emergency Stop Assist, monitors driver awareness and responds, if necessary, with alerts first and eventually stopping the car, putting on hazard lights and unlocking the doors.

The compact crossover field is a crowded one: The Mazda CX-50, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage are among the top contenders. But the Subie crowd knows what they like and the 2025 Forester delivers with a roomy, practical crossover that doesn’t shy away when the pavement ends.

2025 Subaru Forester Limited AWD

MSRP: $35,995 (Includes leather and heated seats, power liftgate, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seats and two-way lumbar)

What's all the excitement about? Redesigned inside and out; cabin now has 11.6-inch tablet-style multimedia screen

Powertrain: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder “Boxer” engine capable of 180 hp and 178 pound-feet of torque; CVT transmission with eight simulated gears

How's the performance? Standard AWD takes care of business in sand, gravel and snow; On-road ride quality, handling satisfactory; sluggish to 60 mph in nearly 8.5 seconds

Fuel economy: EPA-estimated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, for 29 mpg combined

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