2025 Forester

[mikemm]

I am looking at the 2025 Subaru Forester. I like the vehicle but have seen several negative comments about the audio system and not having knobs and concerns abiut safety issues with having to use the touchscreen. I am hoping there are some people on this forum who have this model and year who can share their input.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Defender13]

I've had my Forester Premium since September of last year, loving it. It does have a volume know and if you push it in it mutes the system in case you need that quick. Due to the size of the screen I haven't experienced any safety issues, but most of the controls are on the steering wheel. My only complaint is that when driving with gloves I occasionally change the source instead of skipping forward. Obviously I wouldn't recommend changing playlists in rush hour traffic, but on long highway drives I can take short glances and find what I need without to much trouble, especially the more familiar I become with the system.

 

[mikemm]

I've had my Forester Premium since September of last year, loving it. It does have a volume know and if you push it in it mutes the system in case you need that quick. Due to the size of the screen I haven't experienced any safety issues, but most of the controls are on the steering wheel. My only complaint is that when driving with gloves I occasionally change the source instead of skipping forward. Obviously I wouldn't recommend changing playlists in rush hour traffic, but on long highway drives I can take short glances and find what I need without to much trouble, especially the more familiar I become with the system.

Appreciate the post and your experience

 

[TNForest]

You can use voice command for just about everything, don’t even have to look at the screen.

 

[mikemm]

Thanks TNForest - I am looking forward to getting the Forester

 

[TNForest]

Thanks TNForest - I am looking forward to getting the Forester

You are welcome. Lots of great “how too” videos on youtube!

 

[Dr. Bear]

I am looking at the 2025 Subaru Forester. I like the vehicle but have seen several negative comments about the audio system and not having knobs and concerns abiut safety issues with having to use the touchscreen. I am hoping there are some people on this forum who have this model and year who can share their input.

Thanks in advance.

I purchased a 2025 Forester Premium last August and find it very satisfying. Several of the knobs missing from the touch screen are replaced with steering wheel controls and voice commands.
The audio quality is relative. I own a 2013 Outback and compared to that car' s sound system, the Forester's sounds great, having an HD setting for radio stations that broadcast in that manner. The touch commands can be a bit poly and slow but usually responds in a timely manner.
I needed to replace a vehicle but, if I were you, I would get a 2026 hybrid as it has better pickup and a bit better gas mileage.
I find auto stop-start to be less than useless as I am not in an urban area.
I highly rate the Forester's driveability. It is amazingly comfortable and handles really well. Local driving gets me 29-30MPG and pure open highway/freeway has been as high 37.
My overall satisfaction is very, very high. Hope that helps.

 

[Dick Foster]

Auto stop eliminator plugs into the CAN buss and puts an end to autostop if you want it to.

 

[SJUMBA93]

Auto stop eliminator plugs into the CAN buss and puts an end to autostop if you want it to.

I am not familiar with this product. Do you have a link?