Subaru has offered hybrid versions of the Forester in other markets for years, but an electrified version of the popular compact crossover is finally coming to the U.S., and a prototype has been spotted for the first time.
It's based on the current sixth-generation Forester which made its debut last year as a 2025 model. The new Forester Hybrid is due to start sales next year as a 2025 model.
Apart from confirming plans for the Forester Hybrid during last year's launch of the regular Forester, Subaru has said little on what to expect.
However, under the hood is expected to sit a new hybrid powertrain developed in a partnership with Toyota. Mazda is also involved in the partnership which was announced earlier this year.
Subaru Strong Hybrid powertrain
Referred to by Subaru as a “Strong Hybrid,” the new powertrain has already debuted in a Crosstrek Hybrid in Japan, and combines a hybrid-optimized version of Subaru's signature 2.5-liter flat-4 engine with an electric motor and battery developed by Toyota.
Compared with Subaru's previous hybrid powertrains, the electric motor in the Strong Hybrid setup delivers a lot more power to enable the vehicle to travel on electric power for longer and leave the gas engine to operate more of the time in its most efficient bands, even serving purely as a generator at some points. Drive still goes to all four wheels via a mechanical all-wheel-drive system.
In the Crosstrek Hybrid launched in Japan, the 2.5-liter flat-4 delivers 158 hp on its own while the electric motor delivers 88 hp. The battery has a capacity of 1.1 kwh. Subaru hasn't revealed full details but said the new Crosstrek Hybrid will use roughly 20% less gas than its predecessor while being able to deliver a 0-60 mph time that's two seconds quicker.
The Forester Hybrid isn't the only new addition coming to the Forester lineup. A more rugged Forester Wilderness model is also expected to join the lineup shortly. Like the previous Forester Wilderness, the new one should come with extra ground clearance and off-road tires.
