The Ford Escape was just treated to a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year, but its future is a bit murky at the moment. Recent rumors have suggested that the Escape is set to be discontinued after the conclusion of the current model year, at which point it could be replaced on the assembly line by an all-electric vehicle wearing that name or perhaps a different moniker. One of the Escape’s rivals – the Subaru Forester – has also been treated to a redesign for 2025, but it’s now gaining some additional enhancements in the form of the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid.
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is the very first electrified version of that model, and interestingly, it follows the debut of the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid that occurred just a couple of weeks ago. Nevertheless, it’s equipped with the company’s 2.5L Boxer gas engine tuned to run the Atkinson cycle, generating 162 horsepower on its own or 194 horsepower when combined with an electric motor. Like the Crosstrek, the Forester Hybrid also utilizes a second electric motor that acts as a starter, regulates the eCVT gearbox, and doubles as a generator to replenish the 0.7 kWh battery pack.
That electric assist not only provides more power than the standard model, but also, better fuel economy, as the 2025 Subaru Forester is EPA rated to return 35 miles-per-gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, or 35 mpg combined, compared to 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined for the non-hybrid. The electrified powertrain also drives all four wheels mechanically at all times.
Other than its powertrain, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid differs from the regular model in a few other ways, as it features its own unique damper tuning to account for the added weight of the hybrid system, along with additional sound deadening material, but no spare tire to make room for the battery pack. As far as pricing goes, the entry-level Premium trim will start out at $36,415, which is around $5,000 more than the cheapest non-hybrid.
Closing the week at $9.73 per share.
Plus, up to $2,500 off, special lease deals on luxury three-row crossover.
The tech ran a red light during a test drive.
A very nice example of the sporty drop top.
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It’s too expensive’ my 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid versus a similar equipped Subaru hybrid Forrester was $ 10K less and gets even better mileage!
Yes in real world driving an Escape in my family gets 41 combined and 39 hyway with all wheel drive. Maybe that due to fact you can select all wheel drive when you need it which makes more sense.