By: Uday Mohan
December 1, 2025
I slid into the 2025 Subaru Forester e-BOXER Hybrid with equal parts curiosity and skepticism. Subaru has built its reputation on rugged reliability, and the e-BOXER trim promises a greener bend on that legacy. I wasn’t here for the marketing pitch. I wanted to feel what this thing actually does. And feel it I did, though not always in the ways I expected.
From the outside, the Forester sticks to what Subaru knows. It’s fresh enough to look up to date, but unmistakably familiar. The styling won’t shock anyone, nor will it upset the purists. Muscular lines and a confident stance give it presence, but there’s no dramatic reinvention happening. It’s a quiet evolution rather than a revolution.
Inside, things get more complicated. The cabin mixes suede and leather touches with a surprising amount of hard plastics that feel more mid-2000s than modern. Space is a strong point. The second row is genuinely comfortable with heated seats and loads of legroom, and the cargo area swallows whatever you throw at it. The overall vibe, though, lands in an odd place: not quite premium, not quite basic. Just… somewhere in between.
The vertically stacked infotainment screen fits the dashboard well, but the software feels dated. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are appreciated, and the Bose system is crisp enough to make XM radio sound alive. The interface itself, though, is sluggish and chopped into four quadrants that take time to decode. It works, but there’s no excitement or refinement to it.
Driving the e-BOXER is a mix of strengths and compromises. The CVT is excellent—smooth, predictable, and quiet. The transition between EV power and internal combustion is nearly seamless, which speaks to the engineering behind the hybrid system. Fuel efficiency is strong, especially for something with real ground clearance. But the drive feel is where things muddy up.
Steering is loose and numb, and the suspension can feel unsettled on uneven surfaces. It doesn’t beat you up, but it never feels planted. The raised ride height likely plays a role, but whatever the reason, it doesn’t deliver the stability you expect from Subaru. Drive modes—Intelligent (I) and Sport (S)—don’t help much. Subaru’s SI-DRIVE system promises tailored throttle and sharper response, but in daily use, the difference is barely noticeable. It’s a great brochure feature that quietly fades into the background once you’re behind the wheel.
One major miss is regenerative braking control. Most hybrids let you adjust how much regen you want, or at least deliver natural engine braking. Here, unless you’re pressing the brake pedal, there’s almost none. It feels like the car is coasting in neutral, which is disconcerting if you’re used to hybrids offering some form of deceleration without braking. For a trim meant to highlight efficiency and control, it’s a surprising omission.
Subaru’s EyeSight suite is standard, and the new wide-angle mono camera improves pedestrian and cyclist detection. It works quietly and consistently, adding a layer of safety without nagging. Dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a wireless charging pad round out the comfort features, though spotting an AUX port in 2025 feels like stepping into a time capsule.
There’s no spare tire—just a run-flat inflation kit. On paper, it might seem fine. In real life, especially for a brand known for adventures, it feels like a gamble.
So where does that leave the e-BOXER? It’s every bit a Forester: capable, spacious, and ready for dirt trails or daily commutes. The hybrid system adds efficiency with zero drama, and the CVT is a standout. But the numb steering, unsettled ride, dated interface, and mixed cabin materials keep it from greatness. It’s a vehicle that does many things well, but few things exceptionally. If you want a hybrid SUV that feels familiar and frugal, the e-BOXER fits the bill. Just don’t expect it to stir your soul. It’s a tool, not a toy. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Mid-Size SUV
Powertrain: 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder
Horsepower: 194 horsepower at 5,400rpm
Torque: 178 lb-ft. at 3,700rpm
Transmission: Hybrid Lineartronic CVT
Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined): 8.1L/100km / 7.4L/100km / 7.8L/100km
Observed Fuel Economy (mostly city): 6.6L/100km
Price as tested: $48,195 plus fees and taxes