Subaru Forester is the best Family SUV of 2025: DRIVEN Car Guide AA Insurance NZ Car of the Year – Driven Car Guide
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Half of the new Forester lineup is now 'strong hybrid'.
It’s not often you hope an all-new model is not too different from the one it replaces. But that was the case with the sixth-generation Subaru Forester.
Forester was one of the original crossover-SUVs and over nearly 30 years it’s established a unique character and combination of talents: boxer engines, boxy practicality, an outstanding ride/handling setup, and off-tarmac ability that’s much better than your average “soft roader”.
New Forester keeps the faith, which automatically makes it an aspirational Kiwi family car. And yes, it even still looks a tad awkward and upright; we mean that in a caring, appreciative way.
But Forester has also raised its game in some areas that really count in a 2025 context. You can still buy conventional combustion-engine versions, but there are also now three models with a new “strong hybrid” powertrain featuring a healthy 90kW electric motor.
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No, it’s still not quite as economical as a Toyota RAV4 (with which it shapes some of its hybrid hardware). But that’s because it has that signature boxer engine and the electric motor is integrated into the transmission, meaning Forester is still AWD, all of the time. It’s a good hybrid, but Forester is still a Subaru first.
Runners up: GWM Haval H6, MG HS.
And don’t forget the Overall Winner will be announced at 7am on Friday, December 5.
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