2025 Subaru Forester Finally Coming to Singapore?

We’ve very recently spotted the 2025 Subaru Forester driving in and out of Subaru’s Leng Kee Road showroom, which naturally means the new Forester will be launched here very soon!

But until the people at local Subaru distributor, Motor Image, makes it official (and no longer keep us in the dark), what can we expect?

There’s been no official word from Motor Image, but if you look across the South China Sea, the Hong Kong-spec Forester might give us an indication of what’s coming our way. We’re referring to the Hong Kong spec as they’re the only market in our region that has already launched the 2025 model. And if that’s true, there’s a lot to be curious about.

First, the engine. The Hong Kong version of the 2025 Forester runs a 2.5-litre e-Boxer hybrid – a naturally aspirated flat-four paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. It’s not a plug-in, but a self-charging hybrid system designed to provide electric assistance and improve fuel efficiency without driver intervention. The engine works seamlessly with the compact motor and battery, the latter neatly packaged beneath the boot floor, to deliver low-speed electric drive, more linear acceleration and seamless energy recuperation on the move. It’s not meant to win any drag races, but for daily commutes and weekend road trips, the balance of smoothness and efficiency could be just right.

But here’s the question: Will the Singapore-spec Forester also get the same hybrid system, or will we be getting the smaller 2.0-litre - which first debuted in 2020 when Motor Image introduced the first hybrid Forester - and currently employed in both the Forester and Crosstrek?

Visually, the 2025 model has been updated just enough: A bolder grille, cleaner lines, and slightly chunkier bodywork. It still looks unmistakably like a Forester, and that’s a good thing. Over the years, Subaru has stuck to a winning formula: Tall, practical, and adventure-ready. And speaking of adventure, we also reckon the local version should retain its 220mm ground clearance and symmetrical all-wheel drive system, to give it real off-road cred in a sea of soft-roaders.

Inside, the Hong Kong-spec is no slouch either. There’s an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an upgraded version of Subaru’s EyeSight 4.0 safety suite. That means everything from adaptive cruise control and lane centering, to pre-collision braking and even an emergency stop assist function. Interesting fact: Subaru’s latest EyeSight also adds a new trick, which is a driver monitoring system that detects drowsiness or distraction. Now the million-dollar question: Will Singapore buyers get all of these features, or will some be stripped out due to cost or homologation rules?

Let’s zoom out a little. The Forester has been around since 1997, and has slowly evolved from a quirky tall wagon into a proper compact SUV. Over the years, it’s racked up praise for its excellent crash safety, rugged drivetrain, and practical packaging. It’s one of the few crossovers that feels genuinely confident off the beaten path, helped (of course) by Subaru’s symmetrical AWD and X-MODE terrain management system.

Subaru fans will also remember that the Forester once had a cult following thanks to the turbocharged variant: The Forester XT. While the newer models have shifted toward efficiency and refinement, they’ve stayed true to their ‘outdoorsy’ DNA. That’s something you can’t say about every crossover in this segment.

And here’s something else to consider: With more urban flooding (or ponding, in local lingo) and unpredictable weather, the raised ground clearance and ability to handle rough terrain isn’t just a lifestyle flex anymore - it’s peace of mind. If the Forester comes here with all its global features intact, it could become a smart, safe, and capable choice for the family who wants more than just another mall-crawler.

For now, though, we’ll have to wait and see. Will Motor Image bring in the 2.5 e-Boxer hybrid? Will it retain the full EyeSight 4.0 safety suite and driver assist tech? Will we get the same plush cabin, clever displays, and durable build?

We’re watching the Leng Kee showroom closely. And if the one we saw testing here is anything to go by, well, the wait might almost be over.

Let’s see if we can score an exclusive test-drive so you can hear it from us first!

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