Subaru Forester is the best Family SUV of 2025: DRIVEN Car Guide NZ Car of the Year

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.

Trusted by Kiwi families for generations, Forester is built for real life with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, advanced EyeSight technology, and everyday versatility.

Now smarter, safer, and more capable than ever with the new Strong Hybrid e-Boxer engine.

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.