When in Rome, one should embrace the ways of the locals. With a ski trip on the horizon in Winter Park, Colorado, I decided to opt for the state’s unofficial vehicle of choice* (*which isn’t actually a designation), a Subaru, to tackle the mountain conditions. I was granted access to a 2025 Subaru Forester Sport in a striking Sapphire Blue Pearl. My objective was to uncover the reasons behind Coloradans’ preference for Subarus.
I spent an entire week with the Forester Sport, enduring the chilly weather and snow while shuttling back and forth to Mary Jane ski resort and making my way to the airport during a snowstorm. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of the new Forester Sport.
2025 Subaru Forester Sport
Starting at $36,030, which includes a $1,420 destination fee, the Forester Sport offers substantial value for the price and stands out as our top recommendation. This model upgrades the standard dual 7.0-inch touchscreens seen in the lower Premium model to a single 11.6-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also features enhanced soft-touch materials, synthetic leather in place of fabric upholstery, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat instead of manual adjustment. Standard offerings include a trial for satellite radio, a wifi hotspot, heated front seats and mirrors, keyless entry, roof rails, and a sunroof. The ‘Sport’ nomenclature is reflected in the 19-inch bronze-trimmed alloy wheels (up from 17-inches), distinctive chrome and bronze badges, black exterior trim, paddle shifters for a sportier feel, and Subaru’s dual-function X-Mode system which includes a Deep Snow/Mud setting to enhance performance on slippery surfaces.
Under the hood, the Forester Sport is equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-4 engine that produces a modest 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. This power drives all four wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) featuring eight simulated gear shifts. While this falls short in power compared to many rivals like the popular Toyota RAV4, the inclusion of simulated gear shifts can alleviate some of the typical CVT issues. However, the Forester Sport still exhibits a rubbery sensation when transitioning between ratios and struggles to accelerate quickly, especially at the high altitude of Winter Park, which sits at 8,800 feet. The Forester Sport incorporates Subaru’s Si Drive with Intelligent (I) and Sport Sharp (S#) driving modes. The default mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while S# provides sharper throttle response and higher revs. Unfortunately, S# mode doesn’t enhance power, which left me wanting during certain situations requiring acceleration.
The Forester Sport comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive, making it well-prepared for mountainous terrain. This system dynamically allocates power to the wheels with more grip and features an X-Mode system offering Normal, Snow/Dirt, and Deep Snow/Mud settings. The X modes utilize stability control to minimize wheel spin, optimizing power distribution to the wheels in contact with the ground. It also modifies gear ratios and engine output for maximum traction, with the Deep Snow/Mud mode capable of disabling traction control to facilitate movement in slippery conditions.
I found the Normal mode sufficient for navigating wet roads, routes covered in packed snow, and even the highway amidst a snowstorm, thanks to the Bridgestone Turanza EL450 tires. If fresh powder had fallen, I would have explored the various modes for improved traction. While the Bridgestones performed adequately, for those residing in the mountains, more aggressive all-season tires like the Michelin CrossClimate2 or dedicated snow tires may be preferable.
A ski excursion typically involves packing significant gear, including a large suitcase, boot bag, ski bag, and a backpack. Fortunately, all of these fit comfortably within the Subaru’s cargo area, which offers a generous 27.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expands to 69.1 cubic feet when those seats are folded down. While I didn’t utilize the rear seating, it provides 39.4 inches of legroom, making it suitable for adult passengers.
With temperatures occasionally dipping to around 5 degrees, I found myself longing for the soothing warmth of a heated steering wheel (although the seat heaters were a welcome feature). Additionally, the combination of dirt and snow on the roads resulted in dimmed headlights, making a headlight washer an advisable addition; I resorted to rinsing them with snow instead.
These are minor concerns overall. The Forester Sport proves itself capable for mountain driving and aligns well with an active lifestyle. Coloradans certainly know their vehicles.
Base price: $36,030, including a $1,420 destination fee
Price as tested: $37,730
Drivetrain: 180-hp 2.5-liter flat-4, AWD
EPA fuel economy: 25/32/28 mpg
The pros: Excellent for active lifestyles and family value, spacious interior, reliable all-wheel drive
The cons: Rubber-like transmission feel, average power, missing some features for harsh weather conditions
Image Source: The Global Guy / Shutterstock
