All-new Subaru Forester debuts in SE Asia, but no hybrid yet

We’ve been waiting for quite a long time already for the all-new, sixth-generation Subaru Forester, but this latest development gives us something to be excited (and curious) about.

The all-new Forester has been launched at the 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), marking its debut in the Southeast Asian region. But interestingly, the crossover is being offered without a hybrid variant in Indonesia.

The sole 2.5i-S EyeSight variant is powered by a 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine that makes 185 PS and 247 Nm of torque, which is mated to a Lineartronic CVT that drives all four wheels through Subaru’s patented symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.

In North America, the all-new Forester has the next-generation Subaru Strong Hybrid System or S:HEV, where the 2.5-liter boxer uses an Atkinson cycle system, and is combined with two electric motors (generator and traction motor) to produce 194 PS.

The model launched in GIIAS looks identical to the US version. Some of the features of the Indonesia-spec version include 18-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof, an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the EyeSight ADAS system.

While that’s the case for the powertrain, it should be noted that Subaru is under a different distributor and is not being handled by Motor Image in Indonesia. Furthermore, the all-new Forester already has hybrid recognition from the Department of Energy along with the Crosstrek, so the possibility of a hybrid Forester is still very much intact for the PH market.

But just in case the all-new Forester still gets offered with a non-hybrid version once it makes its way in the country, we now have an idea of what it could look like.