The Subaru Forester has long been one of the brand’s bestsellers in the Philippines, known for its solid ride, capable all-wheel drive, and no-nonsense practicality. Alongside the smaller Crosstrek – previously marketed as the XV – it has formed the backbone of Subaru’s local lineup.
However, as other countries began receiving hybrid versions of these models, Filipino buyers have had to settle for conventional gasoline powertrains. That’s about to change this year.
According to our insider source, the Subaru Forester Hybrid is already in the Philippines. While it has yet to be officially unveiled, Subaru agents and dealer staff are said to be already undergoing product training for the upcoming model. This typically signals an imminent launch.
Our source did not confirm whether the Philippine-bound model is the “Strong Hybrid” variant, but there’s a high likelihood that it is. That’s the name Subaru is using for its new-generation hybrid system, co-developed with Toyota. The Strong Hybrid setup has already rolled out across multiple Subaru models in other markets, starting with the Crosstrek and Forester.
At the heart of the Subaru Forester’s Strong Hybrid system is a 2.5-liter flat-four engine, now running on the more efficient Atkinson cycle. On its own, the engine produces around 162 horsepower, slightly less than the standard gasoline version. But it’s paired with a hybrid system that adds 118 hp and 270 Nm of torque through a pair of electric motors. One motor assists with propulsion while the other feeds power to the rear wheels, preserving Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
Total system output is rated at 194 horsepower, and while Subaru hasn’t published a combined torque figure, the hybrid’s on-road performance is expected to be noticeably livelier than the standard model – without compromising the brand’s signature AWD handling.
The current gasoline-powered Subaru Forester is priced from P2.168 million. If the upcoming hybrid variant sticks closely to the Japanese-market specifications, a price bump is likely, though not excessive. Subaru may aim to keep the hybrid variant within reach of upper mainstream buyers – potentially slotting it between P2.3 and P2.5 million, depending on final specifications and tax computations. One thing’s for sure, though – it will carry a green plate.
Official pricing and specs of the Subaru Forester Hybrid have not yet been released, but with dealer training already in progress, an announcement is likely within the next couple of months. Expect a formal launch before the end of 2025, making it Subaru Philippines’ first locally available hybrid model, and potentially opening the door for more electrified Subarus in the near future.
