Subaru Forester delivered the strongest performance in Subaru of America’s June sales report, helping drive the automaker to a significant year-over-year increase. The compact SUV remained the brand’s top-selling model for a sixth straight month, underscoring its growing importance as other parts of the lineup continue to face mixed results.
Forester Powers Subaru’s Strong June Performance
Subaru of America reported June sales of 54,909 vehicles, representing an 18.1% increase compared with the same month last year.
The Forester accounted for much of that momentum, with 16,288 units sold in June, a 43.6% year-over-year increase. The model finished as Subaru’s highest-volume vehicle for the sixth consecutive month.
Subaru’s top-selling models in June were:
- Subaru Forester: 16,288
- Subaru Crosstrek: 16,050
- Subaru Outback: 14,074
- Subaru Ascent: 3,678
- Subaru Impreza: 1,449
The Crosstrek recorded its best June ever, finishing just behind the Forester. The redesigned Outback posted a 32.7% increase as its new generation reached dealerships. The WRX also posted a sharp gain, rising 252.3% year over year to 1,233 units following a softer comparison a year earlier.
Forester Remains Subaru’s Bright Spot in 2025
During the first six months of the year, Subaru sold 107,854 Foresters, an increase of 12.4% from the same period last year. According to the reported figures, it is essentially the only major nameplate in the lineup showing year-to-date growth.
Other models have moved in the opposite direction. The Outback is down 14.1% for the year despite its strong June performance, while the Ascent has declined 8.7%. The aging Impreza and Legacy sedans have fallen 44% and 80.5%, respectively.
Features and Pricing Continue to Support Demand
Subaru introduced the sixth-generation Forester for the 2025 model year, and buyers have responded positively.
The model continues to offer standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the latest EyeSight driver-assist suite, and its upright design that provides strong outward visibility. The carryover 2.5-liter flat-four engine produces 180 horsepower and delivers up to 33 mpg on the highway, or about 29 mpg combined in the popular Premium trim.
The gasoline-powered Forester starts at approximately $31,445, including destination. Subaru also noted that the model was named a 2026 Consumer Reports Top Pick and ranks first for projected resale value in its class.
Expanded Forester Lineup Broadens Customer Appeal
The latest generation also expands buyer choice with the addition of a Forester Hybrid and a Wilderness variant.
The Forester Hybrid combines the boxer engine with an electric motor to produce 194 combined horsepower and carries an EPA-rated 35 mpg combined. The Forester Wilderness offers 9.3 inches of ground clearance for customers seeking additional off-road capability.
According to the reported sales data, the broader lineup allows the Forester to appeal to buyers focused on efficiency, adventure, and value.
Forester Plays a Central Role During Lineup Transition
The Forester’s performance comes as Subaru’s broader lineup continues to evolve. Hybrid and electric models represented more than 20% of the brand’s June sales, placing the electrified Forester in a favorable position as demand shifts.
At the same time, the Outback is continuing its transition to a new generation, the sedan lineup has continued to decline, the Solterra EV has fallen sharply, and newer nameplates such as the Trailseeker and Uncharted are only beginning to increase production.
Against that backdrop, the Forester’s sustained sales growth has become a key contributor to Subaru’s overall performance, helping support the automaker’s year-to-date results as other models experience uneven demand.
