2024 BMW X5 vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, though the M Sport treatment was not universally loved, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthy upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport model tested came with Brooklyn Grey paint and every available equipment package, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Forester focused on practicality and capability, with significant attention to styling for the new model year. The Forester gained standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with a more generic appearance. The Sport trim, tested, featured bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Limited and Touring trims had 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, respectively. The Forester maintained its large-greenhouse shape with geometric wheel arches and a more decisive side window design. The interior featured StarTex material in the Sport trim, with genuine leather in Limited and Touring trims. The cabin had a more intentional design, with structural dash elements that were attractive and not cheap-feeling.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV boasted a new mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine and a more powerful electric motor, integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The lithium-ion battery pack had a capacity of 19.2 kWh, offering 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was praised for its driving dynamics, with adaptive damping air suspension and excellent handling. It achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during testing, with impressive electric-only range and energy recuperation.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The Lineartonic CVT and Symmetrical AWD system were standard. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard on the Premium trim, improved stability and traction on challenging terrain. The Sport trim offered a dual-function X-Mode. The Forester's performance was stable and planted on various surfaces, with smooth steering and seamless X-Mode activation. The EPA rated the Forester at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slightly lower figures for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five and a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet. The split liftgate design provided a seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, standard sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, which included 20-way power-adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, and heated features. The panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades enhanced rear-seat comfort. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, standard on the Sport trim and foot-activated on Limited. The cargo space increased slightly to 29.6 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks. The Forester's roomy second row contributed to its competitive cargo volume. The interior included a dark headliner, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat on the Premium trim, and additional power adjustability and features on higher trims.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and over-the-air updates. The test vehicle had a Harman Kardon sound system, but the Intelligent Personal Assistant struggled with voice recognition, leading to navigation issues. The head-up display and augmented video function were praised, but the reduction in physical controls was seen as a drawback.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model had two 7-inch touchscreens and wired smartphone projection. Higher trims included USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Touring trim featured a voice-activated navigation system, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and additional driver-assistance features. The Starlink connected services suite offered new capabilities for 2025.

The 2024 BMW X5 added the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, effective in dense or light traffic but less so in moderate traffic. The system occasionally engaged brakes unexpectedly. The X5's driver aids operated subtly, encouraging use. The IIHS gave the X5 high ratings, but lower headlight ratings prevented a safety award. The NHTSA rated it four stars overall.

The 2025 Subaru Forester offered Emergency Stop Assist, available on the Touring trim, which engaged if the driver became unresponsive. The Forester's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology included enhancements for 2025, such as a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. The 2024 model received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, setting high expectations for the 2025 model.