[tshine]

Vehicle Details:

2025 Forester Hybrid Touring

I just purchased a 2025 Forester Touring Hybrid and have been surprised at the omission of features that I thought would be standard on the premium package. Why did Subaru elect to leave out fog lights; Home Link; and remote start? Would those features have made the list price just too high? Were they not possible because of space limitations created by newer features. If anyone knows, I hope you will share! (and yes, I know I can still remote start via my phone.)

 

[bman400]

@tshine, Welcome to the forum from DFW, TX.

Consider this:

1. Fog lights. Why do you need them? How often have you needed them? I see most drivers here in DFW drive with them on for no reason, we don't actually have much fog here.
2. Homelink? I agree it's an important feature, but nothing stops you from adding them.
3. Remote start? I am neither here nor there. I have it on my 2013 NIssan Leaf. But never missed or needed the feature. Yes it would be nice to cool/heat the vehicle before I get in. But I also don't care to pay for the extra fuel consumption. I just turn on heated seats and steering when I get in.

So from Subaru's perspective would be why install features that don't get used?

 

[TTiimm]

The US Subaru website says that the Touring Hybrid comes standard with LED fog lights.

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[FozzyX3]

All Forester Hybrids have fog lights. The only one that doesn't is the ICE base model.

Remote start is on the mySubaru app. You should have received a 3-year free subscription with the purchase of a new one.

 

[romer]

Here in the PNW we get plenty of fog and the fog lights are very useful. Volvo, in fact, adds an extra rear fog light to their cars as an added safety feature. Homelink is a wonderful creation in my view and I wouldn’t want a car without it. Are seat heaters really necessary? I mean once upon a time no cars had them. But now they’re popular. And on and on we could go with features and debate whether they’re necessary. Adaptive cruise control, adaptive high beams, moon roofs, FM radio!!!!!!

 

[AlaninBC]

As an aside, and not to hijack this thread entirely, I wonder why dash cams do not seem to be a factory option on most vehicles? On our '25, we would really like a dash cam. Having one seems to no longer be an oddity. Cheers.

 

[j3rf]

Keep in mind the Premium model is only one step above the base model trim level for US market Foresters. With the Hybrid model, I think the Premium IS the lowest trim level. Can't have everything.

Regarding remote start, Subaru does not include factory remote start systems other than the telematics subscription based service on any level of trim. A physical remote start has been an optional accessory for as long as I can remember.

 

[bman400]

.....

Regarding remote start, Subaru does not include factory remote start systems other than the telematics subscription based service on any level of trim. A physical remote start has been an optional accessory for as long as I can remember.

Even my 2014 ML 350 Bluetec didn't have Remote Start as a standard feature....

 

[FozzyX3]

And for whatever reason Subaru has always made the Homelink mirror an option for all trim levels on the Forester. Legacy/Outback and Ascent have it included with the higher trim levels.

 

[Rumrunner]

always surprised by questions like this, AFTER a purchase. doesn't anyone test drive the snot of their prospects, BEFORE purchasing?

 

[supasta]

Homelink on the 2025 Touring trim has been lengthily discussed here:

https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2025-touring-does-not-come-with-homelink-workaround-ascent-mirror-merged-thread.857521/

Physical remote start has always been an optional accessory, but it is also a selling point for MySubaru Connected Services (formerly known as Subaru Starlink)

 

[Fibber2]

Carrollton resident in my distant past, with family in Plano & Allen.

The OP identifies his hybrid as a Touring, which means that fogs should have been included on it. Go ask your salesman.

As far as the other items, well, available but not generally standard equipment.

 

[adc]

Premium is not Premium..

 

[BruceP]

My owners manual describes how to use the standard KEY FOB to 'start the hybrid system'.

I would assume if you have the HVAC controls set to where you need them... it would also heat/cool the interior.
-------------------
EDIT: Just for reference...
book name: OWNERS MANUAL, Forester Hybrid, 2025
page: 329

 

[j3rf]

My owners manual describes how to use the standard KEY FOB to 'start the hybrid system'.

book name: OWNERS MANUAL, Forester Hybrid, 2025
page: 329

@BruceP

The title of that section is:

7-5. REMOTE ENGINE START SYSTEM (Dealer Option)

And includes a picture of the separate optional accessory long range remote transmitter. Not included.

 

[Fibber2]

Getting way off topic here, but, my 2019 does have the dealer installed subaru long range transmitter remote start system. Interesting fun fact, but like Toyota systems, this vehicle can also be remote started with the standard short range fob (up to about 75 ft) thru a 3 button press sequence. And the engine does not shut down when you open the driver's door.