Subaru is making a strategic pivot in its electrification strategy, announcing the introduction of the highly anticipated Subaru Forester Hybrid while discontinuing the Solterra EV in the Canadian market.
New Subaru Forester Hybrid: A Game-Changer for 2025
The Canadian-spec Forester Hybrid will feature several market-specific enhancements to handle the country’s diverse climate conditions. According to Subaru Canada, the hybrid model will include:
- Enhanced cold-weather battery performance with a dedicated thermal management system
- Standard X-MODE with Deep Snow/Mud mode for challenging Canadian terrain
- Upgraded heating system for improved winter operation
According to Driving.ca, the hybrid powertrain will generate a combined output of 196 horsepower — a notable upgrade from the current gas-only model that maintains Subaru’s signature performance and capability.
The Forester Hybrid will be priced from $38,995 for the base Convenience trim to $46,995 for the Premier trim. These prices make it a strong competitor against other hybrid SUVs in the Canadian market, including the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid.
Expected fuel economy for the Canadian market is approximately 6.9 L/100 km combined, pending official certification from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
Understanding the Hybrid System
The new Forester’s hybrid system combines two power sources: a traditional gasoline engine and an electric motor. Think of it as having two hearts working together to make the vehicle move more efficiently.
Unlike fully electric vehicles that need to be plugged in, this hybrid system is “self-charging” – meaning it generates and stores its own electricity while you drive. When you brake or coast downhill, the system captures energy that would normally be wasted and stores it in the battery for later use.
The system automatically chooses the most efficient power source for your driving conditions. For example, when you’re stuck in city traffic, it might use more electric power to save fuel. But when you need to climb a steep hill, both the gasoline engine and electric motor work together to provide maximum power.
Solterra’s Canadian Exit
Alongside the Forester Hybrid launch, Subaru is withdrawing the Solterra EV from the Canadian market. The all-electric SUV, which sold 1,616 units in the first nine months of 2024 (up from 1,376 in 2023), will be discontinued after the 2024 model year in Canada.
The decision stems from broader EV market challenges, particularly consumer concerns about charging infrastructure and winter range performance in Canada’s cold climate. This shift enables Subaru to concentrate on hybrid technology—which Canadian consumers generally view as a more practical transition to electrification.
Market Analysis and Future Direction
According to Subaru Canada’s official website, the 2025 Forester Hybrid will be priced from $38,995 CAD for the base Convenience trim to $46,995 CAD for the Premier trim. These competitive price points position it strategically against other hybrid SUVs in the Canadian market, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (starting at $36,790 CAD) and Honda CR-V Hybrid (starting at $40,075 CAD)
Sales data from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants shows growing demand for hybrid vehicles in Canada, with hybrid SUV sales increasing by 28% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This market trend supports Subaru’s strategic decision to introduce the Forester Hybrid while phasing out the fully electric Solterra.
