The Subaru Forester has just come off its best-ever February sales in the United States, but it couldn’t make up for an overall decline in Subaru sales. Still, this shows that the reception to the new Forester—introduced for the 2025 model year—has been positive. It’s more refined than the old one and now has the option of a hybrid powertrain. If you’re considering lease options for the Subaru Forester, there are three deals worth looking at this month. We’ll cover all the details here and compare them with the Forester’s toughest rival: the new Toyota RAV4.
This Month’s Subaru Forester Lease Deals
This month’s Subaru Forester lease offers include two 2025 models and one 2026 model. The 2025 versions are nearly identical to the 2026 ones, so you shouldn’t be put off by considering them, especially if you want to lease a more premium trim. Here are the three Forester variants you can lease this March:
- 2026 Forester Base
- 2025 Forester Premium Hybrid
- 2025 Forester Premium
The Subaru Forester’s lease price starts at $249 for the 2026 entry-level model. This 36-month lease requires $4,248 upon signing.
| 2026 Forester Base | 2025 Forester Premium Hybrid | 2025 Forester Premium | |
| Lease cost per month | $249 | $269 | $315 |
| Due at signing | $4,248 | $2,254 | $3,865 |
| Lease term | 36 months | 36 months | 36 months |
The Forester Premium Hybrid’s total lease costs of $11,938 are actually lower than the $13,212 of the base model. That’s because the hybrid deal includes a $2,000 Customer Lease Cash Rebate. Even though the 2026 base model is newer and benefits from a revised center console design for all 2026 trims, the more powerful and efficient hybrid is easily our recommended pick of these three.
All three Subaru Forester leasing deals exclude tax, licensing, and registration costs. Subaru charges $0.15/mile if you exceed the limit of 10,000 miles annually. These specific deals may not be available in your location, but you can use your zip code to check deals close to you on Subaru’s website. These lease deals are available until March 31, 2025.
Forester Lease Costs Vs. RAV4
Toyota
Toyota only recently started offering lease deals on the RAV4, which launched late last year. The base RAV4 LE is available from $299 per month over 36 months, with $3,999 due at signing. At $14,763, including the down payment, its 36-month lease costs are easily more than the base Forester’s.
The RAV4 does, however, get a standard hybrid powertrain with 226 horsepower, easily outmuscling the Forester’s standard 180-hp mill. However, if you don’t mind going for the 2025 Forester Hybrid, that has 194 hp and can still be leased for less than the base RAV4. It’s a Forester Premium, too, so has a decent number of features over and above the RAV4 LE.
The Forester Premium Hybrid has standard all-wheel drive, a panoramic power moonroof, a power driver’s seat, and heated front seats, none of which are standard on the RAV4 LE.
Toyota knows it can get away with a premium on the RAV4, given the massive demand for this compact crossover, but there’s more value to be had in leasing a Forester this month.
Final Thoughts
Subaru has made a name for itself by producing reliable, rugged, and value-oriented wagons, sedans, and SUVs, and the new Forester is no different. Although the Forester Hybrid is a bit expensive to buy outright, this month’s lease deal looks very attractive alongside the RAV4. It’s not as powerful as the Toyota, but the Forester Premium Hybrid ticks most of the boxes that matter to buyers in this category.
Subaru
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog