The 2025 Chicago Auto Show, a highlight for automotive enthusiasts, once again played host to an impressive display from Subaru, and their exhibit was a true testament to their adventurous spirit and commitment to innovation. For those who value reliability, safety, and a touch of rugged capability, the Subaru showcase was a must-see.
Stepping into the Subaru space felt like entering a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The design of the exhibit itself often evokes a sense of nature, with elements that hint at the trails and open roads where Subarus truly shine. This year was no exception, creating an inviting and immersive environment for attendees.
The Debut of the 2025 Forester Hybrid and Wilderness
Undoubtedly, the stars of the Subaru exhibit were the highly anticipated 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid and the rugged 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, which made their debut at the show.
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2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid: This model generated significant buzz, promising a remarkable 40% increase in fuel economy and an impressive range of over 500 miles. Combining Subaru's reliable 2.5-liter Boxer engine with a hybrid powertrain, the Forester Hybrid aims to offer efficiency without compromising the capability Subaru owners have come to expect. Its competitive starting price further adds to its appeal in the market.
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2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness: For those with a penchant for off-road adventures, the Forester Wilderness took center stage. Boasting an impressive 9.3 inches of ground clearance and enhanced off-road capabilities, this model is ready to tackle challenging terrains. Its blacked-out design elements and distinctive styling further emphasize its adventurous nature.
A Showcase of Subaru's Diverse Lineup
Beyond the exciting debuts, Subaru's exhibit offered a comprehensive look at their diverse 2025 lineup. Attendees had the opportunity to explore popular models such as:
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Outback: Known for its blend of SUV versatility and wagon practicality, the 2025 Outback showcased its comfortable interior, standard all-wheel drive, and advanced safety features like the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Noteworthy updates for 2025 on the Limited trim include a Power Moonroof, DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, and a 360-degree heated steering wheel.
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Crosstrek: The adventurous and compact Crosstrek, available in various trims including the rugged Wilderness, highlighted its versatility for both city driving and off-the-beaten-path excursions. The 2025 model year brings an upgraded 2.5-liter engine for the Premium trim and enhanced X-MODE functionality.
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Impreza: The stylish and sporty Impreza, now exclusively a 5-door hatchback for 2025, emphasized its improved performance with a 10% stiffer chassis and an updated infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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WRX: For performance enthusiasts, the WRX displayed its turbocharged power and standard all-wheel drive. The 2025 model year introduces a new tS trim tuned by STI, alongside the Premium, Limited, and GT trims.
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Ascent: The spacious three-row Ascent catered to families, showcasing its comfort, safety features, and towing capability.
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BRZ: The fun-to-drive, rear-wheel-drive BRZ coupe appealed to those seeking a pure sports car experience.
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Legacy: The mid-size sedan, the Legacy, highlighted its comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive.
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Solterra: Subaru's all-electric SUV, the Solterra, represented their commitment to a sustainable future, showcasing its electric powertrain and Subaru's renowned all-wheel-drive system.
Engaging Experiences for Attendees
Beyond simply displaying their vehicles, Subaru's exhibit often aims to create an engaging experience for auto show attendees. This included interactive displays, opportunities to learn more about Subaru's technology and safety features, and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions. Anti Cruelty also made a special appearance bringing some of their adoptable pets for attendees to interact and play with.
Subaru Loves the Community
Consistent with their brand values, Subaru often incorporates their "Subaru Loves" initiatives into their auto show presence, highlighting their commitment to the environment, pets, learning, and helping those in need. While specific details for the 2025 Chicago Auto Show exhibit's community involvement weren't prominently featured in initial reports, Subaru's dedication to these causes is a consistent theme in their activities.
Subaru's exhibit at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show was a compelling showcase of their latest innovations and their enduring commitment to providing vehicles that blend capability, safety, and a spirit of adventure. The debut of the Forester Hybrid and Wilderness models generated significant excitement, while the display of their full lineup offered something for a wide range of drivers. For anyone considering a vehicle that can handle the demands of daily life and the call of the open road, the Subaru exhibit was undoubtedly a key destination at this year's show.
