Even though it was only three-years-old, the second generation of the Subaru Forester was refreshed in 2005, improving the sporty Japanese medium SUV.
The introduction of the Euro 4 pollution norms in 2005 forced most of the carmakers to update their vehicles. Subaru did the same with the Forester lineup, a far more different vehicle than most of the other SUVs from the market. Despite its ability to climb and tackle mild off-road situations, it handled like a car on the road due to its platform, carried over from the rally-winner Impreza WRX.

With an exterior heavily modified when compared to the non-facelifted version, the 2005 Forester almost looked like a new generation. There was a new front fascia with bigger headlights and a better-integrated grille. On the sides, there were new panels for the fenders and doors. The body-colored bumpers handles and door-mirrors were featured as standard from the mid-trim-level.

Inside, Subaru installed new knobs on the center console for the HVAC unit and a new automatic climate control system. The stereo was enhanced as well with an enhanced sound system and a single-CD player. There were five seats inside, with a split-folding rear seat seatback, to expand the trunk up to 1633 liters (57.7 cu-ft).

Subaru installed a new generation of its flat-four engines, introducing a variable valve opening system (i-Active Valve System), which allowed the valves to be opened more or less, depending on the load. Regardless of the engine choice, they were paired to a 5-speed manual. A four-speed automatic was on the options list. For the all-wheel-drive system, the Forester featured a viscous-coupled center differential.