Pros
- Rugged, boxy design
- Solid off-road capability
- Available hybrid
Cons
- Gas engine’s weak acceleration
- Infotainment already feels dated
- Somewhat anachronistic compared to rivals
Subaru knows its buyers want familiarity and that’s what the automaker delivers with the Forester. The redesigned model that debuted for 2025 benefits from a practical cabin and trail-ready capabilities like its predecessor. A new Forester Hybrid should offer the low-end torque and overall efficiency the SUV needs to stay competitive with rivals. Subaru just introduced the current-generation version of its compact SUV for 2025, so we aren’t expecting many other updates for 2026. Rivals to the Forester include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Nissan Rogue.
The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid
Subaru is expected to unveil the Forester Hybrid, which will be powered by the automaker’s new-generation hybrid powertrain, which is shared with the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. In the Crosstrek Hybrid, a 2.5-liter flat-four engine pairs with an electric motor and a 1.1-kWh battery to develop a total of 194 hp. The gas engine supplies 162 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque while the electric motor provides 118 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Expect this model to get away from stoplights a little quicker than the gas-only Forester.
A 16.6-gallon gas tank should enable far driving ranges, the 500-mile ballpark, as a complement to the hybrid system’s excellent fuel economy. We expect Subaru to target the all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s 41/38 mpg city/highway or the Honda CR-V AWD Hybrid’s 40/34 mpg. Like the Crosstrek Hybrid, the Forester Hybrid should receive some distinctive paint colors and model-specific wheels. Pricing should begin around $35,000.
What We Think
While the Subaru Forester isn’t particularly sporty or luxurious, the compact SUV exudes solidity and practicality, making it a dependable favorite in its class. The Forester’s standard all-wheel-drive system and off-road drive modes provide all the capability buyers need to tackle dirt, mud, and asphalt. Although the powertrain is smooth and responsive, acceleration is lacking and the Forester’s driving dynamics aren’t particularly exciting. However, Subaru’s SUV rides comfortably and provides just enough body control to navigate curves with confidence.
Inside the cabin, the materials feel durable and everything is bolted together nicely. And while we appreciate the size of the available 11.6-inch display, the entry-level model’s small screens and the overall quality of the displays’ graphics is disappointing. What the Forester lacks in infotainment tech it makes up for in safety features. The upgraded EyeSight suite is robust and capable.
If a pleasant daily driver is what you seek, the 2026 Subaru Forester is expected to be a solid choice. The inclusion of a hybrid option only adds more appeal to the compact SUV’s model range.
Performance and MPGs
Gas-only versions of the 2026 Subaru Forester are expected to come equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. A CVT sends output to a standard all-wheel-drive system. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 8.6 to 8.8 seconds, which is on the sluggish side of the segment. Fuel economy varies by trim, with the EPA rating the 2025 Forester at 25-26/32-33 mpg city/highway.
What’s the Deal With the Forester Wilderness?
Subaru continues to offer a Forester Wilderness for the 2025 model year, however it’s actually based on the previous-generation SUV. Powered by a flat-four engine developing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, the Forester Wilderness receives a CVT automatic and all-wheel drive. It rolls on 17-inch matte-black wheels and all-terrain tires from Yokohama. Subaru equips a full-size spare in case you get in trouble off-road. The Wilderness version of the previous-generation Forester wears a hexagonal grille and LED fog lights, muscular wheel well cladding, a front skid plate, and a matte black anti-glare decal on the hood. Inside the cabin, Subaru equips its StarTex upholstery, a water-resistant material. Additionally, the Wilderness has special floor mats, a cargo tray, and ladder-style roof rails that can support an 800-pound load. Gold accents further distinguish the Wilderness from more basic Forester SUVs. For those who want a Forester Wilderness based on the latest-generation model, it would make sense for Subaru to debut a new variant for the 2026 model year.
Safety Ratings and Features
Safety is a hallmark of the Subaru brand and the Forester is no exception. IIHS names the SUV a 2024 Top Safety Pick+, an accolade we expect to carry over for the new model year. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of active safety tech comes standard on all models, bundling automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Subaru also equips the 2025 Forester with reverse automatic braking, blind-spot detection with lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. We expect Touring models to carry over into 2026 with a standard DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which uses a camera to monitor fatigue and alertness. Subaru should also continue to offer a 360-degree camera to make navigating tight parking spots easier.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
We’re expecting the 2026 Subaru Forester to have the same interior space and volume as the 2025 model. The hybrid model’s cargo area could be minorly affected by the additional powertrain components.
| Legroom (front/rear) | Cargo Space (seats up/down) | |
| 2025 Subaru Forester | 43.3/39.4 inches | 27.5/69.1 cubic feet |
| 2025 Toyota RAV4 | 41.0/37.8 inches | 37.6/69.8 cubic feet |
| 2025 Honda CR-V | 41.3/41.0 inches | 39.3/76.5 cubic feet |
Technology
Subaru is expected to continue to equip the entry-level 2026 Forester with dual 7.0-inch displays, with the top unit controlling the infotainment and the bottom screen supporting climate control and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth audio, and radio functionality are standard. Most trims should continue to offer a vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other available upgrades over the base model include standard-dual zone HVAC that focuses on occupied seats for efficiency and passenger comfort and a kick sensor-activated power tailgate.
What Trim Levels Will Be Offered On the 2026 Subaru Forester?
We aren’t expecting Subaru to add any additional trims to the 2026 Forester lineup aside from a next-generation Wilderness. The existing trim range of Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring should carry over, with pricing starting just over the $30,000 mark and cresting $40,000 for the top-level models. The 2026 Forester Wilderness should cost just under $40,000 with equipment such as a ride height, off-road tires, a transmission cooler, and trim-specific accents.
