2026 Subaru Forester Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
Subaru knows its buyers want familiarity and that’s what the automaker delivers with the Forester. The redesigned SUV debuted for 2025 and benefits from a practical cabin and trail-ready capabilities like its predecessor. A Forester Hybrid offers the low-end torque and overall efficiency the SUV needs to stay competitive with rivals. Rivals to the Forester include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Nissan Rogue.
What’s New
- Redesigned space-optimized center console
- Emergency steering assist added to more models
- New off-road Forester Wilderness introduced
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. The new Forester Hybrid benefits from a higher-output drivetrain that also improves on the gas-only model’s fuel economy.
Inside the cabin, the materials feel durable, not premium. 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 a fine choice. The inclusion of a hybrid option only adds more appeal to the compact SUV’s model range. Those in search of additional off-road capability should consider the Wilderness variant, redesigned for 2026 with a series of upgrades aimed at improving the SUV’s performance off the beaten path.
Performance and MPGs
Gas-only versions of the 2026 Subaru Forester are 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.
Powerful and Efficient: The Subaru Forester Hybrid
Subaru has finally unveiled the Forester Hybrid, which is powered by the automaker’s new-generation hybrid powertrain, shared with the 2026 Subaru 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. This model to get away from stoplights a little quicker than the gas-only Forester with a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds.
A 16.6-gallon gas tank enables a 581-mile driving range as a complement to the hybrid system’s excellent fuel economy. Subaru falls short of the all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s 41/38 mpg city/highway or the Honda CR-V AWD Hybrid’s 40/34 mpg with an EPA-estimated 35/34 mpg, but improves on the gas model’s fuel economy by a good margin. Pricing starts at about $2,1000 more than an equivalent non-Hybrid Forester.
What’s the Deal With the Forester Wilderness?
While Subaru has continued to offer a Forester Wilderness since it was introduced for 2022, the last one was based on the previous-generation SUV. Now, Subaru has unveiled a redesigned Forester Wilderness with equipment that improves upon its predecessor. The Forester Wilderness now rides with 9.3 inches of ground clearance, beating out the old model’s 9.2 inches. Approach, departure, and breakover angles are rated at 23.5, 25.5, and 21 degrees, respectively, over the standard model’s ratings of 19, 24.6, and 19.6 degrees. Subaru claims improved stability and all-around comfort from the retuned suspension.
Whereas the old model developed 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, the new Wilderness produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. The CVT automatic uses a shorter final drive ratio for improved off-road driving at lower speeds. Subaru also installs an uprated transmission cooler, which increases the Forester’s towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. A rear differential temperature sensor helps drivers take the precautions necessary when driving on a trail. The 2026 Forester Wilderness also receives Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud driving profiles. Subaru tops it all off with larger Yokohama Geolander tires on trim-specific anthracite 17-inch wheels, which the automaker says improves performance on roads covered in mud or gravel.
On the roof, the Forester Wilderness comes equipped with static roof rails rated for an 800-pound load capacity while the vehicle is at a standstill and 176 pounds while in motion. Other cosmetic tweaks include LED hexagonal-shaped foglights, underbody armor, and anodized copper accents. Inside the cabin, the anodized copper touches continue. Subaru’s StarTex animal-free and water-resistant upholstery covers the seats. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is available with Wilderness-specific graphics. The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness starts at just below $40,000.
Safety Ratings and Features
Safety is a hallmark of the Subaru brand and the Forester is no exception. IIHS names the SUV a 2025 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. Touring models carry over into 2026 with a standard DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which uses a camera to monitor fatigue and alertness. Subaru also continues to offer a 360-degree camera to make navigating tight parking spots easier.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The 2026 Subaru Forester has a class-competitive interior with much more front-row legroom than its rivals. The hybrid model’s cargo area isn’t affected by the additional powertrain components, equaling that of the gas-only Forester.
Technology
Subaru equips 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 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. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is available for the Wilderness model with trim-specific graphics.
What Trim Levels Will Be Offered On the 2026 Subaru Forester?
Subaru offers the 2026 Forester at the following trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness, and Touring. Pricing will start just over the $30,000 mark and crest $40,000 for the top-level models. The 2026 Forester Wilderness rings in at about $40,000 with features such as additional ride height, off-road tires, a transmission cooler, and trim-specific accents.
