by 2026 Subaru Forester: Wilderness edition
The 2026 Subaru Forester features a versatile and reliable compact SUV, Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive capability with updated styling, and advanced technology. The 2026 Forester introduces a refreshed Wilderness trim and a hybrid variant, meeting both adventure enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers. This article explores the key features, performance, and appeal of the 2026 Subaru Forester.
Design and Styling
The 2026 Subaru Forester features an oval grille, chunky fenders, a stocky rear bumper, standard LED headlights, and “welcome lighting” that illuminates the front door handles at night.
- Offers 69.1 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded and 39.4 inches of rear legroom, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
- The Wilderness model has a grille, 17-inch matte-black wheels with Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires, and anodized copper-finish accents on the tow hook covers and bumpers.
- In addition, it boasts 9.3 inches of ground clearance, improved approach (23.5 degrees), departure (25.5 degrees), and breakover (21 degrees) angles.
- 2026 subaru forester interior offers a modern and durable cabin.
- Standard trims feature cloth upholstery, while higher trims offer water-repellent StarTex upholstery. It also includes exclusive copper-finish interior accents and an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with Wilderness-themed graphics, adding a rough yet refined touch.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2026 Subaru Forester has two powertrain options: a standard gas engine and a new hybrid system.
Gas-powered Forester |
2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid |
| · It has 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine
· Has 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque · Acceleration, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 8.6 to 9.2 seconds · Lineartronic CVT and · Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Functions: Delivers adequate power for daily driving and ensures confident traction on various surfaces.
|
· A significant addition for 2026
· Has 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle BOXER engine with two electric motors · 1.1-kWh battery · 194 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque · hybrid’s 581-mile driving range
Function: Improved fuel efficiency and makes it ideal for long trips. |
The 2026 subaru forester wilderness enhances off-road performance featuring a shorter final drive ratio (4.11 vs. 3.70) for better low-speed traction, an uprated transmission cooler for a 3,500-pound towing capacity, and a dual-mode X-MODE.
It improves stability and reduces wheelspin during off-road adventures.
Technology and Safety
The 2026 Forester is equipped with modern technology, with standard features including dual 7-inch touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Its portrait orientation can hinder smartphone mirroring and camera views. It has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with navigation and Apple Maps integration, adding a premium touch, particularly in the Wilderness trim. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard across all trims, offering adaptive cruise control, Off-Road assist, automatic braking, and enhanced pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Additional safety features include Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking. The Wilderness model introduces Off-Road Assist and enhances safety. The Forester’s reinforced Subaru Global Platform improves ride quality and crash protection.
Trims and Pricing
The 2026 Forester is available in Premium, Sport, Touring, and the new Wilderness trims, with the hybrid powertrain offered on select trims. While exact pricing for 2026 has not been released.
- The 2025 model ranges from $31,090 to $43,115, and the 2026 Forester is expected to start slightly higher due to the Wilderness and hybrid additions.
- The 2026 subaru forester wilderness price starting MSRP is estimated at around $34,995. The Sport trim is recommended for its balance of features, including bronze trim, heated seats, and the 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Wilderness is ideal for off-road enthusiasts.
Trim |
Estimated Price |
| Base / Premium / Sport | ~$30K–34K |
| Wilderness | ~$36K–38K |
| Touring | ~$40K |
What to Expect on Release
- 2026 Subaru Forester release date is December 2025, with dealer deliveries beginning early 2026 and reservations opening around October 2025.
Competitive Edge
The 2026 Subaru Forester competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-50, and Ford Bronco Sport. It is an all-wheel drive, has generous ground clearance, and is available in the off-road-focused Wilderness trim. The hybrid powertrain broadens its appeal to eco-conscious buyers and adventure seekers, though its fuel economy lags slightly behind class leaders. It is reputed for its reliability, safety, and versatility, and continues to attract loyal Subaru customers and new buyers alike.
Conclusion
The 2026 Subaru Forester is a rugged, reliable, and versatile compact SUV. It offers a powerful combination of efficiency, off-road capability, standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, robust safety, and modern technology. While its gas engine may lack the pep of some competitors. Set to arrive at dealerships in fall 2025, the 2026 Forester is poised to appeal to both outdoor adventurers and eco-friendly commuters, reinforcing Subaru’s commitment to innovation and exploration.
