2026 Subaru Forester The 2026 Subaru Forester arrives in the U.S. as a refined evolution of Subaru’s long‑running compact SUV, leaning harder into off‑road readiness, comfort, and tech while keeping its core strengths intact.
Built in Lafayette, Indiana, the sixth‑generation Forester now includes a new Wilderness trim that pushes its trail‑ready credentials further than ever before, making it a strong pick for buyers who want one vehicle for daily commutes, family hauling, and weekend adventures.
With standard Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive, a raised ride height, and updated X‑Mode tuning, the 2026 Forester feels like the most versatile version of the model yet.
Exterior and Dimensions: Rugged, Practical Presence
Exterior changes for 2026 are subtle but meaningful, especially on the new Forester Wilderness.
The Wilderness sits higher than the standard Forester, with up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance thanks to longer coil springs and revised shock absorbers, giving it more confidence on rough dirt roads and deep snow
. Subaru also tweaks the approach, departure, and breakover angles on the Wilderness, improving its ability to crawl over rocks and ruts without scraping the underbody.
Overall, the Forester remains a compact SUV with a tall, boxy profile that maximizes interior space and visibility.
At about 183 inches long and with around 8.7 inches of ground clearance on non‑Wilderness trims, it feels substantial enough for rough weather yet still easy to park and maneuver in city traffic.
Roof‑rack rails and standard roof‑rail crossbars across most trims make it a natural fit for bikes, kayaks, or rooftop tents.
Powertrain and Efficiency: Boxer Four That Does It All
Under the hood, the 2026 Forester sticks with Subaru’s familiar 2.5‑liter Boxer four‑cylinder engine, rated at 180 horsepower and 178 lb‑ft of torque.
That power feeds a Lineartronic CVT with eight‑step‑like programming and standard Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive, giving the Forester strong traction in snow, mud, and rain without needing a more complex or expensive powertrain.
EPA estimates put fuel economy around 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, which is competitive in the compact‑SUV class.
Subaru is also introducing a 2026 Forester Hybrid for the U.S., marking its first hybrid SUV in the American market.
The hybrid combines a tuned version of the Boxer engine with an electric motor to boost efficiency, with early projections suggesting combined fuel economy could climb into the low‑40s, depending on driving style and conditions.
For buyers who want Forester capability with better mileage, the hybrid becomes an attractive alternative to the gas‑only model.
On‑Road and Off‑Road Behavior
On paved roads, the 2026 Forester feels more refined than earlier generations, with reduced cabin noise and a smoother ride thanks to the Global Platform and updated suspension tuning.
The CVT is calibrated to keep engine revs low during cruising, which helps with both comfort and fuel economy, while still delivering enough punch for highway passing.
Steering is light but accurate, making the Forester easy to drive in crowded parking lots and on long highway stretches alike.
Off‑road, the Wilderness trim is where the Forester really differentiates itself.
Standard all‑terrain Yokohama tires, upgraded suspension, and an uprated transmission cooler help it tackle dirt trails, deep snow, and rocky terrain with more confidence than a typical compact SUV.
Dual‑mode X‑Mode now includes Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, letting drivers dial in traction control and throttle response for specific conditions.
Towing capacity also rises to 3,500 pounds on the Wilderness, the highest ever for a Forester, making it a practical choice for small trailers or camping gear.
Interior, Tech, and Safety
Inside, the 2026 Forester gets a cleaner, more modern layout centered around an 11.6‑inch high‑resolution touchscreen on higher trims.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard or widely available, along with wireless device charging and a premium audio system on Touring and Wilderness models.
The cabin offers comfortable seating for five, with easy‑to‑use controls and plenty of soft‑touch materials that elevate the feel beyond many budget‑focused rivals.
Cargo space remains a Forester strong suit, with about 27.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and roughly 69 cubic feet when the rear bench is folded flat.
That’s enough room for strollers, grocery hauls, or weekend camping gear, and the flat load floor makes loading bulky items easier.
Safety is another area where Subaru continues to lead. The EyeSight Driver Assist suite comes standard on most trims and includes adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, pre‑collision braking, and lane‑centering technology.
Additional features like blind‑spot monitoring, rear‑cross‑traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking are available or standard on higher trims, giving the Forester a strong case as one of the safest compact SUVs on the road.
Pricing, Trims, and Position in the Market
In the U.S., the 2026 Forester starts in the low‑$30,000 range for base trims, with Premium, Limited, and Touring models climbing into the mid‑$30,000s and low‑$40,000s.
The new Forester Wilderness typically starts in the mid‑$40,000s, positioning it as a more rugged, feature‑rich alternative to the standard Forester.
Subaru’s three‑year, 36,000‑mile basic warranty and five‑year, 60,000‑mile powertrain coverage add extra value for buyers who plan to keep the vehicle long term.
Against rivals like the Honda CR‑V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX‑5, the Forester stands out with standard all‑wheel drive, more ground clearance, and a stronger off‑road‑oriented Wilderness variant.
For American buyers who live in snowy regions or enjoy outdoor adventures, the 2026 Forester offers a compelling mix of practicality, capability, and peace of mind.
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2026 Subaru Forester : A Compact SUV That Still Feels Essential
The 2026 Subaru Forester doesn’t try to reinvent itself; instead, it refines what already works and adds meaningful upgrades where it counts.
With its standard all‑wheel drive, raised Wilderness trim, improved off‑road angles, and a new hybrid option on the horizon, the Forester remains one of the most versatile compact SUVs in the U.S. market.
For families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a single vehicle that can handle everything from grocery runs to trail‑side camping, the 2026 Forester continues to feel like a genuinely “do‑it‑all” choice in an era dominated by crossovers and SUVs.