Verified vehicle record

2026 Subaru Forester

Car and Driver says the Wilderness trim, which missed the 2025 refresh, finally gets the rest of the lineup's styling update plus its own upgrades: ground clearance hiked to 9.3 inches (versus 8.7 on standard models), a shorter final drive ratio, selectable Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud drive settings, an uprated transmission cooler, larger all-terrain Yokohama Geolander tires, and improved approach, departure, and breakover angles. MSRP runs $31,445-$41,445. MotorTrend's three-way comparison test ranked the 2026 Forester Wilderness 3rd behind the Toyota RAV4 Woodland (1st) and Honda CR-V TrailSport (2nd), praising its greatest off-road credibility, roomy cabin, and panoramic outward visibility, and noting its 9.3-inch clearance beats those two rivals by 0.8-1.1 inches -- but calling it pricey for a non-hybrid, slow, thirsty, and unrefined in the suspension; MotorTrend's verdict: perhaps as close as you can come to a Rubicon runner in the compact crossover class.

CurrentChecked Aug. 17, 2026United States specification
Engine2.5L boxer (gas) / hybrid systemGas 180 hp; hybrid est. 194 hp total system
Gas output180 hp
Hybrid output194 hpEstimated system net
DrivetrainStandard AWD
Seating5
Maximum towing3,500 lbWilderness; others 1,500
Decision answers35Trim, ownership and verification

What changed for 2026

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says after getting lost in the woods and missing out on the 2025 model year refresh, the all-terrain-conquering Wilderness trim gets the same styling update that the rest of the Forester lineup received last year. The freshened Wilderness also gets revised suspension tuning hiked up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance (compared to 8.7 inches on standard models), a shorter final drive ratio for better off-road responsiveness, selectable Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud drive settings, an uprated transmission cooler, larger all-terrain Yokohama Geolander tires, and improved approach, departure, and breakover angles.

Pricing for 2026

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $31,445-$41,445.

How it compares to its closest rivals

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) ranked the 2026 Forester Wilderness 3rd in a three-way comparison test, behind the Toyota RAV4 Woodland (1st) and Honda CR-V TrailSport (2nd). MotorTrend praised the Forester's greatest off-road credibility, roomy cabin, and panoramic outward visibility, noting its 9.3-inch ground clearance bests the RAV4 and CR-V by 0.8-1.1 inches, but called it pricey for a non-hybrid, slow, and thirsty, with an unrefined suspension; MotorTrend's verdict was that it's perhaps as close as you can come to a Rubicon runner in the compact crossover class.

Questions buyers ask

What's new for the 2026 Subaru Forester?

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the Wilderness trim finally gets last year's styling refresh, plus a taller 9.3-inch ground clearance and new off-road drive modes.

How much does the 2026 Subaru Forester cost?

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $31,445 to $41,445.

Research paths

Move from the vehicle to the decision.

Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.

Record summary

What to know first

The 2026 Subaru Forester range includes six gas trims and four hybrid trims. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard throughout. Conventional models use a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter boxer engine; hybrid grades are listed at an estimated 194 horsepower of total system net power. Forester Wilderness raises towing capacity from the normal 1,500-pound rating to 3,500 pounds.

Model-year note

Hybrid grades expand the current generation, while Wilderness remains configuration-distinct. Keep its 3,500-pound tow rating and 9.3-inch ground clearance separate from the rest of the range.

Trim map

How the lineup separates.

Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.

18 documented equipment items across 6 trims.
TrimPlace in the lineupNotable equipment
BaseGas entry180-hp 2.5L boxer engine, Standard Symmetrical AWD, Standard EyeSight
Premium / Premium HybridConvenience pairGas or 194-hp hybrid, 11.6-inch system on Premium, Standard AWD
Sport / Sport HybridSport appearance pairGas or hybrid, Distinct wheel and exterior treatment, Standard AWD
WildernessCapability trim3,500-lb towing, 9.3-inch ground clearance, Standard AWD
Limited / Limited HybridPremium pairGas or hybrid, Expanded cabin equipment, Standard AWD
Touring / Touring HybridTop pairGas or hybrid, Highest equipment position, Standard AWD
01

Gas entry

Base

  • 180-hp 2.5L boxer engine
  • Standard Symmetrical AWD
  • Standard EyeSight
02

Convenience pair

Premium / Premium Hybrid

  • Gas or 194-hp hybrid
  • 11.6-inch system on Premium
  • Standard AWD
03

Sport appearance pair

Sport / Sport Hybrid

  • Gas or hybrid
  • Distinct wheel and exterior treatment
  • Standard AWD
04

Capability trim

Wilderness

  • 3,500-lb towing
  • 9.3-inch ground clearance
  • Standard AWD
Open dedicated trim record →
05

Premium pair

Limited / Limited Hybrid

  • Gas or hybrid
  • Expanded cabin equipment
  • Standard AWD
06

Top pair

Touring / Touring Hybrid

  • Gas or hybrid
  • Highest equipment position
  • Standard AWD

1 more row Kelley Blue Book lists for the 2026 Forester

These rows are close to a page already on this site, so they are listed here with what sets each apart.

ConfigurationEnginePowerDrive
Sport Onyx Edition2.5-liter 4-cylinder180 hpAWD

Trim-by-trim specifications

The 2026 Subaru Forester: 7 trims compared.

Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.

2026 Subaru Forester powertrain, performance and efficiency by trim
TrimEngineTransmissionDriveHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)EPA city / hwy / combSeatsBasic warranty
Base2.5-liter 4-cylinderAutomatic, CVT w/LineartronicAWD18017826 / 33 / 29 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
Premium2.5-liter 4-cylinderAutomatic, CVT w/LineartronicAWD18017826 / 33 / 29 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
Sport2.5-liter 4-cylinderAutomatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual ModeAWD18017825 / 32 / 28 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
Sport Onyx Edition2.5-liter 4-cylinderAutomatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual ModeAWD18017825 / 32 / 28 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
Limited2.5-liter 4-cylinderAutomatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual ModeAWD18017825 / 32 / 28 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
Wilderness2.5-liter 4-cylinderAutomatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual ModeAWD18017824 / 28 / 26 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
Touring2.5-liter 4-cylinderAutomatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual ModeAWD18017825 / 32 / 28 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
2026 Subaru Forester dimensions, weights and capacities by trim
TrimCurb weightLengthHeightWheelbaseGround clearanceTurning circleFuel tankFront headroomFront legroomTowingTires
Base3,510 lb183.3 in68.1 in105.1 in8.7 in35.4 ft16.6 gal41.2 in43.3 inP225/60HR17
Premium3,569 lb183.3 in68.1 in105.1 in8.7 in35.4 ft16.6 gal40 in43.3 inP225/60HR17
Sport3,611 lb183.3 in68.1 in105.1 in8.7 in35.4 ft16.6 gal40 in43.3 inP235/50VR19
Sport Onyx Edition3,611 lb183.3 in68.1 in105.1 in8.7 in35.4 ft16.6 gal40 in43.3 inP235/50VR19
Limited3,613 lb183.3 in68.1 in105.1 in8.7 in35.4 ft16.6 gal40 in43.3 inP225/55VR18
Wilderness3,675 lb182.9 in69.3 in104.9 in8.7 in35.4 ft16.6 gal40 in43.3 in3,500 lbP235/60R17
Touring3,664 lb183.3 in68.1 in105.1 in8.7 in35.4 ft16.6 gal40 in43.3 inP235/50VR19

Equipment by trim

Which 2026 Subaru Forester trim has what.

Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.

2026 Subaru Forester standard and optional equipment by trim
EquipmentBasePremiumSportSport Onyx EditionLimitedWildernessTouring
Safety
Adaptive headlightsStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Anti-theft alarmStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Blind-spot alertStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Child door locksStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Child-seat anchorsStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Forward collision warningStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Forward collision warning with automatic brakingStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Hill-descent control–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Hill-start assistStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Rearview cameraStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Surround-view camera––––––Std
Electronic stability controlStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Traction controlStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Technology
Text-message readerStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Bluetooth audio streamingStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
BluetoothStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Hands-free callingStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
IPod connectorStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
IPod interfaceStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Built-in internet access–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Navigation system––––OptOptStd
Premium audio system––OptStdOptOptStd
Real-time traffic information––––Opt–Std
Satellite radioStdStdStdStdStdStd–
Apple CarPlay or Android AutoStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Steering-wheel audio controlsStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
TouchscreenStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Voice recognitionStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Comfort
Heated front seats–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Heated rear seats––––––Std
Heated steering wheel––––Std–Std
Heated mirrors–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Power front seats for driver and passenger––––Std–Std
Power driver's seat–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Leather seats––––Std–Std
Leather-wrapped steering wheel–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Front and rear climate zones–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Panoramic moonroof–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Tilt steering wheelStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheelStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Cup holdersStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Folding rear seatStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Exterior and convenience
Alloy wheelsStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Fog lights–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Privacy glass–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Rear spoilerStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Power liftgate or trunk–OptOptOptStdOptStd
Remote liftgate or trunk release–OptOptOptStdOptStd
12-volt power outletStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Power windowsStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Remote keyless entryStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Proximity keyless entry–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Push-button start–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Rear-window defrosterStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Rain-sensing wipers––––StdStd–

Complete certification table

4 configuration records.

EPA ID / labelEngine / technologyDrive / transmissionFuelCityHwyCombinedRange
49530Forester AWD2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventionalAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S8)Regular263329N/A
50131Forester Hybrid AWD2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; HybridHybridAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S6)Regular353435N/A
49532Forester Sport/Touring AWD2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventionalAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S8)Regular253228N/A
49537Forester Wilderness AWD2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventionalAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S8)Regular242826N/A

Direct answers

35 questions tied to this model-year.

Each answer names its source.

Q01Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Forester?

Yes. Subaru lists Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard on all ten 2026 Forester trims.

Source: Subaru specifications
Q02How many 2026 Forester trims are available?

Subaru lists ten trims: six gas configurations and four hybrid configurations.

Source: Subaru specifications
Q03What is the Forester Hybrid EPA estimate?

Subaru lists hybrid grades at 35 city and 34 highway mpg in its current trim comparison.

Source: Subaru specifications
Q04Does every Forester include EyeSight?

Subaru lists EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard throughout the 2026 trim comparison.

Source: Subaru
Q05How many people does the Forester seat?

The 2026 Forester is a two-row compact SUV with seating for five.

Source: Subaru
Q06How many recall campaigns does NHTSA list for the 2026 Subaru Forester?

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation records 3 recall campaigns for the 2026 Subaru Forester, covering structure, visibility/wipers, equipment.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall campaigns
Q07What engine and output range does the 2026 Subaru Forester use?

The 2026 Subaru Forester uses 2.5L boxer (gas) / hybrid system. Output is 180 / 194 horsepower, depending on the version, so one figure does not apply to every 2026 Subaru Forester.

Source: Subaru documentation and exact-vehicle records
Q08Which driver-assistance features are standard on a 2026 Subaru Forester?

The 2026 Subaru Forester is documented with Standard EyeSight.

Source: Manufacturer equipment table and owner’s manual
Q09How did the 2026 Subaru Forester do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?

The 2026 Subaru Forester earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 17.4% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q10What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2026 Subaru Forester use?

The 2026 Subaru Forester owner's manual names R-1234yf air-conditioning refrigerant. Source: 2026 Subaru Forester owner's manual.

Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q11How much cargo space does the 2026 Subaru Forester have (base trim)?

Cargo volume is 29.6 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Subaru Forester in Web search aggregate (dealer/research pages), read 2026-09-10.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q12How much cargo space does the 2026 Subaru Forester have (other trims)?

Cargo volume is 27.5 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Subaru Forester in Web search aggregate (dealer/research pages), read 2026-09-10.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q13How much can the 2026 Subaru Forester tow (Base/Premium/Limited/Touring/Sport)?

Maximum towing is 1,500 lb. Documented for the 2026 Subaru Forester in Web search aggregate (dealer/research pages), read 2026-09-10.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q14How much can the 2026 Subaru Forester tow (Wilderness)?

Maximum towing is 3,500 lb. Documented for the 2026 Subaru Forester in Web search aggregate (dealer/research pages), read 2026-09-10.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q15What transmission does the 2026 Subaru Forester use?

The transmission is CVT. Documented for the 2026 Subaru Forester in Subaru U.S. Media Center pricing release, read 2026-09-10.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q16What does the 2.5L 4-cylinder (gas) engine in the 2026 Subaru Forester deliver?

Horsepower: 180 hp. Torque: 178 lb-ft. These figures belong to the 2.5L 4-cylinder (gas) configuration of the 2026 Subaru Forester, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-09-10.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q17What are the 2026 Subaru Forester trim levels?

Gas trims are Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring and Wilderness; hybrid trims include Premium Hybrid, Limited Hybrid and Touring Hybrid.

Source: Subaru press releases / dealer research pages
Q18How much does the 2026 Subaru Forester Touring cost?

The gas Touring trim starts at $41,595 MSRP, the most expensive gas configuration.

Source: Subaru press release
Q19How much does the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid cost?

Premium Hybrid starts at $34,730, Limited Hybrid at $38,995, and Touring Hybrid at $41,545.

Source: Subaru press release
Q20What is new for the 2026 Subaru Forester Sport trim?

A new Sport Onyx Edition joins the 2026 lineup, priced at $36,495 MSRP.

Source: Subaru press release
Q21Does every 2026 Subaru Forester have all-wheel drive?

Yes, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard across the entire 2026 Forester lineup, gas and hybrid alike.

Source: Dealer research pages
Q22What safety system is standard on the 2026 Subaru Forester?

Every 2026 Forester includes the latest EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, with a wider field of view, updated software and an electric brake booster over prior generations.

Source: Dealer safety-feature research pages
Q23How did the 2026 Subaru Forester's EyeSight system change from earlier versions?

The 2026 EyeSight system expands its detection angle compared to earlier generations, improving intersection performance and reducing blind zones at the edges of the camera field, and can identify cyclists and pedestrians earlier and more accurately.

Source: Dealer safety-feature research pages
Q24Does the 2026 Subaru Forester have reverse automatic braking?

Yes, Reverse Automatic Braking is available, bundled with Blind-Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Automatic Emergency Steering below 50 mph.

Source: Dealer safety-feature research pages
Q25What oil does the 2026 Subaru Forester take?

Subaru requires 0W-16 synthetic oil, and 0W-20 conventional is acceptable only as a top-up until the next oil change. An oil-and-filter change takes 4.7 US quarts; changing the oil without the filter takes 4.4. Source: 2026 Subaru Forester owner's manual, Specifications chapter.

Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q26What gas does the 2026 Subaru Forester need?

Regular unleaded is enough: Subaru specifies 87 AKI (90 RON) or higher. The tank holds 16.6 US gallons. Source: 2026 Subaru Forester owner's manual, Specifications chapter.

Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q27How quickly does the 2026 Subaru Forester accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?

Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness recorded 8.4 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.

Q28What is the 2026 Subaru Forester's top speed?

Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness recorded a top speed of 115 mph.

Q29How far does the 2026 Subaru Forester take to stop from 70 mph?

Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness recorded a 70-to-0 mph stopping distance of 172 feet.

Q30What suspension does the 2026 Subaru Forester use?

Subaru lists the 2026 Subaru Forester's suspension as 4-wheel independent suspension.

Q31Did the 2026 Subaru Forester earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award?

IIHS lists the 2026 Subaru Forester as a Top Safety Pick+. IIHS states the rating applies to 2025-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium 4-door 4wd.

Q32How did the 2026 Subaru Forester do in IIHS crash tests?

IIHS rated the 2026 Subaru Forester: Good in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2025-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium 4-door 4wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.

Q33What size wheels does the 2026 Subaru Forester have?

The 2026 Subaru Forester's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the Base, Premium and Wilderness, 18 inches on the Limited and 19 inches on the Sport, Sport Onyx Edition and Touring. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.

Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q34What is the GVWR of the 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Base 4dr Crossover?

CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,901 pounds for the 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Base 4dr Crossover.

Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q35How do the 2026 Subaru Forester trims differ from one another?

All 7 trims share the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making 180 hp. The Premium has fog lights, front and rear climate zones, heated front seats and 9 more as standard equipment over the Base. The Sport Onyx Edition has a premium audio system as standard equipment over the Sport. The Limited has power front seats for driver and passenger, a heated steering wheel, leather seats and 3 more as standard equipment over the Sport Onyx Edition. The Touring has power front seats for driver and passenger, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and 7 more as standard equipment over the Wilderness.

Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications

Live NHTSA evidence

Current federal safety records for 2026 Subaru Forester.

Methodology: how a recall or complaint answer is verified

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Exact-vehicle evidence desk

Move from the guide to the VIN record.

Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.

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