Base
The straightforward Forester with the important Subaru stuff already there.
- 2.5L BOXER — 180 hp
- 26 city / 33 highway MPG
- Up to 1,500 lb towing
- 8.7" ground clearance
- Standard AWD + EyeSight
Meagan says: Simple, useful and already very Forester.
Roomy, upright, easy to see out of and ready for everyday life. Here's the Forester without the brochure-speak.
Think compact SUV with a tall, open cabin, excellent everyday usability and enough Subaru capability for the weekend.
The Forester is the “this just makes sense” Subaru. It's taller and more upright than the Crosstrek, with a roomy cabin and a cargo area that's especially useful when you're loading dogs, groceries, strollers or bulky gear.
For 2026 you can choose the familiar gas Forester, a fuel-efficient Forester Hybrid, or the redesigned Wilderness if your plans involve rougher roads and more towing.
Every version keeps standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and most trims have 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Wilderness bumps that to 9.3 inches.
Five seats, an upright cabin and useful space without a giant footprint.
The tall, boxy cargo area is one of the Forester's biggest everyday strengths.
Standard AWD and generous clearance, with Wilderness when you want more.
The upright shape and generous glass make the Forester feel open and easy to place.
The Forester family gets much bigger for 2026. Hybrid versions join the lineup, the Wilderness is completely redesigned, and Sport gets a newly available Onyx Edition Package.
Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring are now available with a 194-hp hybrid system.
Hybrid trims deliver an EPA-estimated 35 city / 34 highway MPG.
The 2026 Wilderness gets a new look, 9.3 inches of clearance and more trail-focused hardware.
Wilderness is the towing champ of the Forester family with up to 3,500 pounds.
A newly available package gives Sport black-finish accents and dark metallic 19-inch wheels.
Available high-resolution touchscreen adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are ten configurations once the hybrids join the lineup. Here's the easy version.
The straightforward Forester with the important Subaru stuff already there.
Meagan says: Simple, useful and already very Forester.
The everyday sweet spot with the features most people actually want.
Meagan says: Start here before you talk yourself into every option. 😂
Premium practicality with the fuel-saving hybrid system.
Meagan says: The sensible Forester got even more sensible.
Forester practicality with a little more attitude.
Meagan says: Practical does not have to mean boring. 💅
The Sport look with the more efficient hybrid powertrain.
Meagan says: Cute, practical and fewer gas-station visits. We love a multitasker.
The Forester built for people whose dirt-road plans aren't hypothetical.
Meagan says: This is the hiking-boot Forester. 🏕️
More comfort, leather and convenience without going all the way to Touring.
Meagan says: A very good “I want nice, not excessive” Forester.
Limited comfort with the 194-hp hybrid system underneath it.
Meagan says: This one makes a lot of sense if comfort and MPG are both high on your list.
The loaded gas Forester for the “yes, I want the nice one” person.
Meagan says: You weren't trimming the option list. You were adding to it. 😂
The top-end Forester experience with hybrid efficiency.
Meagan says: The “I want all of it, but make it hybrid” Forester.
Standard on every 2026 Forester, including the hybrid models.
Standard driver-assistance technology across the Forester lineup.
Available traction modes help coordinate vehicle systems when conditions get slippery.
Available high-resolution multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Up to 74.4 cubic feet in Base; most other trims provide up to 69.1 cubic feet.
Four hybrid trims deliver 194 hp and an EPA-estimated 35 city / 34 highway MPG.
The numbers customers usually want without digging through a brochure.
Crosstrek is smaller and easier around town; Forester gives you the taller cabin and more cargo room.
Explore Crosstrek →Forester is taller and more upright; Outback is longer, lower and more road-trip wagon-like.
Explore Outback →Forester is the easier five-seat choice. Move to Ascent when a true third row becomes part of the assignment.
Explore Ascent →The Forester questions that come up all the time.