One year after a redesign for the 2025 model year, the 2026 Subaru Forester maintains its price at $29,995 MSRP (not including the destination charge) and adds a more rugged Wilderness trim level. All Forester SUVs come with the automaker's latest EyeSight advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) package, which includes Emergency Lane Keep Assist, available on select trims. Subaru also sells the Forester Hybrid, covered separately.
Available in six trims—Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness—the 2026 Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
All 2026 Foresters are built on the Subaru Global Platform, which the automaker says provides a 10-percent increase in torsional rigidity over earlier models.
To improve low-speed off-roading, the Wilderness grade features a redesigned CVT with a shorter final drive ratio, paired with the advanced dual mode X-Mode system that includes snow/dirt and deep snow/mud settings. Ground clearance is raised to 9.3 inches from the standard 8.7 inches for better off-road performance. It also comes standard with wider all-terrain tires, improved approach, departure, and breakover angles, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.
The standard EyeSight Driver Assist now offers a wider field of view, enhanced features, and a new electric brake booster. It can detect cyclists and pedestrians at intersections more quickly, and when necessary, it alerts the driver and applies brakes to prevent collisions.
Another notable safety feature is Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection, which leverages driver monitoring technology to detect an unresponsive driver when using adaptive cruise control and will stop the vehicle, activate hazard lights, and unlock the doors. Emergency services can then be automatically contacted via Subaru Connected Services.
Inside, the cabin combines practicality with modern technology. Base models feature dual 7-inch screens and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. At the same time, Premium trims and higher tiers include a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Family friendly features include redesigned cupholders that fit larger bottles, expanded center console storage, and rear seat air vents for increased passenger comfort. Higher trims, such as the Limited and Touring, come with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
The 2026 Subaru Forester competes in the crowded compact SUV market, going up against models like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. All Forester trims come with standard AWD, giving it an advantage over competitors that charge extra for that feature.
For off-road enthusiasts, the Wilderness trim competes with adventure-focused models like the Honda CR-V TrailSport and Nissan Rogue Rock Creek, combining rugged equipment with the Forester's practicality and value.
Subaru is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of August 29, 2025, but it may have changed since then. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Zac Johnson is a lifelong car enthusiast pursuing his dream of becoming an automotive journalist. He is a social media manager, contributor to JDPower.com and Capital One Auto Navigator, a member of the Automotive Press Association, and founder of Best Daily Drivers.
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