2026 Subaru Forester : The 2026 Subaru Forester rolls into U.S. showrooms this fall, sticking to its roots as a no-nonsense compact SUV while introducing the all-new Wilderness trim for trail-blazing enthusiasts.
Subaru held pricing steady at a $29,995 starting MSRP, making it a smart pick in a crowded market dominated by rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Owners rave about its safety and visibility, calling it a family hauler that feels unbreakable even after tough crashes.
Debut and Availability Buzz
Subaru announced 2026 Forester pricing back in late August 2025, with deliveries kicking off around October for most trims.
The big excitement centers on the Wilderness variant, finally joining the sixth-generation lineup after lagging behind in 2025—expect it at dealers by late fall.
This timing aligns perfectly with adventure season, as Subaru pushes its “Love. It’s what makes a Subaru” vibe for folks eyeing off-road escapes without breaking the bank.
Early buzz from media drives highlights subtle tweaks to the chassis for a stiffer, quieter ride, building on the 2025 redesign that already earned Consumer Reports nods for reliability.
Subaru reports 96% of Foresters sold in the last decade are still cruising, outlasting many competitors.
Dealers like Planet Subaru note order banks opened in August, so savvy buyers are locking in builds now to snag popular colors and options before holiday rushes.
Powertrain That Delivers Everywhere
Under the hood, every 2026 Forester packs a revised 2.5-liter Boxer flat-four engine pumping out 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, tuned for quicker low-RPM response.
Paired with a Lineartronic CVT featuring an eight-speed manual mode on select trims, it prioritizes smooth all-weather grip over raw speed—think 29 mpg combined for efficient hauls.
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive shines here, incorporating steering data for sharper cornering and faster traction lockup on slippery surfaces.
The Wilderness amps this up with a shorter final drive ratio and enhanced X-MODE dual-function system, toggling between Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud for legit off-road confidence.
Towing jumps to 3,500 pounds on Wilderness (1,500 standard elsewhere), thanks to an upgraded transmission cooler and rear diff sensor—enough for small campers or boats.
Fuel economy holds steady around 26 city/33 highway, proving Subaru’s boxer setup still stacks up against hybrid-heavy rivals.
Trim Lineup Breakdown: From Base to Beast
Subaru offers six trims—Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness, Touring—each layering on value without jacking prices.
Base at $31,445 (with $1,450 destination) gets essentials like EyeSight safety suite, dual 7-inch screens, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
Step to Premium ($34,835) for wireless CarPlay/Android Auto on an 11.6-inch touchscreen, moonroof, and heated seats—perfect for daily commuters.
Sport ($37,555) adds bronze wheels, StarTex upholstery, and retuned suspension for sportier handling, while Limited ($39,145) brings leather, hands-free liftgate, and blind-spot monitoring.
Touring tops out at $43,045 with 360-degree cameras, ventilated seats, and Harman Kardon audio for luxury seekers. Wilderness ($39,835) steals the show as the off-roader’s choice, but more on that next.
Wilderness: The Off-Road Star Shines Brighter
The 2026 Forester Wilderness debuts with 9.3 inches of clearance (up from 9.2 prior), all-terrain Yokohama Geolandar tires on 17-inch anthracite wheels, and angles like 23.5-degree approach for tackling rocks and ruts.
Copper accents, hexagonal LED fogs, underbody skid plates, and roof rails rated for 800-pound static loads scream adventure-ready. Inside, water-resistant StarTex seats and optional 12.3-inch digital cluster keep things practical and stylish.
This trim’s upgraded suspension smooths rough trails while improving highway poise, and the stiffer Global Platform cuts noise for long hauls.
Owners of earlier Wilderness models love the durability—one recounted a head-on crash where the Forester protected passengers unscathed. At under $40k, it undercuts flashier off-roaders while matching their capability head-on.
Tech and Safety: Subaru’s Strong Suit
EyeSight returns refined with wider cameras for pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise with lane centering, and new Emergency Stop Assist.
Higher trims add DriverFocus distraction monitoring and reverse auto-braking, contributing to Subaru’s top reliability scores. The 11.6-inch multimedia hub integrates climate controls and over-the-air updates, with wireless connectivity standard on most.
Interior space impresses: 39.4 inches rear legroom, 69.1 cubic feet max cargo, and excellent visibility that owners call “sitting above traffic.”
Car and Driver notes a roomy cabin and comfy ride, though the CVT dulls acceleration thrills. These features make it a family favorite, blending utility with peace of mind.
Driving It Feels Solid, Not Flashy
Test drives reveal a composed handler with minimal body roll, thanks to 10% torsional rigidity gains. It’s not a sports car—the flat-four feels adequate for merging, but paddle shifters help on Sport/Wilderness.
Off-pavement, X-MODE and AWD transform it into a confident crawler, ideal for forest service roads or snowy commutes.
Edmunds praises the high seating for safety vibes, though some critique firm ride over bumps. Compared to RAV4’s peppier engine or CR-V’s refinement, Forester wins on standard AWD and towing value. Real-world reviews gush over smooth rides and tech ease, with one calling it “fun to drive” in sport mode.
Why Forester Wins in America’s SUV Wars
In a segment exploding with choices, the 2026 Forester stands out for unchanged pricing amid inflation, unbeatable longevity, and now a true Wilderness warrior.
It edges rivals on standard safety and AWD, appealing to practical buyers from city parents to weekend warriors. Subaru’s brand as America’s most reliable (per Consumer Reports) seals deals.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester proves evolution beats revolution—refined, rugged, and ready for whatever America throws at it, all while keeping costs in check.
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Whether base model sensibility or Wilderness wildness calls, this SUV delivers trust earned over decades. Head to a dealer soon; these reliable adventurers won’t sit long.