2026 Subaru Forester: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2026 Subaru Forester

The biggest change for the 2026 Subaru Forester is the expanded lineup: the Wilderness returns on the current-generation body, and a new Sport Onyx Edition adds darker styling and extra equipment. The rest of the range receives only light cabin updates.

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About the 2026 Subaru Forester

6th generation (2025-present), second model year; 2026 is the first sixth-generation Wilderness year and the second year for the revived Forester Hybrid.

Subaru positions the Forester as a trust-first compact SUV: standard AWD, strong safety technology, a roomy cabin, excellent outward visibility, and easy everyday usefulness. It is the family-friendly Subaru for people who want one vehicle to handle commuting, bad weather, road trips, and light trail duty without drama. Versus many rivals, its biggest differentiators are standard AWD across the lineup, generous passenger space, and Subaru’s safety-and-durability message rather than flashy performance or luxury.

The 2026 Forester lineup runs from the straightforward AWD Base to the comfort-focused Limited and feature-rich Touring, which has ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera. Sport Onyx Edition pairs blacked-out trim with premium audio, while Wilderness focuses on rough-road use with 9.3 inches of ground clearance, revised gearing, and stronger towing capability. Premium remains the everyday middle trim, with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
Wilderness gets revised gearing for better low-speed climbing, and its maximum tow rating rises from 3,000 to 3,500 pounds. The other gas and hybrid powertrains carry over.
Styling
The new Sport Onyx Edition adds dark-finish wheels, black exterior protection pieces, and a black-and-gray cabin with brown stitching. Wilderness moves to the redesigned sixth-generation body with updated rugged trim.
Tech
Every gas and hybrid Forester gets a revised gear selector and a redesigned front cupholder layout. Sport Onyx Edition also adds an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a hands-free power rear gate as standard equipment.
Structural
Wilderness gains 9.3 inches of ground clearance, front underbody protection, and reinforced roof rails. On the Base trim, roof rails change from standard to optional.

2026 Subaru Forester specs and features by trim

2026 Subaru ForesterBase0 in stock
2026 Subaru ForesterSport0 in stock
2026 Subaru ForesterLimited0 in stock
2026 Subaru ForesterPremium1 in stock
2026 Subaru ForesterTouring1 in stock
2026 Subaru ForesterWilderness0 in stock
2026 Subaru ForesterSport Onyx Edition0 in stock
Engine4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter
TransmissionAutomatic, CVT w/LineartronicAutomatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode / Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 6-Spd Manual ModeAutomatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode / Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 6-Spd Manual ModeAutomatic, CVT w/Lineartronic / Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 6-Spd Manual ModeAutomatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode / Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 6-Spd Manual ModeAutomatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual ModeAutomatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode
DrivetrainAWDAWDAWDAWDAWDAWDAWD
Fuel TypeGasGas / HybridGas / HybridGas / HybridGas / HybridGasGas
MPG City26 mpg25–35 mpg25–35 mpg26–35 mpg25–35 mpg24 mpg25 mpg
MPG Highway33 mpg32–34 mpg32–34 mpg33–34 mpg32–34 mpg28 mpg32 mpg
Horsepower180 hp180–194 hp180–194 hp180–194 hp180–194 hp180 hp180 hp
Torque178 lb-ft154–178 lb-ft154–178 lb-ft154–178 lb-ft154–178 lb-ft178 lb-ft178 lb-ft
Max Towing1500 lb1500 lb1500 lb1500 lb1500 lb3500 lb1500 lb
Trunk/Cargo74.4 cu-ft69.1 cu-ft69.1 cu-ft69.1 cu-ft69.1 cu-ft69.1 cu-ft69.1 cu-ft
Rear Legroom39.4 in39.4 in39.4 in39.4 in39.4 in39.4 in39.4 in
Seats555555
Doors4444444
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Headlights
Alarm System
Anti-Lock Brakes
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Blindspot Sensors
Hill Descent Control
Hill Start Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
Stability Control
360 Camera
Traction Control
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
LED Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Close Liftgate/Trunk
Power Mirrors
Privacy Glass
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Touch Screen Monitor
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Folding Rear Seat
Rear Air Conditioning
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Power Locks
Power Steering
Power Windows
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Rear Window Shades
Reclining Rear Seats
Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel
Ventilated Front Seats

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2026 Subaru Forester?

The biggest change is the expansion of the lineup. The Wilderness returns in fully redesigned current-generation form, while the new Sport Onyx Edition adds blacked-out styling and more standard convenience and audio equipment.

Is the 2026 Subaru Forester fully redesigned?

No, the main Forester lineup is not fully redesigned for 2026; the sixth generation began for 2025. The important exception is the Wilderness, which moves to the current-generation Forester body for 2026.

How does the 2026 Forester differ from the 2025 model?

The 2026 Forester adds the Sport Onyx Edition, brings the Wilderness onto the sixth-generation body, and revises the gear selector and front cupholders across the lineup. Wilderness also gains revised gearing and a 3,500-pound tow rating, while Base roof rails change from standard to optional.

Is the Forester Hybrid new for 2026?

No, the Forester Hybrid is in its second model year for 2026. Its 194-horsepower AWD hybrid system carries over, with the revised gear selector and front cupholder design serving as the main updates.

What changed on the 2026 Forester Wilderness?

The 2026 Wilderness moves to the sixth-generation Forester body and gains 9.3 inches of ground clearance, revised low-speed gearing, updated rugged body trim, and a 3,500-pound tow rating. It also has front underbody protection, reinforced roof rails, and a 180-degree front-view camera.

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