Explore the all-new 2026 Subaru Forester! Discover its rugged new design, enhanced EyeSight safety, 11.6-inch touchscreen, and the beastly 3,500-lb towing capacity of the Wilderness trim.
The compact SUV segment just got a serious wake-up call with the arrival of the 2026 Subaru Forester. Long respected for its “go-anywhere” attitude and legendary reliability, the latest Forester generation finally brings the tech-heavy upgrades fans have been waiting for. From a stiffer chassis to a massive new infotainment screen, this isn’t just a minor face-lift—it’s a complete refinement of the adventure-ready SUV.
2026 Subaru Forester: Key Features & Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Engine | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower / Torque | 180 hp / 178 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard) |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7″ (Standard) / 9.3″ (Wilderness) |
| Max Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs / 3,500 lbs (Wilderness) |
| Infotainment | 11.6-inch STARLINK® Multimedia Plus |
| Fuel Economy (Hwy/City) | Up to 33 / 26 MPG |
A Familiar Yet Sharper Exterior Design
The 2026 Subaru Forester manages to look entirely new while staying true to its boxy, practical roots. The front end is now more assertive, featuring a larger hexagonal grille that blends seamlessly into slimmer, “squinting” LED headlights. It has a wider, more muscular stance, especially around the wheel arches, which now feature semi-octagonal protective cladding.
One of the coolest updates is the improved aerodynamics. Subaru added functional air outlets at the trailing edge of the front wheel wells, which helps reduce lift and improves stability at highway speeds. Whether you’re looking at the sleek Limited trim or the rugged, copper-accented Wilderness, the 2026 Subaru Forester looks ready to jump from a city parking garage straight onto a muddy trail.
Interior Comfort Designed for Real Life
Step inside, and you’ll find that the 2026 Subaru Forester has received a major interior promotion. The cabin is noticeably quieter thanks to a 10% increase in torsional rigidity and extra sound-dampening materials. The seats have been redesigned with a slimmer profile to improve visibility and provide better support for your hips and lower back during long road trips.
Practicality is still king here. You get up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, making it one of the roomiest in its class. Subaru also listened to owners and added a kick-sensor power rear gate, so you can open the trunk even when your hands are full of groceries or camping gear.
Smart Technology That Enhances the Drive
The star of the show in the 2026 Subaru Forester is the available 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen. This vertically oriented display replaces the old buttons and small screens with a modern, smartphone-like interface. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, meaning you can ditch the messy cables for good.
Subaru also integrated “What3words” navigation and upgraded the wireless charging pad to be faster and more reliable. Even if you aren’t a tech wizard, the system is intuitive, keeping the climate controls easily accessible at the bottom of the screen. It’s a huge leap forward that makes the Forester feel like a true 2026 vehicle.
Performance That Balances Power and Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2026 Subaru Forester relies on the dependable 2.5-liter BOXER engine. While 180 horsepower might sound modest, the real-world performance is punchy thanks to a revised Lineartronic CVT that is smoother and quieter than previous versions. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive continues to be the best in the business, distributing power instantly to whichever wheel has the most grip.
For those who need to haul more than just passengers, the Wilderness trim is a game-changer. Thanks to a dedicated transmission cooler, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness can now tow up to 3,500 lbs. That is enough for a small trailer or a couple of jet skis, effectively doubling the capability of the standard models.
Advanced Safety Features at the Core
Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology has always been top-tier, but the version in the 2026 Subaru Forester is the most advanced yet. It uses a new wide-angle mono camera and updated software to “see” pedestrians and cyclists at intersections much faster.
New for 2026 is the Emergency Stop Assist. If the driver becomes unresponsive while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, the car will automatically bring itself to a stop, turn on the hazard lights, and even unlock the doors for emergency responders. It’s that kind of “extra set of eyes” that gives families peace of mind every time they hit the road.
Conclusion
The 2026 Subaru Forester is an honest SUV that doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It doesn’t chase flashy, unnecessary trends; instead, it doubles down on the comfort, safety, and rugged capability that owners actually use. With its upgraded tech, quieter cabin, and class-leading all-wheel drive, it remains a benchmark for anyone living an active lifestyle. Whether you are commuting in a snowstorm or heading out for a weekend in the woods, the 2026 Subaru Forester is a partner you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the starting price for the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The base 2026 Subaru Forester starts at approximately $29,995 (MSRP), while the top-of-the-line Touring and Wilderness trims can reach up to $43,000 depending on options.
2. Is there a hybrid version of the 2026 Forester?
Yes! A 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid is expected to join the lineup in the spring of 2026, offering significantly better fuel economy and a bit more horsepower.
3. How much can the new Forester tow?
Most trims are rated to tow 1,500 lbs, but the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness trim features a specialized transmission cooler that boosts that capacity to 3,500 lbs.
4. Does it have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models equipped with the 11.6-inch STARLINK multimedia system (Premium trim and above).
5. How much ground clearance does it have?
The standard 2026 Subaru Forester has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the Wilderness trim raises that to 9.3 inches for better off-road capability.