The 2026 Subaru Forester has officially stepped into the future and it’s not just a facelift. It’s a full-blown reinvention. Long considered the workhorse of Subaru’s SUV lineup, the Forester now returns sleeker, smarter, and significantly more upscale, targeting everyone from weekday commuters to weekend wanderers.
This sixth-generation Forester walks a fine line holding onto its all-weather ruggedness while dialing up the comfort, tech, and design that urban families demand. The result? A compact SUV that’s no longer just practical — it’s downright desirable.
Bold New Styling, Same Rugged Intent
Subaru hasn’t gone for subtle changes here. The 2026 Forester wears an entirely new suit, featuring a more aggressive front fascia, sharper LED headlights, and an upright, almost boxy profile that emphasizes its SUV credentials.
At the front, a wider grille flanked by C-shaped LED DRLs gives the car a more modern, confident stance. Square wheel arches, bold character lines, and reworked alloy wheels reinforce the Forester’s off-road-ready DNA — but in a more refined, urban-ready package.
And while the changes are visual, they serve a purpose — improved aerodynamics, road presence, and better wind noise reduction, which you’ll appreciate on those long highway runs.
Spacious, Upscale Interior Designed for Families
Open the doors and it’s a whole new world. Subaru has poured attention into the interior layout, materials, and packaging, making the new Forester far more competitive against rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
The cabin is more streamlined, quieter, and comfortable, with premium materials — soft-touch panels, faux leather or genuine hides (depending on trim), and optional wood-grain accents that lend a luxury-lite feel.
| Interior Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating | Plush, supportive with improved cushioning |
| Rear Comfort | Increased legroom, wider rear bench |
| Cargo Space | One of the largest in class, flat loading floor |
| Visibility | High seating position, large glass area |
Whether it’s a car seat, camping gear, or a Costco haul, the cargo area impresses. Subaru also offers new color combinations and interior themes for 2026 — a subtle but welcome nod to personalization.
Upgraded Infotainment and Connectivity
In past years, Subaru’s tech felt functional — but far from cutting edge. That changes now.
At the center of the dash sits a larger touchscreen infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across most variants. Top trims go full-digital with a customizable digital driver cluster, premium sound system, and wireless charging pad.
There are also multiple USB-C ports for front and rear passengers, over-the-air software updates, and voice-command integration that actually works — making the 2026 Forester not just connected, but smart.
Boxer Engine Returns with Refinements
Under the hood, the Forester sticks with Subaru’s signature naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer engine, but it’s been reworked for smoother power delivery and better fuel efficiency. No turbo here (yet), but you can expect an engine that balances daily driveability with weekend confidence.
| Engine Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.5L Boxer (Naturally Aspirated) |
| Power Output | Est. 180–185 hp |
| Transmission | CVT (with manual mode in higher trims) |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD (Standard) |
| Mileage (Expected) | 28–30 mpg (AWD Combined Estimate) |
The standard AWD system is still the real hero here. Subaru hasn’t budged on its philosophy — every Forester sends power to all four wheels, making it one of the few compact SUVs with true full-time AWD across the range.
Combine that with enhanced X-Mode (for off-road and slippery terrain) and this isn’t just a soft-roader — it’s a light trail-ready SUV that won’t complain when the tarmac ends.
Comfortable, Composed Driving Experience
Subaru’s engineers have fine-tuned the suspension, particularly the front struts and rear multilink setup, to better absorb uneven roads while reducing body roll. The result is a car that rides more like a refined crossover than a utility vehicle.
In the city, the Forester is quiet and compliant. On the highway, it cruises confidently. And if you ever veer onto a gravel path or muddy trail, the chassis, tires, and AWD system inspire more confidence than most rivals.
Safety Upgrades That Really Matter
Subaru’s EyeSight suite was already one of the better driver assistance packages out there — and in 2026, it’s smarter than ever.
Now featuring pedestrian detection, cyclist awareness, and intersection assist, EyeSight helps reduce collision risk in real-time scenarios. Additional safety features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with lane centering
- Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- 360-degree camera system on upper trims
- Advanced airbag placement and reinforced body structure
Whether you’re navigating school runs or highway traffic, the 2026 Forester acts like a quiet co-pilot — never intrusive, but always aware.
Efficiency and Everyday Use
While it’s not a hybrid (yet), Subaru has worked on small efficiency tweaks through engine calibration and weight savings. Real-world mileage is expected to land around:
| Driving Condition | Expected MPG (AWD) |
|---|---|
| City | ~26 mpg |
| Highway | ~33 mpg |
| Combined | ~29–30 mpg |
That puts it in a solid spot for an AWD compact SUV. And with the large fuel tank, expect longer range between fuel stops, perfect for road trippers and weekend adventurers.
Pricing and Variants
Subaru is expected to offer the 2026 Forester in its usual layered trim structure, starting from a value-packed base model to a fully-loaded Touring edition.
| Trim Level | Expected Starting Price (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Base | ~$28,000 | AWD, touchscreen, EyeSight safety |
| Premium | ~$30,500 | Alloy wheels, Wi-Fi hotspot, upgraded materials |
| Sport | ~$32,000 | Unique styling, X-Mode enhanced |
| Limited | ~$34,500 | Leather seats, advanced tech |
| Touring | ~$37,000 | Digital cluster, 360-cam, premium audio |
With a reputation for reliability and resale value, the Forester also remains a smart long-term buy — especially for buyers who log serious miles or want peace of mind in rough weather.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Subaru Forester doesn’t scream for attention — but it delivers where it counts. It’s more refined, more tech-savvy, and more capable than ever. And for families who need comfort, cargo space, confidence in bad weather, and light off-road chops, it’s still one of the most complete compact SUVs money can buy.
No gimmicks. No overstyled flash. Just smart, solid Subaru DNA with modern enhancements.
For city dwellers with camping aspirations, growing families, or solo commuters who crave AWD assurance the Forester is ready. Again.
FAQs
It continues with the refined 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer engine, delivering around 180–185 hp.
Yes, Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD remains standard on all trims.
Yes, the infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Yes, especially with X-Mode and AWD, it handles light off-road conditions very well.
Expected prices range from ~$28,000 for the base model up to ~$37,000 for the Touring trim.
