Subaru of America announced the arrival of the 2026 Subaru Forester, the sixth generation of the brand’s popular SUV. The new Forester lineup, which includes the rugged Forester Wilderness, will reach retailers this fall with a starting MSRP of $29,995, which is unchanged from the previous model year.
The 2026 Forester will be offered in six trims—Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness—each equipped with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the latest generation of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The standard ground clearance of 8.7 inches increases to 9.3 inches on the Wilderness, underscoring the SUV’s off-road capability.
Powertrain and Platform
Every Forester is powered by a revised 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER engine delivering 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, tuned for stronger response at lower RPMs. The engine is paired with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Forester continues to ride on the Subaru Global Platform, which has been strengthened for 10% greater torsional rigidity compared to the previous generation.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2026 Forester expands standard safety with Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Steering, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and a Rear Seat Reminder. EyeSight now offers a wider field of view, updated software, and an electric brake booster, improving its ability to recognize cyclists and pedestrians at intersections.
Additional available technologies include Reverse Automatic Braking, a Surround-View Monitor, and Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection, which can bring the SUV to a controlled stop, activate hazard lights, unlock doors, and contact emergency services if the driver is unresponsive.
Technology and Connectivity
Infotainment is handled by a dual 7-inch touchscreen system on the Base trim, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offer the available 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, wireless charging, and an optional Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Trim Levels
Forester Base ($29,995): Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Steering Responsive LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, roof rails, and a redesigned center console with larger storage and wide cupholders.
Forester Premium ($33,385): Adds the 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system, panoramic moonroof, 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. An option package includes a power liftgate and additional driver-assist features.
Forester Sport ($36,105): Features distinctive styling with 19-inch bronze-finish alloy wheels, StarTex upholstery with bronze accents, and sport-tuned suspension. Performance upgrades include X-MODE Dual Mode, paddle shifters with 8-speed manual mode, and enhanced handling.
Forester Limited ($37,695): Enhances comfort with leather-trimmed upholstery, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a power passenger seat. Hands-free liftgate and additional driver-assist features come standard.
Forester Touring ($41,595): The range-topping trim includes 19-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, two-position memory for driver’s seat and mirrors, a 360-degree Surround View Monitor, Smart Rearview Mirror, and leather upholstery with Ultrasuede bolsters. A Harman Kardon system and navigation are also included.
Forester Wilderness
With a starting MSRP of $38,385, the 2026 Forester Wilderness is the most rugged Forester yet. It features 9.3 inches of ground clearance, standard all-terrain tires on 17-inch matte-black wheels, and a unique front fascia with a matte-black anti-glare hood decal.
Mechanical upgrades include a shorter final drive ratio, Wilderness-tuned suspension, enhanced approach and departure angles, a rear differential temperature sensor, and an uprated transmission cooler, which increases towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. Standard features include the X-MODE Dual Mode system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, along with a front-view monitor.
Inside, the Wilderness is equipped with water-resistant StarTex upholstery with copper stitching, all-weather mats, and a cargo tray designed for easy cleaning. An available package adds navigation, Harman Kardon audio, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a power rear gate.
Assembly
All 2026 Subaru Forester models, including the Wilderness, will be built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana, alongside the Ascent and Crosstrek.
