Subaru released updates on Forester models from 2025 and 2026 model years, highlighting the 2025 Forester Hybrid and the 2026 Forester Wilderness SUV.

At the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Subaru revealed the first-ever U.S. Forester Hybrid, equipped with a Subaru series-parallel hybrid system and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

The Forester Hybrid is the first model in the Subaru lineup to be powered by a next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid powertrain that integrates a 2.5-L Subaru Boxer engine and electric motors with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The Subaru hybrid powertrain is designed to integrate seamlessly into the existing all-wheel architecture without losing all-wheel-drive capability.

The hybrid SUV’s newly developed 2.5-L Atkinson/Miller-cycle Subaru Boxer engine and transaxle are paired with an electric motor generator and traction motor. The hybrid compact SUV delivers 194 total system hp, coupling Subaru’s off-road capability with up to 40% better fuel efficiency than its non-hybrid counterparts. The Forester utilizes a high-capacity, sealed lithium-ion battery.

With up to 581 miles of range on a single tank of fuel, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earns an EPA-estimated rating of 35 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined, which is an improvement of 10 mpg in city fuel economy.

The hybrid SUV has a 12.3-in. digital gauge cluster with navigation and Apple Maps compatibility and a Subaru 11.6-in. multimedia navigation system. The 11.6-in. high-resolution touchscreen is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility with a full-screen display. The multimedia system also works as a center information display with combination meter integration and on-screen controls for audio, climate, and vehicle functions.

The 2025 Forester Hybrid will arrive at retailers nationwide in spring 2025, starting at $34,995 MSRP. Trim-level pricing includes:

Enhanced Safety Features in the 2025 Forester Hybrid

All 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid trim levels have the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The newest version of EyeSight features improvements such as a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. EyeSight can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alerts the driver and applies braking to avoid collisions.

Additional active safety features are available for the Forester Hybrid, including Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid also includes Emergency Stop Assist if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. The new standard safety feature will stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and unlock the doors. Subaru Connected Services will then call emergency services.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Suspension Tuning & Advanced Features

Subaru also recently announced the next generation of the Forester lineup with the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness.

This trim in the Subaru Forester family features 9.3 in. of ground clearance — more than its predecessor — with go-anywhere capability due to longer coil springs and shock absorbers. The Forester Wilderness is powered by a standard 2.5-L Subaru Boxer engine, X-MODE Dual Mode System, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension, and uprated cooling.

The SUV uses a revised Lineartronic CVT with a shorter final drive ratio paired with advanced X-MODE Dual Mode. A revised Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system shared with the new Forester offers faster center differential lockup and reduced wheelspin. All-terrain Yokohama Geolandar tires are mounted on Wilderness-exclusive 17-in. anthracite wheels.

An uprated transmission cooler offers up to 3,500 lbs. of towing capacity on the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, featuring a rear differential temperature sensor.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness will arrive at retailers nationwide in the fall of 2025. Pricing and detailed specifications will be available closer to the market launch.

Stronger Build, Spacious Interior, and Tech Upgrades

The Subaru Global Platform underpinning the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has been enhanced with 10% stiffer torsional rigidity due to a new full inner frame construction with stronger welding techniques and additional structural adhesive (from approximately 26.2 ft. to 88.5 ft.).

Inside, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness offers standard 60/40-split folding rear seats that open up to 69.1 cubic ft. of useable cargo space. With the rear seats upright, the Forester Wilderness comfortably seats up to five people with 39.4 in. of rear seat legroom.

The Subaru 11.6-in. Multimedia Plus system is standard in the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. The 11.6-in. high-resolution touchscreen is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a full-screen display. The multimedia system also works as a center information display with combination meter integration and on-screen controls for audio, climate, and vehicle functions.

Additional features include EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity, AM/FM stereo, rear vision camera, HD Radio, and over-the-air updates.