2026 Subaru Forester

Price Range: $29,995 - $41,595

The 2026 Subaru Forester's standard all-wheel drive, lifted ride height and big cargo area make it a sensible choice for buyers looking to go on an adventure. But most shoppers will be better served by rival SUVs that are more efficient, have more upscale interiors, and are nicer to drive.Read full review

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Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$30,383

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Prices based on sales in IA thru 9/8/25

Final assembly in USA

4 Colors
9 Trims
1 Package

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2026 Subaru Forester Review

Pros

Better off-road capability than most other small SUVs, especially in Wilderness trim
Spacious interior
Plenty of standard advanced safety features

Cons

Slow acceleration
Overly firm and uncomfortable ride quality
Cargo area is significantly smaller than top-tier rivals

What's new

New Wilderness trim based on the latest generation Forester
Wilderness enhances off-road capability with increased ride height and more capable AWD
Wilderness not available as hybrid
Part of sixth Forester generation that debuted in 2025

Overview

Written by automotive expert Keith Buglewicz

9/17/2025

After introducing an all-new Forester last year, Subaru is doubling down with the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness trim. It expands the Forester's already comprehensive off-road capabilities, part of what makes the Forester such a popular choice among small SUV buyers. It also completes the model changeover that started last year, with an all-new design and the introduction of a new hybrid powertrain that adds power and improves fuel economy.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa

$126/mo

$169/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: Wilderness trim

The 2026 Wilderness is based on the latest generation Forester that debuted last year. Subaru did sell a Forester Wilderness last year, but it was a carryover version that was based on the old Forester. The new 2026 Forester Wilderness has multiple upgrades to enhance its off-road capability. Its 9.3 inches of ride height is more than its predecessor offered, and seriously up there compared to other compact SUVs. Subaru also added its dual-mode all-wheel-drive system, with special modes for snow and loose dirt, and deep mud or snow, plus a locking center differential for when things really get tough. It also features improved approach, breakover and departure angles, reducing the chance of bumping the SUV's bottom on obstacles.

Competitors to consider

The small crossover market has no shortage of competitors to the Forester, even if you're looking for a little extra off-road capability. The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and Nissan Rogue Rock Creek are all more adventurous than other models in their respective lineups, as is the Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian and the new CR-V TrailSport. More generally, you could check out the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson or the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr

Below Average

5.6

out of 10

We drove the Subaru Forester on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

4.3/10

How does the Subaru Forester drive? Despite having the name Sport, the Forester trim level we tested wasn't. Every Forester makes do with an anemic 180-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Even when subjected to our test driver's lead foot, the Forester still took 9.2 seconds to hit 60 mph and couldn't even muster 85 mph in the quarter mile. Multiple editors noted the drivetrain's sluggish acceleration and lazy responses around town, and merging onto LA's freeways was much more stressful than it needed to be. SUVs don't have to be fast, but the Forester always feels too slow.

The ride quality also disappoints — it's busy, pitches about and just feels unsophisticated. The driver assistance systems seem unsophisticated as well — the adaptive cruise control is slow to get back up to speed and the lane centering system doesn't do what it promises. Handling and braking are better; there's decent levels of grip and emergency stopping power, but it's only average at best.

If your route does lead to some unpaved roads, the Forester will have an advantage over most of the competition, but other compact SUVs are starting to offer Subaru levels of off-road capability.

Comfort

6.5/10

How comfortable is the Subaru Forester? Thanks to wide door openings and agreeable seat heights, it's very easy to get in and out of the Forester. You won't need to climb up, slouch down, or duck your head to get inside. Once inside, passenger space is typical for the segment apart from headroom, which is 10-gallon-hat ready. The interior's highlight is the comfortable front seats. Nicely shaped and well padded, they can accommodate a wide variety of body types.

Owners of any recent Subaru will immediately feel at home in the Forester. Its interior is dominated by the 11.6-inch tablet-style display, and the large icons and clear graphics make it easier to read and operate than other systems. The mostly digital climate controls are always visible and coverage from the vents is decent. Other physical controls (the shifter, heated seat switches) are old-school in their simplicity.

Road noise is acceptable, and despite the Forester's boxy shape, wind noise isn't much more pronounced than what you'll hear in other compact SUVs. Engine noise is largely subdued, but when you ask for significant acceleration, as you do when merging on the highway, the engine sounds coarse and gets fairly noisy.

In-cabin tech

7.8/10

How’s the tech? The portrait-oriented touchscreen isn't as flashy or modern as what's in competitors like the Kia Sportage. Indeed, the graphics and fonts are almost comically antiquated. Responses can be slow. Yet, the Forester's tech is easy to use and understand. The available Harman Kardon audio system is definitely worth the extra money.

There are USB-A and USB-C ports, and a wireless charge pad is available, though the latter isn't grippy and looks unfinished. Wireless connectivity to phone mirroring worked without issue.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2026 Subaru Forester pricing in Des Moines, IA

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Storage & cargo

5.6/10

How’s storage and cargo? For something intended for outdoorsy people, the Forester's cabin has disappointing storage for small items. The center console storage is small, door pockets are average, the wireless phone charger will have your phone sliding around, and the cupholders can't accommodate big, trendy cups.

Rear cargo space is excellent despite a low cargo volume that undersells the amount of space present. In our testing, we could fit more luggage than in a hybrid Honda CR-V even though the latter has substantially more volume on paper. In cargo room, it's about equal to the Toyota RAV4 and only bettered by the Hyundai Tucson. Many Foresters also include more functional raised roof rails.

Towing capacity of 1,500 pounds is OK for the segment.

Value

5/10

Is the Subaru Forester a good value? The Forester's standard all-wheel drive and other features make it a decent value for the money. But in other areas, such as performance, efficiency and refinement, the Forester comes up short. Most other SUVs in the class can be had with all-wheel drive at the same price point and offer higher-quality cabins, better storage and newer tech. Warranty coverage offered by Subaru is typical, with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper and five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Roadside assistance is for three years/36,000 miles. No free maintenance is offered.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? We tested the Forester Sport, which the EPA estimates gets 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving. After our time in the Forester, we think those numbers are a bit optimistic or require very low speeds and a light foot. Keeping up in busy city traffic, or even matching a faster flow of traffic on a highway, saw the Forester's efficiency plummet; we rarely saw anything over 25 mpg. On the plus side, the Forester has a pretty big fuel tank, so there's plenty of range for road trips. Also, the Forester only asks for 87 octane; no premium fuel required. Note that the Forester Hybrid, rated separately, gets an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined.

X factor

3/10

While other manufacturers have made significant changes to styling and infotainment technology, the Forester remains steadfastly, or stubbornly, predictable. The boxy shape, standard all-wheel drive, and extra ground clearance make the Forester more appealing to buyers who deal with a lot of wintry weather or have an adventurous spirit. But those features can only take the Forester so far. Most of its competitors offer all-wheel drive as well as better technology and feel generally more sophisticated. At its best, the Forester feels familiar and competent, but the overall driving experience is dull and dated.

2026 Subaru Forester trim level differences

[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's Forester and updated with what we know so far about 2026. We'll update this section once we have complete information.] All 2026 Subaru Forester trims are powered by one of two engines. The first is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It's connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to send power to all four wheels. The Hybrid also uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor for a combined maximum of 194 horsepower.

Which Forester trim does Edmunds recommend?

Subaru hasn't released complete information on the 2026 Forester as of this writing. We'll update our recommendation if anything changes, but based on last year's Forester, we think the Sport trim represents a good value for the added features you get. We'd also consider adding the available option package that includes premium audio, a hands-free power liftgate and reverse automatic braking. If your excursions are more demanding, the Wilderness trim is your best bet.

Compare 2026 Subaru Forester trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Reliability

The 2026 Subaru Forester has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #22 out of 29 among Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average

#22 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$525/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

1.07x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

15%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2026 Subaru Forester

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Subaru Forester Owner Reviews

4.5

53 reviews

5(77%)

4(9%)

3(3%)

2(5%)

1(6%)

See all 53 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Love It!

Joaniemac, 09/15/2024

2025 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

I sit up high enough to see everything in this car and it gives me a feeling of being safe. All the bells and whistles are there to help me drive more safely. Fabulous, large information center and easy to use apps. Great ride and fun to drive.

Solid. Responsive. Safe.

SubaruNewbie, 03/08/2025

2025 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

My first Subaru. In dealership, a lady showed us pics of the Forester she was replacing. Her daughter had been in a head-on collision. Inside you could not tell it had been in any accident, while the front end was unidentifiable -just bits of metal. Daughter was untouched. I wanted something smaller and safer than my minivan. I'd call my Forester a compact suburban SUV I can take out … fishing -but probably not tow a large boat. LIKES: Front windshield and door posts don't block view. For short people, screen and instrument panel do not block view of front of car (like a Mazda CX-5/50). First test drive I felt sensors by rearview mirror were in the way. Then I realized they would only block my view if I was watching a bird or plane while driving. So not an issue. ENTRY: Very easy to get in and out. Doors open wide and car is higher than a sedan so you slide right in. RIDE: Smooth for an SUV. It doesn't float, but let's be fair; it's not a Cadillac boat. STEERING: Responsive and sporty. You feel in control. Turn wheel a smidge, and car will turn. Fantastic turning radius. Try it. QUIET: Haven't driven in a windstorm, but so far it's quiet on both the freeway and streets. I don't have to yell to have a conversation driving on freeway. You do of course hear the engine growl when entering freeway, but it's not a roar like our minivan or truck. When parked, it takes effort to hear it running. We've almost forgotten to shut it off because we assumed we already had, it's that quiet. POWER: It's not a racecar. More than enough power to get on the freeway. You won't be holding anybody up -you will be held up by small cars in front of you. Yes, really. I wouldn't try a tight pass, but a thoughtful one is no problem. ROOMY: This car concentrates on passenger space over cargo. Plenty of cargo room for a Costco run. 6'2" son can sit in back seat very comfortably. This is a COMPACT SUV, so if you're a big-time camper you already know you need something else. SAFETY: Blind-spot and back up warning is a must. Auto-dimming rear and heated side mirrors (options) are fantastic. Auto headlights are a treat. Great nighttime vision, but I do wonder if I'm one of those annoyingly bright headlight people? They are LED and take some getting used to. Take a test drive at night if you can. BOONS: Garage door opener in rear view mirror (option). Liftgate automation a nice thing, but not really needed. The manual lift one was very easy. Heated seats (if yours don't heat within 2 minutes, something is wrong). Auto seat adjust driver side, passenger is manual. I prefer manual and wish that was an option. All weather mats: A must if you have pets, pine needles, mud, dirt, etc. DISAPPOINTMENTS: First tank of gas, mileage is 21 in mostly city driving. And I'm no lead foot aggressor. Blind-spot, heated/dimming mirrors, remote start, and bumper guard should be standard. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT: I despise you have to negotiate a fair and decent price on their extended warranty. This practice drags the Subaru brand way down in my book. Get it together, Subaru! You're better than this. Overall very happy and feel safe in my Forester. The only sour note about buying this car has been trying to get Subaru's Gold Warranty without feeling ripped off.

So far it been a great car for our family

Eg, 09/12/2024

2025 Subaru Forester Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

I love our new 2025 forester sport river rock pearl. 400 miles and so far only positive experience. The visibility is great, I sit above almost all cars on a freeway. The driving is smooth and if I want it to be more agile there’s a sport mode. It has all modern features of a modern car with classic car design which I personally love. It’s a well built Japanese utility car for any …

Air fuel sensor

Pat Bradley, 11/30/2024

2025 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

Bought my 4rd Subaru 3 months ago and fuel sensor failed. Subaru America says they have no replacement part since car is too new. Really?

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Subaru Forester, so we've included reviews for other years of the Forester since its last redesign.

See all 53 reviews of the Subaru Forester

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2026 Subaru Forester video

Honda CR-V Hybrid vs. Subaru Forester Hybrid: Which Is the Best Hybrid SUV?

NOTE: This video is about the 2025 Subaru Forester, but since the 2026 Subaru Forester is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid marks the first time the brand’s popular SUV has been offered with an electrified powertrain. The specs look good on paper, but is it enough to help the Forester compete with the ever-popular Honda CR-V Hybrid? In this video, Edmunds’ Brian Wong puts the two compact SUVs head-to-head to find out.

2026 Subaru Forester Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$126/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

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2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid

At a Glance:

4 Colors
9 Trims
1 Package
$36,595starting MSRP

Build & Price Subaru.com

MSRP is subject to change and varies based on availability, trim level, option packages, and retailer-installed accessories. MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, registration, and other fees. Retailer sets actual price. See your retailer for details.

Safety

Key safety features on the Forester include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

FAQ

Is the Subaru Forester a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Forester both on the road and at the track, giving it a 5.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Forester gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 53 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Forester ranges from 26.9 to 29.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru Forester. Learn more

What's new in the 2026 Subaru Forester?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Subaru Forester:

New Wilderness trim based on the latest generation Forester
Wilderness enhances off-road capability with increased ride height and more capable AWD
Wilderness not available as hybrid
Part of sixth Forester generation that debuted in 2025

Learn more

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

To determine whether the Subaru Forester is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Forester. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Forester's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Subaru Forester a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Subaru Forester is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Forester and gave it a 5.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Forester gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 53 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Forester is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Subaru Forester?

The least-expensive 2026 Subaru Forester is the 2026 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,995.

Other versions include:

4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $29,995
Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $33,385
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $36,105
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $37,695
Wilderness 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $38,385
Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $41,595

Learn more

What are the different models of Subaru Forester?

If you're interested in the Subaru Forester, the next question is, which Forester model is right for you? Forester variants include 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), and Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Forester models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2026 Subaru Forester

Pricing

2026 Subaru Forester Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: Wilderness trim

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Save as much as $1,477 with Edmunds

Edmunds suggests you pay

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

2026 Subaru Forester trim level differences

Which Forester trim does Edmunds recommend?

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

Subaru Forester Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Love It!

Solid. Responsive. Safe.

So far it been a great car for our family

Air fuel sensor

Helpful shopping links

2026 Subaru Forester video

Honda CR-V Hybrid vs. Subaru Forester Hybrid: Which Is the Best Hybrid SUV?

2026 Subaru Forester Features & Specs

Compare the Subaru Forester

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Forester include:

FAQ

Is the Subaru Forester a good car?

What's new in the 2026 Subaru Forester?

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

Is the 2026 Subaru Forester a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Subaru Forester?

What are the different models of Subaru Forester?

Related 2026 Subaru Forester info

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