What To Expect
Subaru gave the Forester a full redesign for 2025. The compact SUV arrived with an updated exterior design, a revised chassis, a new interior design, and upgraded tech features. For the upcoming 2026 model year, the Subaru Forester is expected to be a carryover model but should gain a new hybrid powertrain. Here’s what we expect to see from the 2026 Subaru Forester.
We don’t expect to see any major changes in the Subaru Forester’s exterior design for the 2026 model year. The current Forester has a reserved exterior design with split headlights, an oversized grille, and a chunky front bumper. Wide fenders are located on the side of the body, while the Forster features triangular taillights that are connected by a horizontal trim piece, a hidden exhaust outlet, and a robust rear bumper. The 2026 Subaru Forester should have the same overall design as the current model that’s on sale.
Similar to a lot of other Subarus, the Forester comes with dual screens on the center console that bring a low-quality look. The screens are integrated into a single piece of plastic with a few physical controls flanking the screens. The available 11.6-inch screen brings vertical air vents and a more premium look. While lower trims should come with a large amount of plastics, we expect higher trim levels to have more upscale materials. The 2026 Subaru Forester should have the same interior design as the current model that’s on sale.
Subaru hasn’t confirmed all of the 2025 Forester’s features yet. The 2026 Subaru Forester is expected to have the same standard features, which should include dual seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. An 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a wireless charging pad, and a Wi-Fi hotspot should be available.
2026 Subaru Forester Engine & Specs
Power for the current Subaru Forester comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are optional. The available Wilderness trim brings extra off-roading performance with all-terrain tires and more ground clearance. This engine should remain the same for the 2026 Subaru Forester.
Subaru has confirmed that the 2026 Subaru Forester will be available with a hybrid powertrain, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
2026 Subaru Forester Safety
The 2026 Subaru Forester should come with the automaker’s EyeSight suite of advanced safety features as standard. Subaru hasn’t confirmed the 2025 Forester’s list of standard safety features yet, but we expect the 2026 model to come with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic high-beam assist.
Available safety features should include rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, reverse automatic emergency braking, emergency stop assist, automatic emergency steering, and lane change assist.
2026 Subaru Forester Price
Pricing for the 2026 Subaru Forester has not been announced yet. The current model’s price ranges from $31,090 to $38,740. As a carryover model, the 2026 Forester should stay close to the current model when it comes to pricing.
Competitors in the compact SUV segment include the Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.
2026 Subaru Forester Release Date
Based on when the 2025 Subaru Forester went on sale, we expect the 2026 Subaru Forester to arrive at dealerships in spring 2025. More information on the compact SUV should become available within the next year.
Please check back for updates as they become available.
Pictured: 2025 Subaru Forester
