The Subaru Forester has long been a favorite of people and small families with an outdoor lifestyle. Like its predecessors, the sixth-generation 2026 Forester has a tall roof with large windows to display the outdoor scenery, a no-nonsense, squared-off cabin shape, and practical, usable features. Highlights of the new design include a stiffer body structure, new connectivity, additional convenience features, and the latest version of Subaru's advanced EyeSight Driver Assist technology.
The Wilderness model returns in 2026. This rugged model adds more ground clearance, exterior and underbody protection, and a useful, easy-to-maintain interior made for adventures beyond where more vehicles will ever tread.
In addition, all 2026 Forester models will be assembled at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive facility in Lafayette, Indiana, for the first time in the model's long-storied history.
Performance
All 2026 Forester trim levels are equipped with the current 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine, which produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The engine connects to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which offers smoother and quieter performance. To add flexibility, all but the base trim level provide a manual mode with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, allowing the driver to control the transmission via eight preset ratios, which is particularly useful in mountain driving.
Naturally, as a Subaru, all models come standard with Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive. The system is enhanced with standard Active Torque Vectoring and SI-Drive performance management system, allowing power to flow to where it is needed most. The result is more agile handling and better control both on and off pavement.
The 2026 Forester's steering was upgraded with a version of the dual-pinion electronic power steering rack. This rack provides a more direct, natural steering feel and quicker response. There is 10% greater torsional rigidity, enabling improved chassis tuning for a smoother ride and a quieter cabin.
The Premium model features the driver-selectable X-MODE, which helps maximize wheel control on slippery surfaces. Also included is Hill Descent Control, which engages at speeds under 12 mph on rough terrain and maintains vehicle speed for safer maneuvering, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. Standard across the model line is Incline Start Assist, which briefly holds the vehicle while the driver pulls away from a stop on a hill.
All Sport, Limited, Wilderness, and Touring trim levels feature dual-function X-MODE. Introduced on the Wilderness models, the system features a Snow/Dirt Mode, which controls engine output to mitigate wheel spin, adjusts the AWD torque to direct power to the wheels with the most grip, and automatically engages Hill Descent Control. The Deep Snow/Mud Mode allows small amounts of wheel spin that can assist in avoiding getting stuck in the mode's specified conditions.
Most 2026 Forester models ride on a standard 8.7-inch ground clearance. On the Wilderness model, that is increased to 9.3 inches off the ground for better clearance of obstacles below.
Exterior
The 2026 Forester has a sleek, contemporary design that starts with a large grille adjacent to the light clusters on either side. Accenting the grille is an updated version of the Subaru star-cluster logo. The fenders have a semi-octagonal shape, communicating the Forester's rugged capability. The nearly vertical rear, a Forester trademark, yields optimized maximum cargo capacity. The convenience of accessing the cargo area is enhanced with an available Hands-Free Power Rear Gate, which can be activated by a key fob button or by placing your foot under the rear bumper cover.
The Base and Premium come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels. The Limited is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, and the Sport and Touring upgrade to 19-inch alloy wheels. Wilderness models wear 17-inch matte black alloy wheels on all-terrain tires.
Interior
Inside is an all-new dash, shaped around the center multimedia displays. The base model retains dual 7.0-inch displays, while all other models are equipped with the 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system found in the Outback and other Subaru models. The front seats are redesigned for additional support, minimizing fatigue on long trips. Slimmer shoulder areas allow improved visibility and access to the rear seats. There is improved sound reduction throughout the cabin, including an almost 40% reduction in noise from the roof panel.
With both seatbacks down, the cargo area offers 74.4 cubic feet of usable space. The liftgate opening is wide, with a low lift-over height for easy loading and unloading. Standard roof rails add more cargo-carrying options. Standard features across the model line include Remote Keyless Access, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Individual Wheel Display, and Steering Responsive LED Headlights with Automatic High Beams. Available features include a wireless phone charger in the center console, an all-weather package with heated seats, mirrors, and wipers, and ventilated front seats.
Technology
Models with the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system also feature Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™, so you don't have to plug your phone in for every trip. Wireless smartphone charging is available. Additional features include Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; rear vision camera; SiriusXM All-Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link with a 4-month free Platinum Plan; HD Radio; and over-the-air updates.
The TomTom® navigation system features voice activation and what3words capability. The what3words system divides the entire world into approximately 10-foot by 10-foot squares, each of which is identified by three random words. This system works particularly well for rural locations that often confuse address-based systems and is very useful in finding a location without a specific address, such as a spot on an off-road trail or a location in a stadium parking lot.
The available SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security Connected Services offer:
- SOS Emergency Assistance
- Enhanced Roadside Assistance
- Automatic Collision Notification
- Maintenance Notifications
- Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts
- Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service
- Vehicle Security Alarm Notification
- Remote Lock/Unlock
- Remote Horn and Lights
- Remote Vehicle Locator
- Valet Mode
- Trip Log and Driving Journal
Safety
All 2026 Forester models are equipped with the latest version of the award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which is designed to operate more smoothly, quickly, and under a greater range of conditions. The sensors and cameras that now cover a wider field of view, updated software, and an electric brake booster are now part of the system. As a result, EyeSight can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections earlier and more accurately to alert the driver and, when necessary, apply brakes to avoid collisions. Additional active safety features available on the 2026 Forester include Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind-Spot Detection bundled with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering, which can assist in avoiding a collision inside a lane when the vehicle is traveling below 50 mph.
The 2026 Forester is also equipped with Emergency Stop Assist. This great feature engages when a driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. Once engaged, the system will stop the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and unlock the doors. If active, SUBARU STARLINK® Connected Services will then place a call to emergency services. On the Touring trim, the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System uses a camera angled at the driver's face and facial recognition software to monitor fatigue or lack of attention.
The Forester has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick for the past 18 years. The last model also had an overall 5-Star rating from the NHTSA, and it's unlikely Subaru will do anything to change that.
