- Most rugged and capable Forester returns with uprated capability
- Legendary Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- 9.3 inches of ground clearance
- Upgraded suspension and all-terrain tires
- Advanced X-MODE® for off-road performance
- Unique interior and exterior styling
- Arrives fall 2025
Subaru of America, Inc. announced today its next generation of its most capable and rugged Forester: the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. The newest addition to the Subaru Wilderness family features 9.3 inches of ground clearance — more than its predecessor — with go-anywhere capability paired with a refined interior and improved on- and off-road driving performance. The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness will arrive at retailers nationwide in fall 2025.
Powered by a standard 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine, X-MODE® Dual Mode System, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension, and uprated cooling, the new Subaru Forester Wilderness is ready for adventure-seekers when the pavement ends.
In addition to mechanical upgrades, the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness features the latest version of Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, a tablet-style 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia system with integrated center information display, and an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with navigation and Apple Maps integration.
New 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness debuts, the most rugged Forester yetSixth generation of bestselling SUV offers most advanced features, improved ride quality without sacrificing handling or capability across the lineupLatest-generation EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology standard on all trimsEmergency Lane Keep Assist now available on all models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic AlertStarting price of $29,995 MSRP, no increase from previous yearArrives in retailers this fall
Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing on the 2026 Subaru Forester SUV arriving at Subaru retailers this fall. The sixth-generation Forester continues to build on its successful debut last year, and is joined by the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, the most rugged Forester Wilderness yet. The sixth-generation Forester SUV starts at $29,995 MSRP.
The 2026 Subaru Forester is available in six trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness. All are equipped with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the latest generation of award-winning Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. The Forester’s standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance gives the SUV impressive capability, while an available Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility offers added comfort and convenience. The new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness features an impressive 9.3 inches of ground clearance – taller than its predecessor – and offers true off-road capabilities thanks to key upgrades to take adventure further beyond the trail.
The Subaru Forester and Forester Wilderness are powered by a revised 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine that makes 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque available at a lower RPM for responsiveness, compared to the previous generation of Forester. All Foresters utilize a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
The new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness uses a revised Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a shorter final drive ratio for better low-speed off-road capability paired with advanced X-MODE® Dual Mode System with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for added confidence. A revised Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, shared with the sixth-generation Forester, offers faster center differential lockup and reduced wheelspin when off-roading, and incorporates steering angle data for better stability at turn-in and cornering on higher-speed roads. The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is equipped with standard 235mm all-terrain tires, wider than the outgoing generation, for more confidence off-road. All 2026 Foresters utilize the Subaru Global Platform, which has been strengthened to deliver 10% stiffer torsional rigidity compared to the previous generation Subaru Forester.
The new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness also offers improved approach, departure, and breakover angles, compared to the rest of the sixth-generation Forester lineup. The approach angle has been extended to 23.5 degrees compared to 19 degrees; ramp breakover improves up to 21 degrees compared to 19.6 degrees; and the departure angle edges up to 25.5 degrees compared to 24.6 degrees. An uprated transmission cooler offers an increased towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the highest towing capacity ever offered on a Subaru Forester.
Standard on every 2026 Forester, the latest version of EyeSight® is designed to operate more smoothly and quickly, and in a broader range of conditions. That is due in part to 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, alert the driver and apply braking to avoid collisions. Additional available safety features include Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, and Emergency Lane Keep Assist.
Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection can stop the SUV if it detects an unresponsive driver when the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control is active. The system will stop the SUV, activate hazard lights, and unlock the doors. Subaru Connected Services can then call emergency services for help.
All 2026 Foresters have a Rear Seat Reminder that can alert drivers to check the rear seat for occupants or pets to prevent trapping them alone in the vehicle.
Automatic Emergency Steering and Emergency Lane Keep Assist are equipped on all models with Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Automatic Emergency Steering can help drivers avoid collisions with objects within their lane of travel at speeds of 50 mph or slower, while Emergency Lane Keep Assist works with EyeSight® and Blind-Spot Detection to assist with steering control depending on traffic in adjacent lanes to help avoid crashes when merging at speeds between approximately 37 and 90 mph. An available Surround-View Monitor offers a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings to better maneuver the Forester into parking spaces.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester SUV is well-equipped with impressive standard features, including Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, for $29,995 MSRP. Those features include 17-inch alloy wheels with machine finish, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Steering Responsive LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, roof rails, and SI-DRIVE Engine Performance Management.
Subaru dual 7.0-inch Multimedia System touchscreens handle infotainment duties with USB-based Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming, AM/FM radio, Rear-Vision Camera, illuminated USB-A charge port, SiriusXM and SiriusXM Travel Link® (4-month free trial of SXM Platinum Plan included), and HD Radio®.
Additional standard features include Auto Vehicle Hold, dual-pinion electric power-assisted steering, electronic parking brake, body-color exterior door handles, revised cupholders, auto on/off headlights, Incline Start Assist, power windows, 60/40-split folding rear seats, remote keyless entry system, tire pressure monitoring system with individual wheel pressure display, cloth upholstery with blue contrast stitching, Welcome Lighting and more. A revised front center console offers a new cupholder design for wide, 32-ounce water bottles; a new forward storage area for personal items and phones; a new, more compact shifter design for better ergonomics; a larger center armrest; and greater storage capacity in the center console.
2026 Subaru Forester Premium
Starting from the Forester’s impressive roster of standard equipment, the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium goes further with added comfort and convenience features for $33,385 MSRP. The Forester Premium adds a Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming, SiriusXM with 360L and Travel Link® (4-month free trial of SXM Platinum Plan included), wireless charging, dual USB-A and USB-C charge ports, Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required after initial trial), AM/FM radio, and HD Radio®.
A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, panoramic power moonroof, rear USB-A and USB-C charge ports, reclining rear seatback, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and all-weather package including heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper deicer improve interior comfort. Standard X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control increases capability off-road and in slippery conditions.
An options package for Forester Premium adds a hands-free power rear liftgate, Automatic Emergency Steering, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Emergency Lane Keep Assist for $1,200 MSRP.
2026 Subaru Forester Sport
With unique styling elements and exceptional curb appeal, the 2026 Subaru Forester Sport stands out as a stylish SUV for $36,105 MSRP to start. The Forester Sport adds 19-inch alloy wheels with a bronze finish, a gloss black front grille, a rear “Sport” badge with a bronze finish, low-profile roof rails, and chrome and bronze side badges. Inside, the Forester Sport adds gray StarTex® upholstery with brown stitching, dark gray dash panel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a unique bronze steering wheel insert.
To further support drivers, the Forester Sport upgrades to X-MODE® Dual Mode System with Hill Descent Control, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, and 8-speed manual shift mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. In addition to the enhanced styling, the Forester Sport delivers sharper handling with a re-tuned suspension that delivers improved driving stability while retaining ride comfort.
A $1,700 MSRP options package adds to Forester Sport a Harman Kardon® speaker system with a 576-watt equivalent amp and 11 speakers, hands-free power rear gate, Reverse Automatic Braking, and SI-Drive Engine Performance Management (Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes).
2026 Subaru Forester Limited
The 2026 Forester Limited adds more creature comforts inside, including leather-trimmed upholstery and driver assistance features for $37,695 MSRP. Building on features found in the Premium trim level, the Forester Limited adds 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with blue contrast stitching, X-MODE® Dual Mode System, hands-free power rear gate, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Forester Limited also adds Automatic Emergency Steering, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Emergency Lane Keep Assist.
An options package for the Forester Limited adds a Harman Kardon® speaker system with 576-watt equivalent amp and 11 speakers, Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia System with Navigation, and Reverse Automatic Braking for $1,600 MSRP.
2026 Subaru Forester Touring
On top of the 2026 Forester lineup, the Touring trim level adds exceptional equipment for comfort and style for $41,595 MSRP. The Forester Touring rides atop 19-inch alloy wheels and adds a luxury touch with a 360-Degree Surround View Monitor, two-position memory driver’s seat and exterior mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, low-profile roof rails, smart rearview mirror, rear chrome and black badging, and Black or Saddle Brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with Ultrasuede® bolsters.
The Forester Touring also adds a Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia System with Navigation, Harman Kardon® speaker system with a 576-watt equivalent amp and 11 speakers, DriverFocus® Driver Monitoring System, and Reverse Automatic Braking.
2026 Forester Wilderness
The new 2026 Forester Wilderness is the most rugged Forester yet, with a starting price of $38,385 MSRP.
The Forester Wilderness maintains its unique front fascia with a hexagonal front grille and hexagonal LED fog lights, as well as a useful anti-glare hood decal in matte black to diffuse direct sunlight on the trails. It rides on 17-inch matte black wheels wrapped with all-terrain tires and includes a full-size spare wheel with 225mm all-terrain tire. Anodized copper-finish exterior accents, including on the front and rear bumper tow hook covers and roof rails, visually communicate the uprated capability of the new Subaru Forester Wilderness.
Inside, water-resistant gray StarTex® seating surfaces with copper stitching with the Wilderness logo embossed on the front headrests, all-weather mats, and a cargo tray are well-prepared for muddy feet and gear with easy-clean surfaces.
The 2026 Forester Wilderness includes X-MODE® Dual Mode System with Hill Descent Control, 9.3 inches of ground clearance, front view monitor, Wilderness-tuned suspension, and rear differential temperature sensor for more confidence off-road.
The Forester Wilderness offers an option package with a Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia System with Navigation, Harman Kardon® speaker system with a 576-watt equivalent amp and 11 speakers, new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and power rear gate for $2,200 MSRP.
All 2026 Subaru Forester models are assembled at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana, along with Ascent and Crosstrek.
| 2026 Subaru Forester | ||||
| Model/Trim | Transmission | Applicable Option | MSRP | MSRP plus Destination and Delivery ($1,4501) |
| Forester | CVT | 01 | $29,995 | $31,445 |
| Forester Premium | CVT | 11 | $33,385 | $34,835 |
| Forester Premium | CVT | 15 | $34,585 | $36,035 |
| Forester Sport | CVT | 21 | $36,105 | $37,555 |
| Forester Sport | CVT | 24 | $37,805 | $39,255 |
| Forester Wilderness | CVT | 31 | $38,385 | $39,835 |
| Forester Wilderness | CVT | 33 | $40,585 | $42,035 |
| Forester Limited | CVT | 41 | $37,695 | $39,145 |
| Forester Limited | CVT | 42 | $39,295 | $40,745 |
| Forester Touring | CVT | 51 | $41,595 | $43,045 |
| 2026 Forester Option Packages | ||||
| Forester | ||||
| 01 | Standard Model | N/A | ||
| Forester Premium | ||||
| 11 | Standard Model | N/A | ||
| 15 | Power Rear Gate, Blind-Spot Detection/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, Emergency Lane Keep Assist | $1,200 | ||
| Forester Sport | ||||
| 21 | Standard Model | N/A | ||
| 24 | Harman Kardon® Speaker System Power Rear Gate, Reverse Automatic Braking, SI-Drive Engine Performance Management (I and S modes) | $1,700 | ||
| Forester Wilderness | ||||
| 31 | Standard Model | N/A | ||
| 33 | Harman Kardon® Speaker System, Navigation, Power Rear Gate, Digital Gauge Cluster | $2,200 | ||
| Forester Limited | ||||
| 41 | Standard Model | N/A | ||
| 42 | Harman Kardon® Speaker System, Navigation, Reverse Automatic Braking | $1,600 | ||
| Forester Touring | ||||
| 51 | Standard Model | N/A | ||
| Forester Paint Options | ||||
| Premium Paint (River Rock Pearl, Daybreak Blue Pearl) | $395 | |||
1 Destination & Delivery (D&D) of $1,450 includes handling & inland freight charges to the retailer’s location and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, & VT. D&D to AK is $1,600.
Performance and Capability
Thanks to longer coil springs and shock absorbers, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness features 9.3 inches of ground clearance (up from 9.2 inches for 2025 versions). The suspension has been tuned for improved stability and comfort on- and off-road. Like the new, sixth-generation Subaru Forester, the new Forester Wilderness uses a revised 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine that makes 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque available at a lower RPM for responsiveness.
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness uses a revised Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a shorter final drive ratio for better low-speed off-roadability paired with advanced X-MODE® Dual Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for added confidence. A revised Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, shared with the new Forester, offers faster center differential lockup and reduced wheelspin when off-roading, and incorporates steering angle data for better stability at turn-in and cornering on higher-speed roads.
Larger, all-terrain Yokohama Geolandar® tires are mounted on Wilderness-exclusive 17-inch anthracite wheels for better performance on muddy or gravel roads. An uprated transmission cooler offers up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity on the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, and a rear differential temperature sensor offers more confidence on the trails.
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness also offers improved approach, departure, and breakover angles, compared to the rest of the sixth-generation Forester lineup. The approach angle has been extended to 23.5 degrees compared to 19 degrees; ramp breakover improves up to 21 degrees compared to 19.6 degrees; and the departure angle edges up to 25.5 degrees compared to 24.6 degrees.
Exclusive Features
To visually communicate the enhanced performance of the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, the SUV adds signature styling elements and performance upgrades inside and out. The Forester Wilderness includes standard roof rails with an 800-pound static load capacity rating (176 pounds dynamic), LED hexagonal fog lights, underbody protection, and expanded anodized copper-finish exterior accents, including front and rear bumper tow hook covers.
Inside, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is equipped with animal-free interior seating surfaces via water-resistant and easily cleanable StarTex® upholstery. Anodized copper-finish interior accents are exclusive to the Forester Wilderness trim and, for the first time ever, an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with Wilderness-exclusive graphics is available.
Convenience and Safety
The Subaru Global Platform underpinning the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has been enhanced with 10% stiffer torsional rigidity thanks to a new full inner frame construction with stronger welding techniques and additional structural adhesive (from approximately 26.2 feet to 88.5 feet) for better rigidity. The updates delivery improved dynamic performance and a smoother ride and quieter cabin.
Inside, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness offers standard 60/40-split folding rear seats that open up to 69.1 cubic feet of useable cargo space. With the rear seats upright, the Forester Wilderness comfortably seats up to five people with 39.4 inches of rear seat legroom.
The Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system is standard in the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. The 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ with 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 Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; rear vision camera; SiriusXM® All-Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link® (4-month free Platinum Plan); HD Radio®; and over-the-air updates.
Pricing and detailed specifications will be available closer to market launch in fall 2025.
