The 2026 Subaru Forester is the refreshed version of the sixth-generation model, bringing sharper styling, upgraded tech, and improved efficiency while keeping the legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, spacious cabin, and unbeatable reliability that make it a favorite worldwide. As of January 2026, it’s widely available in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan, with pricing starting around $30,000 for base models and going up to $45,000+ for loaded Touring or Wilderness trims. This review focuses on the US/global-spec 2026 Forester, highlighting its real-world strengths for families, commuters, and light adventure seekers in North America and beyond.
Exterior – Cleaner & More Rugged
The 2026 Forester gets a bolder front end with a larger grille, slimmer LED headlights, and C-shaped DRLs for a more premium look. The hood is sculpted, fenders flared, and new 18–19 inch wheel designs add sophistication. The side profile keeps the boxy, upright shape with high ground clearance (~8.7 inches standard, 9.2 inches on Wilderness), making it excellent for light trails or snow. New dual-tone colors (like Crystal Black Silica + Black roof) make it look sporty. It’s 182.7 inches long — compact enough for city parking but roomy inside.
Interior – Spacious & Practical
The cabin is quiet and well-built with soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and excellent visibility from the high seating position. The 2026 update brings a larger 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen (wireless CarPlay/Android Auto), a clearer digital cluster, and more USB-C ports. Rear legroom is generous, and cargo space is huge: 28.9 cu ft behind rear seats, 74.2 cu ft max. Higher trims add ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and Harman Kardon audio — perfect for road trips.
Powertrain – Efficient Boxer Engines
- 2.5L flat-4 boxer (182 hp, 178 lb-ft) with CVT — smooth and reliable
- Hybrid (new for 2026 in some markets): 2.0L boxer + electric motors (~200 hp combined), estimated 35–40 mpg combined
Real-world mileage: gas 26–29 mpg combined, hybrid 35–38 mpg. AWD is standard on all trims.
Ride & Handling – Comfortable & Confident
Suspension is tuned for comfort — absorbs bumps well while keeping body roll controlled. Steering is light in city, precise on highways. Symmetrical AWD and X-Mode (on Wilderness) add traction in rain, snow, or light trails. It’s not sporty, but it’s one of the most capable compact crossovers for all-weather driving.
Safety – Loaded as Standard
EyeSight suite: adaptive cruise, lane centering, auto braking, blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims add 360 camera and parking assist. Expected top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
Pricing & Trims (US Market)
- Base ~$30,000
- Premium mid ~$33,000
- Sport ~$36,000
- Limited top ~$40,000
- Wilderness off-road ~$45,000+
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Subaru Forester is one of the best compact SUVs you can buy — spacious, efficient, safe, and capable in all conditions thanks to standard AWD. It’s perfect for daily commutes, family road trips, light off-roading, or snowy winters. In markets where it’s sold, it’s a no-brainer for anyone wanting reliability, space, and peace of mind.
