After spending time with the all-new 2026 Subaru Forester, one thing becomes crystal clear: this isn’t just another SUV refresh. Subaru has genuinely listened to what families need and delivered meaningful improvements that matter in daily life.
What’s Actually New (And Why You Should Care)
Let’s cut through the marketing speak. The biggest change you’ll notice is the new hybrid system. Unlike the previous “mild-hybrid” that barely made a difference, this new setup actually works like you’d expect a hybrid to work. Think Toyota RAV4 levels of hybrid capability, but with Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive system that actually connects front and rear wheels mechanically.
The styling updates are subtle but effective. It looks more modern without losing that rugged Forester character that families love. Inside, you’ll find the same practical layout Subaru owners know, but with better materials and a much-improved infotainment system.
Pricing Reality Check
Here’s the honest truth about pricing – yes, it’s gone up significantly. The base model now starts at $43,490, which is nearly $5,000 more than the previous generation. That stings, especially for budget-conscious families.
Here’s the complete pricing breakdown:
- Base AWD: $43,490
- Premium AWD: $46,490
- Hybrid AWD: $46,490
- Sport AWD: $48,490
- Touring AWD: $50,990
- Hybrid Sport AWD: $54,990
- Hybrid Touring AWD: $55,990
When you compare it to competitors like the Toyota RAV4, the base Forester costs about $1,200 more than an equivalent all-wheel-drive RAV4 Hybrid. That’s a meaningful difference for most families, but you’re getting standard all-wheel-drive on every model.
Living With the Interior
The Good News: Everything works exactly as you’d expect. The 11.6-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate while driving. Physical buttons for climate control (mostly) mean you’re not fumbling through menus to adjust the temperature.
The Reality Check: This interior won’t wow anyone coming from a modern Hyundai or Kia. It feels functional rather than exciting. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a well-built tool – not fancy, but it gets the job done reliably.
Storage spaces are practical throughout, with plenty of cup holders and charging ports. The rear seats offer genuine space for adults, though the seat cushions could be more comfortable for longer trips.
Cargo Space Concerns
Here’s something that might affect your decision: hybrid models lose the spare tire. Instead, you get a tire repair kit, which isn’t ideal if you plan on using this SUV for camping or off-road adventures. Subaru offers a towbar-mounted spare as an option, but that’s an awkward solution.
How It Drives (The Most Important Part)
This is where the 2026 Forester truly shines. The steering feels more connected and precise than before – not sports car sharp, but confidence-inspiring for daily driving and highway trips.
Ride Quality: Significantly improved. The previous Forester could feel unsettled on highways, but this new version feels planted and composed. It’s firmer than before but never harsh, finding that sweet spot between comfort and control.
Power Options: You get two choices, and both work well for different needs.
Hybrid System Performance
The hybrid delivers smooth acceleration around town and genuinely impressive fuel economy potential. The electric motor provides instant torque, making city driving more pleasant. However, it gets noisy when you ask for full acceleration, and the CVT-like transmission can feel sluggish compared to competitors.
Real-world fuel consumption sat higher than Subaru’s claims during testing, but that’s typical for launch drives with mixed driving conditions.
Regular Engine Choice
The standard 2.5-liter engine feels more natural and responsive. It’s not quick, but it’s predictable and pleasant to drive. For families who don’t prioritize fuel economy above all else, this might actually be the better choice.
Safety and Technology That Matters
The Forester earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which should give families peace of mind. The EyeSight driver assistance system works well in practice, though the driver attention monitoring can be overly sensitive.
Missing Feature Alert: No front parking sensors. For such a family-focused SUV, this feels like an oversight, especially given the higher pricing.
Standard equipment is generous across the range, with even base models getting heated seats, wireless phone charging, and automatic emergency braking.
Off-Road Reality
While not a hardcore off-roader, the Forester handles dirt roads, camping trips, and light trail work confidently. The X-Mode system provides noticeable traction improvements when things get slippery. Ground clearance remains generous at 220mm.
The all-wheel-drive system feels more capable than electronic systems found in many competitors, giving you confidence on loose surfaces or in weather conditions.
Ownership Costs and Warranty
Subaru provides a solid ownership package:
- 5-year unlimited kilometer warranty
- Capped price servicing for 5 years (averaging $460 annually)
- 8-year battery warranty for hybrid models
Service costs are reasonable compared to European alternatives, though slightly higher than some Asian competitors.
Who Should Consider This SUV
Perfect for:
- Families wanting proven reliability with modern efficiency
- Buyers who value all-wheel-drive capability year-round
- Those who prefer straightforward controls over flashy tech
- Previous Subaru owners happy with the brand’s approach
Think Twice If:
- Fuel economy is your top priority (RAV4 Hybrid is more efficient)
- You want the latest interior technology and design
- Budget is tight (the price increase is significant)
- You need maximum cargo space (hybrid models lose storage)
Bottom Line: Should You Buy One?
The 2026 Subaru Forester delivers exactly what you’d expect from Subaru: practical capability with genuine improvements where they matter most. The enhanced driving experience and proper hybrid system address the previous model’s biggest weaknesses.
Yes, it costs more than before, but you’re getting meaningful upgrades in return. For families who value reliability, all-weather capability, and straightforward operation over flashy features, the new Forester makes compelling sense.
It won’t be the most exciting SUV you can buy, but it might just be one of the most dependable. And for many families, that’s exactly what matters most.