Buyers who have their eyes on a compact SUV have tons of options, so much so that it almost seems overwhelming. In the endless sea of SUVs, many of which now have “luxury-lite price tags,” Subaru is pushing forward with its popular Forester and doubling down on what has made it a staple for the last 30 years: rugged affordability. And in the case of the Hybrid model, increased fuel economy.
The average new vehicle price is near $50,000 in 2026, the highest it’s ever been. Higher overall average MSRPs have the potential to create a ripple effect, where traditionally lower-priced vehicles, like a compact SUV, now start seeing increases. Subaru has done everything it can to avoid that for the 2026 Forester by keeping the starting MSRP under $30,000 for the gasoline model and under $35,000 for the Hybrid.
For example, the 2025 Forester Premium Hybrid started at $36,595. The 2026 Forester Premium Hybrid will start at $34,730, a price drop of over $1,800. Despite the drop, the Forester still maintains an excellent track record with things like an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, the highest such designation granted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.5L H4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed Lineartronic CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
Efficient hybrid powertrain
Symmetrical all-wheel-drive is standard
The Forester Hybrid’s powertrain saw updates for the 2025 model year, which carry over for 2026. All told, the Forester Hybrid delivers up to 40% better city fuel economy than its gasoline counterpart. Total EPA-rated driving range on a single tank of gas is 581 miles versus 481 miles for the gasoline-only Forester.
The hybrid system for the 2026 Forester comprises a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle Boxer engine matched to a Lineartronic CVT, paired with an electric motor generator and an electric traction motor. The system, with a combined 194 horsepower, uses the electric motor, engine, or both simultaneously to turn the wheels.
Every Forester Hybrid is standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive. Within the automotive industry itself and among enthusiasts, Subaru’s all-wheel drive system is regarded for its engineering, design, and performance. Symmetrical all-wheel drive is a key aspect of Subaru’s affordable performance cars, like the WRX, and of its rugged (and also affordable) SUVs, like the Crosstrek. In the case of the Forester Hybrid, all-wheel drive isn’t an option that adds to the MSRP; it’s standard across the board.
Enhancing the capability here, from mild off-road outings away from the city to snow accumulation around town, is the compact SUV’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance. That allows the Forester Hybrid an advantage when the weather and road conditions are less than ideal. Hill Descent Control is also standard for the Forester Hybrid, a feature you don’t expect to see on a smaller SUV.
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Standard interior features
Trim level breakdown and starting MSRP
The 2026 Forester Hybrid has an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Bluetooth phone and audio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru designers also revised the gear selector and cupholders to improve overall ergonomics.
Even with the hybrid components, the cabin remains spacious with 106.6 cubic feet of total passenger volume. The 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold nearly flat, offering a max cargo volume of 69.1 cubic feet.
The 2026 Forester Hybrid is available in four trim levels: Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. Here is a breakdown of some of the key features from each trim level:
|
Trim Level |
Key Features |
Starting MSRP |
|
Premium |
|
$34,730 |
|
Sport |
|
$37,930 |
|
Limited |
|
$38,995 |
|
Touring |
|
$41,545 |
There are four option packages for the 2026 Subaru Forester as well. The chart below shows what they include and how much they add to the starting price:
|
Subaru Order Code |
Added Features |
MSRP |
|
15 |
Power Rear Gate + Blind-Spot Detection / Rear Cross-Traffic Alert |
$1,200 |
|
24 |
Harman Kardon Audio + Power Rear Gate + Reverse Automatic Braking |
$1,700 |
|
33 |
Harman Kardon Audio + Navigation + Power Rear Gate + Digital Gauge Cluster |
$2,200 |
|
42 |
Harman Kardon Audio + Navigation + Reverse Automatic Braking |
$1,600 |
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Standard active safety features
Emergency Stop Assist can alert emergency services
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard and includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warnings, pre-collision braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency steering.
Meanwhile, Emergency Stop Assist is also standard. If, for any reason, the driver becomes unresponsive while using the adaptive cruise control, the feature will stop the Forester Hybrid, turn on the hazard lights, and unlock the doors. From there, Subaru Connected Services will place a 911 call to first responders.
Strong option for families
2026 Forester Hybrid is the total package
In an era where new often means more expensive, the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid is the exact opposite. By prioritizing useful everyday features, offering an efficient yet rugged powertrain, and pricing it competitively, Subaru has a winner here for families looking for practical, reliable transportation.
