2026 Subaru Forester Release Date, Engine, Features – This crossover may be lacking in character, but it more than makes up for it in practicality, making it an excellent addition to any car family’s diet. Despite the fact that Subarus are attractive due to their wood grain, many regular people really drive them.
Anyone may have one in their garage; it’s not only for weekend hikers, crystal healers, or vintage resale shop managers. Furthermore, this compact crossover was Subaru’s second best-selling car in the US in 2017, selling over 180,000 units. The Outback was their top seller. Although functional and aesthetically pleasing, this vehicle isn’t groundbreaking in any way.
To make it more competitive with newer models like the RAV4 and the Escape, Subaru made some minor updates to the Forester for 2026. The tire-pressure monitoring system can now identify individual wheels, and there’s an audible whistle and an instrument cluster message to remind you to check the back seats at the end of a drive.
The Subaru Forester with the EyeSight package is a great choice for drivers. Included are cutting-edge safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. This last capacity was enhanced in the most recent model year, enabling it to maintain a suitable positioning inside its lane. Another useful innovation is the lane-departure prevention system, which gently guides the car back to the middle of its lane if you happen to deviate accidentally. 2026 Subaru Forester Release Date
2026 Subaru Forester Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
It doesn’t matter if Subaru isn’t famous for its aesthetically pleasing looks. Its automobiles and SUVs are more like elastic-waisted pants in that they are functional than stylish; they are cheap, comfy, and don’t accentuate the body. Like other Subarus, the Forester isn’t exactly a model with the most attractive dimensions. Its greenhouse is extraordinarily tall, and its upper half is unnaturally weighty, although it is nearly as tall as its rivals. It may ruin the car’s aesthetic, but the extra headroom is well worth it. With his perfectly straight back, Shaquille O’Neal could easily wear a chef’s hat.
My Limited tester discovered an abundance of plush plastics and eye-catching contrast stitching inside the Forester. The chairs are really cozy, too. Despite Subarus’ reputation for subpar cabin quality, this model is top-notch. In addition, the quality of its cabin is comparable to, if not superior than, that of the RAV4. Along with that, it’s more brilliant than the last Escape.
The Forester’s cabin also has plenty of room for storage. An astonishing 35.4 cubic feet of space is located behind the second-row seat. Compared to other utility vehicles, this one offers greater usable space (76.1 cubes) when the backrest is folded down.
Luggage isn’t exactly thrilling to drag about, despite its apparent use. These days, in-car technologies are attracting a growing number of attention. As the first thing most people will see when they go inside the Forester, the infotainment touchscreen serves as the showpiece of an expensive ring. It had a diagonal measurement of 8 inches in my test car. With a 6.5-inch screen, even the entry-level devices are equipped.
With Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto built right in, the Starlink infotainment system is standard on every Subaru model. Limited grade levels even provide integrated navigation as an extra. I was surprised to see that the Forester’s telematics system operated better than Subaru’s previous models, which had 11.6-inch portrait screens. The available system from the Forester is more aesthetically beautiful and responsive than that more costly one.
My demo vehicle has several driver-assist safety features, such as adaptive lighting, automated high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning, and more. It comes with two zone climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start. 2026 Subaru Forester Release Date
2026 Subaru Forester Specs
Engine & Performance
The Forester’s main competitors do not come standard with all-wheel drive, but they all come with the hybrid drivetrains mentioned before. If you are in the market for an electric Subaru, your only choice is the smaller version.
For this vehicle, the engine options are limited to only one. You might be surprised, but it’s not shocking, that you won’t get a turbo or a manual transmission. A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four engine is standard on the Forester. Its 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque are adequate, but not exceptional, power outputs from this engine. The all-wheel drive technology is linked to a continuously variable gearbox (CVT) that, with little manual adjustment, may give seven simulated speeds.
The Forester doesn’t have any junkiness, such judders or unpleasant noises. Even though it runs on a naturally aspirated engine, it nevertheless gets the job done. Even at full throttle, the Forester manages to keep the tires from screeching. It would be great if it gave drivers a little more pep now and again, but for 90% of people, that should be plenty.
Unlike the tractor noises that were once associated with Subaru boxers, the four-cylinder engine of this automobile is smooth and quiet. While the stop-start function does increase gas usage when driving around town, it isn’t the ideal choice. The entire car judders when the engine kicks like a mule when it begins after stopping. Fortunately, a hardware button is conveniently located near the driver’s left hand, so disabling this function is a breeze.
The Forester’s CVT has many satisfied customers. Under large loads, engine noise is reduced by simulating gear shifts, albeit this isn’t always perfect. The driveline occasionally makes this clunking sound; its origin is a mystery to me, but it’s certainly a nuisance.
Having said that, that gearbox does better gas mileage. As all-wheel drive cars go, the Forester’s 33 highway mpg and 26 city mpg are very remarkable. This Subaru gets 29 mpg when you factor in all of its fuel efficiency.
The Forester’s cabin is tall and fairly spacious, as I indicated before. Although it gives the impression of a shaky vehicle, this really improves the ride for the passengers. While navigating corners, you could feel a slight body roll, but it’s quite controllable. If you take it easy on the turns, you should be OK. The Forester has the polished interior, pleasant ride, and adequate handling that one would expect from a Subaru. Contrarily, I like a quieter ride while we’re moving quicker.
2026 Subaru Forester Release Date & Price
There is a forester out there who can work with your budget. With all-wheel drive as standard on every Forester, prices start at a modest $25,505 for the basic model. Although most of Subaru’s rivals have similar starting prices, the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 all offer four-wheel drive for an additional $1,500, $1,400, and $1,400, respectively.
Beyond the base model, the Forester has four further trim levels to choose from. Choose between Premium, Sport, Limited, or Touring. My Limited tester, which retails for a fair $33,800, comes with an abundance of add-ons. This figure is inflated due to the fact that there is only one possible result: Comes with a few extras, such an integrated navigation system and a Harman Kardon sound system. On sale for $1,695. For a reasonable $35,605 USD, you can have this car in its most costly Touring trim level.
In an ideal world, the Forester would have a little stronger chassis for improved handling and the same 2.4-liter turbocharged engine as other vehicles from the same manufacturer. Both of these changes would take care of my main worries.
A healthy utility vehicle that can accommodate a varied spectrum of drivers, including those who work as podiatrists or park guards, the 2026 Subaru Forester fulfills its mission effectively despite its lack of character. With its wide cargo area and comfy cabin, it is safe, efficient, and full of features. The popularity of this SUV among Subaru consumers may be attributed to all of these qualities and more. 2026 Subaru Forester Release Date
Note: The details included in this blog post are derived from pre-release material that was accessible when the article was written. If you want the latest information, you should check official sources or call your nearest dealership.
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