Subaru has unveiled pricing and specifications for the 2026 Forester, which introduces an upgraded hybrid powertrain, new technology, and enhanced safety features across the range.
The sixth-generation mid-size SUV, available to pre-order now, is due to land in Australian showrooms from early July. The line-up includes seven variants, with a mix of four petrol and three hybrid models, while prices now start from $43,490 before on-road costs, up from $38,690 in the outgoing generation.
New line-up and pricing
The new Forester range spans from the base AWD to the flagship AWD Hybrid Touring. The hybrid models feature a new ‘Strong Hybrid’ powertrain for improved efficiency and performance.
2026 Subaru Forester pricing (Before On-road costs):
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD | $43,490 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Premium | $46,490 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid | $46,490 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Sport | $48,490 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Touring | $50,990 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid Sport | $54,990 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid Touring | $55,990 |
Powertrains and efficiency
New ‘Strong Hybrid’ system
The Forester Hybrid has undergone a significant overhaul, replacing the previous mild hybrid with Subaru’s TH2B ‘Strong Hybrid’ system. It pairs a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine with a 90kW electric motor, delivering a combined 145kW of system power.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.2L/100km, with a new 63-litre fuel tank giving it a projected driving range of over 1000km. This marks a considerable improvement from the outgoing 48-litre tank and modest hybrid output.
In comparison, the outgoing hybrid featured a smaller 2.0-litre petrol engine and a 12kW electric motor.
Petrol powertrain updates
The petrol Forester retains the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, now producing 136kW and 247Nm — an 8Nm improvement. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) has also been refined with a wider gear ratio spread, aimed at improving hill-climbing ability and low-speed responsiveness.
Hybrid vs Petrol specifications
| Specifications | Subaru Forester Petrol | Subaru Forester Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer 4cyl petrol | 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer 4cyl petrol |
| Engine power | 136kW | 121kW |
| Engine torque | 247Nm | 212Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | – | 90kW |
| System outputs | – | 145kW |
| Battery | – | 1.1kWh |
| Transmission | CVT | – |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 7.9L/100km | 6.2L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 63L | 63L |
| Braked towing capacity | 1800kg | 1200kg |
Interior and technology enhancements
Entry-level models now feature more equipment than before, including:
- Heated front seats
- 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Larger alloy wheels
- Subaru’s driver monitoring system
Higher-grade variants introduce features such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, power tailgate, ventilated seats, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Safety and driver assistance
The 2026 Forester brings new and improved safety technologies across the range. Although it’s yet to receive an ANCAP rating, it scored five stars with Euro NCAP.
Safety ratings (Euro NCAP):
| Category | Subaru Forester (Euro NCAP) |
| Adult occupant protection | 83% |
| Child occupant protection | 89% |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 86% |
| Safety assist | 72% |
New and standard safety features include:
- 9 airbags (including new far-side and front passenger seat cushion airbags)
- Wide-angle monocular camera
- Emergency driving stop system
- Autonomous emergency braking and steering
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Surround-view camera
- Lane-keep and traffic sign assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Dimensions and ride
| Dimensions | Subaru Forester |
| Length | 4655mm |
| Width | 1830mm |
| Height | 1730mm |
| Wheelbase | 2670mm |
| Ground clearance | 220mm |
Petrol models retain a spare wheel, while hybrids are supplied with a tyre repair kit, with optional towbar-mounted and full-size spare options available.
The chassis features MacPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear, while Hybrid Sport models benefit from “enhanced suspension for improved comfort on bumpy roads”.
Ownership and servicing
All Forester models are backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with hybrids receiving an additional eight-year/160,000km warranty on the battery.
Scheduled servicing is due every 12 months or 15,000km, though capped-price service costs are yet to be disclosed.
Colour and trim options
There are no additional charges for exterior colour choices, with up to 12 paint options available depending on the variant.
- Crystal White pearl
- Ice Silver metallic (excludes AWD Hybrid Sport)
- Magnetite Grey metallic
- Crystal Black silica
- Crimson Red pearl (excludes AWD Sport)
- Brilliant Bronze metallic (excludes AWD Sport and AWD Hybrid Sport)
- Daybreak Blue pearl (excludes AWD Sport and AWD Hybrid Sport)
- Sapphire Blue pearl (excludes AWD Sport)
- Cashmere Gold Opal (excludes AWD Sport)
- Autumn Green metallic
- River Rock pearl
Interior materials range from cloth in base models to water-repellent synthetic leather in Sport grades, and leather with Ultrasuede in Touring models. Colourways vary between black, grey/platinum, brown/black, and grey/black combinations depending on trim level.
Final word
The 2026 Subaru Forester brings a more refined package to Australian buyers, with meaningful upgrades in hybrid performance, tech, and safety. While pricing has risen, especially at the base level, Subaru has focused on delivering added value through more standard equipment and a sharper hybrid offering aimed at long-distance efficiency.
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