2026 Subaru Forester hybrid: controversial spare wheel solution revealed for new-gen midsize SUV

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Subaru Australia has revealed its towbar-mounted solution for the lack of a spare wheel on its new-generation Forester hybrid model following backlash from fans of the nameplate.

While the petrol model continues to buck industry norms by fitting a full-size spare wheel, the new-generation hybrid model does not offer this crucial touring feature, even in downsized spare-saver form.

As with many EVs and hybrid models, the packaging limitations of adding the electrical components rob the Forester of space that would otherwise be used for the spare fifth wheel.

It comes as a suite of new hybrid competitors, such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 continue to offer a spare wheel, even on AWD variants – albeit often in the more limited space saver form.

Subaru Australia engineers were well aware of the concerns from buyers when Chasing Cars had our first hands-on look with the Forester hybrid earlier this year, insisting that a solution would be ready to launch alongside the new model.

A tow-bar mounted spare wheel carrier is also offered on the brand’s Solterra electric midsize SUV, after concerns were raised by buyers as to the realistic off-road capability, with occupants potentially at risk of being stranded in remote locations if the tyre repair kit failed or the tyre or rim was seriously damaged.

Subaru has priced the accessory at $3099 for the 18-inch wheel grade and $3199 for the larger 19-inch grades. The pricing includes the cost of everything, including the wheel, tyre, accessory and installation.

Drawbacks for cycling, camping enthusiasts

As many have been quick to point out, mounting a spare on the tow bar will restrict Subaru-owning cyclists who wish to use a bike rack, or touring and outdoor enthusiasts who tow a small camper trailer on their weekend adventures. 

However, it must be said all potential solutions would come with some drawbacks.

Mounting a spare in the boot and raising the floor height as a consequence would rob the Forester of considerable cargo room; similarly, placing it on the roof rack would make it difficult for many people to physically lift the reserve wheel on and off.

A history of punctures 

The absence of spare tyres is a consistent criticism highlighted in Chasing Cars reviews, and for good reason.

The limitations of the lack of a spare tyre were highlighted previously in a Chasing Cars comparison between the Toyota RAV4 and soon-to-be-superseded current generation Forester hybrid back in 2020, with the latter the only one to miss out on a spare tyre.

During the test, the Forester hybrid experienced a puncture that had to be repaired with tyre sealant, a compromised solution that promptly ended the test..

Similarly, during a Chasing Cars long term test of the Nissan X-Trail e-Power, which also boasts an AWD system capable of light off-roading, a puncture was obtained in the sidewall of the tyre, meaning it couldn’t be repaired at the time and had to be towed.