2026 Subaru Forester to take on Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 with improved hybrid system

---

Subaru Australia has announced its new Forester will be available in Australia from early July, with the first units already sailing towards our shores from Japan. 

The sixth-generation Forester range spans across seven unique models: four combustion-only variants, and three revised hybrids, with claims of over 1000km combined range. 

Subaru’s base model ‘Forester AWD’ is priced from $43,490 before on-road costs, and claims a combined fuel consumption of 7.9L/100km. The base model ‘Forester AWD Hybrid’ commands an additional $3000 premium, priced at $46,490 and claiming a reduced 6.2L/100km combined fuel economy.

The base-combustion price reflects a $4800 increase over the equivalent outgoing ‘Forester 2.5i’, whilst the base model hybrid also sees an increase of $2400 over the outgoing ‘Hybrid L’. 

The Forester family also sees the addition of two new range toppers; the ‘Forester AWD Touring’ is priced from $50,990, whilst the ‘Forester Hybrid Touring’ starts at $55,990. 

The new entry-level price point means the Forester hybrid is similar in price to key rivals, including the Toyota RAV4 GX AWD ($45,260 MSRP), Hyundai Tucson Elite Hybrid AWD ($52,600 MSRP), and Nissan’s X-Trail ST-L e-Power 4WD ($51,040 MSRP). 

What’s new on the 2026 Subaru Forester?

The Forester family continues to target a unique soft-roader market, with all new models featuring a 220mm ground clearance, mechanical symmetrical all-wheel drive system, and a revised global platform promising greater torsional rigidity and handling. 

All four combustion-only Foresters utilise the same 2.5-litre four cylinder ‘boxer’ engine, which now produces 136kW/247Nm. The engine delivers power to all four wheels via a stepped “eight-speed” CVT. Subaru claims it “has no plan” to introduce a turbocharged model to its Forester range.

The newly revised “strong hybrid” system now develops a combined output of 145kW. It features a 121kW/212Nm 2.5 litre ‘e-boxer’, 90kW P2 mounted electric motor, and 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. The system transfers power through an e-CVT to all four wheels.

The sixth-generation Forester has received a significant overhaul to its exterior styling, with a bold, chunky front end, new brightwork, flared arches moulded into the bodywork, and larger overall dimensions; now measuring 4655mm long (up 15mm), 1830mm wide (up 15mm), and 1730mm tall (unchanged). 

Subaru has also changed its model range naming conventions. Now, the range will consist of the Forester AWD ($43,490), Premium ($46,490), Sport ($48,490), Touring ($50,990), Hybrid ($46,490), Hybrid Sport ($54,990), and Hybrid Touring ($55,990).

Standard equipment now expands to include Subaru’s ‘X-Mode’ terrain selector, dual pinion steering, 11.6-inch infotainment screen, wireless phone charging, 360- degree camera, and a wealth of improved driver safety and assistive equipment, including driver monitoring, new generation “EyeSight” collision avoidance technology, and nine airbags.

Forester specifications by grade:

Forester AWD

• Auto engine stop start
• Subaru “Intelligent Drive” with two driver modes
• “X-Mode” terrain selection with hill decent control
• Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• 18-inch gloss finish alloy wheels (new design)
• Dusk-sensing self-levelling LED headlights with auto off
• Roof rails – ladder style
• Steering Responsive Headlights
• Cloth seat trim
• Dual-zone, climate-control air-conditioning with rear vents
• Heated seats – driver and front passenger
• electronic folding rear seats
• 11.6-inch infotainment with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• 6-speaker system
• Multi-information 4.2-inch LCD display

Standard safety features include:

• Nine SRS airbags
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keep assist
• Driving stop system
• Collision detection
• Speed and traffic recognition
• 360 degree camera
• Adaptive headlights
• Blind spot monitoring
• Parking sensors front and rear
• Driver monitoring
• Side view monitoring 

Forester AWD Premium adds:

• Door mirrors – auto-dipping (passenger side) and auto-folding with position
• memory
• Hands-free kick sensor powered tailgate
• 8-way power seat with lumbar support – driver
• 8-way power front passenger seat
• Dual seat memory positions – driver
• Entertainment, Technology and Safety
• Satellite Navigation
• Driver Monitoring System – Driver Focus featuring
• Auto-door mirror adjustment
• Auto driver seat adjustment

Forester AWD Sport adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels (Dark metallic finish)
• Electric sunroof
• Water repellent in grey & black seat trim
• Premium style instrument cluster
• Leather steering wheel – green stitching

Forester Touring adds

• Low profile roof rails
• Leather accented and Ultrasuede seat trim
• Leather gear shift
• Leather steering wheel – brown stitching
• Ventilated front seats
• Entertainment, Technology and Safety
• 10 Harman Kardon speakers, subwoofer and amplifier

Forester AWD Hybrid includes:

• Auto Stop Start
• Dual Mode X-Mode with hill decent control
• Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Exterior
• 18-inch gloss finish alloy wheels 
• Dusk-sensing self-levelling LED headlights with auto off
• Door mirrors – heated & power-folding
• Front cornering lamps
• Front and rear wipers with front de-icer
• Front LED fog lights
• Rear LED fog light
• Roof rails – ladder style
• Rear spoiler
• Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH)
• Cloth seat trim
• Dual-zone, climate-control air-conditioning with rear vents
• Leather steering wheel – silver stitching
• Premium style instrument cluster
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Heated seats – driver and front passenger
• Central information display with 11.6-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Wireless Qi charger
• 6-speaker audio
• Multi-Information Display Unit featuring 4.2-inch LCD screen
• Sports Regeneration paddles

Forester AWD Hybrid Sport adds:

• Low profile roof rails
• Electric sunroof
• 19-inch alloy wheels (Bronze finish)
• Water repellent seat trim
• Bronze instrument panel finish
• 8-way power seat with lumbar support – driver
• 8-way power front passenger seat
• Dual seat memory positions – driver
• Satellite navigation
• 10 Harman Kardon  speakers, amplifier and subwoofer
• 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster

Forester AWD Touring adds:

• 19-inch alloy wheels (Gloss finish)
• Leather gear shift
• Ventilated front seats
• Leather accented and Ultrasuede seat trim