The 2026 Subaru Forester Price Went Up (But Only This Much)

The Subaru Forester, one of the Japanese brand’s bestsellers, is getting a lot better in 2026. The Forester debuted its sixth generation in the 2025 model year, and just recently, the Japanese brand announced the pricing data on the latest 2026 models. The new Forester is already a hit, selling over 100,000 units this year so far, with still many months left. The 2026 Subaru Forester will also debut the new Wilderness edition, which is set out to be the most capable Forester model to date. New updates for the Forester also include improved ride quality, interior updates, and the latest EyeSight driver assist technology.

A Forester Price Hike You’ll Hardly Notice

Chase Bierenkoven | TopSpeed

Subaru has announced that the 2026 Subaru Forester will start at $29,995, a $300 increase from the previous year. Not bad, all things considered. With standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the brand’s renowned AWD, even the base model Forester is capable of taking on the majority of all-terrain challenges. The Subaru Forester is now available in six different trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness.

2026 Subaru Forester Pricing Data

The Forester’s Powertrain Revised But Still (Relatively) The Same

As the latest generation Forester just debuted last year, to no surprise, there are no major changes to the powertrain. This means the 2.5-liter flat-four engine that was carried over from the previous generation only saw minor revisions, including a horsepower drop by two points to 180 horsepower and a torque rise by two points to 178 pound-feet of torque.

According to Subaru, this update provides better low-end responsiveness, as peak torque is now available at 3,700 RPM as opposed to 4,400 RPM. How much you will feel this change in everyday driving is yet to be determined. Expect perhaps a minor feeling of responsiveness, but nothing revelatory.

More SUV for the Money in 2026

The biggest deal for the 2026 Forester is the debut of the popular Wilderness trim that elevates the Forester’s already impressive off-road capability. Ground clearance has improved to 9.3 inches as opposed to the base model’s 8.7 inches. Also improved are the approach, departure, and breakover angles compared to the rest of the Forester line-up. The 2026 Forester Wilderness also comes equipped with 235-section-width all-terrain tires, an upgraded transmission cooler, and an uprated towing rating of 3,500 pounds. Even the CVT has received a shorter final drive ratio for improved low-speed off-road prowess.

New Features For The 2026 Forester

Amee Reehal | TopSpeed

Perhaps the detail that you will notice right away between the 2025 and 2026 Forester is the revised center console that features a new cupholder design built for wide 32-ounce water bottles. “Outdoorsy” types tend to have big water bottles, according to Subaru, and this change reflects that (although we wish it would fit 40-ounce units). However, also new are the new storage areas for your phones or other goodies, as well as a new shifter design, a larger center armrest, and increased center console storage. It may not sound like much, but these are features you will use and interact with every time you use the car, so we appreciate the updates.

The Verdict on 2026 Pricing

Subaru

Considering that the 2026 Subaru Forester is adding nice new features across all trims for the same effective price as last year’s model, the 2026 model year is a nice plus for new shoppers looking for a capable, rugged, and roomy crossover SUV. While none of the changes are what we would call major, there are notable improvements across the board that we do like and think are a step in the right direction. Considering how popular the new Subaru Forester has already been, the 2026 features only sweeten the deal further.