2026 Subaru Forester overview: Fast drive

The brand new Subaru Forester has lastly arrived in Australia, however the redesigned mid-size SUVs you see right here aren’t on the market.

The sixth-generation Forester was launched in the US a while in the past, and we’ve briefly pushed one in the UK. No we’ve had the chance to drive it on house turf, however not on public roads simply but.

Subaru Australia not too long ago hosted media at a non-public facility in regional New South Wales to style check two of the variants that may kind a part of the native Forester lineup. One was the up to date petrol-only mannequin, however the different was the true headline-grabber – the fully renewed Forester Hybrid, that includes full hybrid expertise derived from Toyota.

Each automobiles nonetheless make use of Subaru’s trademark flat-four ‘boxer’ engine, however the Hybrid provides a new-to-Subaru electrical motor to the automotive’s constantly variable automated transmission (CVT). This motor might boast the identical outputs because the one within the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD, however there’s one massive distinction.

As with all new Subarus bar the BRZ sports activities coupe, the brand new Forester is provided with the Japanese model’s longstanding ‘always-on’ Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Meaning the entrance and rear axles are nonetheless linked through a central prop shaft, which feeds energy to the rear wheels by way of a standard differential, as an alternative of the RAV4’s remoted petrol-driven entrance and electric-driven rear axles.

That provides the Forester Hybrid elevated off-road functionality, a laurel Subaru has continued to relaxation on nicely past the golden years of its World Rally Championship stardom.

Different updates embrace a very new exterior design and a revised suspension tune, the latter of which is geared toward making the Forester really feel extra planted whereas decreasing physique roll in bends. Subaru has additionally developed two completely different suspension tunes for petrol-only and hybrid fashions to accommodate the completely different chassis calls for.

It’s subsequently a reasonably complete replace for Subaru’s best-selling mannequin in Australia, and one which was virtually obligatory to assist the Forester sustain with its hybrid SUV rivals, particularly the top-selling RAV4.

Our check befell on a non-public tarmac circuit and a lightweight off-road course, and we had the chance to drive each the top-spec Forester Touring petrol and the mid-spec Forester Hybrid Sport.

We have been subsequently unable to evaluate the automotive’s behaviour in common on-road driving, or put its driver help techniques or real-world gas economic system to the check, and so that is strictly a pre-production fast drive overview. A full detailed overview shall be printed following the Forester’s official Australian launch within the coming months.

Are preliminary impressions promising, or has the Forester’s new hybrid system missed the mark?

How does the Subaru Forester evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Subaru Forester in opposition to equally sized automobiles.

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How a lot does the Subaru Forester value?

We don’t know! Subaru Australia says it’ll affirm pricing for the brand new Forester nearer to its native launch.

We are able to, nevertheless, speculate based mostly on a few elements – as we did when early particulars have been introduced.

In Australia, the fifth-generation Forester petrol vary begins at $38,690 earlier than on-roads for the bottom 2.5i and tops out at $47,140 earlier than on-roads for the two.5i-S – excluding the STI Sport particular version priced at $48,640 earlier than on-roads.

There are two hybrids at the moment accessible, the Hybrid L and Hybrid S, which value $44,090 and $50,140 earlier than on-roads respectively.

Within the US, the bottom Forester is priced at US$29,995 (round A$47,000), whereas the most affordable Premium Hybrid prices US$34,995 (round A$55,000), placing them roughly on par with US-market RAV4s.

Whereas we are able to’t evaluate previous-generation Forester pricing within the US, we are able to look to different Subaru fashions for an estimate. The Crosstrek, for instance, begins at US$25,810 (round A$40,500) in North America, whereas the Australian equal prices US$35,490 earlier than on-roads – a distinction of roughly $6000 as soon as transformed.

If Subaru Australia follows swimsuit, the sixth-generation Forester would begin at round $41,000 earlier than on-roads right here, and the hybrid may begin at round $49,000. For context, a base all-wheel drive Toyota RAV4 GX eFour prices $45,260 earlier than on-roads.

Under is the lineup confirmed to be coming to Australia:

• 2026 Subaru Forester base
• 2026 Subaru Forester Premium
• 2026 Subaru Forester Sport
• 2026 Subaru Forester Touring
• 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid base
• 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport
• 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring

To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

What’s the Subaru Forester like on the within?

Very typical of a contemporary Subaru, and meaning it’s a combined bag.

We didn’t get the prospect to correctly look at all the pieces inside on a busy day, however there are a number of defining options. One is the large central touchscreen, which is the primary time we’ve seen such a unit in a Forester.

That is what we already get in most different Subarus in Australia, and so these acquainted with the model’s different present fashions ought to already know what it’s all about. A sequence of basic shortcuts dominate its house display screen, when you additionally get an always-on local weather show on the backside.

We don’t love how the local weather features have developed from the bodily setup within the outgoing Forester, however a minimum of there are nonetheless some buttons to regulate the demister and temperature, in addition to a few knobs on both facet.

Gone is the remoted display screen that used to sit down atop the dashboard, with the knowledge beforehand displayed there now relocated down on the primary infotainment show. You additionally get wi-fi smartphone mirroring as normal.

You’ll discover it within the ribbon alongside the highest of the display screen, which additionally consists of data relating to energy supply, traction management, off-road angles, and drive modes. Eligible features may also be managed right here through contact.

We predict that transferring key security features and off-road controls right into a touchscreen show is counterintuitive. Whereas they’re simple to seek out, it’s nonetheless extra fiddly than merely urgent a button. The usage of gloss black plastic across the display screen can also be slightly a lot.

Our fast stints behind the wheel additionally confirmed proved the seats are comfy and well-bolstered, in addition to power-adjustable on each grade from Premium and up. All in all, there aren’t lots of variations between the petrol and Hybrid Forester grades inside, however the ones that exist are vital.

One is behind the steering wheel, as the 2 prime Hybrid grades now profit from the Australian Forester’s first-ever digital instrument cluster.

At a look, this 12.3-inch show seems the half, albeit graphically primary, and there are a handful of various shows to flick by way of utilizing a button on the left of the steering wheel. Extra time with this show will reveal all it’s hiding, but it surely seems to be a high quality addition.

You get a typical hybrid energy readout by way of one of many set layouts, very like what you’ll discover in a hybrid Toyota or Honda. The bottom Hybrid and all petrol Foresters get normal analogue gauges and a small digital panel within the center.

The steering wheel itself can also be a reasonably normal Subaru unit, and it feels good within the arms. The leather-based used to wrap it doesn’t really feel as gentle as in another vehicles, however we just like the hard-wearing, chunky buttons fitted to the horizontal spokes.

Elsewhere, you’ll discover a button to prioritise electrical car (EV) mode to the proper of the wheel, in addition to different primary switchgear to regulate issues just like the headlight degree, for instance. All par for the course for Subaru.

Surprisingly, the centre console feels fairly sparse and utilitarian compared to all the pieces else, whatever the variant. There’s a standard gear selector for one, which is surrounded by leather-look trim and a gloss black panel.

All Foresters will get a wi-fi charging pad, AUX enter, USB-C outlet, and USB-A outlet forward of this shifter, however behind it’s a massive piece of lifeless black plastic.

Two cupholders have been moulded into this panel, and it’s additionally the place you’ll discover the electrical parking brake, a 12V outlet, and a button to view the Forester’s cameras – particularly helpful when off-roading.

Look-wise, we weren’t impressed by this central portion. It isn’t heinous, but it surely’s slightly disappointing that you simply appear to get the identical plasticky association on the prime of the lineup as you do on the backside – and that the outgoing Forester appears nicer right here.

The Forester’s key contact factors are a minimum of all good to work together with. The gentle armrests and high-quality leather-based upholstery within the vehicles we drove have been no exceptions, however we anticipate what’s going to probably be fabric trim in lower-spec variants to be comfy too.

Whereas it’s all practical, there’s little doubt the Forester nonetheless seems considerably dated inside. The colors and materials selections play a component right here, and there’s an enormous leap between this and what we’ve seen abroad with the brand new Outback.

It’s an identical story within the second row, although we do respect the two-tone upholstery accessible in some grades. There’s not rather a lot occurring again right here, however there may be lots of room throughout.

The rear bench is comfy sufficient, and there’s a fold-down central armrest with cupholders, plus two rear-facing air vents, and each USB-C and USB-A ports.

Boot house seems to be beneficiant, and with out an official capability determine, we anticipate it to be marginally bigger than the 498 litres provided within the present Forester. All however the base Forester within the new vary will get a powered tailgate too, full with a kick sensor.

What isn’t clear is whether or not these Foresters get any type of spare wheel, however given the earlier Forester Hybrid was solely fitted with a tyre restore package, we’re not holding our breath. A tyre restore package is normal for Hybrids abroad.

Petrol fashions should get a spare in Australia, and it’s totally affordable to desire a full-size spare, particularly in the event you’re the sort to take your Forester off sealed roads on the weekend.

Typically, the inside of the brand new Forester is a wise improve over the present mannequin, even when we’d nonetheless like a number of extra buttons and a extra fashionable total look.

Size, width, peak, and wheelbase measurements are for sixth-generation Foresters delivered within the North American market, and the distinction is in comparison with present Foresters delivered domestically.

To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

What’s underneath the bonnet?

We all know there are two variations of Subaru’s 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder ‘boxer’ petrol engine and a brand new hybrid powertrain coming to Australia for the subsequent Forester, however the model has been very coy on technical specs up to now.

To offer you an concept of the improve the Forester Hybrid has acquired, the outgoing mannequin utilises an electrical motor producing simply 12kW of energy and 66Nm of torque to complement its smaller 2.0-litre boxer 4, which produces 100kW and 196Nm by itself. And the two.5-litre engine within the outgoing Forester produces 136kW/239Nm in Australia.

Subaru USA quotes outputs of 180hp (134kW) and 178lb-ft (241Nm) for its up to date petrol Forester and a complete system energy output of 194hp (145kW) for the hybrid.

To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

How does the Subaru Forester drive?

Should you’ve pushed the present Forester, you’ll instantly discover similarities.

For a begin, the brand new Forester is under no circumstances quick. The naturally aspirated boxer in petrol variants is successfully unchanged from the present automotive, which implies it nonetheless feels slightly underdone.

As earlier than, it doesn’t shove you again into your seat, spring away from a cease, or make a very good noise, even when the latter is a results of the endlessly revvy CVT.

That’s not precisely shocking, and this isn’t meant to be a sports activities automotive. The identical will be mentioned for the Hybrid, however there has a minimum of been a drastic enchancment in the way in which the system operates.

You’re capable of trundle alongside at speeds of underneath 30km/h on purely electrical energy, and something quicker can have the petrol engine hearth up as you proceed to speed up. In stark distinction to suggestions on the outgoing Forester Hybrid, the brand new automotive provides a seamless transition between the 2 strategies of propulsion.

That is the place the Toyota affect comes into play. Except for the recogniseable boxer noises – purely mechanical noises, not the exhaust observe – you’d be arduous pressed to really feel an enormous distinction between this and a RAV4, particularly in regular on-road driving.

That will sound uninspiring, however we truly assume it’s a very good factor. The Forester desperately wanted a hybrid system that was as much as scratch, and it now has one. And on first impressions, it looks like it may possibly kick it with the favored youngsters from the Toyota and Honda households.

As anticipated, the hybrid battery is charged through each the engine and regenerative braking. The latter will be managed utilizing steering wheel paddles in some variants, they usually provide an attention-grabbing operate.

Their operation feels rather a lot like shifting the transmission, a lot so that you could’t go into too excessive a regen mode in the event you’re travelling above a sure pace, very like the way in which you’ll be able to’t downshift to the bottom gears at freeway speeds in a normal automated.

Even so, regen braking is acceptably robust for a hybrid with a small battery. You may’t depend on it to convey the automotive to a cease, after all, but it surely’s a great way to clean off some pace whereas recuperating vitality.

You additionally get a battery degree readout on the digital instrument cluster, which might present the movement of energy like in different fashionable hybrids. Time utilizing this technique on public roads will reveal extra flaws, but it surely’s actually promising.

It nonetheless isn’t all that fast, a minimum of not compared to the petrol. This implies that the two.5-litre engine is detuned for the heavier Hybrids, with the distinction made up by that 88kW motor – one of many solely mechanical specs at the moment confirmed by Subaru Australia.

That’s a little bit of a disgrace, however you do nonetheless get Subaru’s SI-Drive, which might swap between subdued and aggressive throttle responses, and it’s right here the place you discover extra of a change within the Hybrid than you do within the petrol.

The Forester Hybrid isn’t meant to blow you away. As an alternative, it’s meant to supply a dependable hybrid system as a sensible various to the phase heavy-hitters, doubtlessly at a friendlier value than the RAV4.

A key separation is Subaru’s different massive replace, which regards the Forester’s suspension. It’s marginally firmer than earlier than, but it surely provides improved physique management for each on-road stability and off-road functionality.

On-road, we have been shocked to seek out the Forester behaves considerably like the present Forester STI Sport does, with barely decreased physique roll and usually extra assured dealing with. That automotive featured dampers tuned by the model’s STI efficiency arm, making it really feel a bit sportier.

The brand new Forester is on no account stiff, however the similarities trace at a well-engineered improve. Subaru Australia additionally says there are completely different suspension tunes for petrol and hybrid Foresters due to their completely different weight calls for.

Off-road, the Forester provides spectacular functionality. Subaru was proud to have maintained floor clearance of 220mm, which is noticeable when you hit trails with a number of rocks and inclines.

It’s on no account a hardcore off-roader, however Subaru’s all-wheel drive system will shock you in the event you haven’t had the prospect to correctly strive it earlier than.

Along side X-Mode, which provides snow/grime and deep snow/mud settings, the Forester appears able to outperforming most of its closest rivals. Subaru says it is a results of the mechanical hyperlink between the entrance and rear axles.

Snow/grime mode dulls torque output and dials up traction management to minimise wheel slip, whereas deep snow/mud does the alternative. You may flick between these whereas on the transfer too, and the distinction is simple to really feel.

Higher but, driving with X-Mode engaged routinely permits hill descent management, which remembers your pace and might regulate to throttle and brake inputs on the fly.

Curiously, the operation of hill descent management in petrol automobiles sounds pretty harsh because the automotive grapples with its anti-lock brakes, however the hybrid appears to rely extra on regen braking and provides a smoother expertise.

In any case, it’s fairly a intelligent system, which might additionally adapt to the terrain by sending energy to the wheels with essentially the most traction if it senses you’re getting caught. Having a full suite of digital camera shows whereas on the transfer off-road additionally helps with car positioning.

Based mostly on our temporary first drive on native soil, the brand new Forester performs promisingly. Even when it isn’t totally revolutionary, it builds on the constructive features of the outgoing mannequin whereas benefiting from the experience of the world’s hybrid chief.

To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

What do you get?

There are seven grades of the brand new Forester: 4 petrols and three hybrids. A full gear record is just not but accessible.

2026 Subaru Forester gear highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Ladder-style roof rails
• ‘X-Mode’ with one drive mode
• Subaru Clever Drive (SI-Drive) with two modes
• 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wi-fi Android Auto
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• Heated entrance seats

Forester Premium provides:

• Powered tailgate with kick sensor
• 8-way power-adjustable entrance seats with lumbar
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Auto-folding facet mirrors

Forester Sport provides:

• Darkish metallic 18-inch alloy wheels
• Electrical sunroof
• ‘X-Mode’ with two drive modes
• Black entrance grille with inexperienced insert
• Inexperienced badging
• Water-repellent artificial leather-based upholstery
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Inexperienced inside stitching

Forester Touring provides:

• Gloss black entrance grille, entrance and rear bumper accents, facet mirrors
• Low-profile roof rails
• Leather-based and suede upholstery in black or brown
• Ventilated entrance seats
• 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer

Forester Hybrid provides (over base Forester):

• Sports activities regeneration steering wheel paddles

Forester Sport Hybrid provides (over Forester Sport):

• Bronze 19-inch alloy wheels
• “Enhanced suspension for improved consolation on bumpy roads”
• Bronze exterior accents
• Low-profile roof rails
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer

Forester Touring Hybrid provides (over Forester Touring):

• Darkish gray machined gloss end 19-inch alloy wheels

To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

Is the Subaru Forester protected?

The up to date Subaru Forester is but to obtain an ANCAP security score, but it surely was awarded 5 stars by sister organisation Euro NCAP.

Commonplace security gear consists of:

• 9 airbags, together with:
  • Far-side
  • Entrance passenger seat cushion
• Encompass-view digital camera
• Autonomous emergency braking with reverse operate
• Driver monitoring system
• Entrance-side sensor
• Subaru EyeSight
  • Broad-angle monocular digital camera
  • Emergency driving cease system

To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

How a lot does the Subaru Forester value to run?

Subaru Australia backs its lineup with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, together with an eight-year, 160,000km guarantee for the high-voltage batteries of its electrical and hybrid automobiles.

To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

CarExpert’s Tackle the Subaru Forester

The brand new Forester presents as a very good package deal with many promising features.

We don’t but know the way its driver help tech will work or how economical the brand new Hybrid will be, however they are going to be among the many first issues we’ll check after we can lastly drive it in public. From what we skilled at Subaru’s pre-production occasion, it’s clear that severe work has been put into the automotive.

The petrol model is basically the identical as earlier than, although its chassis management is noticeably higher, however the hybrid is significantly better than earlier than, offering easy operation and logical switching between EV and petrol energy.

Subaru has additionally dialed up the benefit of the superior hybrid tech into the Forester’s off-road efficiency, and that’s a very good factor. You will have higher management over throttle response and torque supply, which makes it simpler to not get caught.

These within the know will respect the advantages of getting a standard prop shaft and rear diff setup, which gives a noticeable cohesion between the entrance and rear axles always.

The brand new Forester’s inside isn’t fairly as spectacular, a minimum of not within the context of the newest mid-size SUVs.

Its display screen is massive however generally is a little cumbersome to navigate, and we’d nonetheless want a bodily local weather management interface like what the brand new Outback seems to be getting. The usage of arduous plastics can also be pretty uninviting and detracts from the cabin expertise.

Subaru’s ergonomics have a minimum of remained robust, and the seats are fairly good. We additionally like that we get some objects that really feel way more premium within the higher-spec trim ranges, like that new digital instrument show.

We’ll reserve judgment till we drive it extra extensively in a number of months, but it surely appears Subaru is heading in the right direction with its subsequent Forester.

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