2026 Subaru Forester in Rhinebeck, NY
Not all compact SUVs are the same, and if you're searching for standard all-wheel drive capabilities, a rugged yet modern design, and one of the best safety and driver assistance suites in the industry, the Subaru Forester deserves your attention. It can travel where others can't, with off-road-ready trims, like the Wilderness, able to trek to faraway destinations, and when it comes to quality and value, you can expect more from the Subaru brand. In fact, 96% of Forester models sold within the last ten years are still confidently on the road, making the Forester one of the most reliable and long-lasting compact SUVs around.
The 2026 Subaru Forester is no exception, and this year, it showcases a phenomenal set of upgrades to enhance its appeal with drivers. Its Wilderness trim gets a revamp, offering more off-road capabilities and design tweaks throughout, while the interior of all Forester models sees a new console design and more exciting updates drivers and passengers will appreciate. Here at Ruge's Subaru, we're the best place to find the Forester, and when you want to be able to travel anywhere you please, regardless of the weather or the terrain, enjoy state-of-the-art safety equipment, and have faith that your vehicle will outlast all others, you'll want to be behind the wheel of the Forester. When it comes to performance and capabilities, interior and exterior design, safety, and technology, you'll quickly see why more drivers choose to trust their journeys to this small but capable traveler.
MSRP: $29,995 [a]
Cargo Space: 74.4 cu.ft.
MPG city/hwy: 33/26
Screen Size: 11.6 in
Performance & Capabilities
Engaging and Efficient Engines
The 2026 Subaru Forester offers two powertrains in its selection to ensure a high-quality ride, no matter what your daily journey has in store. Those seeking out a traditional gas-powered vehicle will appreciate the power that radiates out of the 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder engine, which makes 180 hp to elevate the feeling of the ride, even if you're just running down the street to the grocery store. This impressive engine is able to tow up to 3,500 lbs when opting for the Wilderness trim, making it easy to accommodate a trailer full of dirt bikes or a small camper on your way out to the campsite for the weekend.
You'll also find a hybrid model in the mix, which pairs a 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to make for an exciting and ultimately efficient ride. Making 194 hp, the Forester's hybrid powertrain adds a little boost of energy to your drive. Plus, with the ability to achieve an EPA-estimated 35 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, any commute will be easier to take on with the Forester Hybrid in charge of it. These numbers are for the 2025 Subaru Forester, since they aren't out yet for 2026, but these estimates should remain the same.
An Adventure Companion
Those who are serious about exploring the area's wilderness destinations will want to consider the Forester Wilderness to accompany them on all of their off-road escapades, especially since these models have been revitalized for 2026. Now offering more ground clearance—9.3 inches, as opposed to the 8.7 inches that non-Wilderness models offer—the Forester Wilderness is ready for anything that awaits out on the trails and beyond. You'll also find a revised suspension, selectable drive modes to help you navigate deep snow, mud, and more, as well as an improved transmission cooler, which allows it to now tow up to 3,500 lbs—up from 1,500 lbs in previous models. A shorter final drive ratio makes for more precision during off-road excursions, while bigger tires make it easier to crunch over the elements as you venture deeper into nature.
If you want to be able to trek anywhere you please, the Forester Wilderness is a top pick, but don't assume that the other Forester trims can't hold their own when the ground becomes challenging. In fact, all Forester and Forester Hybrid models are armed with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capabilities, which send the right amount of power to the proper wheels at all times, running along the center of the vehicle for exceptional weight distribution and performance. If you want a compact SUV to help you handle bouts of bad weather on the highway or uneven terrain in the woods, any Forester model is ready for the challenge with these unmatched AWD capabilities.
Interior & Exterior
Interior Upgrades
You'll quickly realize that the 2026 Subaru Forester is different from its predecessors the moment you step inside its practical yet stylish cabin. Perhaps the first thing you'll notice is the fact that its center console has been redesigned, featuring larger cupholders, a place for your smart device, and a bigger center armrest to make for a more comfortable driving experience. A newly designed shifter, plus larger cupholders in the rear, make the 2026 Forester even more in tune with its occupants' needs.
Opting for a top-level model will allow you to enjoy an exceptionally luxurious experience on board, with access to leather-trimmed upholstery, a 10-way power driver's seat, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel, as well as a leather-wrapped shifter handle. Even entry-level models will impress you, with access to high-quality, durable seating elements, an open cabin that allows you to feel as though you're riding in a larger vehicle, and modern touches throughout that today's drivers are looking for in their vehicles. There's a trim for every driver, and whether you're seeking out leather trimmings or ready-for-anything StarTex upholstery, the bare basics or all the creature comforts you can imagine, you'll find a model for you in the Forester's lineup.
Not only can you enjoy an outstanding array of impressive appointments, but you can also expect fantastic use of its interior space. Offering up to 110.8 cu.ft. of passenger space, as well as up to 74.4 cu.ft. of cargo space with its rear seats folded, there's nothing and no one that you can't accommodate in this Subaru superstar.
Exterior Impressions
The Forester is perfectly rugged and ultimately stylish, making it the ideal choice for those who want a more capable SUV, yet also want to enjoy contemporary styling to make a statement on the streets. From LED lighting elements to roof rails, a panoramic moonroof, and stylish wheel designs, no matter which trim you choose, you'll be impressed by the Forester's outward appeal.
Those who are interested in the fresh-faced Wilderness model will appreciate all of the upgrades that have been made to this rugged trim for 2026. This off-road-ready explorer now offers access to a higher stance and larger Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires to help you power over obstacles in the wilderness with ease. Regardless of the Forester trim that interests you, you can be sure that you'll turn heads on the way to all the places you need to go, with the ideal blend of rustic features and modern design that many drivers are seeking out in their vehicles these days.
Safety & Technology
Superior Safety & Assistance Aids
Subaru is known to engineer some of the safest vehicles on the streets, and the 2026 Forester is no exception. Through standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, you won't have to question your safety during your journey, as the Forester is designed to ensure that you and your passengers remain secure as you travel on the highway and beyond. There's a reason why Subaru has been the top-ranked brand for safety six years in a row by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). It sure knows how to arm its vehicles with incredible safety aids to help prevent accidents, mitigate damage, and keep you and your passengers protected from unexpected occurrences while in transit.
From a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which monitors driver attention via enhanced camera tech to ensure they're not fatigued or distracted from the roadway, to lane departure warnings and various camera angles, you'll find that the Forester makes safety its top priority. Opt for the available 360-Degree Surround-View Monitor to stay aware of what resides around your vehicle, which comes in handy, not only on packed city streets and busy parking lots, but also when you're out exploring in the dense wilderness.
Top-Tier Innovation
You'll find that the 2026 Subaru Forester is incredibly innovative, with access to state-of-the-art connectivity and entertainment features to make the most of any ride inside. With an available 11.6-inch Multimedia System, complete with navigation features, an available Harmon Kardon premium audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 4G LTE Wi-Fi capabilities, and more, having access to all of the tech you need during your ride is effortless in the Forester.
Shop for a Forester Today
Ruge's Subaru is eager to help you get behind the wheel of a Forester model that meets your every need, whether you're seeking out a dedicated daily driver or a seasoned adventure companion. The 2026 Subaru Forester is a great pick for drivers who want to enjoy the latest innovations, modern design elements, and superior engineering, and if you want a fantastic selection of this particular model, you'll find it here. We invite you to stop by and browse our available models, take a Forester for a test drive, and get ready to be able to take on any challenge that awaits during your journey. If you want a vehicle that's going to outlast the competition, you'll want a Subaru, and if you want a small and easy-to-handle SUV, the Forester is one of the best on the scene.