2026 Subaru Forester Review – Petrol and Hybrid models driven

The Subaru Forester remains a unique proposition even in today’s saturated mid-size SUV market. Its formula is simple, a boxer engine for lower centre of gravity, an always-on symmetrical all-wheel drive for assured handling and an upright body shape for vast interior space, all backed by the brand’s renown reliability. It’s arguably the most versatile and off-road capable SUV in the segment. Its adventure-ready image resonated with Australian buyers right from the start, making it a popular choice among families and explorers alike.

Now in its sixth generation, the Forester continues with that same proven formula, albeit with significant electrification of the powertrain. Such significant that Subaru even calls the new hybrid powertrain a Strong Hybrid system. It’s the highlight of the new model, which is claimed to be over 30 percent more powerful than the previous mild hybrid setup and capable of delivering over 1000km of real-world driving range.

It’s the first proper hybrid Forester and the only hybrid model in the segment that is paired with a permanent all-wheel drive system. Subaru was quick to emphasis the latter at the model launch as having a proper AWD in a Forester is still very much non-negotiable at Subaru, so it seems.

The new Forester line-up consists of four variants starting with the range opening model that’s simply called Forester, progressing up to the mid-spec Forester Premium and Forester Sport variants, and topped off by the Forester Touring grade. Petrol-only models are available across all grade levels while hybrid is offered in all but the Premium trim.

Subaru Forester line-up and pricing (excluding on-road costs):

Petrol-only models

Forester: $43,490
Forester Premium: $46,490
Forester Sport: $48,490
Forester Touring: $50,990

Hybrid models

Forester Hybrid: $46,490
Forester Hybrid Sport: $54,990
Forester Hybrid Touring: $55,990

Facing a fierce competition set, Subaru has been careful with the Forester pricing strategy and it’s apparent in the stickers. The most accessible hybrid Forester which is priced at $46,490 comes in cheaper than key rivals like the Toyota RAV4 GX hybrid eFour ($49,340), Hyundai Tucson Elite Hybrid AWD ($50,850) and Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power AWD ($48,915).

Even in the $55,990 range-topping Hybrid Touring guise, the Forester still undercuts the RAV4, Tucson and X-Trail in equivalent spec. In the case of the Toyota, it’s a $4,350 difference if the Cruiser eFour grade is compared.

Pricing tells only half the picture, though, and if the Forester Hybrid was to stand a chance against those other big segment players, it needs to do much better than its predecessor which was plague with a lacklustre hybrid setup.

At the very least, the new Forester is off to a good start with a much improved styling. The front fascia is modern and the boxed wheel arches look rugged. It still won’t win any beauty contest and it’s still unapologetically boxy, but it’s an honest, approachable design that is instantly recognisable as a Forester. For its target demographic, that’s all it matters.

The interior is strong on practicality and ergonomics, two attributes the Forester cabin has been well known for. Hop in for the first time and you’ll be on your way in no time. It’s that easy to get familiar with all the controls. The portrait 11.6-inch central touchscreen is sized just right – there’s really no need to be any larger than that although carmakers these days seem to be competing for having the biggest touchscreen.

Usability is more important than screen size and Subaru seems to have gotten it right. The screen’s interface is pretty straightforward and navigating around using those large on-screen buttons is a breeze. Crucially, essential functions like climate control, media playback and volume adjustment are still operated using physical buttons and knobs. You don’t see that often these days.

Interestingly, the 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster is only available in the hybrid model from the Sport variant and up. It’s one of the better ones in the mainstream space, with good customisability including the ability to display the map and navigation from a mirrored smartphone. Other models make do with a conventional instrument cluster with dual analogue gauges sandwiching a multi-information display.

Subaru Forester key specification

• 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Wireless Qi charger
• 6-speaker audio
• 4.2-inch Driver Multi-Information Display
• X-Mode with hill descent control
• Heated seats – driver and front passenger
• Ventilated front seats (Touring)
• 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio with subwoofer (Touring)
• Built-in Satellite Navigation (Premium, Sport, Touring)
• 8-way power front seats adjustment (Premium, Touring)
• 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster (Hybrid Sport, Hybrid Touring)

As expected from Subaru, build quality is pretty solid, with everything tightly put together. All buttons and knobs have a good tactile feel to them. The contrast stitching on the upholstery and dashboard is neat. Speaking of which, the suede effect trims on the leather seats and door cards feel and look pretty nice, even making the leather trim look a bit average. If you opt for the Sport model you get synthetic leather on the seats which is designed to be more dirt proof and easier to clean. It does feel that way but it doesn’t feel very plush to sit in compared to conventional leather upholstery, synthetic or real.

As mentioned, practicality is impressive and it’s something that sets the Forester apart from rivals. There’s plenty of room in the cabin, both at the front and in the rear, with legroom in the back one of the largest in the segment. The tall and upright proportion opens up heaps of headroom in the cabin as well. It also allows the windows to be large which let in plenty of natural light making the cabin feel very airy.

Elsewhere, the door pockets are thick with easy access. A standard size water bottle will drop straight in without the need for you to pull any trick move or squeeze through a tight gap. The storage space under the front centre armrest is decent, so is the glove box. A pair of good size cup holders can be found in the front, with another pair behind the drop down arm rest in the back seat.

Further back, boot space measures 496 litres which is above class average. Tumble the rear seats and the space expands to a voluminous 1667 litres. Hybrid models are a tad smaller on both measurements, respectively quoted at 484 litres and 1655 litres.

The petrol version of the Forester is powered by a 2.5-litre normally aspirated four cylinder petrol boxer engine developing 136kW / 247Nm. Those are modest numbers in today’s standard, yet they’re surprisingly adequate for a near 1.7-tonne SUV. Paired with a CVT automatic it gets up and going pretty swiftly, tackling whatever the daily grind throws at it with relative ease.

It’s not a sporty powertrain but it does the job of hauling the family around with good throttle response, a decent mid-range pull and a smooth, continuous power delivery courtesy of the CVT. It does get a bit vocal when you pile on the revs, though, and you will occasionally need to get it up there such as when cresting a hill or overtaking.

The Forester hybrid pairs the same 2.5L engine with two electric motors. Tuned slightly differently to the petrol version, the engine produces 121kW / 212Nm, while the dual e-motors supplement it with 90kW / 276Nm. Combined, total power output is rated at 145kW. There’s no official combined torque figures as Subaru claims a standardised torque calculation isn’t currently available for hybrid powertrains, but it’s safe to assume that it’s more torquey than the petrol version.

A CVT is again employed, so is a mechanical all-wheel drive system – there’s no e-motor driven axle trickery here like those in the RAV4 or X-Trail, it’s the same bulletproof symmetrical AWD that Subaru has built a reputation on.

The new hybrid setup is miles better than the previous system. For starters those new e-motors are much more powerful, meaning there’s more frequent use of electric drive power where the engine is shut whenever possible such as on cruise or in slow-moving traffic. Secondly, the transition between electric and engine power is much more seamless. The whole thing is just much more refined and smooth than before. Left to its own devices you don’t really feel what’s happening behind the scenes, as the powertrain and CVT work harmoniously and discretely in the background.

Like non hybrid models power is distributed to all four wheels at all times so you still get that high grip assurance no matter the road condition. For those who tow or have the occasional need to traverse on rough, slippery or snowy terrain, this is a big advantage over other hybrid SUVs. The AWD also shines around corners, with the tall-riding SUV staying planted and secured for the most part.

Where the Forester Hybrid falls short compared to its competitors is in fuel efficiency. Averaging 6.2L/100km on paper and 7.1L/100km in our real-world test, it’s not the economical hybrid SUV out there considering the RAV4, CR-V and X-Trail all return around 6.0L/100km in real-world tested average. With a 63L fuel tank and based on the average rated figure, the Forester Hybrid is good for 1016km in range. It’s achievable if you do mostly freeway driving but realistically you’ll be looking at around 880km based on real-world mixed driving. That’s still a very impressive range for a family SUV.

The petrol version is rated at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle, with our tested figure not far off at 8.7L/100km. For a non-hybrid that’s about class average. Based on the tested fuel economy figure you’ll get around 720km in range.

Both hybrid and petrol models have an identical servicing interval of 15,000km or 12 months. The line-up is covered by a factory warranty of 5 years with no cap on kilometres.

Verdict

2026 Subaru Forester pricing and specification

Price (excluding on-road costs):	From: $43,490 As tested: Forester Petrol Sport: $48,490 Forester Hybrid Touring: $55,990
Warranty:	5 years/unlimited kilometre
Warranty Customer Assistance:	1-year roadside
Service Intervals:	12 months/15,000km
Country of Origin:	Japan
Engine:	2.5-litre 4-cylinder boxer petrol: 136kW @ 5,800rpm, 247Nm @ 3,700rpm 2.5-litre 4-cylinder boxer hybrid petrol with dual electric motors: 121kW @ 5,600rpm, 212Nm @ 4,000-4,400rpm Electric motors: 145kW / 276Nm
Transmission:	CVT automatic
Drivetrain:	All-wheel drive
Combined Fuel Consumption (L/100km):	Petrol: 7.9L/100km, tested: 8.7L/100km Hybrid: 6.2L/100km, tested: 7.1L/100km
Fuel Capacity (L):	63
Body:	5-door SUV, 5 seats
Dimensions (L/W/H/W-B):	4,655/1,830/1,730/2,670
Kerb Weight (kg):	1662-1766
Towing Capacity (kg):	Braked: 1,800 (1,200 for hybrid) /Unbraked: 750