Check out over 90 photos of the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness and the 35MPG Hybrid on Carscoops.

      The hybrid model will be available at Subaru dealerships this spring, starting at $34,995 and promising considerably enhanced fuel efficiency.

      Subaru has introduced two significant updates to its Forester lineup, which includes a new trim and powertrain.

      The Forester Hybrid boasts a fuel economy of 35 mpg combined, compared to 29 mpg for the traditional model.

      The newly added Wilderness trim features 9.3 inches of ground clearance and a revised transmission cooler.

      For a long time, other nations have been able to purchase the Subaru Forester Hybrid, but now it will be available in the US market as well. Set to arrive at dealers this spring, the Forester Hybrid has a starting price of $34,995 and is expected to deliver superior fuel efficiency than before. Additionally, Subaru has revealed the previously leaked Forester Wilderness trim, which will not be available at dealerships until this fall.

      For years, Subaru sold a hybrid version of the Forester in various markets, but American consumers were not able to access it. This spring, that will change as the new Forester Hybrid reaches US dealerships. With a base price of $34,995, it aims to provide better fuel economy without a significant price increase. Along with the hybrid, Subaru has officially introduced the Forester Wilderness trim—though it wasn't entirely unexpected due to prior leaks. However, this model will not be available until this fall.

      The new Forester Hybrid appears to be a real upgrade at a competitive price. It comes equipped with a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine paired with a small 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric motor, generating a total output of 194 horsepower.

      Compared to the standard Forester's 180 hp (134 kW), the increase isn't substantial, and it may feel slower because of the added battery weight. However, on-road performance hasn't been a key focus for the Forester series for many years. The available transmission remains a Lineartronic CVT, and all-wheel drive is standard.

      The standout feature is fuel efficiency, with the Forester Hybrid representing a notable enhancement over the standard variant. It achieves an impressive 35 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and a combined total of 35 mpg, according to Subaru. In contrast, the non-hybrid model delivers 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and only 29 mpg combined—indicating a 40 percent improvement in city driving and a 25 percent enhancement on highways for the Hybrid. Thankfully, this improved fuel economy does not come with a hefty price tag.

      The pricing for the new Forester starts at $36,415, which includes destination charges. At this price, it features standard 18-inch wheels, an 11.6-inch infotainment display, a digital gauge cluster, and built-in navigation. Subaru provides four available trims, with the top-tier Touring trim priced at $43,115, including standard 19-inch wheels, a premium audio system, and exclusive two-tone paint options. The new Forester Hybrid will be arriving at dealerships this spring.

      The New Forester Wilderness

      Subaru has also officially introduced the already leaked Wilderness trim, which matches prior expectations. The Wilderness is designed as the off-road-capable version of the Forester, featuring 9.3 inches of ground clearance, 17-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires.

      This marks a slight increase from the previous 9.2 inches, so the change isn't major. Additionally, a new transmission cooler allows the Wilderness to tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is a pleasant surprise.

      Subaru also mentions that "a rear differential temperature sensor offers added confidence on trails." This feature allows drivers to stop and allow the differential to cool rather than risking overheating.

      At this point, Subaru hasn’t released pricing details for the new Forester Wilderness but expects to provide that information in the fall of this year. It will continue to utilize the same 180-hp engine and is available only with a CVT.