Prime Highlights:
The 2026 Forester Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds, thanks to an enhanced transmission cooler and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
The Forester e-Boxer Hybrid promises up to 40% better fuel economy compared to the regular Forester, marking a significant step toward Subaru’s eco-friendly initiatives.
Key Background:
At the Chicago Auto Show, Subaru unveiled the 2026 Forester Wilderness, its most capable and rugged Forester SUV to date, alongside the 2025 Forester e-Boxer Hybrid—marking a major leap toward sustainability and efficiency in the SUV segment. The new hybrid version, available as the Forester Hybrid in the U.S., boasts up to 40% better fuel economy compared to its non-hybrid counterpart.
The Forester Wilderness, introduced in 2022, comes with numerous mechanical upgrades, including longer coil springs, shock absorbers, and enhanced ground clearance for improved off-road capabilities. It features an off-road-tuned suspension, external cladding, all-weather seating, and exclusive all-terrain tires. The Wilderness model also benefits from better approach, departure, and breakover angles, enabling superior performance on challenging terrain.
Under the hood, the Wilderness is powered by a revised 2.5-liter boxer engine generating 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Enhanced with Subaru’s dual-function X-mode for snow/dirt and deep snow/mud driving conditions, the Forester Wilderness is well-equipped for off-road adventures. The vehicle also integrates Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, offering enhanced stability and quicker differential lockup, improving off-road performance. The towing capacity has been increased to 3,500 pounds, thanks to an upgraded transmission cooler.
In parallel, the 2025 Forester e-Boxer Hybrid introduces Subaru’s first next-generation e-Boxer hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 194 total horsepower. Subaru’s hybrid system, developed with Toyota technology, significantly enhances fuel efficiency, though official fuel economy figures are yet to be released. The hybrid powertrain is paired with Subaru’s full-time all-wheel-drive system and CVT for optimal performance.
Both models bring unique design elements, with the Forester Wilderness featuring distinctive LED fog lights and anodized copper-finish accents, while the e-Boxer Hybrid remains visually similar to the standard Forester, differentiated only by its e-Boxer badges. The 2026 Forester Wilderness will be available in Canadian dealerships this fall, while the 2025 Forester e-Boxer Hybrid arrives this spring, offered on the top Premier trim. Pricing details are yet to be disclosed, but the 2025 Forester starts at $33,495 before additional fees.
