The 2026 Subaru Forester range of configurations is currently priced from $43,490.
Our most recent review of the 2026 Subaru Forester resulted in a score of 7.8 out of 10 for that particular example.
Carsguide Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton had this to say at the time: A little excitement in life important, but the Forester Hybrid proves its not always a neccessary ingredient in the world of new cars. This does not register massively on an emotional level, but it is dependable, comfortable and capable family motoring, and that’s actually what I like best about it. Leave the thrills and spills for the amusement park, this will get you and your brood where you’re going and back again.
You can read the full review here.
This is what Andrew Chesterton liked most about this particular version of the Subaru Forester: Interior space, Real world efficiency, Loads of standard gear
The 2026 Subaru Forester carries a braked towing capacity of up to 1800 Kg, but check to ensure this applies to the configuration you're considering.
The Subaru Forester 2026 prices range from $43,490 for the basic trim level SUV 2.5I (Awd) to $55,990 for the top of the range SUV Hybrid Touring (Awd).
Buyers can choose from a versatile palette including Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Crimson Red Pearl, Daybreak Blue Pearl, Sapphire Blue Pearl, and Brilliant Bronze Metallic.
Premium and Sport grades offer exclusive colour combinations with black or bronze exterior accents to stand out from the pack.
Standard equipment in the 2026 Forester is generous, with every variant scoring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control and Subaru’s latest EyeSight driver-assist suite.
Stepping up the range adds niceties like a Harman Kardon sound system, electric front seat adjustment with memory function, leather trim and a surround-view camera.
The new top-spec Forester Sport introduces exclusive exterior and interior styling tweaks and a hands-free powered tailgate.
This generation of the Subaru Forester used the 2.5-litre FB25 engine which made use of a timing chain that should be good for the life of the vehicle.
For the record, the vast majority of engines that use a rubber toothed timing belt have what’s called a dry belt. A relatively small number of engines use wet-belt technology which is where the rubber belt operates in an oil bath situation. This tech has proved to be problematic for some car-makers and Ford, for one, is moving to a timing chain layout for the new engine in its Ranger, Everest and Transit line-up.
Show more
Most cars have a rotary dial somewhere on the dashboard to control the brightness of the dashboard lights. On this model Subaru it’s extremely well hidden. But if you look closely at the indicator stalk, you should see a collar surrounding it towards the tip of the stalk. This collar can be twisted in either direction to either brighten or darken the dashboard lighting. However, I’ve read that while some of the lights will adjust this way, the speedometer’s brightness is non-adjustable.
I’m told that by holding the climate control off button down for a few seconds, you can also adjust the intensity of the lighting for that function as well.
Show more
Before you commit to any costly course of action, go back to basics. A car that jumps out of gear might have a poorly adjusted shifter or linkage mechanism rather than something internal to the gearbox. Even a worn engine or transmission mount can allow enough movement for the car to jump out of gear. So check that stuff first.
In terms of rebuilding a gearbox like this one, you may find the cost is greater than the retained value of the vehicle. Not to mention, with that sort of mileage, that you’ll lie awake at night wondering what’s going to break next. At that point, you have to make a call. But don’t forget, you might be able to find a second-hand gearbox in good condition at a parts recycler, and have that fitted for a fraction of the cost of an overhaul. And then you’re on your way to your second half-million kilometres.
Show more
The 2026 Forester continues to impress with its practical cargo area.
It offers 496 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1719 litres when folded flat.
A low load lip and wide tailgate opening make loading bulky items easy, while hybrid variants sacrifice only minimal space (484L/1162L) thanks to clever battery placement beneath the boot floor.
Two powertrains are available in Australia.
The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine produces 136kW and 247Nm, while the new 2.5-litre petrol-electric e-Boxer hybrid system combines for 145kW and 276Nm.
Both use a CVT and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system as standard.
| Subaru Forester Model | Body Type | Specs | Fuel Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hybrid (Awd)
|
Body Type: SUV | Specs: 2.5L Hybrid CVT AUTO |
Fuel Consumption:
6.2L/100km
|
|
2.5I (Awd)
|
Body Type: SUV | Specs: 2.5L ULP CVT AUTO |
Fuel Consumption:
7.9L/100km
|
Subaru has stepped up the Forester’s cabin game for 2026 with a modernised layout featuring a new portrait-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen on all grades, enhanced soft-touch surfaces and a tidier centre console.
The overall aesthetic is clean and robust, with intuitive controls and improved cabin insulation.
High-grade variants introduce a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and ambient lighting for a more premium feel, along with a panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate.
The 2026 Subaru Forester remains a five-seat mid-size SUV, offering a comfortable and practical seating layout across the range.
Wide-opening rear doors and a high hip point make entry and exit a breeze for passengers of all ages.
Supportive front seats and a sliding, reclining rear bench with generous legroom cater to long road trips, while the top-spec variants add leather-accented upholstery and heated front and rear seats.
While not designed as a performance SUV, the 2026 Forester delivers adequate everyday performance.
The carry-over 2.5-litre petrol engine should manage the 0-100km/h sprint in around 10 seconds, while the new 2.5-litre e-Boxer hybrid would be slightly quicker.
Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and symmetrical all-wheel drive, though Subaru hasn't confirmed top-speeds for either. The petrol version should be able to hit 200km/h, while the hybrid could be more limited.
Official combined-cycle fuel economy for the petrol-only Forester is rated at 7.9L/100km, while the new hybrid trims that to 6.2L/100km.
Both Foresters have a 63-litre fuel tank, so could theoretically travel either a maximum 797km or 1016km in petrol or hybrid respectively depending on driving style and road conditions.