The Subaru Forester has proven itself for decades as a reliable companion for everyday life and adventures off the beaten track. Now the model is entering the sixth generation and remains true to his strengths.
Comfort, all-wheel drive and off-road capabilityWith over five million copies sold The Forester is one of the brand's most popular models.
Forester & Forester Wilderness
The Forester Wildernessthe off-road special version, receives for the model year 2026 a technical overhaul and finally rises to the new platform Subaru promises more torque, optimized tires and improved suspension. But what exactly is in it?
Subaru Forester – Proven technology with a modern touch
Subaru continues to rely on its 2,0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, 136 PS The petrol engine is supported by a mild hybrid system, which has an additional Electric motor with 17 hp and 66 NM torque This means that the Forester is not the sprint king, because the 0-to-100 sprint Dauert 12,2 seconds, the maximum speed is 188 km/h.
The continuously variable Lineartronic transmission ensures a smooth power transmission and does not represent the maximum Performance, but comfort and efficiency. This means that the Forester remains a relaxed vehicle for everyday use – and a convincing roader.
Off-road capability remains the great strength
The permanent all-wheel drive Symmetrical AWD in conjunction with Active Torque Split for optimal torque distribution between the front and rear axles. With a Ground clearance of 220 millimeters The Forester easily masters rough terrain.
Thanks Downhill Control The vehicle can climb slopes with 27 degrees inclination safely descend without the driver having to use the accelerator or brake. The new 360 degree camera makes maneuvering in the terrain easier and offers a better overview of steep slopes.
Forester Wilderness – The off-road variant is upping the ante
The Subaru Forester Wilderness for the model year 2026 will subsequently receive the new platform after the regular Forester variant has already 2025 This closes the technical gap between the two versions.
The engine power drops slightly from 182 to 180 hp, while the torque of 239 to 242 Newton meters More importantly, the maximum torque is now at 3.700 revolutions per minute instead of only at 4.400 revolutions per minuteThis should make the Wilderness even more maneuverable, especially off-road.
New tires, optimized gear ratio, more towing capacity
Like the previous model, the Forester Wilderness about improved slope, ramp and departure angles. Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires have grown slightly for 2026 – almost half an inch wider and higher, which ground clearance at 236 millimeters The translation of the continuously variable Lineartronic transmission was changed: Instead of 3,70 the gear ratio is now 4,11, which improves responsiveness off-road.
The permanent all-wheel drive was also revised, the Center differential now locks fasterto minimize wheel slip. The system also uses steering angle data, to the stability in curves and at high speeds A big advantage is the increased towable: Thanks to a new transmission cooler, the maximum towing capacity of 1.600 kilograms.
Modern interior with current assistance systems
In the interior, Subaru to the latest generation of EyeSight driver assistance system, which offers an improved combination of stereo camera, wide-angle monocular camera and front radar offers. New is the emergency stopping systemthat automatically stops the vehicle if the driver no longer responds.
The Subaru Starlink infotainment system with 11,6 inch touch screen is standard and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android-Auto. Optionally, a 12,3-inch digital cockpit which displays navigation instructions directly in front of the driver. There is also robust roof rack with a static load capacity of 360 kilograms, noticeable copper-colored accents and animal-free interior design.
Prices and market launch
On the price and fuel efficiency of the Forester Wilderness 2026 There are no official details yet. This information will be available closer to the market launch in Autumn 2025 expected.
During regular Subaru Forester already from 40.500 Euros is available, the Wilderness variant The full guarantee of 5 years or 160.000 kilometers applies to all models and includes Europe-wide mobility protection.
Conclusion – Two Foresters for different needs
Whether as comfortable all-rounder or off-road adventurer, the Subaru Forester remains a reliable and versatile vehicle. Those who value Off-road performance takes place in Forester Wilderness an exciting alternative with a more robust chassis and better tires.
Further details on both models can be found in the Video, so be sure to check it out! Image and video credits/source: Subaru | This content was created using AI and reviewed by an editor.
