Skip to main content
Subaru Featured 2026 Compact Crossover SUV

Forester 2026

2026 Subaru Forester Sport AWD

Trim Sport
Variant Symmetrical Awd
Generation 6th Generation
Body Style Compact Crossover Suv
Model Year 2026
Fuel Gasoline
Transmission Lineartronic Cvt Automatic
Drive Type Awd
Engine 2.5L Direct-Injection SUBARU BOXER 4-Cylinder
Horsepower 180 hp
Starting from
$34,795

Dealer: $33,600

View pricing Owner reviews

Vehicle Overview

Sporty compact crossover featuring 19-inch bronze wheels, water-repellent StarTex seats, WRX-derived steering, Dual-Function X-MODE, and 28 MPG combined fuel economy.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Sport AWD builds on Subaru's red-hot compact crossover platform with exclusive bronze visual flourishes and enhanced capability. Powered by a 180 hp 2.5L BOXER engine paired with dual-function X-MODE and water-resistant StarTex upholstery, it is built for both city streets and unpaved trails.

Ratings

4.7 Expert Rating
142 Community Reviews
55 Views

Category Scores

Performance 8.3
Comfort 9.4
Safety 9.9
Fuel Economy 8.8
Technology 9.5
Maintenance 8.6
Reliability 8.8
Interior 9.4
Exterior 9.5
Value 9.2

Specifications

Powertrain & Performance

Engine Type 2.5L Direct-Injection SUBARU BOXER 4-Cylinder
Horsepower 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque 178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm
Transmission Lineartronic CVT with 8-Speed Manual Shift Mode & Paddle Shifters
Drivetrain Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Engine Management SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive)
Maximum Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs

Fuel Economy & Capacity

EPA City Fuel Economy 25 mpg
EPA Highway Fuel Economy 32 mpg
EPA Combined Fuel Economy 28 mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity 16.6 gal
Recommended Fuel Regular Unleaded (87 Octane)

Dimensions & Cargo

Overall Length 183.3 in
Overall Width (without mirrors) 72.0 in
Overall Height 68.1 in
Wheelbase 105.1 in
Ground Clearance 8.7 in
Cargo Capacity (Rear Seats Up) 27.5 cu ft
Max Cargo Capacity (Rear Seats Folded) 69.1 cu ft
Seating Capacity 5 Passengers
Curb Weight 3,611 lbs

Chassis & Handling

Steering Dual-Pinion Electronic Power Steering (WRX-derived)
Off-Road System Dual-Function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control
Front Suspension MacPherson Strut Independent Suspension
Rear Suspension Double-Wishbone Independent Suspension
Safety Suite EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

Engine & Performance

Engine2.5L Direct-Injection SUBARU BOXER 4-Cylinder
Horsepower180 hp
Torque178 lb-ft
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionLineartronic CVT Automatic
Drive TypeAWD
Mileage28 MPG Combined (25 City / 32 Hwy)
Acceleration8.0 sec (0-60 mph)
Top Speed120 mph
EmissionsLEV3-SULEV30 Certified

Fuel Economy

Fuel TypeGasoline
Mileage28 MPG Combined (25 City / 32 Hwy)
EmissionsLEV3-SULEV30 Certified

Safety

  • Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
  • Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist & Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Automatic Emergency Steering Assist
  • Pre-Collision Braking & Pre-Collision Throttle Management

Technology

  • SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus Screen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay & Wireless Android Auto Integration
  • Wireless Phone Charger Pad
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability
  • Harman Kardon Premium Audio System (Optional)

Ownership

  • Dual-Function X-MODE (Snow/Dirt & Deep Snow/Mud settings)
  • Heated Front Seats & Heated Steering Wheel
  • 10-Way Power Adjustable Driver Seat
  • Power Rear Liftgate with Height Memory (Optional)
  • Keyless Access with Push-Button Start

Clean the StarTex synthetic seating surfaces easily using a damp microfiber cloth without needing specialized leather conditioners.

Expert Review

By FindEdition Auto Team

4.7 / 10 expert score

Overview

The 2026 Subaru Forester Sport AWD builds on Subaru's red-hot compact crossover platform with exclusive bronze visual flourishes and enhanced capability. Powered by a 180 hp 2.5L BOXER engine paired with dual-function X-MODE and water-resistant StarTex upholstery, it is built for both city streets and unpaved trails.

Driving & Off-Road Performance

Thanks to a stiffer chassis (+10% torsional rigidity) and a WRX-derived dual-pinion steering rack, the 2026 Forester Sport steers with improved precision. Dual-Function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control provides outstanding traction on mud, snow, and steep trail descents.

Technology & Cabin Utility

The cabin is centered around a tall 11.6-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Highlighting interior utility are easy-to-clean water-repellent StarTex seats, a panoramic moonroof, blind-spot detection, and a wireless charging pad.

Pros

  • Distinctive 19-inch bronze-finished alloy wheels and dark bronze exterior styling accents
  • Water-repellent StarTex seating is durable, comfortable, and easy to wipe clean after outdoor trips
  • Dual-Function X-MODE with 8.7 inches of ground clearance provides superior snow and trail capability
  • WRX-derived dual-pinion electronic steering rack delivers a crisp, responsive steering feel
  • Spacious interior with standard 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration

Cons

  • Naturally aspirated 180 hp 2.5L engine offers adequate rather than exhilarating acceleration
  • 1,500 lb towing capacity is lower than the Outback or Mazda CX-50
  • Touchscreen interface controls most climate functions

Verdict

The 2026 Subaru Forester Sport AWD is an outstanding choice for active drivers seeking style and all-weather capability. Featuring 19-inch bronze wheels, water-repellent StarTex seats, WRX-derived dual-pinion steering, Dual-Function X-MODE, and standard Symmetrical AWD, it offers incredible everyday versatility.

Pricing Intelligence

MSRP $34,795
Current $34,795
Dealer $33,600
Invoice $32,500
Offer $34,295
Discount500
Finance3.9% APR for 60 months (qualified buyers)
Lease$369/mo for 36 months, $3,299 due at signing
TaxesVaries by state and locality

Product Intelligence

Buying Recommendation

The Sport trim is the sweet spot if you want unique styling, a panoramic moonroof, and durable StarTex seating without moving up to higher, more expensive luxury trims.

Ownership Cost

Clean the StarTex synthetic seating surfaces easily using a damp microfiber cloth without needing specialized leather conditioners.

Alternatives

The Sport trim is the sweet spot if you want unique styling, a panoramic moonroof, and durable StarTex seating without moving up to higher, more expensive luxury trims.

  • vs Honda CR V Sport AWD: Forester Sport offers superior ground clearance (8.7 in) and standard full-time AWD.
  • vs Toyota RAV4 SE AWD Forester Sport provides better outward visibility and standard Dual-Function X-MODE for off-road trails.

Community Reviews

0.0 Community Average
0 reviews
0 verified owners
4.7 expert rating
10★
0
9★
0
8★
0
7★
0
6★
0

All Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.

Compare & Alternatives

For higher ratings in the Subaru lineup, consider the Subaru Outback (4.8/10). A more affordable option is the Toyota Camry.

Better Alternatives

Subaru Outback 4.8/10 Subaru BRZ 4.8/10

Cheaper Options

Toyota Camry $32,200 Toyota GR86 $33,895 Chery Fulwin T10 $31,000 Hongqi Tiangong 08 $34,500 – $35,000

Similar Vehicles

Honda CR-V Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Ford F-150 Toyota Camry

Related Comparisons

Subaru Forester vs Honda CR-V vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Subaru Forester vs Tesla Model Y Subaru Forester vs Cadillac Escalade Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 Subaru Forester vs Lincoln Navigator L Subaru Forester vs Toyota Corolla

Recently Viewed

Kia Carnival 2026
Kia 2026 · SX Prestige
$51,490

Kia Carnival

2026 · SX Prestige

4.8 / 10 · 1,100 reviews
  • Minivan
  • 3.5L DOHC 24-Valve V6 GDI
  • N/A
View vehicle