2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester is a SUV priced from $29,995 to $41,595 with 6 available trims. This page brings together safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, fuel economy data from the EPA, reliability scores from RepairPal, ownership cost estimates from AAA, and manufacturer specifications. Every number below is sourced from its original publisher and can be independently verified.
5-star safety. A fuel cost. 3.5/5 reliability. That is the snapshot for the 2026 Subaru Forester among value SUVs. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.8 average for SUVs.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Subaru Forester are high published crash-test results and lower estimated fuel cost, with lower estimated five-year cost. The main caution is that reliability is middle-of-pack.
- safety
- fuel cost
- estimated 5-year cost
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,500. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $4,104 below the similar-vehicle average. Lowest cost to own 2026 →
Limits and cautions
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $29,995 - $41,595
- EPA Combined MPG
- 26-29 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,500 - $1,700/yr
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $250 over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- Japan
How Safe Is the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is one of 82% of SUVs to earn NHTSA's top 5-star rating. It also received TSP+ from IIHS, which tests different crash configurations. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 17.4%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard |
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
How Did the 2026 Subaru Forester Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS awarded the 2026 Subaru Forester a TSP+ designation, which requires good or acceptable ratings in all crashworthiness categories plus effective front crash prevention. IIHS tests are independent of NHTSA and use different crash configurations. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Small SUVs
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2026 Subaru Forester Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2026 Subaru Forester, affecting STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. This is fewer than the 1.8 average for SUVs. Recalls address safety-related defects identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. Repairs for recalled vehicles are free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Most recent: December 2025
Units affected: 22,412
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Subaru Forester. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2026 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Subaru Forester achieves up to 29 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,500. That is $104 more per year than the $1,396 average for value SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 26 to 29 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $1,500/yr |
| Premium | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $1,500/yr |
| Sport | 28 MPG | 25 | 32 | $1,550/yr |
| Limited | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $1,500/yr |
| Wilderness | 26 MPG | 24 | 28 | $1,700/yr |
| Touring | 28 MPG | 25 | 32 | $1,550/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Subaru Forester Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Subaru Forester ranges from $72,625 to $100,740 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Compact SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,746/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,554/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $641/yr |
| Financing | $898/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.69/mi |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 6 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Subaru Forester Trims Compare?
6 trims are available for the 2026 Subaru Forester, spanning $29,995 to $41,595. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $29,995 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | 3,510 lbs | $72,625 |
| Premium | $33,385 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | 3,569 lbs | $76,015 |
| Sport | $36,105 | 28 MPG | $1,550/yr | 3,611 lbs | $95,250 |
| Limited | $37,695 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | 3,613 lbs | $80,325 |
| Wilderness | $38,385 | 26 MPG | $1,700/yr | 3,675 lbs | $98,280 |
| Touring | $41,595 | 28 MPG | $1,550/yr | 3,664 lbs | $100,740 |
The Subaru Forester lineup has contracted from 11 trims in 2024 to 6 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $2,900 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- Base (added 2025)
- Premium (added 2025)
- Sport (added 2025)
- Limited (added 2025)
- Wilderness (added 2025)
- Touring (added 2025)
Trims no longer available
- Base AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Premium Prod. CVT (last available 2024)
- Premium CVT (last available 2024)
- Sport Prod. CVT (last available 2024)
- Sport CVT (last available 2024)
- Limited Prod. CVT (last available 2024)
- Limited CVT (last available 2024)
- Wilderness Prod. CVT (last available 2024)
- Wilderness CVT (last available 2024)
- Touring Prod. CVT (last available 2024)
- Touring CVT (last available 2024)
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base AWD GAS | $27,095 29 MPG | — | — |
| Premium Prod. CVT | $30,295 29 MPG | — | — |
| Premium CVT | $30,295 29 MPG | — | — |
| Sport Prod. CVT | $31,865 29 MPG | — | — |
| Sport CVT | $31,865 29 MPG | — | — |
| Limited Prod. CVT | $33,975 29 MPG | — | — |
| Limited CVT | $33,975 29 MPG | — | — |
| Wilderness Prod. CVT | $34,920 26 MPG | — | — |
| Wilderness CVT | $34,920 26 MPG | — | — |
| Touring Prod. CVT | $37,395 29 MPG | — | — |
| Touring CVT | $37,395 29 MPG | — | — |
| Base | — | $29,995 29 MPG | $29,995 29 MPG |
| Premium | — | $33,385 29 MPG | $33,385 29 MPG |
| Sport | — | $36,105 28 MPG | $36,105 28 MPG |
| Limited | — | $37,695 29 MPG | $37,695 29 MPG |
| Wilderness | — | $36,285 26 MPG | $38,385 26 MPG |
| Touring | — | $41,595 28 MPG | $41,595 28 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Subaru Forester?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Subaru Forester at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for value SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Subaru's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Subaru Forester Come With?
Subaru provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Forester. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Subaru Forester Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Subaru Forester as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.5L flat 4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal |
| Length | 182.9 - 183.3 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 72.0 - 72.4 in |
| Height | 68.1 - 69.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.9 - 105.1 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,510 - 3,675 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Subaru Forester?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Subaru Forester based on published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references as of the dates shown above. If any of these agencies publishes updated data, this page will reflect those changes automatically. For questions about how this data is collected and verified, see our methodology page.
2026 Subaru Forester FAQ
How does the 2026 Subaru Forester compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Subaru Forester has a safety grade of A, a fuel cost grade of A, a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5, and only 1 recall on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Subaru Forester trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 6 available trims, the Base has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $72,625, starting at $29,995 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $100,740. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Subaru Forester insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Compact SUV class at $1,726 per year, or about $144 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Subaru Forester. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Subaru Forester maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Compact SUV class at $1,746 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,726/yr) and depreciation ($3,554/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $10,279 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Subaru Forester depreciate?
AAA estimates the Compact SUV class depreciates about $3,554 per year, or roughly $17,770 over five years. On a base MSRP of $29,995, that represents about 59% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Subaru Forester?
The most efficient 2026 Subaru Forester trim costs an estimated $1,500 per year in fuel, or about $125 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $104 more than the average for similar suvs. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Subaru Forester?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Subaru Forester include 2026 Mazda CX-5, 2026 Mazda CX-50, and 2026 Ford Escape. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Subaru Forester from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 6 new trims were added, 11 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $2,900 for the Subaru Forester lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Subaru Forester cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Subaru Forester include about $857 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $125 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $982 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Subaru Forester safe for families?
The 2026 Subaru Forester earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. It also earned IIHS TSP+ recognition, which tests different crash scenarios. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.