2026 Subaru Forester: NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings, Price
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Subaru Forester scores well across safety and fuel cost, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs.
- Starting MSRP
- $29,995 - $41,595
- EPA Combined MPG
- 29 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,050 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $500 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 1 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,027 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.69
- Brand Origin
- Japan
The 2026 Subaru Forester is a SUV priced from $29,995 to $41,595 with 6 trims. For a vehicle your family depends on, the safety, recall, and long-term cost data below is where the decision starts.
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 5-year ownership cost $4,104 below value SUVs average
2026 Subaru Forester at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $2,050. 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 →
Cautions in the data
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
Similar vehicles to compare
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 |
NHTSA focuses on how the vehicle protects occupants in government-standard crashes. IIHS also evaluates crash avoidance technology and headlight performance, which matter for preventing collisions in the first place.
How Did the 2026 Subaru Forester Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS recognized the 2026 Subaru Forester with a TSP+ award. This designation reflects strong performance across frontal, side, and roof strength evaluations, plus crash avoidance capabilities. 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
Safety ratings measure crashworthiness. Recall data measures post-production quality. A vehicle can score well in crash tests and still have recall campaigns if a component turns out to be defective.
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 1.7 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
What Do 2026 Subaru Forester Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Subaru Forester. This is below the average of 9 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
1 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-03-27
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle your family depends on daily, fuel cost adds up fast. The EPA data below shows how the 2026 Subaru Forester's efficiency compares to other SUVs in its price range.
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 $2,050. That is $158 more per year than the $1,892 average for value SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2,050 per year |
| Premium | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2,050 per year |
| Sport | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2,050 per year |
| Limited | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2,050 per year |
| Wilderness | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2,050 per year |
| Touring | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2,050 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $10,250 based on EPA data.
Fuel is the cost you plan for. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation are the costs that surprise you three years in. For a vehicle your family depends on daily, the full ownership picture matters.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,554 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $641 per year |
| Financing | $898 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.69 per mile |
For a family vehicle, the trim choice comes down to which safety features, space, and cost level fit your household. The comparison below shows 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 | $2,050 per year | 3,510 lbs | $72,625 |
| Premium | $33,385 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | 3,569 lbs | $76,015 |
| Sport | $36,105 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | 3,611 lbs | $95,250 |
| Limited | $37,695 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | 3,613 lbs | $80,325 |
| Wilderness | $38,385 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | 3,675 lbs | $98,280 |
| Touring | $41,595 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | 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
added 2025
- Base
- Premium
- Sport
- Limited
- Wilderness
- Touring
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- Base AWD GAS
- Premium Prod. CVT
- Premium CVT
- Sport Prod. CVT
- Sport CVT
- Limited Prod. CVT
- Limited CVT
- Wilderness Prod. CVT
- Wilderness CVT
- Touring Prod. CVT
- Touring CVT
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 29 MPG | — | — |
| Wilderness CVT | $34,920 29 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 29 MPG | $36,105 29 MPG |
| Limited | — | $37,695 29 MPG | $37,695 29 MPG |
| Wilderness | — | $36,285 29 MPG | $38,385 29 MPG |
| Touring | — | $41,595 29 MPG | $41,595 29 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
Trim selection is about the first year. Reliability is about years two through ten. The section below summarizes the available third-party data on how dependable this vehicle has proven.
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.
The warranty is the manufacturer's own bet on the vehicle's durability. Subaru's coverage terms for the 2026 Forester are shown below.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Subaru Forester Come With?
Subaru provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Forester. Coverage periods start from the original purchase date and vary by component. Source: manufacturer-published warranty terms.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Subaru Forester Specs?
Core specifications for the 2026 Subaru Forester as reported by the manufacturer. Figures may vary by trim, option packages, and production date. Source: manufacturer data.
EPA vehicle class: Compact crossover SUV
| Engine | 2.5L flat 4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 102.6 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $167 - $231 |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 481 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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. For a family vehicle, the safety ratings, recall history, and long-term cost data above are the sections that matter most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Subaru Forester FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Subaru Forester competes with 2026 Mazda CX-5, 2026 Mazda CX-50, and 2026 Ford Escape based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. 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 $171 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,028 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Subaru based?
Subaru's headquarters are in Japan. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Subaru models are available for 2026?
Subaru offers multiple models for 2026. Our Subaru models page lists every available Subaru vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
What is the 2026 Subaru Forester safety rating?
The 2026 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 1 recall campaign on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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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.