2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
Subaru unveiled a pair of new models at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show. The 2025 Forester Hybrid marks the first time gas/electric propulsion has been offered on US versions of the brand’s popular compact SUV. Plus, an updated version of the off-road-ready Forester Wilderness is arriving for the 2026 model year.
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid and 2026 Forester Wilderness
Forester Hybrid
Starting with the Forester Hybrid, this model employs Toyota-derived battery and electric propulsion technology that you’ll find in the upcoming 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The system teams with Crosstrek’s 2.5-liter gasoline 4-cylinder engine to produce the same 194 total horsepower. As with all Subaru SUVs, all-wheel drive is standard. EPA-estimated fuel-economy ratings are 35 mpg city/34 mpg highway/35 mpg combined.
Four Hybrid grades will be offered, ascending through Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. The base Premium is well-equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist cameras; 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster; USB-A and USB-C ports for front and rear occupants; wireless device charging; and Subaru’s vertically oriented 11.6-inch infotainment display. The Sport and Limited gain specific exterior trim; an upgraded audio system; and reverse automatic emergency braking. Touring includes drowsy-driver alert; power driver seat with 2-position memory; heated and ventilated front seats; and surround-view camera.
Forester Wilderness
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness features several upgrades over the outgoing model. A new suspension design with longer coil springs and shock absorbers increases maximum ground clearance to 9.3 inches from 9.2. Despite the extra height, designers boast improved stability and ride comfort. While Wilderness shares its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with other Forester models, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) gets specific tuning to provide more responsive low-speed off-road driving.
Wilderness maintains its unique visual identity from other Forester grades with standard roof rails; hexagonal LED fog lights; underbody skid plates; and copper-colored body accent pieces. Inside, the upholstery is water-resistant while the fully digital instrument panel gets specific Wilderness graphics.
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid goes on sale this spring with a starting MSRP range of $36,415-$43,155, including destination fee. The 2026 Wilderness will arrive this fall. Pricing and full feature availability will be announced closer to that time.
CG Says
Subaru expanding its hybrid offerings beyond the Crosstrek puts the brand in a strong position to meet demand among consumers who desire greater efficiency but are neither willing nor able to go fully electric. There are enough changes to the 2026 Forester Wilderness that owners of the outgoing version might want to consider an upgrade. Intenders with wanderlust should also give it a look.
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