2026 Subaru Forester Specs
Perfectly efficient, innovative, and world-class – all prime descriptors of the family-friendly Subaru Forester specs. This compact SUV can be outfitted with engaging engines that focus on fuel efficiency and smooth transmission technology to make every commute, grocery trip, and soccer night engaging and cost-effective. Combine these numbers with the standard technology, like dual-zone automatic climate control and the SUBARU STARLINK dual 7-inch multimedia displays, and you'll soon understand why this model is such a popular member of our Quantrell Auto Group lineup.
Let's take a peek under the hood – as well as its exterior – so you can choose whether or not the Subaru Forester specs reach the expectations of your daily life.
Subaru Forester Engine Options
The new Subaru Forester utilizes the same engine with different levels of tuning and hybridization, depending on your preferred technology level. The core of its powertrain is the 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder, an eco-friendly engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This is the standard engine on all non-hybrid trim levels, including the following:
- Base
- Premium
- Sport
- Wilderness
- Limited
- Touring
Alternatively, for a little extra power, you can choose a hybrid engine. Though the 2026 edition of the Forester Hybrid is not yet available, its general specs and inclusions are expected to stay the same as its crowd-pleasing 2025 form. These specs include a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain that mixes gas and electric power to up the ante, producing a combined output of 194 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid Subaru Forester specs, as you may know, are also more fuel-efficient than the base specs; see the Forester MPG ratings further below.
Subaru Forester Transmission Selection
Pairing with every new Subaru Forester engine is the Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It comes standard with a low shift mode to upgrade your Forester SUV's traction potential at lower speeds. However, you can access an eight-speed manual mode, depending on your chosen trim level.
Additionally, Forester Hybrid models have a Lineartronic CVT with a six-speed hybrid manual mode. The chart below will walk you through which transmission belongs to which engine variant.
Subaru Forester Specs Chart
← Drag to scroll →
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 2.5L Hybrid 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl (Wilderness) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 | 194 | 180 |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) |
|
35 / 34 / 351 | 24 / 28 / 261 |
| Transmission |
|
CVT w/ 6-speed hybrid manual | CVT w/ 8-speed manual |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs2 | 1,500 lbs2 | 3,500 lbs2 |
| Drivetrain | Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.6 gal | 16.6 gal | 16.6 gal |
Subaru Forester MPG
As you can see in the chart, these engine and trim changes do more than just alter your car's overall horsepower -- they also adjust its impressive MPG ratings. The Wilderness has the lowest MPG rating due to its extra capability features like all-terrain tires, which reduce efficiency in exchange for massive increases in performance. The Sport and Touring trims also exchange some mileage for added features.
The standard rating, listed on the Base model and shared among most non-hybrid Subaru Forester SUVs, is 26/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 However, even though this is an incredibly efficient rating for an SUV, it's not the best that the Subaru Forester specs have to showcase. The hybrid options reach an even better 35/34/35 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 and while these are 2025 model-year ratings, they should stay the same on the list of 2026 Subaru Forester specs.
Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
By default, the Subaru Forester is a capable vehicle, able to tow up to 1,500 pounds on nearly every trim.2 However, the Subaru Forester specs for towing change with the Wilderness. Namely, the advanced Subaru Forester suspension and further mechanical upgrades allow this trim to tow up to 3,500 pounds instead.2
Subaru Forester Size
As previously mentioned, the Subaru Forester is a compact SUV. Every variant measures up to 183.3 inches, except the Wilderness. This SUV is comparable to Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.
However, unlike the competition, the Subaru Forester utilizes innovative design to expand your interior and make every passenger happy. For instance, where the Hyundai Tucson has up to 41.4 inches of front legroom, the Subaru Forester boasts 43.3 inches. Open up the trunk and see how the Forester can fit up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded, or sit down and relax with up to five passengers in up to 110.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. That's more than the Hyundai Tucson SUV's maximum 108.2 cubic feet of passenger volume.
Subaru Forester Dimensions Chart
← Drag to scroll →
| Standard | Wilderness | |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 183.3 in | 182.9 in |
| Width | 72 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 68.1 in | 69.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 104.9 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in | 9.3 in |
| Headroom (Front / Rear) |
|
40.2 / 37.6 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 43.3 / 39.4 in | 43.3 / 39.4 in |
| Shoulder Room (Front / Rear) | 57.7 / 56.7 in | 57.7 / 56.7 in |
| Passenger Volume |
|
106.6 cu ft |
| Cargo Space (Min / Max) |
|
27.5 / 69.1 cu ft |
Subaru Forester Ground Clearance
You may notice that the Subaru Forester specs include an impressive ground clearance of 8.7 inches standard and 9.3 inches on the Wilderness. That's because the Forester elevates your drive through an expansive suspension system, keeping your ride safe from potholes, gravel, cracks, and other obstacles. The Wilderness even comes with door and rear bumper covers, protecting the paint from scuffs should you decide to take the road less traveled.
Subaru Forester Safety Rating
Finally, let's discuss how these Subaru Forester specs translate into safety. According to the IIHS, the size, construction, and wide crumple zones of this compact SUV earned it a Top Safety Pick award for 2025.3 This means that, during testing, its crash avoidance systems, quality for headlights and taillamps, and ability to take a hit during the worst-case scenario all conform to or exceed safety regulations.3
However, these ratings only provide a hint at the incredible driver safety and convenience functionality available in the modern Subaru Forester – like the standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology or the available 360-Degree Surround View Monitor. Contact us for more information on why this compact SUV remains a prime option for families and young professionals
Try the Subaru Forester Specs Yourself at Quantrell Auto Group
While our Quantrell team could talk about the efficient engine and spacious interior of the Subaru Forester all day, the best way to truly understand the incredible quality of this compact SUV is by taking one on a test drive.
Our staff will happily show you our lineup and set up a test drive of the hybrid and non-hybrid variants that you prefer. Thanks to our new vehicle specials, even high-end trims like the Limited and Touring levels can bring accessible comfort and convenience to your garage.
From the financing desk to the maintenance bay, we hope you'll find the Quantrell Auto Group team to be your trusted resource for every Subaru need. We can't wait to see you.
Customer Review
Charles Bryant
07/26/2025
The most straightforward and professional car buying experience I’ve had. Randy G was extremely responsive from the beginning and consistent with all communications & timelines through out the process. Questions, pictures, information, test drives, pricing etc. all were straightforward, to the point and honest. When a couple unforeseen items came up last minute Randy was quick to remedy, finding fair solutions we all walked away feeling good about.
Learn More About The Subaru Forester
1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
2Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Subaru/forester-4-door-suv/2025