2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV, rated at 29 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.

- Combined MPG
- 29
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $29,000
- Recalls
- 2
Watch: Forester reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Subaru |
|---|---|
| Model | Forester |
| Model year | 2026 |
| Vehicle class | Compact SUV |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2.5 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 26 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 29 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 310 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2150 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Forester AWD | 29 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Forester Hybrid AWD | 35 MPG combined |
| Forester Sport/Touring AWD | 28 MPG combined |
| Forester Wilderness AWD | 26 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 26 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 33 MPG |
| Combined | 29 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 10% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $26,100
- Total interest
- $4,541
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
≈ $1,386/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
Protect against surprise repair bills and compare coverage from top-rated providers.
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (2)
- STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS25V889000 · 2025-12-18
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect and/or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket which can detach without prior warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if necessary, replace the stay and support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-25. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 20, 2025.
- VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY26V346000 · 2026-05-28
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles. The sliding glass panel of the power moonroof assembly may have been improperly bonded to the sliding frame, allowing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power moonroof glass panel for proper adhesion and, if necessary, replace the glass panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 24, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway).
Is the 2026 Subaru Forester reliable?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2026 Subaru Forester. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2026 Subaru Forester?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2026 Subaru Forester costs roughly $1,386 per year to fuel, or about $6,931 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is classified as a compact suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC