If you’ve been waiting for a car that can handle the school drop-off and a muddy weekend camping trip without breaking a sweat, the new Subaru Forester is likely already on your radar. It’s always been the sensible choice. The 2026 update doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel—and honestly, that’s a good thing. But there is one big change that may finally quiet the critics: it’s a basic roadster, the Subaru Forester Hybrid. The update is supposed to represent much of what we’ve been asking for: stretching that fuel tank much further!
Key Features of the Subaru Forester
Subaru has always favored function, but the latest model feels surprisingly contemporary. It remains boxy (a good thing considering its great headroom), but the tech finally feels current, not a generation behind.
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: This isn’t an “on demand” system that waits for you to slip. It’s always plugged in—feeding power to all four wheels constantly. In rain or loose gravel, you feel the difference right away.
- 11.6-Inch Touchscreen: If you hated the small screens of older Subarus, then you’ll love this. The Subaru Forester Premium and further up are equipped with a massive vertical display that controls your music, maps, and climate.
Driver Assist: The EyeSight system is standard; it can now boast broader cameras. This means it spots pedestrians and cyclists faster than before; city driving becomes a step a little less stressful than before.
Review: How Does It Actually Drive?
The Subaru Forester is safe and grounded and is very predictable when driving. The best part is that it’s more visible to see outside. The windows are huge, and the pillars are thin—the inside is out, so you do indeed get a view of what’s around you. It makes parking in tight spots surprisingly easy for an SUV.
Interior: Built for Real Life
Step inside, and this car seems built for use, not mere viewing.
- Comfort: The seats are supportive, and the Subaru Forester Sport has StarTex water-repellent upholstery. It’s practically a lifesaver if you live an active lifestyle—wipe and go.
- Space: Thanks to the boxy design, rear headroom is fantastic. It fits adults comfortably, not just kids.
Cargo: Folding the seats gives you a huge, flat floor that is low and easy to load. Perfect for sliding in heavy gear without the struggle.
Subaru Forester Price Range and Variant Breakdown
Subaru has held prices in check.
- Base Model: Starts around ₹25.3 Lakh. A decent option that you can choose for the AWD and safety tech for a low cost with no frills.
- Subaru Forester Premium: Starts at something like ₹27.8 Lakh and includes the features you actually use every day, like the panoramic sunroof and the big touch display.
- Subaru Forester Sport: Comes in at about ₹30.3 Lakh. You’re paying for the cool bronze looks, 19-inch wheels, and better off-road drive modes.
Subaru Forester Hybrid: Expected to start around ₹31.2 Lakh. It costs a bit more in the beginning, but you’ll also save at the pump.
Subaru Forester Hybrid Performance
The truth is: the standard 2.5-liter engine is good; with roughly 180 horsepower, it’s capable of doing the job.
- The Gas Model: Takes about 9.5 seconds to hit 60 mph. When traveling along the highway, it needs a fair amount of patience.
The Hybrid Edge: The Subaru Forester Hybrid takes power up to about 194 hp. The electric motor gives you instant torque, making when the light turns green a little snappier—if not significantly faster on balance, at least when the lights turn green.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Subaru Forester knows just what it is: a reliable, safe (and easy-to-live-with) SUV. It’s not a flashy thing, but when the weather turns bad, you can count on a car this good. If you drive a lot, then the Subaru Forester Hybrid is worth the bit extra. But for everyone else, we’re the best of our kind. The Subaru Forester Premium is the best bang for your buck. It’s a car that doesn’t just take you to where you need to be but that also invites you to go a bit further.