It has been a very long wait for a hybrid version to come to the venerable Subaru Forester. The family-focused model has always embraced traditional styling with a strong focus on practicality. However, it never offered a hybrid model and it seemingly felt out of place in a segment where hybrids were rapidly becoming more important.
The company is finally changing its tune and after debuting the smaller Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, it’s used the Windy City to debut the bigger Subaru Forester hybrid which will bring better fuel economy to the model while also expanding Subaru’s hybrid footprint too.
Forester hybrid part of broader plan
While the smaller Crosstrek Hybrid will serve as the spearhead for Subaru’s hybrid lineup, the bigger Forester is expected to be the bread-and-butter model for the company and will help be a potent profit generator. As such, the changes to the exterior are limited to badging and other minor tweaks which is fine since Subaru wants Forester buyers to feel like they are slipping behind the wheel of a familiar offering. The interior also reflects this method of execution and the bulk of the cabin is also carried over from other Forester models.
That’s fine with us since the bulk of the changes are under the hood anyway with all hybrid models being powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s also used on the Crosstrek. The gas engine is paired with a small electric motor that allows the setup to make a combined 194 hp. It has a very limited all-electric range but Subaru claims the Forester Hybrid can get an EPA-estimated 34/35/35mpg in city/freeway/combined driving which is 40% better than the standard model. The hybrid system didn’t require any major changes to the all-wheel drive system and it also adds only 300 lbs to the Forester which still allows it to be just under 4,000 lbs.
Forester Wilderness model is ready to explore the trails
Along with the Hybrid, Subaru also debuted the new Wilderness version of the Forester. Like other Wilderness models, the Forester gets knobby Geolander all-terrain tires and exterior upgrades including the reworked front grille and graphics package. This model doesn’t get the hybrid engine but the company makes up for it by equipping it with trail-ready upgrades including a reworked suspension, and a Wilderness exclusive X-mode that comes with settings for snow and mud.
A beefier transmission cooler is also part of the package and it helps the Wilderness have a slightly beefier 3,500 lb towing limit. The Wilderness also comes with extensive underbody protection to help protect the vulnerable parts of the SU from damage with chunky plastic wheel flares being added to help protect the sides from branches and rocks.
When can I buy one?
Buyers looking to buy either of these models will not be in for too long of a wait. Subaru says the hybrid will go on sale first with the model expected to make its appearance in showrooms in the middle part of the year. The Wilderness version will appear later and will go on sale as an early 2026 model which will give Subaru time to help get the hybrid firmly entrenched in the marketplace. Subaru didn’t release pricing for the model just yet, but look for that to occur inn the near future.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.