Key Features of the 2026 Subaru Forester

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard across every Forester, so you start with optimal traction and balance without adding any packages. The system’s longitudinal layout improves weight distribution and helps the vehicle feel composed on broken pavement and wet roads. When conditions change, power can be redistributed quickly to the wheels with the most grip, cutting down on wheel slip and keeping your steering precise. Paired with the Forester’s compliant suspension tuning, this drivetrain helps smooth out potholes and washboard surfaces while keeping you securely in control on winding backroads and winter mornings alike.

EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology

EyeSight® uses dual color cameras to monitor traffic and lane position, adding support that feels calm and intuitive. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and automated pre-collision braking. The system’s natural interventions help reduce fatigue on long highway runs while adding a reassuring buffer in busy city traffic. EyeSight® works in the background, letting you remain the driver, and complements the Forester’s excellent outward visibility. The result is daily driving that feels more relaxed, especially when stop-and-go congestion or changing weather puts extra stress on your routine.

11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia

On most trims, a portrait-oriented 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK touchscreen anchors the dash with clean menus, clear graphics, and responsive touch controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto streamline your setup while the wireless charging pad keeps your phone topped up without extra cables. Subaru’s layout places commonly used functions where you expect them, reducing taps and allowing you to keep your eyes up. Voice recognition, available navigation, and thoughtful climate controls within the interface make the Forester feel modern and intuitive without overcomplicating basic tasks. Even the base model’s dual 7.0-inch displays integrate core smartphone mirroring, so staying connected is effortless across the lineup.

Versatile Cargo and Seating

The Forester’s upright design translates into true utility: adults fit comfortably in both rows, and the rear cargo area is square and usable even with the seats up. With the second row folded, maximum cargo volume expands to an impressive 75 cubic feet, giving you room for camping gear, home improvement runs, or a big weekend grocery haul. Up front, Subaru’s revised center console increases storage space, adds a practical smartphone slot ahead of larger cupholders, and positions the shifter closer to the driver to free up usable room. In back, enlarged cupholders can fit a 32-ounce bottle, and reworked seatbelt mounting improves comfort and safety for passengers of different sizes.

Forester Wilderness Capability

For drivers who plan to venture beyond the beaten path, the Wilderness trim brings the hardware to back up its stance. Ground clearance rises to 9.3 inches, and larger all-terrain tires add traction and durability. Revised suspension tuning, an uprated transmission cooler, and a shorter final drive ratio work together for better off-road responsiveness and enduring performance in demanding conditions. Selectable Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings tailor traction logic to the terrain, while improved approach, breakover, and departure angles boost confidence on ruts, dips, and obstacles. Towing capacity in Wilderness climbs to 3,500 pounds, giving you the flexibility to bring a small camper or utility trailer when your weekend calls for it.