2027 Subaru Forester Release Date & Specs – The 2027 Subaru Forester continues the sixth-generation redesign that debuted for the 2025 model year, with one significant addition that outdoor-oriented buyers in the United States have been waiting for. Subaru of America officially debuted the first-ever Forester Wilderness Hybrid at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, pairing the brand’s trail-ready Wilderness equipment with its efficient hybrid powertrain.
Here is everything U.S. shoppers need to know about the 2027 Subaru Forester release date, key updates, specs, and expected pricing based on official announcements and trusted automotive sources.
2027 Subaru Forester Release Date
Subaru has confirmed that the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid will go on sale in late 2026, with official materials also listing availability as Winter 2026.
The broader 2027 Forester lineup (gas and hybrid non-Wilderness models) is expected to arrive around the same window—fall to late 2026—following the typical model-year cadence after the 2025 redesign. Pricing and final EPA fuel-economy figures for the Wilderness Hybrid will be announced closer to launch.
As of July 2026, the vehicle has been fully revealed, and U.S. dealers are preparing for deliveries later this year.
What’s New for the 2027 Subaru Forester?
The biggest change for 2027 is the introduction of the Forester Wilderness Hybrid—the first Wilderness model in Subaru’s lineup to offer a hybrid powertrain.
Previously, buyers who wanted the higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and rugged styling of the Wilderness trim had to stick with the conventional gas engine. For 2027, that limitation is gone. Subaru states the hybrid delivers up to 25% better fuel economy than the gas-powered Forester Wilderness while adding power.
The rest of the Forester range carries over with only minor updates after its full redesign for 2025. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight driver-assist technology, and the practical, boxy packaging remain core strengths.
2027 Subaru Forester Specs and Features
Powertrain options
- Standard: 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower.
- Hybrid: Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter BOXER engine paired with electric motors and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery for a combined 194 horsepower. The system uses a series-parallel configuration that works seamlessly with Subaru’s mechanical Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Wilderness Hybrid capability highlights
- 9.3 inches of ground clearance (0.6 inches more than the standard Forester Hybrid) thanks to longer coil springs and revised shocks.
- Improved approach (23.5°), breakover (20.6°), and departure (25.5°) angles.
- Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires on 17-inch matte-black wheels.
- X-MODE Dual-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings plus Hill Descent Control.
- Ladder-style roof rails rated for an 800-pound static load.
- Cargo space remains 27.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and more than 69 cubic feet with seats folded—hybrid components do not reduce usable volume.
Interior and technology
Standard equipment on the Wilderness Hybrid includes an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, animal-free StarTex upholstery, Harman Kardon audio, and Subaru’s full EyeSight suite (adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and more).
Expected Pricing for the 2027 Forester
Exact pricing for the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid has not been released and will be announced closer to the late-2026 on-sale date.
Current estimates for the overall 2027 Forester lineup place the base model near $31,500–$32,000. The gas-powered Wilderness typically starts in the low $40,000s. Industry observers expect the hybrid version to carry a premium of roughly $2,000–$4,000 over the gas Wilderness, putting it in the mid-$40,000 range once fully equipped.
Why the 2027 Subaru Forester Stands Out in the U.S. Market?
American buyers looking for a compact SUV that balances real off-road ability with everyday efficiency now have a compelling new option. The 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid delivers genuine ground clearance and all-terrain hardware while promising significantly better fuel economy and quieter operation than its gas counterpart—something few rivals currently match at this price point.
With the sixth-generation platform still fresh, strong safety credentials, standard all-wheel drive, and the new hybrid Wilderness variant, the 2027 Forester remains one of the most practical and adventure-ready choices in the compact SUV segment for U.S. drivers.
Stay tuned to official Subaru channels and trusted sources such as Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and MotorTrend for final pricing, EPA ratings, and dealer availability updates as the late-2026 launch approaches.