2026 Subaru Forester Trim Levels: A Complete Guide

If you’ve been researching compact SUVs, chances are the 2026 Subaru Forester has already caught your attention. Now in its sixth generation, the Forester continues to offer one of the most thoughtfully structured lineups in its segment. With six distinct trim levels — Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness — there’s a configuration suited to a wide range of priorities, from everyday commuting to serious off-road exploration.

This guide is designed to give you a clear, straightforward look at what each 2026 Forester trim offers, what it costs, and how the lineup builds from one level to the next. Whether you’re shopping for your first SUV or upgrading from an older model, having the facts laid out in one place makes the decision a little easier.

What Every 2026 Forester Has in Common

Before diving into the differences, it’s worth noting what every 2026 Subaru Forester shares regardless of trim level. These are standard features across the entire lineup:

• Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive — standard on every trim
• 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine producing 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque
• Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
• 8.7 inches of ground clearance (standard trims)
• Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology — the latest generation
• LED exterior lighting
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility

The Forester Hybrid, available in Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, pairs the 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a combined output of up to 194 horsepower.

These shared features establish a consistent baseline of safety, capability, and connectivity that runs through the entire model range.

2026 Subaru Forester Trim Levels at a Glance

MSRP figures are manufacturer-suggested retail prices and exclude destination, taxes, title, registration, and dealer fees. Actual transaction prices may vary. See dealer for complete details.

Trim-by-Trim Breakdown

Base — Starting at $29,995 MSRP

The Base trim is where the 2026 Forester lineup begins, and it’s a solid starting point. Buyers at this level receive the full suite of EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, standard Symmetrical AWD, wireless phone mirroring, and LED lighting. For drivers who want capable, connected transportation without unnecessary additions, the Base covers the essentials.

Highlights include:

• Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Subaru Symmetrical AWD
• LED headlights
• 8.7 inches of ground clearance

Premium — Adding Comfort and Convenience

The Premium trim builds on the Base with added comfort features that are meaningful for daily drivers and families. Buyers interested in a sunroof, enhanced interior features, or upgraded safety equipment will find the step up to Premium worthwhile.

The Premium adds:

• Power moonroof/sunroof
• Heated front seats
• Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (on some configurations)
• Additional driver convenience features

A Forester Hybrid version is also available at the Premium trim level for those who want improved fuel efficiency alongside added standard features.

Sport — Styled for the Active Driver

The Sport trim takes the Forester in a more performance-oriented direction visually and dynamically. It features a re-tuned suspension designed to deliver improved driving stability while maintaining everyday ride comfort — a notable distinction from other trims. Exterior styling touches and sport-specific interior details give this trim a more athletic character.

Sport-specific features include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Re-tuned sport suspension
• Sport-specific exterior and interior styling
• Available options package ($1,700 MSRP) adding:
  • Harman Kardon® premium audio (576-watt equivalent, 11 speakers)
  • Hands-free power rear gate
  • Reverse Automatic Braking
  • SI-Drive Engine Performance Management (Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes)

The Forester Hybrid is also available in the Sport trim, pairing the styled exterior with the hybrid powertrain’s increased output.

Limited — Comfort Meets Driver Assistance

At $37,695 MSRP, the Limited trim introduces a meaningful shift toward luxury and advanced safety. Leather-trimmed seating, upgraded driver assistance systems, and additional power features make this a popular choice for buyers who want a refined daily driver.

The Limited adds over Sport/Premium:

• Perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with blue contrast stitching
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• X-MODE® Dual Mode System (for enhanced traction in demanding conditions)
• Hands-free power rear gate
• Automatic Emergency Steering
• Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Emergency Lane Keep Assist

An available options package ($1,600 MSRP) for the Limited adds a Harman Kardon® audio system, the 11.6-inch Multimedia System with Navigation, and Reverse Automatic Braking.

Touring — The Fully Appointed Forester

The Touring trim sits at the top of the standard Forester lineup at $41,595 MSRP and represents the most feature-rich configuration outside of the Wilderness. It’s designed for buyers who want a well-equipped, comfortable SUV with technology-forward features.

Touring-exclusive features include:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• 360-Degree Surround View Monitor
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Two-position memory driver’s seat and exterior mirrors
• Smart rearview mirror
• Low-profile roof rails
• Black or Saddle Brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with Ultrasuede® bolsters
• Rear chrome and black badging

The Touring also offers a Forester Hybrid variant for buyers seeking maximum power and efficiency at the top of the lineup.

Wilderness — Built for Beyond the Pavement

The 2026 Forester Wilderness is the newest addition to the sixth-generation lineup and represents the most off-road-capable version of the Forester to date. It is built on the current-generation platform with specific upgrades that separate it clearly from the rest of the lineup.

Key Wilderness distinctions:

• 9.3 inches of ground clearance (vs. 8.7 in. on standard trims)
• Dual-mode all-wheel-drive system with dedicated modes for snow and low-traction terrain
• All-terrain tires
• Rugged suspension tuning
• Wilderness-specific exterior styling and badging
• X-MODE® with additional terrain settings

The Wilderness is aimed at drivers who regularly venture off paved roads and need a vehicle equipped for those conditions. Pricing will be confirmed by your dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the 2026 Subaru Forester come with AWD standard? 

Yes. Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on every 2026 Forester trim, with no front-wheel-drive option available.

What engine does the 2026 Forester use? 

Most trims are powered by a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Lineartronic® CVT. The Forester Hybrid adds an electric motor to bring combined output up to 194 horsepower.

Which trims offer the Forester Hybrid powertrain? 

The Forester Hybrid is available in the Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels. It is not available on the Base or Wilderness trims.

What is the difference between the Forester Sport and Forester Wilderness? 

Both trims share some styling and feature similarities, but they’re designed for different uses. The Sport features a re-tuned suspension for improved on-road handling. The Wilderness is engineered specifically for off-road capability with greater ground clearance (9.3 in.), all-terrain tires, and a dual-mode AWD system with dedicated terrain modes.

Does the Touring trim include navigation? 

Navigation can be added to the Limited trim through an available options package. Confirm navigation availability on the Touring with your dealer, as multimedia system configurations may vary.

What does EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology include? 

EyeSight® is Subaru’s suite of active safety features. On the 2026 Forester it includes Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert, among others. The Limited and above also add Automatic Emergency Steering, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, and Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Can I tow with the 2026 Forester? 

The 2026 Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs. when properly equipped. Confirm towing specifications with your dealer based on the specific trim and configuration.

Is the Harman Kardon® audio system available on all trims? 

No. Harman Kardon® audio is available as part of an options package on the Sport and Limited trims. It is standard on the Touring. Confirm availability on specific inventory with your dealer.

Are MSRP prices the final price I’ll pay? 

MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and does not include destination and delivery charges, taxes, title, registration fees, or dealer-installed accessories. Your actual out-of-pocket cost will vary. Always review the full breakdown with your sales consultant.

What colors are available on the 2026 Forester? 

Color availability varies by trim. Contact Subaru of Baton Rouge for the most current information on available exterior and interior color combinations for specific trims in inventory.

Visit Us at Subaru of Baton Rouge

Understanding a vehicle on paper is a great first step — but there’s no substitute for experiencing it in person. If you have questions about the 2026 Subaru Forester, want to walk through a specific trim in detail, or are ready to schedule a test drive, our team at Subaru of Baton Rouge is here to help.

We welcome you to stop by, browse our current inventory, and speak with one of our knowledgeable team members at your own pace. There’s no pressure, just straightforward answers and a genuine commitment to helping you find the right vehicle for your needs. You can also reach us by phone or through our website to ask questions, check availability, or set up an appointment at a time that works for you. Contact us or Visit us today! 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

All pricing, features, and specifications referenced in this article are based on manufacturer-provided information and are subject to change without notice. MSRP does not include destination and delivery charges, taxes, title, registration, or other applicable fees. Actual dealer price may vary. Hybrid powertrain availability varies by trim. See your dealer for complete details and current inventory.