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2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Features
The 2026 Forester Hybrid is a cousin to the wildly popular 2026 Subaru Forester, a compact crossover SUV. This SUV will feature a new cutting-edge parallel hybrid system, offering over 7% more total horsepower and up to 40% improved fuel economy compared to the conventional gas engine. The 2026 Forester Hybrid carries its rugged capability with a fuel-efficient and sustainable powertrain that environmentally conscious car consumers in the Skokie, Illinois, area will appreciate.
About the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid
The 2026 Subaru hybrid lineup includes the Forester Hybrid and the equally exciting Crosstrek Hybrid. These SUVs represent Subaru's shift toward vehicles that minimize your carbon footprint while maintaining their renowned off-road capabilities.
From what we know so far, the 2026 Forester Hybrid will come in four trims: the Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. We're not yet certain if there'll be a 2026 Forester Hybrid Wilderness model, but please stay tuned to our blog, where we'll update you with more information as it becomes available.
Performance Meets Efficiency: Evaluating the Hybrid Engine
Under the hood of the 2026 Forester Hybrid, you'll find a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder Atkinson/Miller-cycle SUBARU BOXER engine and two electric motors that produce 194 horsepower. A Lineartronic continuously variable transmission pairs with this efficient hybrid powertrain. The Forester Hybrid comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system.
About the Series-Parallel Hybrid Powertrain
What makes the 2026 Forester Hybrid's powertrain unique? It uses a series-parallel hybrid system, which combines the benefits of both series and parallel hybrid designs. Depending on driving conditions, this setup allows the vehicle to power the wheels using the electric motor, the gasoline engine, or a combination of both.
Alternatively, it can utilize both electric motors, the battery, and the gas engine for increased efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. The series-parallel system is the most efficient type of hybrid powertrain, and by utilizing it in the new Forester Hybrid, Subaru demonstrates its forward-thinking and environmentally aware approach.
Efficiency Improvements: Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With the next-generation Subaru-series-parallel hybrid system, the 2026 Forester Hybrid will get an estimated 35 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. With its 16.6-gallon fuel tank, the Forester Hybrid has a driving range of up to 581 miles.
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Designed for Traction and Safety
One feature that sets Subaru SUVs apart from others is the proprietary Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. Due to its unique design, it offers unsurpassed traction and handling. The system incorporates the longitudinally mounted horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine, which is mounted to the rear differential in a straight, symmetrical line.
The SUBARU BOXER engine is placed low in the Forester Hybrid, which lowers the center of gravity. This design enables increased traction on various terrains and helps control pitching and rolling when driving over obstacles or navigating rugged trails. Additionally, the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system enhances stability for on-road driving, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride for you and your passengers.
Design and Functionality: Interior and Exterior Features
The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid blends bold design, functionality, and modern features.
Exterior Features
The Subaru Forester Hybrid boasts a sturdy look with unique 18-inch multispoke alloy wheels and exterior colors such as the new Daybreak Blue Pearl. The large front-end grille showcases the Forester Hybrid's ruggedness, while the sloped roof, contoured body panels, and sporty rear end contribute to its aerodynamic and contemporary appearance.
Comfort and Convenience
With two rows of seats, the Forester Hybrid comfortably seats up to five people. It offers attractive features such as available StarTex water-repellent upholstery, heated front seats, one-touch folding rear seats, and versatile 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks for carrying bulky or long items.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2026 Forester Hybrid comes equipped with Subaru's latest infotainment and multimedia system, featuring an 11.6-inch high-resolution touch screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. You also get hands-free Bluetooth, SiriusXM All-Access Radio, and over-the-air software updates.
Advanced Safety Features
You get Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology features for enhanced driving safety. Key features include:
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Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
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Lane departure and sway warning
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Pre-collision braking
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Automatic emergency steering
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Pre-collision throttle management
In addition, Subaru's X-Mode gives you access to various terrain management modes, and the hill descent control keeps you stable and slow when descending long or slippery hills. Depending on the trim, the 2026 Forester Hybrid can come with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic control, reverse automatic braking, and lane change assist.
Financing for Your 2026 Forester Hybrid
Financing your new Forester Hybrid is an essential part of the car-buying process. Our professional finance team works with top lenders to help you find the best auto loan for your needs. We offer competitive rates and tailor the finance options based on your budget and credit history. Our finance department can also help you find lease programs if you decide that's the best option for your lifestyle.
Learn More About the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid
Are you excited to learn more about the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid and take one for a test-drive? This compact SUV is ideal for backcountry travels in the Skokie, Illinois, area. With Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, new parallel-hybrid powertrain, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Forester Hybrid can take you on fun adventures. Contact our McGrath Evanston Subaru dealership team to learn more about the 2026 Forester Hybrid and experience how well it handles by taking it for a spin.
Testimonials
5 Star Service! A couple shout-outs. Jeff helped us get moving on a build sheet and purchase order, and was extremely communicat
Eddie my service guy was exceptional.
“ Eddie my service guy was exceptional. He originally got a “no” from the warranty company about my coverage, but called them back and talked to a supervisor. He persisted and got my repair covered, as it should be. It said it right there on the contract. He also worked with me on the best price for tires. Eddie was great! My only snafu was in picking up my car (the next morning because there was no courtesy driver available). I paid, then waited 10-15 minutes for my car to be driven up, which it never was. I finally walked around and found it, right outside the garage and tracked down someone to just give me my keys. Clearly, there was a mess up in communicating to someone to get me my car, even though both the cashier and a guy whose attention I was able to get said it should be coming soon. ”
They care about keeping our Subaru in the best running condition. Thank you for caring!
“ I bought this 2010 Forrester for my sister 12 years ago. We have taken our car to Evanston Subaru for all our service needs and have always been treated well. I recommend this dealership. It is staffed with good people and competent mechanics. The facility is always clean. This is noticeable. They even wash my car without being asked.. When the service personnel recommend areas needing attention, I trust them for caring for our safety. They care about keeping our Subaru in the best running condition. Thank you for caring! ”
George worked with my budget for an oil change and back brake replacement. Extremely kind.
“ Great. I called first so it would be OK to get my 2018 Subaru Forester towed in because the engine oil light came on, with a message on my dashboard. George told me since I didn't have an appointment it would be worked on the next day. (The towing service was great). They found a quart of oil missing, and some other things to fix. George worked with my budget for an oil change and back brake replacement. Extremely kind. Then they always fill the tires with air, and give a free carwash before I go. The technicians worked really hard in 104 degree weather. I waited in the waiting area: free coffee, water and a granola bar. Thank you! ”
Every experience I've had at this location has been great and I'm sure everyone who works here is wonderful.
“ Every experience I've had at this location has been great and I'm sure everyone who works here is wonderful. That said, Eric is a cut above — he's just incredible. We recently had to get a good amount of work done on our 2015 Forester which had not been taken in for some time. Eric walked me through several different options for repairs and servicing, all with different price breakdowns, and made sure I understood what each service/repair was and why he recommended it. He also worked with his service manager to get me a great deal by not charging to replace our AC condenser which had stopped working. I had stopped going to this location because we moved and it wasn't as convenient, but after this most recent experience with Eric I will only take my Forester here. Wish I could give more than 5 stars! ”
“ 5 Star Service! A couple shout-outs. Jeff helped us get moving on a build sheet and purchase order, and was extremely communicative and friendly! We loved working with him while we waited for our car. Derek helped us finalize the order and all of our information, and did a great job. Ken was fantastic on the day-of walking us through all the information on our new car and having a smile throughout! Really incredible staff, as well as a really incredible car! ”