The 2027 Subaru Forester continues the brand’s formula of standard all-wheel drive, practical space and strong safety technology, while the big news for the new model year is the arrival of the Forester Wilderness Hybrid. It combines Subaru’s rugged Wilderness hardware with a hybrid powertrain for the first time.
The new Wilderness Hybrid brings increased horsepower, on-demand electric torque, 9.3 inches of ground clearance and an estimated 481-mile range per tank. Subaru says it will arrive in the U.S. in winter 2026, giving adventure-focused buyers a more efficient alternative to the gas-powered Wilderness.
What’s New for the 2027 Subaru Forester?
The regular Forester is not receiving a complete redesign for 2027. The current generation was introduced for the 2025 model year, so Subaru is carrying much of that design and technology into 2027.
The important addition is the Forester Wilderness Hybrid, which expands the hybrid powertrain into Subaru’s most rugged Forester variant. It becomes the first Wilderness model to use Subaru hybrid technology.
Key 2027 updates
- New Forester Wilderness Hybrid variant
- Hybrid powertrain with increased horsepower
- On-demand electric torque
- 9.3 inches of ground clearance
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Dual-function X-MODE
- All-terrain tires
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia System
- Estimated 481-mile driving range per tank
- U.S. arrival planned for winter 2026
Rugged Exterior Design
The Forester has retained its boxy, upright shape through the latest generation, giving it a practical appearance while preserving the visibility that Subaru buyers expect.
The Wilderness version takes that formula further with tougher exterior cladding, rugged wheels and all-terrain tires. Its raised suspension gives it 9.3 inches of ground clearance, helping it handle dirt roads, rocky trails and uneven surfaces.
The Wilderness Hybrid also carries the visual identity associated with Subaru’s adventure-oriented models.
Its tougher body protection is designed to help shield vulnerable areas from scrapes when driving away from paved roads.
2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid: The Big Story
The biggest development for 2027 is the combination of Wilderness capability and hybrid efficiency.
Subaru says the Wilderness Hybrid uses its hybrid technology together with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The system also provides increased horsepower and on-demand torque, although Subaru has not yet published the complete 2027 Wilderness Hybrid powertrain output in the announcement.
The company estimates 481 miles of range per tank and says the hybrid model delivers 25% better city fuel economy than the gas-powered Wilderness.
2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid specifications
| Specification | 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Subaru hybrid system |
| Engine | 2.5-liter Boxer-based hybrid system |
| Drive | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive |
| Ground clearance | 9.3 inches |
| Range | Estimated 481 miles per tank |
| X-MODE | Dual-function |
| Tires | All-terrain |
| Digital gauge cluster | 12.3 inches |
| Infotainment | 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia System |
| U.S. arrival | Winter 2026 |
| MSRP | Not officially announced |
Subaru has confirmed the increased-output hybrid system and 481-mile estimate, but final detailed specifications and pricing for the 2027 Wilderness Hybrid should be treated as pending until the company releases them.
Engine and Performance
The standard gas-powered Forester continues with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque in the current U.S.-market specification.
It is paired with a continuously variable transmission and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The hybrid version is more powerful. Subaru’s current Forester Hybrid system is rated at an estimated 194 horsepower, although the automaker has not published the final torque figure for the 2027 Wilderness Hybrid in its latest announcement.
The hybrid system should also provide quicker access to torque during low-speed driving, which is particularly useful when climbing trails or maneuvering over uneven surfaces.
Off-Road Capability
The Forester Wilderness has always been aimed at buyers who want more capability than a conventional compact crossover.
The 2027 Wilderness Hybrid retains the key ingredients. These include 9.3 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, dual-function X-MODE and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Subaru’s X-MODE system is designed to optimize traction on difficult surfaces. The Wilderness configuration adds additional hardware and calibration for more demanding terrain.
The hybrid powertrain adds another advantage: electric assistance can provide torque on demand without requiring the engine to build revs first.
Interior and Everyday Practicality
The Forester’s upright body creates a spacious cabin with good outward visibility and useful passenger room.
The current-generation model offers a practical rear seating area and flexible cargo space, making it suitable for commuting during the week and outdoor activities on weekends.
The Wilderness Hybrid adds durable StarTex upholstery, while its cabin technology includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia System.
This combination gives the rugged Forester a more modern cabin without moving away from its practical character.
Technology and Connectivity
The latest Forester uses Subaru’s vertically oriented infotainment layout, with an available 11.6-inch touchscreen.
Depending on trim, buyers can get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, wireless device charging, navigation and premium audio equipment.
The 2027 Wilderness Hybrid’s 12.3-inch digital gauge display is another step toward a more modern cockpit.
The result is a useful blend of physical SUV practicality and increasingly sophisticated digital technology.
Technology highlights
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available wireless device charging
- Available navigation
- Available Harman Kardon premium audio
- MySubaru connected services on applicable models
Safety Features
Safety remains one of the Forester’s major selling points.
The Forester comes with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes camera-based driver assistance features. Current Forester equipment includes systems such as pre-collision braking, lane-departure and lane-sway warnings, and advanced adaptive cruise control.
Depending on trim, buyers can also access features such as blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, emergency lane-keep assistance and automatic emergency steering.
The exact standard and optional equipment can vary by trim.
2027 Subaru Forester Price and Availability
Subaru has not yet published a final U.S. MSRP for every 2027 Forester configuration.
For reference, the current Forester lineup starts at $29,995 for the 2026 model year, while the 2026 Forester Hybrid starts at $34,730 before destination charges and other applicable costs.
The new 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid is scheduled to arrive in winter 2026. Subaru has not yet announced its final MSRP.
That makes the Wilderness Hybrid particularly interesting because it will sit above the standard Forester while combining the most rugged hardware with Subaru’s more efficient hybrid technology.
2027 Subaru Forester vs. the Competition
The Forester competes in one of America’s most crowded compact-SUV segments.
Key alternatives include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.
The Forester’s biggest differentiator is standard all-wheel drive across the range. The Wilderness models add another layer of appeal for buyers who regularly drive on trails, gravel roads or in snow.
The new Wilderness Hybrid could give Subaru a particularly interesting position because it combines off-road-focused hardware with a hybrid powertrain.
Where the Forester stands out
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Strong visibility and practical cabin
- Available Wilderness off-road hardware
- New Wilderness Hybrid option
- 9.3-inch ground clearance on Wilderness models
- Comprehensive driver-assistance technology
- Large cargo area and flexible rear seating
Who Should Buy the 2027 Subaru Forester?
The Forester makes the most sense for buyers who prioritize practicality, all-weather capability and easy everyday usability over outright acceleration.
The standard model suits commuters and families who want a compact SUV with standard AWD.
The Wilderness Hybrid is more compelling for outdoor enthusiasts who want additional ground clearance and all-terrain capability without giving up the fuel-efficiency advantages of hybrid technology.
The Forester could be a good fit for:
- Families needing a practical five-seat SUV
- Drivers living in snowy or wet climates
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- Buyers who regularly use dirt and gravel roads
- Drivers seeking standard AWD
- Buyers interested in a rugged hybrid SUV
Drivers who prioritize quick acceleration, sporty handling or a more premium interior may find stronger alternatives elsewhere in the segment.
2027 Subaru Forester: Final Verdict
The 2027 Subaru Forester is not an entirely new generation, but it gets an important expansion with the Forester Wilderness Hybrid. The new variant combines Subaru’s adventure-focused Wilderness formula with hybrid technology, standard AWD, 9.3 inches of ground clearance and an estimated 481-mile range per tank.
For American buyers, that combination could make the Forester one of the more distinctive compact SUVs for 2027. It remains focused on practicality and all-weather confidence, while the new hybrid Wilderness gives the lineup an appealing mix of efficiency and off-road capability.
FAQs
Is the 2027 Subaru Forester a completely new generation?
No. The current Forester generation debuted for the 2025 model year, and the 2027 model largely carries that design forward. The major new addition is the Forester Wilderness Hybrid.
How much ground clearance does the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid have?
The 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid has 9.3 inches of ground clearance, along with all-terrain tires, dual-function X-MODE and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
How far can the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid travel on a tank?
Subaru estimates 481 miles per tank for the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid. The company also says it delivers 25% better city fuel economy than the gas-powered Wilderness.