2026 vs 2027 Subaru Forester: what changed and which one to buy

The short version

Subaru held the line on price for 2027. The base Forester still starts at $29,995 and the Forester Hybrid lineup still opens at $34,730, the same as the outgoing model year. Nearly every carryover trim kept its 2026 price.

The real story is the trim shuffle. Subaru dropped three gas-only trims, expanded the hybrid side to five trims, and added the first hybrid Wilderness it has ever built. If you want the Sport look or Touring-level features, the 2027 lineup steers you toward a hybrid.

What changed from 2026 to 2027

The Wilderness Hybrid is the headline

This is the first Subaru Wilderness model with a hybrid powertrain. It gets the same off-road hardware as the gas Wilderness: 9.3 inches of ground clearance, X-MODE Dual-Mode, Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Subaru says it returns better fuel economy than the gas Wilderness without giving up capability. For Four States drivers who split time between I-44 and gravel roads, it is the most interesting new Subaru of the fall.

Wilderness and Limited get more standard equipment

The 2027 gas Wilderness comes standard with its raised suspension, all-terrain tires, upgraded underbody protection, transmission cooler, 3,500-pound towing capacity and full-size spare, plus navigation, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a power rear gate and Harman Kardon audio. New for 2027, it adds a heated steering wheel and heated rear outboard seats.

The 2027 Limited rolls in features that used to cost extra, including leather-appointed upholstery, 18-inch wheels, an 8-way power passenger seat, rain-sensing wipers, a power rear gate and a heated steering wheel.

What stayed the same

Gas Foresters keep the 2.5-liter Boxer with 180 horsepower. Hybrids pair a 2.5-liter Boxer with electric motors for 194 combined horsepower. Every trim uses a CVT, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and EyeSight driver assist, and every Forester has at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Most trims get the 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For a trim-by-trim walkthrough of the current generation, see our 2026 Forester trims compared guide.

2027 Subaru Forester pricing by trim

Destination and delivery is $1,475. Premium paint and two-tone roof options are available on several trims, and Geyser Blue is reserved for the Wilderness and Wilderness Hybrid.

Should you buy a 2026 or a 2027 Forester?

A 2026 makes sense if

• You want a gas Forester Sport, Sport Onyx Edition or gas Touring. Once the 2026s are gone, those configurations are gone too.
• You would rather drive the vehicle you like today than wait on 2027 allocation. Outgoing model-year inventory is on the ground now; check Frank's Green Tag Specials for current pricing on in-stock units.

A 2027 makes sense if

• You want the Wilderness Hybrid. It only exists as a 2027.
• You are shopping the Limited or Wilderness and want the extra standard equipment at the same starting price.
• You plan to keep the vehicle a long time and want the newer model year at trade-in.

Since pricing barely moved, this is not a "wait and save" or "buy now before it goes up" year. It is a "which trim do you actually want" year. If you are still deciding between the Forester and its rivals, our Forester vs RAV4 vs CR-V vs CX-5 comparison covers that.