There's a very good reason why the Subaru Forester specs are so frequently discussed: They're a superb blend of power and reliability that does not sacrifice when it comes to Subaru Forester MPG. This multi-purpose SUV easily transitions from weekday errands to overland adventure thanks to its elevated ground clearance, high-absorption suspension, and powerful SUBARU BOXER engine.
Six trims, including the off-road-ready Forester Wilderness, are yours to test-drive at Quantrell Subaru. Before you take this sport-ute for a spin, here's a closer look at the most critical 2026 Subaru Forester specs and why they matter to families, off-roaders, and everyone in between.
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| 2026 Subaru Forester | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD |
| Max Horsepower (Gas / Hybrid) | 180 |
| Max Torque (Gas / Hybrid) | 178 lb-ft |
| Suspension | 4-wheel independent |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 / 9.3 in (Wilderness model) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 / 3,500 lbs1 (Wilderness model) |
| Exterior Length / Width | 183.3 / 72 in or 182.9 / 72.4 in (Wilderness model) |
| EPA-Est MPG By Trim (Hwy / City)2 |
|
Subaru Forester specs listed out on a screen don't necessarily mean much, especially if you're not familiar with why they're important. To shed some light on Subaru Forester engine performance, mileage, and more, we've compiled a detailed breakdown of the Forester specs that matter most.
The 2026 Forester is fitted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine, often regarded as a superior design compared to other engine types. Though not as robust as a V-6, the SUBARU BOXER has a unique, horizontally opposed layout that gives every new Subaru Forester a lower center of gravity, naturally balanced pistons, excellent weight distribution, and reduced vibration. Why do these factors matter? They provide:
Built with a four-wheel independent suspension system, the 2026 Forester allows each wheel to move independently, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road better than solid axles. An independent suspension may not allow for enough articulation to scale large rock walls, but this automobile can definitely conquer overlanding bumps and divots.
The 2026 Forester is also equipped with standard Vehicle Dynamics Control, which coordinates brake pressure and engine output. Together, the Subaru Forester suspension and VDC provide:
It doesn't matter if you plan to use your Subaru Forester to plow through deep puddles on country roads or navigate rocky paths while overlanding with friends: This SUV can handle all sorts of rough ground thanks to its elevated ground clearance. A typical compact crossover features around six inches of ride height, just enough to not scrape the undercarriage when backing over a curb cut, but the 2026 Subaru Forester helps ensure your chassis stays safe:
Although all five trim levels may be eligible for our new Subaru specials and house the same 2.5-liter Subaru Forester engine, different variants deliver different MPG ratings. The Subaru Forester Wilderness, for example, has special off-road-ready tires that add more rolling resistance, which lowers the mileage in exchange for more adventure capability:
All of the 2026 Forester iterations produce 178 pound-feet of torque. Consistent power is matched by consistent Subaru Forester specs: All Forester trim levels except for the Wilderness can tow 1,500 pounds,1 regardless of configuration options. Why? Because Subaru engineers have optimized each engine and drivetrain so you can tow:
If you'd prefer to bring even heavier objects along for the ride, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is in a class of its own with 3,500 pounds of towing power.1 Contact us for a more detailed discussion of everything you could tow with your preferred Forester variant!
Exterior Forester length and width are on par with other compact crossovers, but interior Subaru Forester dimensions are generous and comfortable. Front-row passengers can stretch out on long drives with 43.3 inches of legroom, and fitting car seats or tall teens into the back seat is easy with 39.4 inches of second-row leg space. The minimum cargo volume in this SUV is 27.5 cubic feet – more than enough trunk storage for sports equipment, strollers, and groceries.
With the back row of seats folded down, you'll have 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space available in the Base trim, or 69.1 cubic feet in any other 2026 Forester.
Quantrell Subaru makes leasing or financing your favorite Forester trim a breeze. Leasing a brand-new Forester SUV gives you access to high-level torque, towing, and MPG alongside premium technology and safety systems – all without any long-term worries about maintenance, repairs, or depreciation.
If vehicle ownership is your preference, we can try to tailor our Subaru financing options to fit your budget and monthly payment preferences. We work with almost every credit score and love to find the lowest possible interest rates for our customers.
Our Subaru dealer in Lexington, KY, is proud to offer the 2026 Subaru Forester and the entire new Subaru lineup. Visit our showroom for a guided tour of your favorite model and trim, detailed discussions about powertrains and towing capabilities, or a closer look at personalized lease and loan options.
02/22/25
We purchased a Subaru Forester last week and could not have been treated any better from start to finish. Our salesman, Brandon Rue, was topnotch and his knowledge of the vehicle and outgoing personality made it such a pleasant experience. He answered our questions and even phoned and texted us to follow up. See Brandon for your next purchase!!!
1Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
2EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
