Key Features of the 2026 Subaru Forester

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on every 2026 Subaru Forester, and that matters because many competing compact SUVs reserve AWD as an upgrade. This system is engineered to continuously evaluate acceleration, braking, and cornering in real time, then distribute power to all four wheels for balanced grip. If one wheel begins to slip, power can be transferred to the wheels with the most traction. That constant readiness gives the Forester a planted, predictable feel on wet pavement, gravel access roads, uneven surfaces, and everyday city streets. The Forester also includes Vehicle Dynamics Control, Traction Control System, Active Torque Vectoring, and Trailer Stability Assist, supporting confident handling in varied driving situations. Most trims offer 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the Forester Wilderness increases that to 9.3 inches and adds more trail-oriented capability. Available X-MODE® and available dual-function X-MODE further enhance traction, with settings designed for snow, dirt, deep snow, and mud depending on trim. For shoppers who want an SUV that feels composed without requiring extra driver input, this standard AWD foundation is one of the Forester’s strongest advantages.

EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology

Every 2026 Forester includes EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, a major benefit for shoppers who prioritize safety as much as utility. Subaru describes EyeSight as acting like an extra set of eyes on the road and, if needed, an extra foot on the brake. The system includes advanced active safety technologies such as Pre-Collision Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control, helping support awareness in traffic, on longer highway drives, and during everyday commuting. Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control is standard across the lineup, giving the Forester a useful layer of support when traffic speeds vary. Available Automatic Emergency Steering can provide automatic steering and pre-collision braking support if the system determines there is enough space to help avoid a collision. Beyond EyeSight, the Forester lineup offers additional safety technologies including Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, High Beam Assist, a Rear-Vision Camera, and a 360-Degree Surround View Monitor on Touring. The Forester has also earned a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reinforcing its strong safety-focused design.

Subaru Multimedia System with Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

The 2026 Forester makes modern connectivity feel intuitive, especially on Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims with the Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System or available Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia System with Navigation. The available high-resolution 11.6-inch touchscreen brings key controls, apps, audio, and navigation functions into a clean, easy-to-use vertical layout. Available wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration lets compatible smartphone users access maps, music, podcasts, messages, and select apps without plugging in a cable. Wireless Bluetooth® pairing and hands-free smartphone operation are included for convenient communication, while available wireless device charging helps reduce cable clutter. Premium and higher trims also add illuminated rear USB-A and USB-C charging ports, making it easier for passengers to keep devices powered. Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability can help passengers stay connected on the go, while available MySubaru® Connected Services adds helpful features such as Advanced Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Remote Engine Start with Climate Control, and MySubaru Personal Assistant. The result is a cabin that feels current, convenient, and thoughtfully designed for modern routines.

Spacious Cabin and Flexible Cargo Room

The Forester has always been known for its practical interior, and the 2026 model continues that tradition with excellent visibility, generous passenger space, and useful cargo flexibility. Depending on trim, the Forester offers up to 110.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, giving front and rear passengers space to settle in comfortably. Rear-seat legroom measures 39.4 inches, while the upright cabin shape and large windows create an airy environment with a commanding view of the road. The cargo area is equally useful, offering up to 74.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo room with the rear seats lowered on select configurations. The 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks make it easy to adapt the cabin for luggage, sports gear, pet supplies, camping equipment, home improvement items, or daily groceries. An extra-wide rear gate opening helps with loading bulky items, and the available foot-activated hands-free Power Rear Gate can be especially helpful when your hands are full. Limited and Touring trims include the hands-free Power Rear Gate as standard, while it is available on Premium and Sport. Small touches such as cargo-area grocery bag hooks, tie-down hooks, rear gate lighting, and underfloor storage on select trims add everyday usefulness.

Available All-Around Awareness Technologies

Parking, lane changes, and low-speed maneuvering become easier with the Forester’s available All-Around Awareness Technologies. The available 360-Degree Surround View Monitor gives the driver a top-down view of the vehicle’s surroundings, which is especially useful in tight parking spaces, busy shopping centers, and narrow urban streets. Touring includes this system as standard, while every trim includes a Rear-Vision Camera. Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is standard on Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, and available on Premium. Blind-Spot Detection provides a visual indicator on the side mirror when a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, while Rear Cross-Traffic Alert can help warn of traffic approaching from the side while backing up. Available Reverse Automatic Braking can even help stop the vehicle to avoid objects behind it in certain situations. Touring also adds DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, which can provide alerts if the driver appears distracted or drowsy and can recognize up to five drivers while remembering preferences such as seat position, climate settings, and outside mirror position. These technologies help make the Forester feel attentive, composed, and reassuring.