The Forester Now Leans Hard on Value
Last year, Subaru finally added a hybrid Forester, using Toyota’s proven hybrid system with Subaru’s own all-wheel drive. It was a big move for a brand that’s been slow to go electric, but the result kept the Forester in the running against other compact SUVs.
Now, Subaru appears ready to double down. Following recently announced massive price cuts for the WRX, the automaker has turned its attention to one of its core nameplates. For 2026, the Forester lineup sees pricing adjustments on almost every trim level, including the hybrid models.
Kristen Brown
Thousands of Dollars Cut
The base Forester remains unchanged at $29,995, but nearly everything above it is cheaper. Of note, these figures do not include the $1,450 destination and delivery charge.
Subaru didn’t cut features or change the lineup. The only real change is the price. Compared with 2025, several trims – including the rugged, gas-only Forester Wilderness – now cost significantly less, with price cuts reaching up to $2,015.
| Trim | Old Price | New 2026 MSRP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Hybrid | $36,595 | $34,730 | -$1,865 |
| Sport Hybrid | $39,595 | $37,930 | -$1,665 |
| Limited Hybrid | $41,010 | $38,995 | -$2,015 |
| Touring Hybrid | $43,295 | $41,545 | -$1,750 |
| Premium (Gas) | $33,385 | $31,995 | -$1,390 |
| Sport (Gas) | $36,105 | $34,795 | -$1,310 |
| Limited (Gas) | $37,695 | $35,995 | -$1,700 |
| Wilderness (Gas) | $38,385 | $36,995 | -$1,390 |
| Touring (Gas) | $41,595 | $39,995 | -$1,600 |
The higher you go in the lineup, the bigger the price drop. More importantly, the Forester Hybrid is now much closer in price to the gas models, so that’s good news if you’re not keen on going electrified because of the price difference.
For anyone comparing the Forester to the RAV4 Hybrid or CR-V Hybrid, Subaru’s numbers now look a lot more attractive. The RAV4, which now comes with an all-hybrid lineup, starts at $31,900, and the CR-V Hybrid at $35,630.
New Forester Sport Onyx Edition
There’s also a new Forester Sport Onyx Edition for 2026. It sits between the regular Sport and the higher trims, and is mostly about looks: dark 19-inch wheels, blacked-out trim, and a black-and-gray StarTex interior with contrast stitching.
Under the hood, the Forester Sport Onyx Edition keeps the same pure combustion 2.5-liter boxer engine, CVT, and updated all-wheel drive. The suspension is tuned like the regular Sport. At $36,495 before destination, it fits right into the lineup without pushing prices higher.
Subaru says the US-made 2026 Forester range, including the new Sport Onyx Edition, will begin arriving at dealers later this year.
Subaru
Subaru
Compared to Remaining 2025 Inventory Units
With the 2026 Forester prices dropping, 2025 models are now selling below MSRP in many cases – a big deal for buyers. Nationwide listings on Cars.com show 2025 Forester hybrids from around $40,000 on Touring and Limited trims, dropping to $43,000, with some dealers already undercutting the sticker price. Gas models for 2025 are also discounted, with listings ranging from about $30,000 to the mid-$40,000s, depending on trim and options.
There are over 2,000 units listed nationwide, with more hybrids in stock. That said, a 2025 Forester often costs less than a comparable 2026. If upfront cash is your main concern, it’s worth checking out the current 2025 inventory – you’ll likely find deals at or below MSRP compared to the new 2026 pricing without sacrificing features that are present in the new one.
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog