2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Forester continued to build on the redesign introduced in 2025, adding a new Wilderness model to its lineup. This model featured a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and exclusive design elements like anodized copper accents and Wilderness badges, giving it a distinctive appearance. The interior was designed for easy cleanup after adventures, with water-resistant artificial leather and all-weather floor mats. Despite the lack of seat ventilation, the Forester Wilderness offered a comfortable and practical cabin environment. The gas-only Forester lineup included several trim levels, with prices ranging from $31,445 to $43,045, and was manufactured in Lafayette, Indiana.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid maintained its attractive design with evolutionary improvements. The third-generation Crosstrek carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The front fascia featured a frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The Crosstrek Hybrid was available in Sport and Limited trims, with the Limited Hybrid offering a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort. The interior featured soft-touch surfaces, durable plastics, and distinctive orange contrast stitching on the gray StarTex seats. The Limited Hybrid also included a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness was equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked the turbocharged option available in the Outback Wilderness, the Forester's lighter weight and shorter final-drive ratio improved low-speed responsiveness. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, enhancing the driving experience. The Forester Wilderness excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and Subaru's Active Torque Split all-wheel-drive system with X-Mode Dual Mode traction settings. However, its fuel efficiency was not particularly impressive, averaging 22.7 mpg during testing.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, on the other hand, boasted a more powerful hybrid powertrain. The combination of a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine and a 118-hp traction motor resulted in a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made the hybrid the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration compared to the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop functions, battery charging, and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 mpg, falling short of the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management system contributed to the Crosstrek's capability on variable terrain, although the steering feel remained light and somewhat disconnected.

The 2026 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a classic two-box design that maximized passenger room and cargo space. The Wilderness model featured comfortable heated front seats, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. However, it lacked certain comfort features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats. The panoramic sunroof provided an open feel, but its lack of tint could lead to intense solar heating. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and improved safety features. The Forester Wilderness offered 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

In comparison, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid offered more cargo space than previous hybrid iterations, with 18.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained the same size as the all-gas models, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was generous, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage options were limited, but the Crosstrek Hybrid included a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the infotainment screen was cluttered, and the voice recognition system could be frustrating. The Wilderness model also had a 180-degree forward view camera system, although the camera's distorted view made it difficult to trust.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system was not as competitive as those in other vehicles. The software was slow, and many controls were accessed via touchscreen buttons. Despite these drawbacks, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. However, the navigation map could not display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2026 Subaru Forester featured Subaru's EyeSight package, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester Wilderness also had active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist system operated unobtrusively, although there were occasional inaccurate reminders to hold the steering wheel. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included many of Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. However, the 2025 Crosstrek did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to lower scores in crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the 2025 Crosstrek five stars in its overall safety rating. The 2026 Crosstrek had not yet been rated by either organization.