2027 Subaru Forester debuts in the US with new Wilderness Hybrid

The 2027 Subaru Forester has been unveiled in the US, bringing a new hybrid option to the range — and, for the first time, the more rugged Wilderness is available with hybrid power.

For the new model year, Subaru has kept the entry price largely unchanged.

Petrol and hybrid

The US-spec 2027 Forester continues with two powertrain options.

The petrol version uses a 2.5-litre boxer engine producing 180 hp.

The hybrid gets a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle boxer engine developed specifically for the hybrid system, paired with two electric motors and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. Combined output rises to 194 hp.

Both versions use a Lineartronic CVT and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system.

Wilderness goes hybrid

The big news is the arrival of the Forester Wilderness Hybrid, combining the more rugged Wilderness specification with Subaru's latest hybrid powertrain. It starts at US$40,495 (~RM 165k).

The Wilderness Hybrid gets 9.3 inches (236 mm) of ground clearance, dedicated underbody protection, 17-inch matte-black wheels and Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tyres.

For off-road driving, the X-MODE system supports Snow/Mud and Deep Snow/Sand settings. That should come in handy on muddy tracks during rainy season, as well as rougher roads leading to hiking and outdoor destinations.

More equipment

Subaru has also revised equipment levels across the 2027 Forester range.

Most versions come with an 11.6-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance system.

The Wilderness also gains a StarTex-wrapped heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.

At the top of the range, the Forester Touring Hybrid starts at US$41,545 (~RM 169k). It gets 19-inch dark-grey alloy wheels, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, DriverFocus driver monitoring, a 360-degree camera and a smart rear-view mirror.

Pricing stays put

The US-spec 2027 Forester starts at US$29,995 (~RM 122k), with most versions priced close to their 2026 model-year equivalents.

For Malaysia, there is no word yet on whether the new Forester Wilderness Hybrid will be introduced or what specification it would receive. That will depend on TC Subaru's local plans.

Still, the combination of Wilderness hardware and hybrid power could make the Forester an interesting proposition for Malaysian SUV buyers who spend their weekends exploring beyond the city.