Subaru Forester

Model Overview

The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV manufactured by Japan's Subaru Corporation. First introduced in 1997, it stands as one of the core pillars in the brand's global strategy. As of 2026, the model on sale is the sixth-generation model, which officially went on sale on 18 July 2025. In the domestic market, two variants are offered: the 2.5i AWD Premium EyeSight and the 2.5i AWD Flagship EyeSight, carrying an official recommended retail price tag ranging from RM249,800 to RM265,800. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4670×1830×1730mm in length, width, and height respectively, with a wheelbase of 2670mm. Fully imported as a CBU model, it adopts a practical 5-door, 5-seater SUV layout. In the US market, the 2026 Forester is offered in various trim levels including Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness, and Touring. As an SUV that steadfastly retains the pairing of a Boxer engine and full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Forester commands a unique market positioning in the RM200,000-bracket imported SUV segment.

Design Language

The 2026 Forester adopts a bolder, more rugged design philosophy. The front fascia is dominated by an enlarged smoked hexagonal front grille, complemented by a full-width chrome trim strip above that links seamlessly with the all-new split LED headlamp clusters—with daytime running lights (DRLs) positioned on top and integrated high/low beams below. The blacked-out lower bumper cladding and sharply sculpted front bumper further accentuate its rugged off-road character.

The side profile retains clean, straight-edged character lines, where muscular flared wings and black protective wheel arches deliver an authentic SUV stance; black trim garnishes at the bases of the A-pillars and D-pillars create a sleek floating roof visual effect. At the rear, the redesigned tail lamps are connected by a gloss black trim to create a full-width visual effect, while a chunky black lower skid plate and a single-sided single-exit exhaust layout reinforce its robust appeal. For 2026, an exclusive exterior colour option, “River Rock Pearl” , is newly introduced and available exclusively on the Flagship variant.

Inside, the cabin continues Subaru’s practicality-driven design approach. Taking centre stage on the dashboard is an 11.6-inch portrait Full HD touchscreen serving as the primary control and infotainment hub, flanked by tactile physical rotary knobs for effortless operation on the move. The driver’s binnacle features a classic twin-dial analogue cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display in the middle. In terms of cabin appointments, the seats are upholstered in black leather paired with Ultrasuede® fabric, featuring an upgraded structural design that provides improved sacral support to fit the body naturally and reduce fatigue on long journeys.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 Forester is powered by Subaru’s signature FB25-DI 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Boxer 4-cylinder petrol engine. Featuring direct cylinder injection, it develops a maximum output of 122kW (166 PS) /5000-5800rpm and a peak torque of 252N·m/3800rpm. Drive is channelled through a Lineartronic® CVT automatic transmission (with an 8-speed manual mode). The WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.86L/100km, with a fuel tank capacity of 63 litres. Official top speed and 0-100km/h sprint times have not been released.

In international markets, the 2026 Forester provides a wider selection of powertrains. The Japanese-spec line-up includes a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine variant, while the US market gains the new Forester Wilderness Hybrid, which pairs a 2.5-litre Boxer engine with a next-generation series-parallel hybrid system to deliver a combined driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometres.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the chassis employs a setup of front MacPherson struts and rear double-wishbone independent suspension. All variants come standard with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system (Symmetrical AWD)—longitudinally laid out along the vehicle's centreline to deliver balanced lateral weight distribution; it continuously evaluates acceleration, braking, and steering inputs in real time to intelligently apportion drive to all four wheels, instantly diverting power to wheels with grip if slip occurs. Unladen ground clearance stands at a generous 220mm, paired with a tight turning radius of 5.35 metres. It is equipped with the X-MODE dual-mode terrain management system offering tailored settings such as Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud; the US-market Wilderness edition raises ground clearance to 236mm (9.3 inches)  and rides on all-terrain tyres.

Cabin and Equipment

The centrepiece of the interior is the 11.6-inch portrait HD touchscreen infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Standard across the range are dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning vents, and engine Auto Start-Stop.

In terms of comfort and convenience kit, the Premium variant is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, whilst the Flagship variant steps up to 19-inch alloy wheels. The range-topping trim further gains a heated steering wheel, front wireless smartphone charger, 360-degree surround-view camera, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. On the seating front, power-adjustable front seats and heated front seats come standard across all variants. Boot capacity expands up to 1666 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

In terms of passive safety, the Forester comes fully fitted across the board with driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags (side curtain airbags) , a front centre airbag, a front passenger seat cushion airbag, and a driver’s knee airbag.

For active safety, Subaru’s fourth-generation EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard equipment. The system utilizes a stereo binocular camera setup enhanced by an added wide-angle monocular camera, vastly improving hazard detection at junctions and busy intersections. Core ADAS functions include: All-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) , Lane Centring Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking (Pre-Collision Braking), Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Departure Prevention, Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB), and Emergency Stop Assist. The 2026 model also adds the Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) —if the system detects prolonged driver inactivity at the steering wheel, it delivers stepped warnings before automatically bringing the vehicle to a safe stop. The system delivers full Level 2 (L2) driver assistance. In addition, Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) are fitted as standard.

Market Performance and Verdict

Ever since its introduction in 1997, the Subaru Forester has served as the key sales pillar for the Japanese marque globally. In the US market, the Forester maintains steady momentum—topping Subaru’s brand sales chart for the fifth straight month in May 2026, alongside a strong brand tally of 54,674 units in March 2026. In the Japanese domestic market, a May 2026 minor update introduced an entry-level Touring variant priced at approximately JPY 3,850,000. In the Chinese market, however, Subaru faces an uphill climb—recording a total brand volume of only around 2,580 units in 2025; as a CBU imported model, the Forester carries a price premium whilst facing fierce dual competition from domestic new energy vehicles (NEVs) and established joint-venture marques.

From a motoring media perspective, the 2026 Forester is regarded as a versatile, go-anywhere family SUV. Its headline strengths centre on the unique mechanical pairing of its Boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD, remarkable all-terrain capability courtesy of its 220mm ground clearance, the comprehensive EyeSight 4.0 safety suite, and its solid reputation for imported build quality. On the flip side, its 166 PS power output feels modest against rival offerings, cabin digital tech remains somewhat conservative, and the brand’s market presence in China has steadily declined. Nevertheless, as an SUV that stays true to pure mechanical integrity whilst seamlessly bridging daily urban commuting with weekend outdoor expeditions, the Forester retains a dedicated worldwide following anchored by Subaru’s unique engineering pedigree and proven reliability.