2026 Subaru Forester: Which Engine Should I Choose?

The 2026 Subaru Forester continues its legacy of adventurous capability and everyday practicality with two distinct engine choices — a 2.5-liter flat-4 boxer engine or a hybrid system that pairs a 2.5-liter Atkinson‑cycle 4-cylinder with a battery-fed electric motor. The 2026 Forester caters to everyone from intrepid explorers to eco-minded drivers. Here’s a breakdown of which Forester powertrain you should choose to help you make the best purchasing decision.

What’s the Price Difference?

The gas-only Forester is the more affordable option, with a base trim starting at $31,445, including destination fee. The fully loaded Touring model can exceed $43K. You get six trims to choose from, including the rugged Wilderness, which boasts increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, off-road driving modes, and more.

Pricing for the 2026 Forester Hybrid has yet to be released, but the 2025 models start at $38,410. Note that the Forester Hybrid starts at a higher trim level than the gas-only version. In apples-to-apples trim pricing, the hybrid variants are several thousand dollars more compared to the gas-only models. At the top end, a 2025 Touring Hybrid can exceed $45,000, and unfortunately, the hybrid powertrain is not available with the Wilderness trim.

If budget is your primary concern, the non-hybrid 2.5-liter engine is a clear winner. If you’re willing to pay several thousand extra for better fuel economy and lower emissions, then the hybrid makes sense, especially if you plan to keep the vehicle long enough to recoup fuel savings.

Which Is More Efficient?

If fuel economy is your top priority, the Forester Hybrid wins hands down. Its hybrid powertrain delivers an estimated 35 mpg combined in city/highway driving. That’s roughly 20% better than the gas-only Forester, which posts about 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

The hybrid’s efficiency advantage really shines in stop-and-go traffic, where regenerative braking and electric assist reduce fuel use. With a claimed 581-mile range on a full tank, the hybrid also makes easy work of long road trips (the gas-only Forester gets a very respectable max range of 547 miles on the highway). Over time, that difference can mean hundreds of dollars in fuel savings each year.

Which Is Faster?

From behind the wheel, we think the Forester Hybrid feels more refined and competitive, and surprisingly a bit more enjoyable to drive. The hybrid’s electric assist adds a layer of responsiveness that makes everyday driving feel effortless. Despite this, the added weight and economical tune of the hybrid give a slight zero to 60 mph advantage to the gas-only Forester. The gas model achieves a zero-to-60 time of around 8.3 seconds, compared to the hybrid’s 8.6-second mark.

Tight parking lots are easier to navigate with either Forester model thanks to one of the segment’s tidiest turning circles, and both versions maintain the Forester’s hallmark ground clearance and robust symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Whether you choose gas or hybrid, capability remains a Forester strength, but if you want the smoothest, most refined experience, we think the hybrid has the edge.

Towing Considerations

If you’re planning on doing some towing with your Forester, that can significantly narrow down your choice. The gas and hybrid models have a towing capacity of just 1,500 pounds — enough for only the smallest loads. One exception is the gas-only Wilderness trim, which features an upgraded transmission cooler, increasing its towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

Which Subaru Forester Engine Is Better?

For value and versatility, the gas-only Forester is hard to beat. It’s available in all trim levels and starts under $32K. It offers proven reliability, fantastic AWD, and decent fuel economy. If you want the most options and the lowest upfront cost, or the tenacious Wilderness trim, this is the best choice.

For efficiency and refinement, the Forester Hybrid shines. With approximately 35 mpg combined, it’s more economical in city driving and offers a quieter ride. It retains Subaru’s AWD and off-road savvy but comes at a premium for a reduced number of trim levels.

In short, if you want maximum trim flexibility and rugged capability, stick with the gas engine. If efficiency and refinement are the top priorities, the hybrid is worth the premium.