Subaru Forester Trim Levels Explained [2026]

The 2026 Subaru Forester offers a range of trim levels designed to meet the needs of every driver, from practical daily commuters to adventure-ready explorers. The lineup includes the Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, each with unique features, performance upgrades, and comfort options. Whether you’re comparing fuel efficiency, interior amenities, or advanced safety technologies, understanding the differences between Forester trim levels 2026 makes it easy to find the model that fits your lifestyle in Holmes, Vantage, or George.
 

Cascade Subaru is proud to serve drivers throughout Holmes, Vantage, and George with a full range of automotive solutions. From new and pre-owned sales to service, parts, and maintenance, our team is here to help with every aspect of your Subaru ownership. Contact us today or give us a call to learn more about the 2026 Forester trims and find the perfect fit for your driving needs.

What Are the 2026 Subaru Forester Trim Levels and How Do They Differ?

The 2026 Subaru Forester comes in six trims, each designed to suit different needs and lifestyles. From everyday commuting to outdoor adventure, there is a Forester trim for every driver. Understanding these trims helps you find the right balance of features, performance, and price.

 

Here are the main Forester trim levels 2026:

• Base: Practical and well-equipped for daily driving.
• Premium: Adds comfort features like a panoramic moonroof and heated seats.
• Sport: Offers sportier styling, advanced handling, and extra safety tech.
• Wilderness: Built for off-road adventure with rugged tires and X-MODE®.
• Limited: Combines luxury touches and convenience features.
• Touring: Top-of-the-line technology and premium comfort for a fully loaded experience.

 

All trims share key features, including Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, and a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine. Fuel efficiency, wheel size, and interior upgrades vary across trims. Knowing the differences makes it easier to pick the Forester that fits your needs in Holmes, Vantage, or George.

2026 Forester Base: Reliable and Well-Equipped for Everyday Driving

The Forester Base is designed for drivers who want a practical, dependable SUV without extra frills. It offers a strong mix of safety, comfort, and efficiency, making it ideal for daily use.

 

Key features of the Forester Base include:

• Engine and drivetrain: 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
• Fuel efficiency: Up to 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway.
• Wheels and exterior: 17-inch alloy wheels and foldable side mirrors.
• Interior basics: Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats.
• Technology: 7-inch Subaru Multimedia System with 4 speakers and USB-A ports.
• Safety: EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, LED daytime running lights, rear-vision camera, and full suite of airbags.

 

This trim gives drivers in Holmes, Vantage, or George a solid foundation for everyday driving. It balances value with essential features, keeping comfort, safety, and efficiency in mind. For those who want a reliable SUV with the right tools for daily tasks, the Forester Base stands out as a smart choice.

2026 Forester Premium: Enhanced Comfort and Modern Convenience

The Forester Premium builds on the Base trim with added comfort, tech, and convenience features. It’s ideal for drivers who want a little more luxury without going to the top trims. Heated seats, a panoramic moonroof, and an upgraded multimedia system make daily drives and weekend trips more enjoyable.

 

Key features of the Forester Premium include:

• Comfort upgrades: Heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat.
• Roof and windows: Panoramic power moonroof for an open, airy feel.
• Lighting: LED fog lights for improved visibility in all conditions.
• Technology: 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System, 6 speakers, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi.
• Wheels: 17-inch alloy wheels with a refined design.
• Safety: Includes all Base trim safety features, plus advanced driver assist functions.

 

The Forester Premium gives drivers in Holmes, Vantage, and George more convenience, comfort, and tech options. It strikes a balance between practical everyday use and upgraded amenities. For anyone seeking extra features without paying for the higher trims, the Premium is a solid step up.

2026 Forester Sport: Sporty Design with Dynamic Performance

Made for drivers who enjoy a more energetic drive, the Forester Sport blends style, control, and comfort. It adds sport-inspired touches while keeping the SUV practical for everyday use. This trim is ideal for those who want sharper handling and a more dynamic feel on both city streets and open roads.

 

Key features of the Forester Sport include:

• Wheels and design: 19-inch alloy wheels with a sport-inspired look.
• Interior upgrades: StarTex® upholstery and paddle shifters for a hands-on driving experience.
• Performance: 8-speed manual CVT mode and SI-DRIVE® for improved handling and responsiveness.
• Safety: Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert provide extra confidence.
• Comfort and tech: Heated front seats, 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System, and advanced driver-assist features.

 

Whether navigating daily commutes or weekend trips near Holmes, Vantage, or George, the Forester Sport delivers a lively and capable drive. It balances performance, safety, and comfort in one sporty package. For anyone seeking an SUV with energy, style, and versatility, the Sport stands out.

2026 Forester Wilderness: Rugged Capability for Off-Road Adventures

Built for adventure, the Forester Wilderness is ready to tackle rough roads and outdoor trails. This trim emphasizes off-road capability while keeping comfort and safety in mind. For drivers who love exploring beyond city streets, it offers durable features and enhanced performance. The Wilderness shows how Subaru Forester trim levels 2026 cater to a wide range of lifestyles, from everyday driving to weekend adventures.

 

Key features of the Forester Wilderness include:

• Wheels and tires: Matte black 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires for rough terrain.
• Off-road performance: X-MODE® and Hill Descent Control for better traction and control on slopes.
• Safety upgrades: Reverse Automatic Braking and a 180° Front-View Monitor.
• Interior: StarTex® upholstery built to handle dirt, water, and wear.
• Comfort and tech: Heated front seats, 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System, and driver-assist features.

 

With rugged capability and smart features, the Forester Wilderness handles both trails and city streets with ease. Drivers near Holmes, Vantage, and George can enjoy reliable performance in varied conditions. For anyone who wants an SUV ready for adventure without losing comfort, the Wilderness stands out.

2026 Forester Limited: Premium Comfort and Refined Features

For drivers who want a mix of luxury and practicality, the Forester Limited offers refined comfort and smart upgrades. It adds premium touches without losing the SUV’s versatility or reliability. This trim is ideal for daily drives, long trips, and family outings. Subaru Forester trim levels 2026 show the Limited as a model that balances style, technology, and performance.

 

Key features of the Forester Limited include:

• Interior upgrades: Leather-trimmed seats and heated steering wheel for added comfort.
• Convenience: Foot-activated hands-free Power Rear Gate and 18-inch alloy wheels.
• Technology: 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System with navigation and driver-assist features.
• Safety: Includes all Base trim safety features plus extra convenience systems.
• Performance: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine for reliable control.

 

Blending premium features with everyday usability, the Forester Limited suits both city streets and open roads. Drivers near Holmes, Vantage, or George can enjoy comfort, style, and smart technology. For anyone who wants a higher level of refinement in a practical SUV, the Limited is a strong choice.

2026 Forester Touring: Advanced Technology and Top-Tier Luxury

For drivers who want the most advanced features, the Forester Touring offers premium comfort, tech, and safety. Compared to the Forester base, Premium, and Wilderness trims, Touring adds the highest level of refinement. It is ideal for those who want luxury without giving up the SUV’s versatility or performance.

 

Key features of the Forester Touring include:

• Interior luxury: Ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and leather-trimmed upholstery.
• Technology upgrades: 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System with navigation, Harman Kardon® premium audio, and advanced driver-assist systems.
• Safety: DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System and 360-Degree Surround View Monitor for extra awareness.
• Performance: 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and responsive handling.
• Exterior and convenience: 19-inch alloy wheels, foot-activated hands-free Power Rear Gate, and roof rails for extra utility.

 

With top-tier features, the Forester Touring blends luxury and capability. Drivers in Holmes, Vantage, and George can enjoy a fully loaded SUV for everyday drives or weekend trips. For those seeking the peak of Subaru Forester trim levels 2026, Touring delivers unmatched comfort, technology, and style.

How Do Fuel Economy and Driving Range Vary Across 2026 Forester Trims?

Fuel efficiency and driving range differ across the 2026 Forester trims, giving drivers options for both city and highway use. Lighter trims focus on higher MPG, while rugged trims like Wilderness prioritize off-road capability. Knowing these differences helps you pick the right Forester for your needs.

 

Fuel economy and range by trim:

• Forester Base: 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway, range approx. 547 miles per tank
• Forester Premium: 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway, range approx. 547 miles per tank
• Forester Limited: 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway, range approx. 547 miles per tank
• Forester Sport: 25 MPG city / 32 MPG highway, range approx. 531 miles per tank
• Forester Touring: 25 MPG city / 32 MPG highway, range approx. 531 miles per tank
• Forester Wilderness: 24 MPG city / 28 MPG highway, range approx. 464 miles per tank

 

The lighter trims offer the best fuel efficiency for daily commuting or long drives. Sport and Touring trims balance extra features with slightly lower MPG. Wilderness focuses on rugged performance, trading some fuel efficiency for off-road readiness. Subaru Forester trim levels 2026 provide options for drivers who value efficiency, capability, or both.

Which Trim Level Offers the Best Balance of Price, Features, and Performance?

For most drivers, the Forester Premium offers the best balance of price, features, and performance. It adds comfort and tech upgrades over the Base trim while keeping cost reasonable. The Limited trim is another strong option, providing extra luxury and convenience without reaching the top-tier Touring price.

 

Compared to the Forester Base, Sport, Wilderness, and Touring trims, the Premium and Limited deliver key features, safety systems, and everyday usability. They provide strong value for city commutes, weekend trips, and family outings. Choosing between them depends on how much comfort and tech you want versus price.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering a 2026 Forester, you probably have questions about trims, features, and performance. Knowing the answers can help you choose the right model for your needs.

What Forester trim levels are offered in 2026 and what does each include?

• Base: Cloth seats, standard multimedia system, 17-inch alloy wheels.
• Premium: Adds panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, 10-way power driver seat, 11.6-inch multimedia system.
• Sport: StarTex® upholstery, paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels, Blind-Spot Detection.
• Wilderness: All-terrain tires, matte black 17-inch wheels, X-MODE®, Hill Descent Control, Reverse Automatic Braking, 180° Front-View Monitor.
• Limited: Leather seats, heated steering wheel, hands-free Power Rear Gate.
• Touring: Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, premium Harman Kardon® audio, navigation, DriverFocus®, 360° Surround View Monitor.

Which Forester trims prioritize fuel economy vs capability?

Base, Premium, and Limited trims focus on fuel economy. Wilderness prioritizes off-road capability. Sport and Touring offer a balance.

Which trims include upgraded audio, navigation, or leather seating?

Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring have upgraded audio. Limited and Touring include leather seats. Touring adds navigation.

How do off-road-focused trims (e.g., Wilderness) differ in hardware from standard trims?

Wilderness adds all-terrain tires, X-MODE®, Hill Descent Control, and Reverse Automatic Braking. Standard trims do not include these.

Which Forester trim typically offers the best resale value?

Premium and Limited trims usually retain the best resale value.

 

If you want to make the best choice for your daily drives, weekend trips, or off-road adventures, these answers give you a clear snapshot of what each trim offers. Use this information to compare trims and find the Forester that fits your lifestyle.

Explore the Forester and Get Expert Guidance at Cascade Subaru

Ready to find the right Forester for your lifestyle? At Cascade Subaru, we serve drivers from Holmes, Vantage, and George with a wide selection of vehicles, including the latest Forester trims. Our team can help you explore features, compare trims, and find the model that fits your needs.

 

For drivers interested in electric models, we can explain how symmetrical all-wheel drive on electric models delivers confident handling in all conditions. If you want to stay connected on the road, we can walk you through pairing your phone with STARLINK, so your apps, music, and navigation are always within reach. You can also learn more about Subaru EV range to understand how far you can travel on a single charge. Each of these tips helps you get the most out of your Subaru experience.

Contact us today or stop by to see our Forester lineup in person. We’re here to help with sales, service, parts, and more, and to answer all your Subaru questions. Let us guide you to the perfect Subaru for your next adventure.

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