The new-generation Subaru Forester will be priced higher than its predecessor, but it comes with significantly more standard equipment and a much more impressive hybrid powertrain. Pre-orders are now open for the Australian market, with first customer deliveries expected in early July.

The new Subaru Forester lineup consists of seven variants — four petrol-only models and three hybrid models — all featuring Subaru’s newly developed “Strong Hybrid” system.

Pricing in Australia:

• Forester AWD – AUD 43,490 (approx. THB 914,000)

• Forester AWD Premium – AUD 46,490 (approx. THB 977,000)

• Forester AWD Hybrid – AUD 46,490 (approx. THB 977,000)

• Forester AWD Sport – AUD 48,490 (approx. THB 1,010,000)

• Forester AWD Touring – AUD 50,990 (approx. THB 1,070,000)

• Forester AWD Hybrid Sport – AUD 54,990 (approx. THB 1,150,000)

• Forester AWD Hybrid Touring – AUD 55,990 (approx. THB 1,170,000)

Powertrain

The new Subaru Forester’s petrol variants are powered by a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed (boxer) 4-cylinder petrol engine, delivering a maximum output of 136 kW (184 PS) and 247 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT automatic transmission.

The hybrid variants use the same engine block but are tuned to produce 121 kW (164 PS) and 212 Nm of torque, and are paired with a 90 kW (122 PS) electric motor, bringing the total system output to 145 kW (197 PS).

The previous-generation Forester Hybrid used a 12 kW electric motor with 66 Nm of torque paired with a 2.0-litre boxer engine. The new Forester Hybrid delivers significantly more power, improved battery capacity, and lower fuel consumption. Subaru claims the new model can travel over 1,000 km on a full tank of fuel. The fuel tank capacity has also increased from 48 litres to 63 litres.

In the hybrid system of the new Forester, the traditional torque converter is replaced by a transaxle damper. Unlike the petrol variant’s CVT (which uses pulleys and belts), the hybrid uses no pulleys or belts; instead, power delivery is managed through the electric motor and a planetary gear set.

The petrol engine variant retains the same peak power as before, but torque has increased by 8 Nm, and the CVT has been updated with a broader gear ratio range, especially in the first and reverse gears to enhance hill-climbing performance.

Subaru also claims improvements in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), as well as engine reliability and responsiveness.

The Forester rides on MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension.

Dimensions – Subaru Forester 2026

• Length: 4,655 mm (15 mm longer than previous model)

• Width: 1,830 mm (11 mm wider than previous model)

• Height: 1,730 mm

• Wheelbase: 2,670 mm

• Ground clearance: 220 mm

Source: CarExpert