The Windy City has swept up the MotorWeek team for another auto show, and we’re live on the floor to bring you all the latest unveilings and appearances. And we’re making news, too, revealing the winners of our 2025 Drivers’ Choice Awards, including our pick for Best of the Year.
We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get to it.
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness and Hybrid
When the 2025 Subaru Forester debuted at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, it was made known that an upcoming hybrid variant would soon reach dealerships; and with Subaru continuing to sell the ‘24 Wilderness trim alongside this next-gen Forester, we figured it was only a matter of time before this rugged rider received its own updated rendition.
Well, here they are, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid and the 2026 Forester Wilderness. Yes, consumers will need to wait just a tad longer for the Wilderness grade, as will you, the reader, as we’re detailing the Hybrid first.
If you could swear this was already revealed, you’re probably thinking of last month’s Crosstrek Hybrid unveiling, which made its first public debut in Chicago alongside both new Foresters. The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, available in Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring grades, is said to sip fuel 40% more efficiently in the city (and 25% more in highway/combined settings) than non-hybrid units, EPA-estimated at 35 city, 34 highway and 35 combined mpg.
Under the latest Forester sheet metal is a 2.5-liter flat-four engine, naturally-aspirated but assisted by two electric motor generators integrated into the continuously variable transmission (CVT). These motors, powered by a lithium-ion battery, synergize with the boxer engine for a total system output of 194 horsepower. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains mechanical, coupling the front and rear wheels.
It certainly looks the part of a Forester and rather similar to the internal-combustion-only model, minus the exclusive Daybreak Blue Pearl color and an available black roof on certain lacquers. Of course, “hybrid” badges are used all around to further denote it. You can expect a full assortment of EyeSight safety systems, as well as a host of standard interior options; a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and an 11.6-inch infotainment screen are joined by a power, hands-free rear liftgate, for example.
When it arrives later this spring, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid will start at $36,415 with delivery, working up to $43,115 for a top-trim Touring.
Into the Wild
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness will also arrive in 2025, scheduled for release sometime this fall. Subaru says this marks the return of the “most rugged and capable Forester,” now with “uprated capability,” which, by our count, would make this ‘26 Forester Wilderness the most capable one yet.
That does seem to be the case from an analytical standpoint, comparing the press release specs to those of the outgoing gen. For starters, the new Forester Wilderness boasts a 9.3-inch ground clearance, up from the outgoing 9.2 inches. The suspension has been tuned for the new ride, said to improve stability and comfort regardless of what ground you trek. That means larger Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires have been outfitted, spun up by Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, which itself is spurred by the Forester’s 2.5-liter boxer, rated at 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The AWD system’s center diff lockup is faster, reducing wheelspin, and can use steering angle data for more stability. New coolers for the Lineartronic CVT bring towing capacity up to 3,500 lbs., joined by a rear differential temperature sensor.
The CVT’s final drive ratio is shorter in the Wilderness for better low-speed maneuvering on the trails, and X-MODE drive modes take care of things from a software side. All the important numbers have been increased; the 23.5-degree approach angle is up from 19 degrees; the ramp breakover angle, once 19.6 degrees, is now 21 degrees; and the 25.5-degree departure angle is greater than the outgoing’s 24.6.
The Wilderness comes standard with roof rails, capable of carrying an 800 lb. static load or 176 lb. dynamic load. The copper-colored accents, a Wilderness signature, have expanded, making their way to the front and rear recovery hooks. You’ll find similar accents inside, as well as an available 12.3-inch gauge cluster with trim-only graphics. The 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on all Wilderness models.
If you’re wondering about pricing, you’ll have to tune back in as full details won’t be uncovered until we’re closer to launch.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
We won’t spend too much time with this one, as we covered it last month. Here’s the gist of it:
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is returning for 2026. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter boxer engine and a pair of electric motors integrated into the CVT. Total output is 194 horsepower, and all-wheel drive remains both standard and mechanical in design. Hybrid badging and unique wheels set it apart aesthetically, along with two unique paint colors. The interior boasts a 12.3-inch instrumental panel and an 11.6-inch infotainment tablet.
Pricing is yet to be announced, but we’ll know more as we approach its launch this fall.
