
The 2026 Subaru Forester is one of the most compact crossovers in the segment. In addition to its comfortable and spacious accommodations, easy drivability, and flexible cargo space, it's also nicely equipped and offers more capability beyond the asphalt than most class competitors—especially in the Wilderness trim. To help you determine if it's a good fit for our Elgin-area family, here's a quick look at some of the highlights.
Performance and Cargo
The 2026 Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard for enhanced handling in various conditions, yet it still provides a solid 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The cargo area measures 27.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Outdoor enthusiasts in Algonquin and Dundee seeking even more off-road capability can look to the Wilderness, which is detailed below.
Trim Levels
Base
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED Steering-responsive headlights
- High Beam Assist
- Roof rails
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Dual 7-inch STARLINK® touchscreens with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Subaru EyeSight® driver aids
Premium
- Subaru X-MODE® traction management
- LED fog lights
- Keyless Access
- Panoramic moonroof
- 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat
- Heated front seats
- 11.6-inch Subaru STARLINK® Multimedia Plus touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Wireless charging pad
- Optional Package: Power liftgate, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Sport
- 19-inch bronze-finish alloy wheels
- StarTex® water-repellent upholstery
- Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- 8-speed manual mode with paddle shifters
- Optional Package: Harman Kardon audio system, power liftgate, Reverse Automatic Braking
Limited
- 18-inch dark metallic alloy wheels
- 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat
- Heated steering wheel
- One-touch folding rear seatbacks
- Leather upholstery
- Hands-free liftgate
- Optional Package: STARLINK® Navigation, Harman Kardon audio system, Reverse Automatic Braking
Touring
- 19-inch dark gray alloy wheels
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Driver-position memory
- Subaru STARLINK® Navigation
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
- DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System
- 360-Degree Surround View Monitor
Wilderness
(Builds on Sport)
- All-terrain tires
- Unique suspension tuning with increased ground clearance (9.3 inches)
- Skid plates
- Upgraded max tow rating (3,500 pounds)
- Dual-function X-MODE® system
- 180-degree trail camera
- Reinforced roof rails (700-pound stationary load limit)
Test-Drive a New Subaru Forester near Huntley and Lake in the Hills
If you'd like more information about the 2026 Forester, including its available configurations, financing opportunities, and reservation options, please reach out to Brilliance Subaru at your convenience. If you're ready to check out the features, accommodations, and drivability firsthand, we welcome you to visit our dealership in Elgin, IL, for a test drive. We'd love to give you a tour.




