2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid Debuts with Improved Efficiency

Subaru combines off-road capability and fuel-sipping hybrid tech in new Forester model.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:25pm

Subaru has unveiled the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid, which combines the off-road-ready Forester Wilderness with the fuel-efficient Forester Hybrid powertrain. The new model features a 2.5-liter Boxer engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 194 horsepower and an estimated 32-33 mpg, a 25% improvement over the standard Forester Wilderness.

Why it matters

The Forester Wilderness Hybrid aims to provide Subaru's signature overlanding capability with better fuel efficiency, appealing to customers who want the brand's renowned all-terrain performance along with improved gas mileage. This model will compete with other hybrid crossover SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 Woodland and Honda CR-V TrailSport.

The details

The Forester Wilderness Hybrid retains the off-road upgrades of the Forester Wilderness, including increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and underbody protection. However, the hybrid powertrain does require sacrificing the spare tire to accommodate the battery pack. The interior is largely carryover from the Forester Wilderness, though it does feature unique copper accents.

  • The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is expected to arrive in dealerships by the end of 2026.
  • Subaru first unveiled the new Forester Wilderness Hybrid model on April 1, 2026 in Malibu, California.

The players

Subaru

A Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and off-road-focused Wilderness models.

Jessica Ray

A journalist who provided a first look at the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid.

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What they’re saying

“Subaru says their direct competitors for this model are the RAV4 Woodland and CR-V TrailSport and so far, it seems to stack up pretty impressively against them both.”

— Jessica Ray, Journalist

What’s next

Subaru plans to provide more details on pricing and availability of the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid closer to its on-sale date later this year.

The takeaway

The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid combines the brand's renowned off-road capability with improved fuel efficiency, offering customers a unique option in the hybrid crossover SUV segment.