Subaru News: Subaru Adds a Hybrid Option to the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness

[Drew Dowdell]

Subaru of America has announced the first-ever Forester Wilderness Hybrid for 2027, bringing the efficiency of Subaru's hybrid system to its most capable Forester variant. The Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses the same Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine and series-parallel hybrid configuration as the standard Forester Hybrid, but output climbs to 194 horsepower total system power, up from 180 horsepower in the non-hybrid Forester Wilderness. Subaru claims up to 25% better fuel economy over the standard Wilderness, with official figures to be released closer to the vehicle's late 2026 on-sale date.

Capability

The Forester Wilderness Hybrid retains what made the non-hybrid model worth considering: 9.3 inches of ground clearance (achieved through longer coil springs and shock absorbers, compared to 8.7 inches in the standard Forester Hybrid), X-MODE Dual-Mode with settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, Hill Descent Control, and Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with a mechanical front-to-rear connection. The last point is worth noting in a segment where many competitors increasingly rely on rear-biased electric AWD systems without a mechanical link between axles.

The Wilderness Hybrid's approach angle improves to 23.5 degrees versus 19 degrees in the Forester Hybrid, breakover to 20.6 degrees from 19.3, and departure to 25.5 degrees from 24.6. Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires on Wilderness-exclusive 17-inch matte black wheels complete the off-road package. Power reaches the wheels through a Lineartronic CVT.

Cargo and Utility

No hybrid tax on cargo space: the Forester Wilderness Hybrid offers 27.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and more than 69 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, with Subaru stating no cargo volume is lost to hybrid powertrain components. A power rear gate is standard, and raised roof rails with an 800-pound static load capacity come on every trim level.

Technology

The 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid gets an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with Apple Maps integration, and a Harman Kardon 11-speaker audio system rated at 576 watts equivalent. EyeSight driver assistance is standard, covering automatic emergency steering, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and advanced adaptive cruise with lane centering, among others.

Interior surfaces use Subaru's StarTex animal-free upholstery in a Wilderness-exclusive gray textured finish, and all-weather mats with a cargo area protector are standard. Pricing will be announced closer to the late 2026 launch.

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[G. David Felt]

I will expect to see lots of these on Washington roads and up at the passes for winter sports.