2027 Subaru Forester Prices Stable, Hybrid Wilderness Added

Subaru has announced pricing and feature updates for the 2027 model year of its Forester compact SUV, with prices remaining largely consistent with the previous year. The most significant addition to the lineup is the introduction of a new Wilderness Hybrid variant, expanding Subaru's offering of electrified and off-road-capable vehicles. This new model aims to combine the rugged capabilities associated with the Wilderness trim with the fuel efficiency benefits of a hybrid powertrain. Concurrently, Subaru is reducing the number of purely gasoline-powered configurations available for the 2027 Forester, signaling a strategic shift towards more electrified options within its popular compact SUV range.

The 2027 Subaru Forester will continue to be offered with a starting MSRP of $27,090 for the base model, a figure that mirrors the 2026 model's entry-level price. Other trims, including the Premium, Sport, and Limited, also maintain their previous pricing structures. The Touring trim, however, sees a slight increase of $100, bringing its MSRP to $36,790. These pricing decisions indicate Subaru's strategy to hold the line on affordability for its core Forester models while introducing new, potentially higher-margin variants. The decision to maintain stable pricing across most trims suggests an effort to remain competitive in the crowded compact SUV market, where price sensitivity is a key consumer consideration.

The new Wilderness Hybrid model is positioned as a premium offering within the Forester lineup. While specific pricing for the Wilderness Hybrid has not yet been released by Subaru, it is expected to command a higher price point than the standard gasoline-powered Wilderness trim due to the inclusion of its hybrid powertrain. This move aligns with broader automotive industry trends towards electrification and Subaru's own stated goals for increasing the proportion of hybrid and electric vehicles in its future product portfolio. The Wilderness trim itself is known for its enhanced off-road capabilities, including higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and revised suspension, features that are expected to be retained and complemented by the hybrid system in the new variant.

Subaru's decision to reduce the number of non-hybrid Forester models reflects a deliberate strategy to streamline its offerings and focus resources on its more fuel-efficient and environmentally conscious variants. This approach is consistent with the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and meeting evolving consumer demand for sustainable transportation options. The exact number of gas-only trims being discontinued has not been specified, but the emphasis on the new hybrid option suggests a clear direction for the Forester's future development. The 2027 Forester will continue to be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine in its non-hybrid variants, delivering 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The hybrid powertrain details for the new Wilderness Hybrid model are anticipated to be released closer to its market launch.