Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The 2026 Subaru Forester in a NutshellThe Subaru Forester came in at the right time. Launched in 1997 for the 1998 model year, the only cars it had to contend with were the Toyota RAV4, which pioneered the compact crossover genre, and the Honda CR-V. As it was an early adopter, it helped Subaru become a trusted choice in the segment.Nearly 30 years later, six generations of the Forester have been made, with the most recent one introduced in late 2023 for the 2025 model year. It's the one model that has been lifting Subaru up in North America for years, and we expect it to do so for more years to come. For 2026, the Wilderness joins the range, further strengthening the Forester lineup.Subaru2026 Subaru Forester Lease Deals for AugustSubaru is offering lease deals for both gas and hybrid versions of the Forester this month. It remains one of the least expensive compact crossovers to lease in the country, with the Base going for just $279 for 36 months with $4,278 due at signing.AdvertisementAdvertisementOpt for the electrified version, and it's $339 per month for the Premium model with $4,324 due at signing. Mileage is limited to 10,000 per year, and there's a penalty of $0.15 per mile exceeding the agreed-upon limit. These offers are valid until August 31, 2026.2026 Subaru Forester BaseSubaru2026 Subaru Forester HighlightsFor the pure combustion versions of the Forester, there are six trims to choose from, namely Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. For the hybrids, there are four on hand: Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. Prices range from $29,995 to $39,995 for the gas models, while the hybrids go from $34,730 to $41,545.As it's fresh off a full model change, most trims are carried over from last year. However, it's the Wilderness that's the biggest news for the 2026 model year. True to form, it comes with a bespoke suspension arrangement that gives it 9.3 inches of ground clearance. It then gets unique X-Mode driving configurations, further enhancing capability by giving it all-terrain tires. Of course, it gets special interior and exterior touches that set it apart from other variants.Powering the standard Forester models is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder boxer mill with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. For those who need more pull, efficiency, or both, the electrified model mates that same 2.5-liter engine to a Toyota-based hybrid system, giving a total system output of 194 hp and 199 lb-ft. As this is a Subaru, the brand's signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system is standard.SubaruFinal ThoughtsThere's a good reason why the latest generation of the Subaru Forester was awarded the 2026 Japan Car of the Year crown. The hybrid is genuinely good, and it regains some of the sparkle that the previous generation lost. Its gas engine is good enough for most applications, although the hybrid is worth the extra. With standard all-wheel drive, there's safe and predictable handling no matter the weather or surface. Speaking of safety, it also has the IIHS' seal of approval with a Top Safety Pick+ rating. For those curious about it, you won't be disappointed.Cole AttishaDisclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.