MPG › Subaru › Forester › 2026
2026 Subaru Forester MPG
26–35 mpg combined across 4 EPA-rated versions. Best: Forester Hybrid AWD (AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 35 city / 34 hwy / 35 combined; lowest: Forester Wilderness AWD (2.5L 4-cyl, CVT) at 26.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester Hybrid AWD (Hybrid) | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 35 | 34 | 35 | $1,900 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Forester Sport/Touring AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Forester Wilderness AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 24 | 28 | 26 | $2,600 |
How it compares
- 2026 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD: class average 25.7 mpg over 147 versions; best Forester +9.3 (#15).
- 2025: 35 mpg best (no change).
- Fuel cost spread: $1,900–$2,600 a year ($700 difference).
Safety
28 owner complaints: Forward Collision Avoidance 6, Electrical System 6, Unknown Or Other 6, Visibility/Wiper 5.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 6 | 21% |
| Electrical System | 6 | 21% |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 | 21% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | 18% |
| Structure | 2 | 7% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | 7% |
| Visibility | 2 | 7% |
| Fuel System | 1 | 4% |
Recent owner reports: Forward Collision Avoidance
“The pre-collision breaking system activated while I was driving 35mph on a straight road with no cars or obstacles present. There was enough force generated in the abrupt stop that the seatbelt locked and unsecured items were thrown to the floor.”
“I was pulling into a handicapped parking spot at the grocery store, turning right into it, and was almost stopped, with my right foot on the brake, when the vehicle suddenly accelerated at top speed, surging over the median strip, flattening the "Handicapped Parking" sign, and racing ahead into the street beyond. I drove forward and turned left back into the parking lot and parked the car.”
“When I am driving forward, or turning, sometimes the car automatically beeps very loud and puts on the breaks and the car in front of me is far away. It’s stressful and problematic. It doesn’t seem like an effective feature. This has happened like 10 times”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are listed for 2026.