New & Used 2026 Subaru Forester for Sale near Montana

Is the 2026 Subaru Forester a good car?

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness earns a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

It is built for buyers who want a compact SUV that can handle rougher terrain better than a typical crossover, with all-terrain tyres, increased ground clearance, improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, drivetrain changes that improve traction, added underbody protection, and a full-size all-terrain spare tyre. Subaru also gives it easy-clean interior materials, so it is aimed at utility-minded shoppers rather than anyone chasing a flashy cabin or quick acceleration.

The trade-offs are clear: the performance is described as sluggish, and the infotainment system is dissatisfying. The Wilderness styling is also polarising, so the look may not suit every buyer.

With 42.4% of listings priced as good or great deals, there is meaningful market availability if you want one.

Is the 2026 Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2026 Subaru Forester is presented as a practical, safety-focused compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive and a cabin designed for easy clean-up after outdoor use. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite and the updated rear-seat safety improvements reinforce that it is engineered with everyday dependability in mind.

Its powertrain is the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder, paired with a CVT that is described as keeping the engine in a responsive part of its rev range while resisting drone. The Wilderness-specific shorter final-drive ratio also helps low-speed response off-road, and the transmission cooling upgrade supports towing.

Subaru also includes a three-year complimentary subscription to connected services, which adds some ownership convenience. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the vehicle’s rugged hardware and off-road focus may mean more wear if it has been driven hard on trails.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Subaru Forester?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Wilderness trim adds exclusive wheel designs, extra body cladding, anodized copper accents, Wilderness badges, water-resistant artificial leather, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. It is the most capable Forester model, but the styling is an acquired taste and the easy-clean interior is a key part of its appeal.
• Powertrain: The Wilderness uses a normally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Subaru says the shorter final-drive ratio improves low-speed responsiveness off-road, and towing capacity rises to 1,587 kilograms.
• Safety package: Subaru’s EyeSight suite includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Most Forester trims also include active blind-spot monitoring with steering intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering.
• Infotainment: The Forester uses an 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen with Subaru Multimedia Plus software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year complimentary subscription to MySubaru connected services. The Wilderness does not get a conversational digital voice assistant.
• Fuel efficiency: Subaru estimates combined fuel consumption at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres, and the test result was 10.4 L/100 km.

Which 2026 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2026 Subaru Forester is offered in 5 trim levels: Convenience, Touring, Sport, Limited, and Premier.

Here's the short version:

• Convenience: This is the entry point to the gas-only Forester line, so it makes sense if you want the core Forester formula without paying for higher-end extras.
• Touring: This is the trim to target if you want a more upscale everyday Forester without moving into the sportier or more expensive upper trims.
• Sport: Choose this if you want a more style-forward version of the Forester with a stronger personality.
• Limited: This is the best-value trim if you want a balanced mix of equipment and comfort without going all the way to the top.
• Premier: Pick this if you want the most fully equipped Forester in the standard lineup.

Most Forester trims include the active blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering, while EyeSight is standard across the lineup.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Subaru Forester?

This is a favourable time to shop if you want a used 2026 Subaru Forester, because the market shows a solid share of well-priced listings and a decent amount of inventory.

• Deal availability: 42.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 255 listings available.

Is the 2026 Subaru Forester safe?

The 2026 Subaru Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, and the redesigned 2025 Forester received five-star ratings in each individual NHTSA assessment, plus a four-star rollover resistance rating.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Subaru calls its camera-based driver-assistance package EyeSight. It includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. It also adds automatic throttle management when the driver accelerates into an obstacle and a Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Most Forester trims also include active blind-spot monitoring with steering intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection can bring the SUV to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive while adaptive cruise control is active.

Subaru has also improved the rear seatbelts for 2026, addressing the rear-passenger safety issue that kept the previous Forester from earning the higher IIHS honour.

Should I buy a 2026 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 42.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• It adds rugged off-road hardware, improved traction, and updated rear-passenger protection.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It offers a quieter cabin and a better-equipped base model.

The bottom line: Choose the 2026 if you want the most capable Forester and value its safety and trail-ready upgrades. If you are more price-sensitive and want a practical Forester with a quieter cabin, the 2025 remains the easier alternative to justify.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.