2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Toyota Sequoia

To create the 2026 Forester Wilderness, Subaru adds all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and improved angles of approach, breakover, and departure. Drivetrain modifications enhance traction, added underbody protection prevents damage when off-roading, and a full-size all-terrain spare tire is ready when you need it. Styling changes convey this model’s rugged capabilities, and Subaru outfits the interior for easy clean-up. All 2026 Forester models have a new centre console design and updated protection for rear passengers in a collision.

Note that, at the time of writing, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is not being imported into Canada due to tariffs. This review of a U.S.-spec 2026 Forester Wilderness will apply to the Canadian market when importation of this model resumes. The pricing scale above applies to the full Forester line-up; Canadian 2026 Forester Wilderness pricing has not been announced at the time of writing.

Verdict: Push the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness to its limits, and you’ll be impressed by its off-roading capability. But even if you’re not planning to traverse challenging terrain, it is comforting to know that the Wilderness offers more competence than a typical crossover SUV when confronted with unexpected situations.

The Toyota Sequoia’s hybrid system offers great power and makes it the most efficient vehicle in the class outside of expensive diesels, but it provides only minor efficiency gains. The hybrid system also cuts into cargo space, but it doesn’t prevent the Sequoia from doing what a body-on-frame SUV is meant to do: carrying up to eight passengers while towing a heavy load.

Verdict: The Toyota Sequoia suffers from the same issues as all full-size body-on-frame SUVs — cumbersome handling, poor fuel economy, and hefty prices. However, its hybrid system makes it more efficient than gas-powered rivals, and it can still do all the work expected of these big brutes. It’s worth considering for anyone planning to tow a boat while carrying the family. Just avoid the optional tow mirrors.