Subaru Forester vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

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.

Redesigned for 2026, the new Hyundai Palisade brings more than just fresh looks. For the first time, Hyundai is now offering a hybrid powertrain with its big three-row, family SUV. Capable of traveling more than 950 kilometres on a single tank of fuel, the Palisade Hybrid solves one of the only downsides of the market’s best three-row SUV: fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid delivers more than just great fuel economy, though. It’s more powerful than the gas model, and in higher trim levels the Palisade Hybrid feels more luxurious than its competition.

Verdict: Simply put, Hyundai currently sells the best mass-market three-row crossover SUV in North America. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade looks good, drives well, and feels special — and it will keep you away from the gas station, too.