2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid will join EVs in more electrified lineup

On the 2023 Los Angeles auto present, Subaru introduced that the Forester compact crossover SUV will get a hybrid powertrain possibility for the primary time.

Subaru briefly talked about the Forester Hybrid through the reveal of the redesigned sixth-generation Forester, which works on sale subsequent yr as a 2025 mannequin with gasoline-only energy. The Forester Hybrid is scheduled to reach a few yr after the non-hybrid model, which means it would doubtless be a 2026 mannequin.

2025 Subaru Forester

No additional particulars on the Forester Hybrid have been supplied, but it surely’s price remembering that the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was truly a plug-in hybrid—in order that might be the case right here as effectively. Borrowing hybrid elements from Toyota, the Crosstrek Hybrid was launched for the 2014 mannequin yr and lasted for 2 generations earlier than being discontinued after mannequin yr 2023.

Extra doubtless, the Forester Hybrid will sport a powertrain that Subaru can produce (and supply) in increased quantity than the Crosstrek Hybrid.

The sixth-generation Forester on which the hybrid mannequin will likely be based mostly will get extra rugged styling, an up to date infotainment system with an optionally available 11.6-inch touchscreen, and the following technology of Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system. It is nonetheless based mostly on the Subaru World Platform utilized by the previous-generation Forester and a lot of the automaker’s different present fashions, however Subaru claims a ten% improve in torsional rigidity.

2025 Subaru Forester

The thought of a Forester Hybrid with a sportier STI tune was teased when the final technology arrived with an idea proven on the 2018 Tokyo Auto Salon. That idea by no means reached manufacturing, however the STI (Subaru Tecnica Worldwide) skunkworks will doubtless be tasked with constructing plug-in efficiency automobiles as further EVs be a part of the Subaru lineup.

Subaru this summer season announced accelerated EV plans, with a number of fashions deliberate for U.S. manufacturing later within the decade. For now, Subaru’s solely EV is the Solterra, which underwhelms for vary however is properly packaged and lives as much as the ruggedness of the model.