Subaru has unveiled the first-ever 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid, combining the off-road capability of the Wilderness lineup with a new hybrid powertrain designed to improve fuel economy. Subaru says the new model delivers up to 25% better fuel economy than the standard Forester Wilderness, while retaining the rugged capability the Wilderness badge is known for.
The Forester Wilderness Hybrid is powered by an Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter boxer engine paired with electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, producing a combined 194 horsepower. The next-generation Subaru hybrid system uses a series-parallel setup that works with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which still uses a mechanical connection between the front and rear axles rather than a fully electric AWD setup like some competitors.
Despite the addition of the hybrid system, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid keeps its off-road credentials. It features 9.3 inches of ground clearance, upgraded suspension, all-terrain Yokohama Geolandar tires and Subaru’s X-MODE Dual-Mode system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings. The Wilderness Hybrid also has improved approach, breakover and departure angles compared to the standard Forester Hybrid, making it more capable on rough terrain.
Subaru has also made sure the hybrid system doesn’t compromise utility. The Forester Wilderness Hybrid comes with standard ladder-style roof rails with an 800-pound static load capacity and offers 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and more than 69 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Inside, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with Apple Maps integration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard, along with a Harman Kardon audio system. The interior features Subaru’s durable StarTex upholstery, which is designed to be water-resistant and easy to clean after outdoor adventures.
Safety tech is also a big focus, with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system coming standard. This includes features like Automatic Emergency Steering, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering and Emergency Stop Assist.
The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is expected to go on sale in late 2026, with pricing and full specifications to be announced closer to launch.
