Subaru unveiled the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, marking the first time the automaker’s off-road-focused Wilderness sub-brand has offered a hybrid powertrain. The model pairs a series-parallel hybrid system producing 194 horsepower with the Wilderness line’s signature 9.3 inches of ground clearance and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It goes on sale in late 2026.
Highlights
- First Wilderness Hybrid: The 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid is the first model in Subaru’s Wilderness lineup to use a hybrid powertrain, delivering up to 25% better fuel economy than the non-hybrid Forester Wilderness.
- 194 total system horsepower: The Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter Boxer engine and electric motor combination produces 14 more horsepower than the standard Forester Wilderness.
- Off-road hardware retained: The model carries over 9.3 inches of ground clearance, X-MODE Dual Mode with Hill Descent Control, upgraded suspension, and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires on 17-inch matte black wheels.
- No cargo space penalty: Subaru reports 27.5 cubic feet behind the second row and more than 69 cubic feet with rear seats folded, matching the non-hybrid Wilderness.
Hybrid Powertrain Details
The Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses the same series-parallel hybrid system found in the standard Forester Hybrid. An Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder pairs with a lithium-ion battery pack and dual motor-generator units integrated into a Lineartronic CVT. One motor handles engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other provides regenerative braking and drive power.
Unlike many competitors that use a rear-axle electric motor for AWD, Subaru routes all power through an electronically controlled center differential and propshaft. This maintains a mechanical connection between front and rear axles. The default torque split is 60% front and 40% rear under normal conditions.
Subaru has not released official EPA fuel economy figures. However, the 25% improvement claim over the non-hybrid Wilderness (rated at 26 mpg combined) suggests an estimated 32–33 mpg combined. The product page lists a range of 481 miles per tank.
Off-Road Capability
Longer coil springs and shock absorbers lift ground clearance from 8.7 inches in the standard Forester Hybrid to the Wilderness-spec 9.3 inches. Approach, breakover, and departure angles improve accordingly: 23.5 degrees, 20.6 degrees, and 25.5 degrees, respectively, compared to 19.0, 19.3, and 24.6 degrees on the standard Hybrid.
The X-MODE Dual-Mode System offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings. Sound-absorbing materials and structural adhesives supplement the sixth-generation Forester’s lighter, stiffer chassis for improved on- and off-road ride quality.
Notably, the Wilderness Hybrid does not include a full-size spare tire, unlike the non-hybrid Forester Wilderness. Towing capacity is also expected to be lower than the non-hybrid Wilderness’s 3,500-pound rating, though Subaru has not confirmed a figure.
Technology and Interior
Standard equipment includes an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with Apple Maps integration, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with a 576-watt equivalent amplifier.
Wilderness-exclusive gray StarTex upholstery provides a weather-resistant, animal-free cabin surface. All-weather floor mats and a cargo area protector are standard. Raised ladder-type roof rails carry a static load capacity of 800 pounds.
Safety
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard. The suite includes Automatic Emergency Steering, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, and Emergency Stop Assist.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing has not been announced. The 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid goes on sale in late 2026. Detailed specifications will be released closer to launch.
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