2026 Subaru Ascent: Space, Strength, and Safety for Every Journey

Every 2026 Subaru Forester features Subaru’s trusted 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque for smooth, responsive performance. Paired with a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, this setup ensures predictable handling in any condition—from rainy city streets to dusty rural routes.

The 2026 model introduces a more refined driving feel thanks to a reworked engine tune that delivers torque at lower RPMs for better low-speed response. Subaru’s SI-DRIVE® Engine Performance Management system lets drivers toggle between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes, while the Sport and Wilderness trims add a more dynamic “Sport Sharp (S#)” mode for quicker throttle mapping.

Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the new Forester achieves 10% greater torsional rigidity than the previous generation, improving straight-line stability and cornering confidence. The result is a quieter, smoother ride that remains true to Subaru’s adventurous DNA.

Drivers will also appreciate the Active Torque Vectoring, which subtly brakes the inside wheel during cornering for greater agility. Add in the Auto Start-Stop system for fuel efficiency and an 8-speed manual shift mode (available on Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness), and you have an SUV that’s as composed in downtown Killeen as it is on winding Hill Country roads.

EPA estimates reach up to 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined, keeping your adventures efficient without compromise.

When the road ahead turns rough, the Forester’s engineering shines. Standard X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control optimizes traction on slippery or uneven surfaces, while Dual-Mode X-MODE®—standard on Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims—adds Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings for greater adaptability.

The new 2026 Forester Wilderness stands apart as the most capable iteration yet. It boasts 9.3 inches of ground clearance, an upgraded final drive ratio, and 3,500-pound towing capacity—the highest ever offered on a Forester. Revised approach, departure, and breakover angles improve trail performance, while a transmission cooler ensures durability under load.

Every Forester also benefits from Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, continuously distributing power to all four wheels and adjusting torque in milliseconds for optimal grip. Combined with a lightweight yet robust chassis and Active Torque Split AWD, it gives drivers confidence in rain, dirt, or gravel.

From weekend kayaking trips near Belton Lake to camping at Stillhouse Hollow Park, the Forester’s blend of comfort and control keeps every journey steady and stress-free.

Step inside the 2026 Subaru Forester, and you’ll find a cabin that balances practicality with polish. Subaru redesigned the center console to accommodate 32-ounce bottles, added a larger armrest and enhanced storage, and introduced a more compact shifter for ergonomic comfort.

Seating comfort is exceptional, with generous headroom (up to 41.2 inches) and 39.4 inches of rear legroom. The panoramic moonroof—standard on most trims—adds an airy feel, while available leather-trimmed upholstery in the Limited and Touring models provides an upscale finish. Cargo space remains best-in-class, with up to 74.4 cubic feet available in the Base model and 69.1 cubic feet in moonroof-equipped trims.

In higher trims, amenities include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Even the base model delivers thoughtful touches such as soft-touch surfaces, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, and rear seat reminders for added safety.

Storage versatility makes the Forester perfect for active Central Texas lifestyles—whether you’re loading up hiking gear or everyday essentials.

Refreshed for 2026, the Forester combines rugged stance with refined style. The body is both wider and more sculpted, emphasizing stability while maintaining excellent visibility. Distinctive C-shaped LED headlights frame a bolder front fascia, while trim-specific wheel designs—from 17-inch alloys on the Base to 19-inch bronze-finish wheels on the Sport—add personality.

The Wilderness trim stands out with matte-black 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and anodized copper accents on its tow hook covers and roof rails. An anti-glare matte-black hood decal reduces glare in bright Texas sunlight, and skid plates provide real-world protection on rocky terrain.

A range of exterior colors, including River Rock Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, and Crystal White Pearl, gives buyers plenty of ways to personalize their SUV. For an athletic appearance, the Sport trim adds bronze accents and gloss-black detailing that turn heads from Waco to Temple.

Every 2026 Forester includes the latest EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, enhanced with a wider field of view and faster operation. Standard systems include Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and Lane Departure Prevention.

Upper trims gain Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, and Emergency Lane Keep Assist. Together, they create a protective cocoon that helps prevent or mitigate potential collisions on crowded highways or local roads.

Inside, infotainment is centered on Subaru’s new 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Standard on Premium and above, it offers crisp visuals and over-the-air software updates. Base models include dual 7.0-inch touchscreens with integrated smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM®, and Bluetooth®.

For audiophiles, the available Harman Kardon® 11-speaker premium system with 576-watt equivalent amplifier provides concert-quality sound. Additional convenience features include a wireless charger, Wi-Fi hotspot, and hands-free power rear gate with height memory.

Safety extends beyond driver assistance with Subaru’s Rear Seat Reminder, Automatic Emergency Steering, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Emergency Stop Assist—a feature that can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop and call for help if it detects an unresponsive driver.