Tell us the exact 2026 Subaru Forester you want, and we ask every Subaru dealer with one in stock near you for a written, itemized out the door price. Then we send the best number back to the others and make them beat it. You see every quote side by side and buy directly from the dealer you pick.
What to decide before dealers bid
The tighter your spec, the cleaner the bids. Pick the trim, the colors you'd accept, any packages you can't live without, and how far you'd travel or ship from. The Forester is a SUV offered with gas, hybrid power, so make the powertrain choice up front; it changes which cars on dealer lots qualify.
What each Subaru dealer is asked for
One number in writing: the out the door price, broken into selling price, any dealer add-ons, doc fee, tax, and title and registration. That's what makes quotes comparable. A low selling price can hide paint protection, nitrogen, VIN etching or a market adjustment, which is why we read every line. Our add-on guide explains which ones you can refuse.
Pickup or delivery
A Forester a few hours away can beat one down the street even after you add the cost of getting it home. We compare quotes by the total to your driveway, including an estimate for pickup or delivery, so a cheaper car far away and a nearby one are weighed fairly. Read buying a car out of state if the best quote isn't local.
What it costs
$499 total. $99 to start, refunded if we don't beat the best written quote you already have, and $400 only after the dealer's buyer's order matches the price you picked. Pricing and guarantee.
2026 Subaru Forester safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2025 SUBARU FORESTER SUV AWD an overall rating of 5 of 5 stars in its 5-Star Safety Ratings program (NHTSA). These are NHTSA's ratings for the 2025 model; NHTSA usually carries ratings forward when a model isn't significantly changed, but check the current year before you buy.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal crash | 5 of 5 stars |
| Side crash | 5 of 5 stars |
| Rollover | 4 of 5 stars (17.4% rollover risk in NHTSA's model) |
Safety technology NHTSA lists for this model: electronic stability control is standard, forward collision warning is standard, and lane departure warning is standard.
Recalls and owner complaints
NHTSA's recall database lists 3 recalls for the 2026 Subaru Forester and 3 recalls for the 2025 model (NHTSA recalls). Recalls are repaired free at any franchised dealer, so ask the selling dealer to confirm in writing that every open recall on your VIN has been done before delivery.
| Campaign | Reported | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 25V889000 | 18/12/2025 | Structure:body:hatchback/Liftgate:hinge And Attachments |
| 26V346000 | 28/05/2026 | Visibility:sun/Moon Roof Assembly |
| 26V436000 | 07/07/2026 | Equipment:other:labels |
| 25V033000 | 23/01/2025 | Wheels |
Owners filed 97 complaints with NHTSA about the 2025 Forester, most often about unknown or other, fuel/propulsion system, visibility/wiper. Complaint counts rise with sales volume, so compare them between similar models rather than reading them on their own.
Fuel economy and powertrains
EPA figures for the 2026 Subaru Forester range from 26 to 35 MPG combined depending on the version (fueleconomy.gov). It's offered with all-wheel drive.
| Version | Drive | Engine | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | All-Wheel Drive | 2.5L 4-cyl | 26 / 33 / 29 | - |
| Forester Hybrid AWD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | All-Wheel Drive | 2.5L 4-cyl | 35 / 34 / 35 | - |
| Forester Sport/Touring AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | All-Wheel Drive | 2.5L 4-cyl | 25 / 32 / 28 | - |
| Forester Wilderness AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | All-Wheel Drive | 2.5L 4-cyl | 24 / 28 / 26 | - |
Compare the Forester side by side with other models on safety, recalls and fuel economy.
Other Subaru models
Shopping other SUVs too?
Questions
How do I get the best price on a 2026 Subaru Forester?
Get written, itemized out the door quotes from several Subaru dealers on the same trim, then send the lowest one back to the others and give them a deadline to beat it. Compare totals, not monthly payments or discounts off sticker.
Do Subaru dealers add extras to the Forester?
Some do. Common ones are paint and fabric protection, nitrogen, VIN etching and market adjustments. Ask for them to be listed line by line and removed if you didn't ask for them. We flag them on every quote.
Can I buy a Forester from a dealer in another state?
Yes. Tax and registration are generally handled for your home state, and you can drive it home or pay for delivery. We compare quotes by total cost to your driveway so distance is accounted for.
Is the 2026 Subaru Forester safe?
NHTSA rates the 2025 Subaru Forester 5 out of 5 stars overall, with 5 of 5 stars in frontal crash, 5 of 5 stars in side crash and 4 of 5 stars for rollover. Ratings can differ by drivetrain and body style, so check the exact version you're buying on NHTSA's site.
How many recalls does the Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2026 Subaru Forester and 3 recalls for the 2025 model. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Before you take delivery, ask the dealer to confirm in writing that every open recall on your specific VIN has been completed.
What gas mileage does the 2026 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings for the 2026 Subaru Forester run from 26 to 35 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain. Pick the powertrain before dealers bid, since it changes which cars on the lot qualify.