The 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid starts at $40,495, and Subaru calls it the first Wilderness model with a hybrid powertrain. It keeps the gas Wilderness’s 9.3 inches of ground clearance. It also adds the 194-horsepower hybrid system from the rest of the Forester Hybrid range.
Subaru of America announced the new trim on September 17, 2026, along with pricing for the whole 2027 Forester lineup. The base Forester holds at $29,995. Meanwhile, three trims leave the lineup to make room.
Until now, buyers had to choose between the rugged Wilderness and the efficient hybrid. Here’s what the new trim costs, what hardware it carries and what Subaru does and doesn’t say about it.
What the Forester Wilderness Hybrid costs
According to Subaru’s pricing release, the Wilderness Hybrid lists at $40,495. That’s $1,000 more than the gas Forester Wilderness at $39,495. In fact, only one 2027 Forester costs more, the Touring Hybrid at $41,545.
Those prices exclude a $1,475 destination and delivery charge. However, Subaru notes higher charges in nine states, including New York and Hawaii, and $1,625 for Alaska retailers. For context, the Limited Hybrid sits just below at $38,995.
The hybrid hardware
The system pairs a 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder with electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. Subaru calls it a series-parallel hybrid, and the engine runs on the Atkinson/Miller cycle. Together, they make 194 combined horsepower, the same figure Subaru gives for every Forester Hybrid.
By comparison, the gas Wilderness uses a 180-hp 2.5-liter BOXER. Both drive through a Lineartronic CVT, as every 2027 Forester does. Subaru also quotes up to 597 miles of range on a single tank for the hybrid.
Subaru says the Wilderness Hybrid returns better fuel economy than the gas Wilderness. Still, the release gives no mileage figures for it. It doesn’t give a towing rating for the hybrid either, so we won’t guess at one.
Why the Wilderness label matters
Wilderness is Subaru’s off-road-focused trim. On the gas Forester, it brings raised suspension, a revised final drive ratio and a transmission cooler. As a result, the gas Wilderness tows up to 3,500 pounds, according to Subaru.
The hybrid version keeps the trail hardware that buyers see and use. It gets Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-MODE Dual-Mode and enhanced underbody protection. It also rides on Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires. Meanwhile, AutoGuide’s report on the 2027 lineup says those tires mount on 17-inch matte-black wheels.
Ground clearance is the headline number. The Wilderness Hybrid sits 9.3 inches off the ground, matching the gas Wilderness. By comparison, every 2027 Forester offers at least 8.7 inches, and EyeSight driver assistance comes standard across the range, AutoGuide notes.
Inside the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid
The cabin uses Subaru’s water-resistant StarTex upholstery. In addition, the release lists a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Harman Kardon audio, a power rear gate and a heated steering wheel. AutoGuide adds the 11.6-inch touchscreen with navigation and heated rear outboard seats.
Color choices include the full Forester palette. On top of that, Geyser Blue is exclusive to the gas and hybrid Wilderness trims. However, Subaru doesn’t list two-tone roof options for either Wilderness.
What else changed for 2027
To make room, Subaru dropped the gas Forester Sport, the Sport Onyx Edition and the gas Touring. That leaves four gas trims and five hybrids, AutoGuide notes. Subaru says nearly all trims carry their 2026 prices into the new model year. The Limited is one change, because it now starts at $37,595 with leather, 18-inch wheels and an 8-way power passenger seat as standard.
The gas Wilderness gains standard equipment too. For 2027, it adds a heated steering wheel and heated rear outboard seats, which used to come in an option package. It also keeps its 180-degree front-view camera and a full-size spare with a 225 mm all-terrain tire.
Lower in the range, the Premium trim now includes an all-weather package, a panoramic moonroof, X-MODE and a 10-way power driver’s seat. Also, the 11.6-inch touchscreen is standard on most models, while the base Forester uses dual 7.0-inch screens. Paint adds cost on some trims, with premium colors at $395 and two-tone paint at $495.
Subaru says the 2027 Forester will reach retailers later this fall. The company builds the Forester in Lafayette, Indiana, and in Gunma, Japan.
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This article was created with the help of AI and was reviewed and edited by Fast Lane Only editors before publication.
