Subaru Forester 2026: Price Cuts, Recall, and Record Sales

Subaru has slashed prices on all Forester Hybrid trims for 2026, with discounts reaching nearly $2,000 depending on the trim. But the Japanese SUV is also making headlines for a recall involving roughly 70,000 hybrid vehicles due to a potential fuel leak risk. Despite all that, Forester sales hit record highs in February 2026.

"Every Forester Hybrid now costs less with the destination fee applied than the 2025 model did before accounting for delivery." — The Drive

Price Drops Across the Hybrid Lineup

The 2026 Forester Hybrid now starts at $35,820 in the Premium trim, a drop of $2,195 compared to the 2025 model according to The Drive. Car and Driver notes the biggest cut hits the Limited trim, which loses $1,985 to land at $40,445. The Sport version drops to $39,380 (-$1,635), and the Touring to $42,995 (-$1,720).

That's no small move: Subaru cuts these prices just days after admitting that US tariffs had seriously eaten into its margins. The timing is a bit shaky from a PR standpoint, but Foresters are assembled in Indiana, so they're exempt from the 15% tax hitting imported models. The brand can afford the gesture.

What You Actually Get for That Price

At $35,820, the base Premium isn't stripped down. You get the EyeSight Advanced driver assist system with automatic emergency braking and automatic emergency steering, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and an 11.6-inch center screen. That's more generous than what some rivals offer at this price.

Those who want the Sport trim at $39,380 also get 19-inch wheels with bronze finish, the Harman Kardon 11-speaker sound system, and StarTex upholstery.

The New Onyx Edition for Matte Black Fans

Subaru is using this update to introduce a new trim: the Forester Sport Onyx Edition, priced at $36,495. It takes the Sport's base but goes full dark mode with black accents, dark gray badges, and 19-inch wheels with a dark metallic finish. Inside, the cabin gets two-tone black and gray StarTex upholstery with brown stitching — a detail that really pops. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and metallic accents round things out.

Technically, it also gets the SI-Drive engine management system with Intelligent (I) and Sport Sharp (S#) modes, plus road-oriented suspension. Not the most rugged Forester, but the best-dressed for the city.

A Recall That Dampens the Enthusiasm

In late February 2026, the NHTSA issued a recall covering 69,153 Subaru hybrid vehicles. That includes 51,707 examples of the 2025 Forester Hybrid and 17,446 examples of the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, according to CarBuzz.

The problem lies with the fuel filler cap. When the tank is full and outside temperatures rise, the fuel expands, pressure builds in the tank, and can push gasoline up the filler neck. If the cap's seal isn't tight enough — and here it isn't — fuel can leak. A fuel leak plus an ignition source equals a potential fire.

According to Jalopnik, no fires have been reported yet. Subaru is asking affected owners to park their vehicles outside, away from buildings, and not to fill the tank above 50% until repairs are done. Dealers have been notified, and owners will be contacted by mail on March 25, 2026. The fix: replacing the cap seal with an improved one.

[DIDYOUKNOW