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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $34,705–$42,268 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.9/10, the 2026 Subaru Forester earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.8/10, while Technology at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Subaru Forester's reliability at 8.5/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a strength too — 8.8/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $34,705–$42,268, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Forester sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.4/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Bottom line: Think of the 2026 Subaru Forester as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance and technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2026 Subaru Forester ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $34,705 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Forester model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $34,705 | |
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $34,705 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $33,695 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $32,684 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $31,673 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.7/10 | $30,662 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $29,651 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $28,640 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $27,629 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $26,619 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.4/10 | $25,608 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $24,597 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Structure / Body / Hatchback/liftgate / Hinge and attachments 18/12/2025 · 25V889000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect and/or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket which can detach without prior warning. |
|---|---|
| Visibility / Sun/moon roof assembly 28/05/2026 · 26V346000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles. The sliding glass panel of the power moonroof assembly may have been improperly bonded to the sliding frame, allowing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
