New 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid – Boxy Crossover SUV Off Road Drive
The all-new Subaru Forester has officially landed in indonesia, signalling the next major step forward for one of the nation’s most enduring and capable SUVs.
the all-new Forester becomes the first vehicle in its class to pair permanent mechanical Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with strong hybrid efficiency. At the heart of this breakthrough is the new Strong Hybrid e-Boxer system, which combines a 2.5-litre Boxer engine with a 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery, producing a punchy 145kW of total system output. That’s a 31.8% uplift in power over the outgoing mild hybrid, delivered with whisper-quiet operation, instant torque and a driving range of over 1,000km1.
Drivers who favour petrol-only performance will find confidence in Subaru’s refined 2.5-litre Boxer engine, paired with an upgraded Lineartronic® CVT that offers improved responsiveness and smoother take-off across daily commutes and longer escapes.
Capability remains a cornerstone of the Forester’s DNA. Every variant feature Subaru’s always-on Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, 220mm of ground clearance2, and X-Mode with Hill Descent Control. New dual-pinion steering — first introduced on WRX — brings sharper response and more intuitive control, reinforcing Forester’s adventurous spirit with a more refined, engaging drive.
The exterior introduces a more upright front face with a sharper grille design, flanked by C-shaped LED headlamps that signal intent. This purposeful expression is complemented by stronger shoulders, more vertical surfaces and squared-off wheel arches, all of which create a sense of visual strength and upright stability.
Black cladding around the lower body is thicker and more deliverable, reinforcing Forester’s multi-terrain readiness. Practical touches like wide door openings and a squarer rear gate simplify ingress and cargo loading, while a reshaped roofline contributes to improved aerodynamics without compromising headroom.
Every Forester variant wears a lightweight aluminium bonnet — a strategic design choice that enhances pedestrian safety through improved energy absorption in the event of impact. Its prominent sculpting reinforces Forester’s commanding SUV identity.
Select grades also feature sleek slim-line roof rails, which maintain aerodynamic efficiency while providing added utility for carrying cargo, bikes or adventure gear. Other variants adopt practical matte black ladder-style rails that prioritise function and load flexibility.
All Forester variants feature C-shaped LED headlights, contributing to the vehicle’s confident and modern appearance while improving visibility in low-light conditions. All variants offer Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) functionality for improved night-time visibility and reduced glare. Integrated LED fog lights feature across the range to support safer driving in inclement weather.
Wheel design has been carefully curated to reflect the intent of each grade. Depending on the variant, the Forester rides on either 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, each with distinctive finishes — from dark grey metallics to machined or gloss face treatments — that speak to the balance between urban style and off-road strength.
All Forester variants feature two co-ordinated digital display screens that deliver critical driving information and seamless infotainment access, all designed to minimise distraction and support driver focus.
Two distinct instrument clusters are available in the range. Most variants feature a conventional combination meter with a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display (MID), while select hybrid grades introduce Subaru’s new 12.3-inch full LCD digital dash in Australia. This new display offers customisable layouts, crisp clarity and a modern, driver-focused interface that enhances engagement behind the wheel.
Complementing these displays, the steering wheel features optimally positioned tactile buttons, allowing drivers to control key functions without taking their eyes off the road — further reinforcing Forester’s focus on intuitive, distraction-reducing design.
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