The 2027 Subaru Forester adds something the Wilderness lineup has never offered: a hybrid powertrain. The new Wilderness Hybrid starts just $1,000 above the gas-only Wilderness, while Subaru holds the entry-level Forester’s starting MSRP at $29,995.
Subaru announced the changes in its September 17 U.S. pricing release. Here is what changes for buyers, from powertrain and trail clearance to equipment and delivered starting prices.
Wilderness Hybrid brings 194 horsepower and 9.3 inches of clearance
The new Wilderness Hybrid pairs Subaru’s 2.5-liter hybrid system with 194 combined horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. It gets 9.3 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, extra underbody protection and dual-mode X-MODE for low-traction conditions. Those are the meaningful hardware details behind the Wilderness badge.
The gas-only Forester uses a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Subaru lists a continuously variable transmission for both powertrains. Standard Foresters have 8.7 inches of clearance; the Wilderness versions gain another 0.6 inch.
Subaru says the hybrid improves fuel economy over the gas Wilderness, but its pricing announcement does not provide an MPG figure. We will wait for the specific rating before putting a dollar value on that benefit. The release specifies a 3,500-pound tow rating for the gas Wilderness; shoppers should verify the hybrid’s separate rating rather than assuming it carries over.
More Wilderness equipment becomes standard
The gas Wilderness now includes the equipment that was previously bundled in its optional package, plus a heated steering wheel and heated rear outboard seats. Its cabin includes navigation on an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, Harman Kardon audio and a power liftgate.
The new Wilderness Hybrid also includes the digital instrument display, upgraded audio, power liftgate and heated steering wheel. StarTex upholstery is also included.
Trim changes: Sport and Touring become hybrid-only
Trim choices change elsewhere in the lineup, too. Gas-only Sport, Sport Onyx Edition and Touring models are discontinued. Sport and Touring remain available with the hybrid powertrain, while the gas range consists of Base, Premium, Wilderness and Limited. Buyers replacing an older Sport or Touring should check the powertrain as well as the trim name.
Prices: the hybrid upgrade is $1,000 on Wilderness
The gas Wilderness starts at $39,495 and the Wilderness Hybrid at $40,495, before destination. That makes the hybrid’s $1,000 premium relatively modest within this particular trim comparison. It does not mean every Forester hybrid costs only $1,000 more than a comparable gas model.
The base Forester holds its $29,995 MSRP, while Premium starts at $31,995 and Limited at $37,595. Hybrid prices start at $34,730 for Premium, followed by Sport at $37,930, Limited at $38,995 and Touring at $41,545. Subaru says most trims retain their outgoing model-year pricing.
The usual $1,475 destination charge brings the base model to $31,470 and the Wilderness Hybrid to $41,970 before options, taxes and other fees. Delivery charges vary in some states and are $1,625 in Alaska. Subaru expects the 2027 lineup at U.S. retailers later this fall.
For someone already considering a Wilderness, the new hybrid is worth comparing directly with the gas version. Its small price step and higher combined horsepower make it an interesting addition, but towing needs and the final fuel-economy rating still belong in that decision.
