Subaru Forester Sport v Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport 2026 Comparison

At launch, the Japanese marque focused on the revamped, and renamed, ‘Strong Hybrid’ variants. It was all about the beefed-up, electrified e-boxer and its touted claimed driving range of more than 1000km. But it comes at a cost – one that not every punter will be able to justify paying.

If you don’t see value in hybridisation, your hard-earned dosh will be heading the way of the petrol. There are four grades – Base, Premium, Sport and Touring – with prices ranging from $43,490 to $50,990 before on-road costs (ORCs). For this matchup, we’re using the 2026 Subaru Forester Sport, which asks $48,490 plus ORCs.

In theory, the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport should reflect the spec of its petrol-only sibling, yet it comes with retuned shock absorbers and a bit more specification bling – it isn’t solely about the Toyota-derived petrol-electric drivetrain. Which is a good thing given the $54,990 price tag is $6500 more expensive.

That difference shrinks to $3k if you opt for the base model Hybrid and $5k for the range-topping Hybrid Touring.

From the jump, the ‘Strong Hybrid’ case isn’t looking overly, erm, strong then. However, if its overall range and fuel-efficiency claims come to fruition and it proves a better drive, then that should help justify the monetary gap.

And in context with the bigger mid-size SUV picture, the Forester has work to do after finishing 2025 in seventh place for the segment, according to VFACTS sales data.

Aesthetically, the sixth-generation Forester doesn’t carry a mould-breaking design. It can’t really afford to when it’s the brand’s most popular model, selling 15,179 units in 2025, some 5000 more than the next-best Crosstrek.

Whether or not the styling is attractive is subjective, so we’ll let you make up your own mind.

How ‘Sport’ is interpreted appears to differ between drivetrains. The 2026 Subaru Forester Sport deploys a more adventurous and outdoorsy vibe with fluro green accents, black 18-inch wheels and the model designation on its tailgate. The petrol Sport also gains taller ladder-style roof racks perfect for loading extra gear, and our tester is painted in Crystal White Pearl.

Yet, adding the lithium-ion battery pack and electrification to the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport translates to a more luxury bent. It replaces the unmissable green hue with equally brash bronze accents for the front, side and rear garnishes, as well as the upsized 19-inch alloys. Impressively, all paints are a no-cost option and the colour of choice for the Hybrid Sport is River Rock Pearl.

The shared spec level is fruitful, with items like self-leveling LED headlights, LED tail-lights, daytime running lights with cornering lamps and water repellent synthetic leather seat trim as standard. Those front pews are also eight-way power adjustable and heated, while the driver gains electric lumbar support and two memory provisions. Dual-zone climate control, a panoramic glass sunroof and a powered tailgate with kick sensor are also standard.

The Hybrid Sport is fitted with a digital instrument cluster and Harman/Kardon audio, as well as the aforementioned bronze accents, larger wheels and retuned suspension, to justify the $6500 premium.

Subaru’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty applies, while the Hybrid Sport’s battery pack is covered for eight years or 160,000km. There’s just a 12-months of roadside assistance thrown in.

Servicing intervals are every 12-months or 15,000km (whichever comes first), while five years or 75,000km of capped-price servicing comes to $2299.

Considering that averages out to $460 per year, it’s more expensive than most of the Forester’s key rivals, especially Toyota.

With the contemporary version of the company’s EyeSight technology, it’s no surprise that Subaru’s mid-size SUV carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating (2024). It’s also flush with nine airbags, dual ISOFIX points and a trio of top-tether anchorages.

The active systems within the EyeSight package include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, active cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assistance, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

To aid parking, both come with rear parking sensors (no Forester gains them at the front), reverse automatic braking (RAB) and a 360-degree camera display. Although, some of those camera views can awkwardly distort the true scenario, which can be off putting.

And yes, being 2026, it’s flush with ‘aids’ such as driver fatigue monitoring that also includes facial recognition and road sign recognition, which also alerts you to red light and speed cameras.

However, these systems are polarising. And yes, the negatives are generally industry wide and not solely centred around the Forester. Although, its main culprit is the driver attention monitoring, which tells you off if you dare glance away from the road. The audible and visual warnings intensify if you don’t comply, too.

The bleeps and bongs for upcoming red light and speed cameras are also frightfully loud.

Thankfully, there are ways to either tone down or kill off the systems that annoy the most, but not all are permanent. Thankfully, most are within the same shortcut menu, while the active lane keeping has a button on the multi-function steering wheel to disengage.

Portrait or landscape? That is the question.

While most modern screens are vast landscape items, the Subie uses an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen powered by the brand’s StarLink operating system. It’s a refreshing and unique take on interior tech, with the inclusion of permanent climate controls at the bottom of the display being an ergonomic boon.

Where the 2026 Subaru Forester Sport misses out is in terms of the instrument cluster, which comprises two old-school dials flanking a 4.2-inch digital display.

That isn’t the case in the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport. It showcases Subaru’s swanky 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster with appealing graphics and a logical assortment of driving information. And although it does feature different screen arrangements to scroll through, none of them are better than the dual digital dials.

Another win for the Hybrid Sport is the 10-speaker Harman/Kardon premium audio system (including subwoofer and amplifier). Naturally, the acoustics are richer and cleaner than the standard stereo. It’s nice to see that native satnav, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, USB ports and a wireless charging pad are standard in both.

Although, while it’s offered in other markets, Aussie Foresters don’t gain remote access compatibility.

Unfortunately, both powertrains are more of a box-ticking exercise instead of being a highlight.

Underneath the bonnet of the 2026 Subaru Forester Sport is a naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 136kW and 247Nm. It sends that ‘grunt’ to the brand’s ubiquitous Symmetrical all-wheel drive system (AWD) via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight stepped ratios.

Switching to the Toyota-sourced ‘Strong Hybrid’ found in the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport and it becomes a bit more complex – in detail, not in driveability. The e-Boxer muscles up from the outgoing 2.0-litre unit to a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder petrol (Atkinson/Miller cycle) engine with 121kW/212Nm.

It’s joined by two e-motors (one focused on providing drive to the wheels, with the other regenerating energy) which offer 90kW/276Nm and draw current from a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined, the Hybrid Sport musters 145kW – although there is no quoted total torque figure.

Yet, for all the song and dance about offering more hybrid benefits, it doesn’t quite translate. There’s a dedicated EV mode, but it only works within strict parameters. Dare to press the accelerator too hard or venture past about 45km/h and the 2.5-litre boxer punches in for service. It will drop the petrol engine in coasting situations, too, but it’s rare to not hear the off-beat thrum of the engine.

Uniquely, the Hybrid Sport’s CVT uses an electronically controlled planetary gearset. On occasion, the gearbox can perch revs uncomfortably high under acceleration despite the in-built ratios, to return loud acoustics, but overall, it’s a vastly improved experience from what came before it.

It can’t quite beat the petrol, though, which uses conventional chains and pulleys within its CVT. The eight ratios are more prominent, and it acts more like a torque-converter automatic gearbox. This translates to the petrol being as eager at overtaking speeds as the more powerful, but 112kg heavier, Sport Hybrid.  

Performance wise, the Forester is yearning for a turbocharged version like the XT of old. Yet, that would be a case of delivering pace with one hand and taking fuel economy away with the other.

So, without the go-fast variant, the benefit to punters should surely be seen at the pump, right?

Erm, not quite. But there’s more to it than that.

Naturally, the 2.5-litre boxer sans hybrid gubbins is at a disadvantage. Therefore, the fact the 2026 Subaru Forester Sport has a higher claimed average consumption of 7.9L/100km is no surprise. Yet even that on-paper figure seems ambitious. And it is.

Through our dedicated 110km efficiency test route, the Sport chugs through 9.1L/100km. Although, compared to the 9.2L/100km we achieved in the petrol-powered Mitsubishi Outlander, that’s a decent result.

Bold 1000km claim and ambitious ‘Strong Hybrid’ nomenclature aside, the fuel-sipping tech in the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport should see it easily eclipse the non-hybrid version. And it does.

Without trying to drive in a frugal manner, the Hybrid Sport comparatively nips 7.4L/100km throughout our road loop – against the official 6.2L/100km claim. It’s one made up of city, suburban and highway scenarios as well as some spirited driving, too. And being a plugless hybrid system, there’s never any need to hook it up to a charger.

Both use a 62-litre fuel tank and can run on cheaper 91 RON unleaded.

As we’ve found in previous tests of the sixth-generation mid-size SUV, this Subie is surprisingly fun behind the wheel. If you prefer swapping highways for country roads on driving holidays, then the Forester could be for you.

Despite this being a revamp of the Subaru Global Platform rather than clean-slate architecture, the 2026 Subaru Forester Sport doesn’t feel underdone. In fact, there’s a lightness and eagerness to the dynamic package that’s surprisingly rewarding. Yes, there’s some body roll and the overall setup leans toward the softer side, but it’s easy to work with.

It covers off the basics well, too. The smaller 18-inch alloys with a chubbier tyre profile provide greater compliance at all speeds and the WRX-inspired steering is light enough for city use while still being direct at speed. The large glasshouse fosters clear outward vision and, when combined with all the cameras and manageable dimensions, takes the stress out of tight urban scenarios.

As you’d expect, the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport is largely the same, yet there are a few key differences. To deal with the extra weight (1763kg Hybrid v 1651kg petrol), the damping has been stiffened to quell pitch and roll. And it does work, with curtailed lateral movement through corners and a reduction in rebound – meaning it recovers better through undulations in the road.

Upgrading the wheels to 19-inch items doesn’t negatively impact the ride quality too much, but you’ll notice a few bumps in the Hybrid Sport that the Sport petrol glides over. This is largely accounted for by the fact the bigger wheels result in decreased 235/50 profile Bridgestone tyres compared to the 225/55 Falkens.

Interestingly, the latter offers just as much, if not more, grip.

With the addition of regenerative braking to recharge the hybrid system, brake pedal feel in the Hybrid Sport suffers. It’s more sensitive and isn’t quite as progressive throughout its travel compared to the petrol.

The company’s SiDrive affords both Sport and Intelligent driving modes, but the former is never really needed. Intelligent really is, ahem, intelligent after all. Ultimately, with either Forester, the handling package is far more positive than most hum-drum mid-size SUVs.

Does it continue its traditional off-road ability, too?

The pool of punters taking their mid-size SUV for a true bush-bashing experience is going to be limited. Yet, Subaru has a reputation for not only rally, but the capability to service adventurous needs.

A clear sign of this is the 220mm of ground clearance, which is impressive for the segment. Then there’s Subaru’s famed Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system as well as X-Modes. And the 2026 Subaru Forester Sport goes about showcasing its wares with abandon by scrabbling its way up a test track we’ve used before – one that other mid-size SUVs have failed at.

Its ground clearance is greater than some more serious off-roaders, and that helps greatly. As does the purchase the AWD system finds. And without all-terrain tyres, low range or diff locks, the X-Modes come in handy – with Snow/Dirt, Deep Snow/Mud and Normal to choose from.

In theory, the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport ‘should’ go wherever the Sport petrol does given it retains a mechanical link via a prop shaft – this isn’t a faux-wheel drive like some soft roaders. Yet out in the forest, it doesn’t quite stack up.

Foot flat to the boards, the Hybrid Sport is left spinning up a rear wheel and going nowhere halfway up the same incline the Sport petrol conquered. Picking another line doesn’t help either as this time it bogs down and refuses to budge – and you can’t turn traction control off while using the X-Modes.

The Falken-shod Sport petrol proves far more capable at the tougher tracks, while its throttle proves easier to modulate too, without the instant input of the electric motor. Yet, both perform well on smooth gravel surfaces, with the positive on-road dynamics translating to the dirt.

If you do want to venture off-road, the fact the Sport petrol comes with a full-size spare wheel within the boot floor is a win. The Hybrid Sport’s lithium battery cancels out that luxury.

The solution is to attach a $3200 carrier kit to the back, which not only cancels out the use of the tow bar, which is rated at 1200g braked compared to 1800kg for the petrol, but isn’t the most attractive solution.

Much like the exterior design, the cabin styling might not be to everyone’s taste. It too, carries an air of Americanisation.

There’s very little difference apart from the detailing. The 2026 Subaru Forester Sport ushers in the fluro green accents which extend mainly to the stitching – you won’t find any Sport decals. Although, there are shared easter eggs like the mountainous terrain detailing and a few scattered bird motifs.

Again, the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport goes for a more luxe look with the bronze hue found within the stitching and various trim pieces. It’s a match for the exterior and ties in well with the upgraded kit, namely the audio system and the higher-quality LCD instrument cluster.

The synthetic, water-repellent leather should come in handy for summer trips to the pool or beach. Perceived build quality is high, with just enough soft-touch materials in the places you want them. Ergonomics are generally sound, with the dedicated on-screen climate and safety-system controls a nice feature.

However, the portrait-style infotainment does make the icons small when using smartphone mirroring.

In terms of noise, vibration and harshness levels, some tyre roar and wind rustle translates into the Forester’s cabin. The wireless charging pad also doesn’t secure your phone, leaving it to slide off charge when cornering, and general storage is decent without being outstanding.

Conversely, space in the back is outstanding. There is ample toe and legroom, while the sunroof doesn’t encroach on headroom. Reclining backrests add to the comfort, too. Amenities are covered by rear air vents, USB ports, map and phone pockets, cup holders and a central arm rest.

Cargo capacity is decent for a mid-size SUV, although the petrol’s 496-litre boot gains 12L more than the Hybrid Sport due to the placement of the battery pack. With the 60/40-split folding rear seats stowed, those figures expand to 1667 and 1655L respectively. The boot itself also houses myriad hooks and tie-down points – pragmatism for the win.

The reality is, you’re going to have to cover a lot of ground in the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport to justify its price premium. So, in this case, the maths doesn’t math in favour of electric assistance.

But it doesn't just come down to the dollars. It’s also about sense. Yes, the Strong Hybrid is a genuine step forward that returns real-world benefits, but it’s more of a mid-strength application. The boxer engine is called upon far too often and the fact it doesn’t come with a full-size spare wheel will irk some.

Essentially, the 2026 Subaru Forester Sport doesn’t really miss out on much. Its CVT is also well trained, and the ride quality is slightly more comfortable. Okay, it concedes noticeably on fuel costs, but considering how much cash you bank on purchase, there’s plenty of petrol cheques in reserve to cash.

Overall, there’s a lot to like about both options here, but the Sport petrol is the winner in this test.

There’s a reason the Forester is Subaru’s poster child – one that should continue to help the company’s bottom line in the future.

2026 Subaru Forester Sport at a glance:
Price: $48,490 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder petrol
Output: 136kW/247Nm
Transmission: Constantly Variable Transmission
Fuel: 7.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 180g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2024)

2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport at a glance:
Price: $54,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder petrol-electric
Output: 121kW/212Nm (electric motor: 90kW/276Nm)
Combined Output: 145kW
Transmission: Constantly Variable Transmission
Fuel: 6.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 140 g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2024)

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