Subaru builds its first hybrid in America with the 2026 Forester
Published on Feb 09, 2026 at 6:56 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Feb 04, 2026 at 9:46 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Subaru has officially begun its hybrid era in the United States with the construction of the 2026 Forester Hybrid.
Built at its Subaru of Indiana Automotive facility, the 2026 Forester marks the Japanese manufacturer’s entry into the hybrid market in North America.
This is something that the company has been working on for at least five years, and it’s been a rewarding experience for all of the team involved in the new SUV.
It is a milestone that changes the direction of the company in America, as it joins fellow Japanese companies like Toyota in the segment.
DISCOVER OUR SUPERCAR AUCTION SITE – View live auctions on SBX Cars
What powers the new 2026 Forester Hybrid?
Under the hood of the SUV is a 2.5-liter flat-four engine, paired with dual-electric motors.
Combined with the gasoline engine and, of course, all-wheel drive, the Subaru has a maximum range of 581 miles.
The power is sent through an eCVT (Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable) transmission, tuned specifically for this new hybrid model.
On their own, the two electric motors provide 194hp and 199lb-ft of torque for the 2026 Forester Hybrid.
In terms of its price, the new model looks to have quite a good starting price.
At the moment, the car starts at $36,595 MSRP.
This has allowed the company to step into the future without abandoning its typically affordable price tags.
Click the star icon next to supercarblondie.com in Google Search to stay ahead of the curve on the latest and greatest supercars, hypercars, and ground-breaking technology
Other features that make this Subaru stand out
Impressively, the manufacturer has launched the hybrid just weeks after the gas version entered production on October 7, 2025.
Every Forester now built in the United States is done so at the company’s Indiana facility.
There are four hybrid trim levels available for the SUV.
These are:
- Premium
- Sport
- Limited
- Touring
It has retained the familiar look of the Forester, but with a refresh to ensure it is suitably different from its predecessor.
The new car provides a strong answer to Toyota’s current dominance in the segment.
Toyota has a strong lineup, particularly with the RAV4 XLE Hybrid.
Other strong rivals to the Forester are the Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid.
But with strong performance and a comparable price tag, the 2026 Forester could give its rivals a run for their money.
A brief history of Subaru
1953: Five Japanese companies merge to form Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), Subaru’s parent company, originally focused on aircraft manufacturing.
1958: The Subaru 360 is released. Dubbed the ‘Ladybug’, it was the company’s first mass-produced car and a symbol of Japan’s post-war motoring.
1968: Subaru of America is established in Philadelphia, officially bringing the brand to the United States market.
1972: The Subaru Leone Station Wagon is introduced, featuring the world’s first mass-produced four-wheel-drive system for passenger cars, establishing the brand’s AWD identity.
1989: The Subaru Legacy is launched to compete in the mid-size market, debuting the legendary EJ-series engine.
1995–1997: Subaru achieves legendary status in motorsports, winning three consecutive World Rally Championship (WRC) manufacturer titles with the Impreza WRX.
2008: The company unveils its EyeSight driver-assist technology, pivoting the brand focus heavily toward safety and active collision prevention.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a leading heritage steam railway in England.
