2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid: Everything We Know So Far

The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid combines two parts of the Forester lineup that previously sat apart: hybrid efficiency and Wilderness capability. It is the first Subaru Wilderness model with a hybrid powertrain, and it is expected to reach U.S. retailers later in fall 2026.

For drivers around Hudson, Nashua, Manchester, and the rest of New Hampshire, that combination is especially useful. The Wilderness already suits snow, muddy trailheads, camping trips, and rough access roads. The hybrid adds more power and better city fuel economy while keeping the hardware that gives the Wilderness its extra off-pavement ability.

What Powers the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid?

The Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses an Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. Total system output is 194 horsepower, compared with 180 horsepower from the gas-powered 2027 Forester Wilderness.

Power goes through a Lineartronic CVT, and the hybrid uses a series-parallel design. The system retains a mechanical connection between the front and rear axles as part of standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive rather than relying on an electric-only rear axle.

That gives drivers electric assistance while preserving the AWD layout central to the Forester's all-weather and trail capability.

How Fuel-Efficient Is the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid?

The Wilderness Hybrid is estimated at 30 mpg in city driving, representing up to a 25% improvement over the gas-powered Wilderness. Estimated driving range is 481 miles per tank.

The standard Forester Hybrid is rated for up to 581 miles. The Wilderness version trades some of that range for additional off-road hardware, including extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, revised suspension, and added underbody protection.

For New Hampshire owners who commute during the week and head toward the White Mountains on weekends, that balance combines useful efficiency with equipment designed for more demanding roads and trails.

How Capable Is the Forester Wilderness Hybrid Off Road?

Ground clearance is 9.3 inches, compared with 8.7 inches on the standard Forester Hybrid. The Wilderness Hybrid also includes dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control and Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings.

Wilderness-exclusive 17-inch matte black wheels wear Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. Longer coil springs, revised shock absorbers, and enhanced underbody protection support rougher driving.

Its approach angle is 23.5 degrees, breakover angle is 20.6 degrees, and departure angle is 25.5 degrees. Those figures give the Wilderness Hybrid more room to negotiate steep transitions and uneven surfaces than the standard Forester Hybrid.

For snowy roads, muddy campground entrances, gravel access routes, and rocky trailheads, those changes provide practical capability rather than simply changing the vehicle's appearance.

How Much Gear Can the Forester Wilderness Hybrid Carry?

The Forester Wilderness Hybrid provides 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and more than 69 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Raised ladder-style roof rails are standard and can support up to 800 pounds of static weight when parked, making them suitable for equipment such as a rooftop tent within the specified limits.

The cargo area works well for camping equipment, hiking gear, skis, bikes, dog supplies, and luggage for a New England weekend away.

What Interior and Technology Features Are Standard?

The cabin uses weather-resistant gray textured StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a cargo-area protector, useful when wet boots, snow, dogs, or muddy outdoor gear are part of everyday life.

Technology includes an 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia System with Navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with Apple Maps integration.

A Harman Kardon audio system with 11 speakers and a 576-watt-equivalent amplifier is standard, along with a Power Rear Gate and heated steering wheel.

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is also standard, including Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Automatic Emergency Steering, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, and Emergency Stop Assist.

How Much Will the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid Cost?

Starting MSRP: $40,495

The Wilderness Hybrid starts $1,000 above the gas-powered 2027 Forester Wilderness at $39,495 and below the 2027 Forester Touring Hybrid at $41,545.

Destination and delivery is $1,475 in most states; Granite Subaru can confirm the exact New Hampshire figure.

For buyers already considering a Wilderness, the price difference brings 194 horsepower instead of 180 horsepower and improved city fuel economy while retaining 9.3 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, dual-function X-MODE, and Wilderness-specific suspension and protection hardware.

How Much Can the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid Tow?

A specific towing capacity has not yet been published in the current U.S. specifications for the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid.

The gas-powered 2027 Forester Wilderness is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Until a Wilderness Hybrid towing rating appears in official specifications, buyers should not assume the gas model's 3,500-pound rating carries over.

That is important if you plan to tow a camper, utility trailer, boat, or recreational equipment. Confirm the individual hybrid rating before choosing a trailer or calculating a loaded towing setup.

What Else Has Not Been Confirmed Yet?

Most major equipment, pricing, capability, and efficiency information is now available, but a few details may become clearer as vehicles reach retailers.

Full EPA city, highway, and combined fuel-economy ratings have not yet been published in the same detail as established Forester models. The announced 30-mpg city estimate and 481-mile estimated range provide a useful picture, but buyers waiting for the complete efficiency breakdown still have more information to come.

Exact retailer availability will also vary as deliveries begin later in fall 2026.

Is the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid a Good Fit for New Hampshire?

The Wilderness Hybrid looks particularly well suited to drivers who want one SUV for commuting, winter weather, road trips, camping, and regular travel beyond pavement.

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 9.3 inches of ground clearance, dual-function X-MODE, all-terrain tires, and hybrid assistance create a combination the Forester lineup has not offered before.

Drivers interested in Wilderness capability can now add hybrid efficiency without stepping away from the equipment that makes this Forester more trail-ready.

Where Can You Learn More About the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid in Hudson, NH?

The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is expected at U.S. retailers later in fall 2026. Visit Granite Subaru in Hudson to learn more about availability, compare it with the gas-powered Forester Wilderness and other Forester Hybrid trims, and choose the setup that best fits your New Hampshire driving.