The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid takes one of Subaru’s most trail-focused compact SUVs and adds the brand’s next-generation hybrid system without giving up the mechanical all-wheel-drive hardware, 9.3 inches of ground clearance or Wilderness-specific off-road tuning. With a confirmed U.S. MSRP of $40,495, it sits just $1,000 above the gas-only Forester Wilderness before destination.
194 HP, 30 MPG City, 9.3 Inches of Clearance & Standard AWD
Subaru’s first-ever Wilderness Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter BOXER engine, lithium-ion battery and electric motors with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-MODE Dual Mode and genuine trail hardware.
2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid Price
Subaru prices the new Wilderness Hybrid at $40,495 MSRP. Destination and delivery is $1,475 in most states, bringing the pre-tax figure to about $41,970. Subaru notes that destination can vary in Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont; Alaska retailers use a $1,625 destination charge.
| 2027 Forester trim | Powertrain | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Forester | Gas | $29,995 |
| Premium | Gas | $31,995 |
| Premium Hybrid | Hybrid | $34,730 |
| Sport Hybrid | Hybrid | $37,930 |
| Wilderness | Gas | $39,495 |
| Wilderness Hybrid | Hybrid | $40,495 |
| Limited | Gas | $37,595 |
| Limited Hybrid | Hybrid | $38,995 |
| Touring Hybrid | Hybrid | $41,545 |
Hybrid Powertrain: 194 HP With Mechanical AWD
The Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses an Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder paired with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery and electric motors. Total system output is 194 horsepower, compared with 180 hp for the gas-only Forester Wilderness.
The hybrid system uses a series-parallel layout and works with Subaru’s existing Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Importantly, Subaru says the front and rear axles remain mechanically connected, rather than relying on a separate rear electric motor as some hybrid competitors do.
Powertrain
Traction Hardware
MPG & Driving Range
Subaru’s consumer page lists the Forester Wilderness Hybrid at 30 MPG city, which represents up to a 25% improvement in city fuel economy versus the gas-only Wilderness. Subaru also estimates 481 miles of driving range per tank.
Off-Road Specs: More Than a Styling Package
The Wilderness Hybrid keeps the important hardware that separates the Wilderness line from a road-focused Forester Hybrid.
| Off-road spec | 2027 Wilderness Hybrid | Standard Forester Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 9.3 in | 8.7 in |
| Approach angle | 23.5° | 19.0° |
| Breakover angle | 20.6° | 19.3° |
| Departure angle | 25.5° | 24.6° |
| Tires | Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain | Road-oriented hybrid tires |
| Wheels | 17-in matte black Wilderness wheels | Trim-dependent |
| X-MODE | Dual Mode | Standard hybrid setup |
Longer coil springs and shock absorbers create the additional clearance. Subaru also uses revised suspension tuning, structural adhesives and added sound-absorbing materials to preserve on-road comfort while improving capability off pavement.
Roof Load & Cargo Space
Raised ladder-type roof rails are standard and can support up to 800 lb of static load, making them suitable for rooftop tents and stationary camping gear when used within Subaru’s limits.
Cargo capacity is 27.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and more than 69 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Subaru specifically says the hybrid components do not reduce cargo space in this model.
Cargo room behind the second row.
Maximum cargo room with rear seats folded.
Static roof-rail load capacity.
Interior & Technology
- 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia System with navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with navigation and Apple Maps integration
- Weather-resistant StarTex upholstery
- Harman Kardon 11-speaker audio system
- Power Rear Gate
- Heated steering wheel
- All-weather floor mats and cargo-area protector
EyeSight Safety & Driver Assistance
Subaru equips every Forester Wilderness Hybrid with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Confirmed features include:
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
- Automatic Emergency Steering
- Emergency Lane Keep Assist
- Blind-Spot Detection
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Change Assist
- Emergency Stop Assist
Wilderness Hybrid vs Gas Wilderness
| Item | Wilderness Hybrid | Gas Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $40,495 | $39,495 |
| System output | 194 hp | 180 hp |
| Ground clearance | 9.3 in | 9.3 in |
| AWD | Standard Symmetrical AWD | Standard Symmetrical AWD |
| X-MODE Dual Mode | Yes | Yes |
| City fuel economy | 30 MPG | Lower than hybrid |
| Price difference | +$1,000 | Baseline |
For buyers who want the Wilderness hardware, the hybrid version is difficult to ignore. It adds power and fuel efficiency while preserving the same 9.3-inch ground clearance and core off-road hardware for only a $1,000 MSRP premium.
Who Should Buy the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid?
This model makes the most sense for buyers who actually value Subaru’s extra trail capability but do not want the fuel-economy penalty normally associated with off-road tires, lifted suspension and additional underbody hardware.
If most of your driving is paved and you do not need 9.3 inches of clearance, the regular Forester Hybrid trims are cheaper and likely more efficient. But for owners who camp, ski, hike, drive gravel roads or regularly deal with snow and rough surfaces, the Wilderness Hybrid finally combines Subaru’s strongest mainstream off-road package with its more efficient hybrid system.
What Is Still Not Fully Published?
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| MSRP | Confirmed: $40,495 |
| Destination charge | Confirmed: $1,475 in most states |
| System output | Confirmed: 194 hp |
| City MPG | Subaru lists 30 MPG |
| Estimated range | 481 miles per tank |
| Full EPA city/highway/combined table | Not fully published in the current official material |
| Hybrid-specific towing capacity | Not stated in the official Wilderness Hybrid release |
DriveSpecLab Verdict
The 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid is one of Subaru’s most logical new products in years. It preserves the mechanical AWD layout, ground clearance, off-road angles, all-terrain tires and X-MODE hardware that make the Wilderness trim meaningful, while adding more power and noticeably better city efficiency.
The strongest number may actually be the price: at only $1,000 more than the gas Wilderness, the hybrid is positioned as the more complete choice for many buyers rather than an expensive niche upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid?
It starts at $40,495 MSRP. Destination and delivery is $1,475 in most states, so the pre-tax total is about $41,970 before options and regional variations.
How much horsepower does it have?
The hybrid system produces 194 total system horsepower.
What MPG does the Wilderness Hybrid get?
Subaru currently lists 30 MPG city and says that represents up to 25% better city fuel economy than the gas-only Wilderness. The complete MY2027 EPA city/highway/combined table has not yet been published in the official material used here.
Does it have standard AWD?
Yes. It uses Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with a mechanical connection between the front and rear axles.
What is the ground clearance?
The Forester Wilderness Hybrid has 9.3 inches of ground clearance.
What is its estimated driving range?
Subaru estimates up to 481 miles per tank.
How much more does the hybrid cost than the gas Wilderness?
The Wilderness Hybrid is $1,000 more at MSRP: $40,495 versus $39,495.
When will it reach dealers?
Subaru says the 2027 Forester lineup will arrive at U.S. retailers later in fall 2026, with the Wilderness Hybrid going on sale in late 2026.
Official Sources
Editorial note: MSRP excludes taxes, registration and dealer-installed equipment. Destination can vary by state. MPG, range and capability figures should be read exactly as Subaru currently publishes them; DriveSpecLab does not substitute estimates where Subaru has not yet published a complete 2027 specification.
