2026 Subaru Forester Overview
The 2026 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV designed for practicality, all-weather capability and everyday usability. Built with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), it suits drivers in Mid-Michigan who may face snowy winters, wet roads near the Great Lakes Bay Region and mixed commuting conditions.
Exterior Design
The Forester presents a modern design that emphasizes function and visibility. Its roofline offers generous headroom and its squared-off rear enhances cargo access—useful for hauling gear for trips near Saginaw or Midland.
- Sculpted front fascia with bold and stylish grille
- LED Steering Responsive Headlights
- 17”, 18” or 19” aluminum-alloy wheels depending on the trim level
- Adventure-ready 8.7-inch ground clearance takes on rough terrains with ease
- Most trim levels add standard LED fog lights, panoramic moonroof, windshield wiper de-ice and heated side mirrors.
Performance
For 2026, the Forester carries over the tried-and-true powertrain and capability.
- 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER® four-cylinder engine delivering 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission is a Lineartronic® continuously variable automatic (CVT) with upper trims adding an eight-speed manual mode
- Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system offers extra traction for Mid-Michigan winters, making the Forester a solid choice for snowy or wet conditions in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
- Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) provides two distinct vehicle performance modes
- X-MODE® is on all but the Base trim level and provides snow/dirt and deep snow/mud settings. The Wilderness trim adds low speed/low ratio gradient control.
- Maximum towing capacity: 1500 lbs; Wilderness trim: 3500 lbs
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Forester offers seating for five with generous headroom and legroom, making it well-suited for families or groups exploring central Michigan or handling school runs around Bay City.
- Comfortable cloth, SynTex® or leather-trimmed seating depending on trim
- Dual zone automatic climate control system
- Feature-filled multimedia system controlled by a 7” or 11.6” touchscreen
- All but Base trim offer heated front seats and wireless device charger
Driver Assist / Safety Features
Safety driver assistance features are a stand-out in the Forester. Subaru’s standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology provides systems to make every drive more certain.
- Automatic Emergency Steering
- Pre-Collision Braking
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
- Lane-Keep Assist
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning
Learn More About the 2026 Subaru Forester in Bay City, Michigan
Ready to learn more about the Michigan adventure-ready 2026 Subaru Forester? Visit Thelen Subaru in Bay City, MI, serving the Mid-Michigan and Great Lakes Bay Region, to learn more and discover a vehicle built for the road ahead.
Verification Disclaimer:
All information in this overview was sourced directly from the official manufacturer’s website and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.


