Almost two years after its global reveal, the all-new, sixth-generation Subaru Forester has arrived in the Philippines (watch our first look). The arrival of this compact SUV signals what exclusive distributor Motor Image Pilipinas hopes to be the start of their turnaround in the local market.
At the heart of the all-new Forester is the Japanese carmaker’s first-ever strong or full hybrid system. The second-generation e-Boxer engine pairs its tried-and-tested 2.5-liter Boxer engine with a two-motor setup producing a peak 197 horsepower, the highest in terms of overall output since the turbocharged Forester XT. The FB25, now made to run on the lean Atkinson Cycle, makes 164 horsepower and 209 Nm on its own. However, thanks to two permanent magnet synchronous motors—one acting as a generator and another as motor drive—it adds an additional 122 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque.
The Forester 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid, as the model’s officially designated, carries a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack enabling this Subaru compact SUV to move on electric power alone in certain situations (there’s even an ‘EV’ mode). And together with its 63-liter tank, it enables it to travel up to 1,000 kilometers—the most of any Subaru model thus far.
Despite the electrified powertrain, Subaru has kept its trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive layout, positioning the engine, Lineartronic CVT gearbox, fuel tank and battery pack along the Forester’s center axis giving it safe and secure handling. What’s more, the system itself keeps its mechanical engagement making it unique among its electrified compact SUV contemporaries while offering technologies such as Dual X-Mode, Hill Descent Control, and Active Torque Vectoring.
Enhancements to the 2026 Subaru Forester don’t stop there. The Subaru Global Platform has been toughened with a full inner frame construction and wider use of adhesives. The result is a 10 percent improvement in torsional rigidity. In addition, the steering now adopts a dual pinon setup derived from the Subaru WRX.
Subaru continues with an evolutionary take to the Forester’s exterior design with the proportions and lines all cleaned up. The solitary variant is offered with features such as automatic C-shaped LED headlights with auto leveling and cornering functions (Steering Responsive Headlights), two-tone 19-inch wheels with 235/50R19 tires, a panoramic sunroof, low-profile (but functional) roof rails, and a hands-free power tailgate.
As for colors, three new colors have been added to the palette including River Rock Pearl (a new color exclusive to the Forester), Cashmere Gold Opal, and Daybreak Blue Pearl.
Inside, the Forester goes for a more functional take with scratch-resistant finishes used throughout. However, there’s still a bit of luxury built in thanks to the leather/suede combination seats with power adjustment for the driver and front passenger, dual zone climate control with rear vents, wireless charger, 360-degee camera, and an 11.6-inch portrait-style center touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system completes the list.
As for safety, the all-new Forester receives an enhanced version of Subaru EyeSight 4.0 which adds a third wide-angle monocular camera to the stereoscopic setup. This enables nine ADAS functions, namely: Lane Centering Function, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Sway Warning, Autonomous Emergency Steering, Pre-collision Throttle Management, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert, as well as Pre-Collision Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control.
And for the first time ever, the Forester also adds a Driver Monitoring System which uses a dedicated cabin-facing camera with facial recognition that monitors the driver for fatigue or lack of attention. It also saves certain settings for up to five pre-registered drivers. The Driver Monitoring System, along with Subaru’s myriad of sensors such as EyeSight 4.0 and blind spot indicators with rear cross traffic alert, allow for Emergency Driving Stop System which can automatically bring the vehicle to a complete stop if the driver is unconscious or incapacitated.
The all-new Forester 2.5-iS e-Boxer Hybrid is now available at all authorized Subaru dealerships with a suggested retail price of P 2,498,000. Price is inclusive of a 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and an 8-year high-voltage battery warranty. Check out the full specs below, or watch our first look.
2026 Subaru Forester 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid
Measurements & Weights
- Overall Length: 4,655 mm
- Overall Width: 1,830 mm
- Overall Height: 1,730 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,670 mm
- Ground Clearance: 220 mm
- Cargo Capacity: 484 L (rear seats up) / 1,655 L (rear seats down)
- Turning Circle: 5.4 meters
- Curb Weight: 1,760 kg
- Engine Capacity: 2,498 cc
- Engine Type: Horizontally-Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC, Atkinson Cycle
- Fuel Tank: 63 L
- Engine Output: 164 PS @ 5,600 rpm
- Engine Torque: 209 Nm @ 3,600-4,800 rpm
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
- Motor Output: 122 PS (90 kW)
- Motor Torque: 276 Nm
- Combined Output: 197 PS
- Transmission: Lineartronic CVT w/ 6-speed Manual Mode, Paddle Shifters
- Dual X-Mode
- Subaru SI-Drive
- EV Drive Mode
- 0 to 100 kph: 9.4 seconds
- Fuel Consumption: 14.49 km/L (6.9 L /100 km)
- Maximum Speed: 182 kph
- Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Independent, Double Wishbone
- Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
- Rear Brakes: Ventilated Disc
- ABS w/ EBD
- Electronic Parking Brake w/ Auto Hold
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Active Torque Vectoring
- Vehicle Dynamics Control System
- Automatic LED Headlights w/ Self-Leveling
- Steering Responsive Headlights w/ High Beam Assist
- LED Cornering Lamps
- LED Front & Rear Fog Lamps
- Low Profile Roof Rails
- Power Adjustable Sideview Mirrors w/ Fold and Auto Tilt
- Panoramic Sunroof w/ Anti-Pinch
- 235/50R19 Wheels & Tires
- Power Tailgate w/ Memory Function & Kick Sensor
- Keyless Entry w/ Push Button Start/Stop
- Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel
- Leather/Ultrasuede Seats
- 10-way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat w/ Memory
- 8-way Power Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
- 11.6-inch Full HD Touchscreen w/ Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 11-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System
- Dual Zone Climate Control w/ Rear Vents
- Wireless Charger
- USB Type A & C Ports
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- 60/40 Split-Fold Rear Seats w/ Recline
- 8 SRS Airbags
- Subaru EyeSight 4.0 w/ Emergency Driving Stop System
- Driver Monitoring System
- Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (Blind Spot Monitoring)
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- 360-degree Camera
Rear cargo only 484l? Parang mali 😅
ReplyDeleteDepends how Subaru measures their cargo space. Likely, they don't measure it floor to ceiling, but floor to the height of the tonneau cover. Whatever the reason, that's the indicated cargo volume in the spec sheet.
DeleteThis is definitely gonna be more worth it that the Honda CR-V hybrid.
ReplyDeleteP2.498M ! Too much money, not nearly enough Crossover even if awd.
ReplyDeleteSubaru makes decent vehicles, but the Chinese manufacturers are here.
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Good luck with the disposable cars from the disposable manufacturers.
DeleteChina? Japan is way far better in manufacturing
DeleteIf the quality of Chinese cars are anything like the quality of Chinese buses that local bus companies have been using (and keep buying) then we can expect the cars to last a while.
DeleteThank you for wishing Chinese vehicles owners luck! It does help.
DeleteThe company owns a Chinese HEV that's 2 years old, as well as a Chinese PHEV that's a year old, both assigned to for family use. Except for PMS, zero trips to the dealer as both have yet to encounter any mechanical, electrical, or cosmetic issues.
As a decades long Honda & Toyota buyer, the company was not as lucky with either brand. Yes both brands were very reliable, but both also had a few issues during the warranty period especially on the first year.
Also, if anyone is looking at a P2.498M Subaru, then surely they will also consider a Tesla Model Y LR AWD for P274K more.
Good luck then to the buyers of this Forester HEV as PMS will likely cost you at least P20K - P30+K per visit as told by my associates who got theirs about 5-6 years ago. Note that Subaru some time ago gifted buyers with 3 year free PMS as there were not enough buyers of Subaru due to the pricey PMS costs.
Also, from the shop the company sends its vehicles many Subarus have transmission issues, and some have written off their Subarus as the transmission repair/replacement is not recoverable.
For Subaru owners needing service or repair (past warranty period) one should consider going to Fusion R Motorsport where Subarus are their specialty. Of course there are others, but Fusion R M appears to be the best among all.
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Nice script, hope u get good social credit for this comrade
DeleteReferring to Chinese vehicles as disposable; not Japanese.
DeleteLooks promising. I believe it's the only Boxer-engine hybrid with symmetrical AWD available locally. Not even Porsche has this.
ReplyDeletea very niche market, still cant understand why Subaru is in PH market with volume less than 100 per month
DeleteMalakas na kaya ang rear aircon niyan? 🤔
ReplyDeleteVery nice price..Much cheaper and better than the CRV
ReplyDeleteSubaru employee here
DeleteNo spare tyre i suppose?
ReplyDeleteNone. You get an inflator kit.
DeleteScary that many hybrids now don't carry a regular spare tire like BYD. Possibly because a spare tire would make the car heavier and a hybrid or any electrified vehicle prefers to be as light as possible.
DeleteThere's simply no space for a spare...the battery goes where the spare normally is. You can do it Lexus style, where they offer the IS 300h with a spare tire. It's just exposed and eats into the trunk space:
Deletehttps://www.carguide.ph/2021/07/review-2021-lexus-is-300h-premier.html
Because it eats too much into the already limited trunk space, most people just tend to leave the spare tire at home.
DeleteGet a Ford Territory Hybrid if a spare tire is important to you. As far as I know, it’s the only hybrid with a spare tire.
DeleteThe Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets a full size spare and it doesn't affect cargo space whatsoever. Maybe other manufacturers should package their cars better instead of cost-cutting under the lie of "interior limitations" aye?
DeleteToyota is guilty of doing that too. There was an article here on carguide a while back highlighting the battery eating up the cargo space (I think it was about the Land Cruiser?). If it's as simple as just wanting to do it properly then they could have avoided it with all their cars, yeah?
DeleteStill had a spare tire, no? All that talk to still end up having this Subaru and other China trash be gimped feature wise lol
DeleteWay to move the goal posts. Lol
DeletePeople were talking about manufacturers removing the (imo very necessary) spare tire due to space constraints, yet you highlighted the Land Cruiser Prado's cargo space because it had.. a spare tire? Goal posts are right where they are, you just don't like your China brands getting dunked on lol
DeleteHalf of your statement talks about the spare tire. I didn't talk about the spare tire issue, did I?
Delete"Maybe other manufacturers should package their cars better instead of cost-cutting under the lie of "interior limitations" "
The other half (quoted above) is judging other manufacturers of cost-cutting and you imply that the ONLY reason ANY manufacturer releases a car with compromised cargo space is because they CHOSE to not package their car better and that 'interior limitations' are purely an excuse. I provided an example from Toyota themselves that would challenge that notion since you seemed to imply they are not prone to doing that.
And maybe you should read my comment again, the Prado's cargo space was eaten up by a large block containing the car's battery (again I didn't mention anything about the spare tire at all). If you're familiar with the ugly range-extending battery add-on for the Cybertruck (which eats up space the same way) than you'll know how that looks like.
Maybe I should have been clearer? It reads well enough to me (though I guess it's my fault for expecting too much in terms of reading comprehension in a comment section 😅) If that's the case, then that's my mistake then.
But I still challenge your assertion of goal posts staying where they are. Both goal posts may not have moved but it only takes moving one post (ignoring one point) for the saying to apply.
Also, where in the world did you come from to associate me with Chinese brands? For the record my comment at Sept 29 6:09 AM is my first comment to you in this chain. You might think I'm the same guy talking about BYD or the Ford territory further up, but I'm a different person so maybe check yourself.
Maybe I should I have started my comment with "Hi, different guy here! I want to talk about this part of your statement okay?"? lol
So the all-new Forester is exclusively offered only as a hybrid?
ReplyDeleteYup. Hybrid only.
DeleteThe US and Euro spec CR-V Hybrid has AWD, correct?
DeleteYes. The CR-V Hybrid has AWD (optional) in other markets.
DeleteA few fanboys really think this is better than the CRV 😂
ReplyDeleteyou are obviously not the target market of Subaru 😂 😂
DeleteIt's so easy to call other people fan boys, how about you just say, 'the CRV' s X is just flat out better than the Forester's X'? If the concept of the Forester being a compelling choice against the CRV is laughable to you then it shouldn't be that hard for you.
DeleteI'm really not part of the target market of Subaru. I don't like refilling my engine often due to leaking oil seals nor having my engine overhauled at such a young age 😂😂
DeleteDefinitely not the target market, Subaru's market share is less than 0.5%. I bet the commenter is not part of 0.5% of population
DeleteVs mazda CX5 turbo?
ReplyDeleteCX-5 Turbo a bit more expensive, and doesn't get a green plate. The CX-5, though, at least in our short drive experience versus the Forester, is quieter, plusher, and more refined. A more in-depth drive is required.
DeleteHow about this and the CX-60?
DeleteNothing looks good about this car both exterior and interior. Just wait for a 300k to 500K discount on this one in December or before 2026 MIAS
ReplyDeleteSubaru is never into the look good game when it comes to SUVs. They prioritize practicality.
Deleteremember, OEM's identify 6mos ~ 1yr as aging stocks. So wait 1yr after release, you will get the right price
DeleteAbout the spare tire, Toyoa HEVs have them. Examples are Corolla Cross and RAV4.
ReplyDeleteDriven both sa US for me mas better CRV. No skin in the game just saying experience from driving both.
ReplyDeleteOh god, it still has that stupid infotainment. Also, its looks huge despite measuring at only 4.65m.
ReplyDeleteLonger than the outgoing Forester. Wheelbase is the same though.
DeleteIts the design, it has the same lenght of a Lexus NX but NX looks compact. This one does not.
DeleteIf this is made in japan, then sakto lang presyo nya.
ReplyDelete0% tariffs for HEV, no reason for it to be expensive
Deletethis is an ugly suv
ReplyDeletewait till you see the 2026 Subaru Outback heheheee :P
DeleteThe new Outback is already out back there on the wait list.
DeleteI see what you did there
DeleteWhen buying a vehicle, its not only about the car, but the experience. Hope they have improved their after-sales service. I still dont see a lot of service centers outside NCR.
ReplyDeleteselling few hundred units per month, definitely not gonna provide good service. they will not store parts with those volume
DeleteSubarus maintenance costs an arm and a leg and a kidney.
ReplyDeleteAll for that AWD system that you never get to use 98% of the time.
People say maintenance of Subaru is comparable to maintenance of Honda.
DeleteHave you ever owned a Subaru? Not really. Unless you improperly mod or run your car and not properly maintain it then it will cost you more. But if you properly maintain it, it's not really that expensive. I have owned Subaru's for more than 11 years. no headache at all. AWD system is engaged 100% all the time so i don't get why you don't get to use it. haha. use case where it proves helpful is during rainy weather. cornering and driving on twisties is where you feel it. It's basically confidence in motion.
DeleteAre there any trade in programs from Motor Image?
ReplyDeleteWhy is it priced like that? Even if with the incentive program for EVs? Seems like Chinese cars like may advantage sa less tariff?
ReplyDeleteThey market Subaru as upmarket / premium. which i would disagree given how utilitarian the interiors are. Hence, the high price. I'm a Subaru fan, still own one which turned 11 years today. Still love the driving feel. I just stopped buying them as there's no compelling reason.
DeleteVery nice price but its maintenance costs are high.
ReplyDeleteSubaru is known for producing one of the best, if not the best, vehicles in the world.
DeleteSubarus are also known to have a very bad head gasket issues that never gets fixed. Changing the spark plugs alone would need the whole engine to be taken down to gain access to the valve cover.
DeleteBelieve it or not, this forester is using the toyota hybrid system including the eCVT (not the subaru lineartronic cvt) hence the high price point.
ReplyDeleteSo it’s not a chain type CVT that Subaru uses on most of its vehicles equipped with CVT transmission?
DeletePrice is competitive to jap hevs like CRV and rav4. If one is comparing this to a china car definitely it is more expensive. For Jap car it is on par with the market segment. Still can't believe how expensive these medium SUVs can be
ReplyDeleteThis just shows the failed HEV/EV incentive program by the government
ReplyDeleteGiving tax benefit to the manufacturers only made them increase their profit rather than offering low pricing to customers
HEV's get 0% import duty and -50% excise tax but we still get overpriced cars because of Subaru trying premium moves while its just a toyota underneath
Looking at the side and rear photos, I thought it was a Veloz.
ReplyDelete"thought it was a Veloz." Ouch !
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At least veloz not avanza more ouch
ReplyDeleteThis '26 Forester Hybrid, no matter its good Japanese quality & relatively decent pricing, will not be popular in the Philippine Market today because of the competitors vehicles equipped with more features and better tech at an affordable price
ReplyDeleteAs 95% of AWD vehicle owners only spend 1-2% of their time off-road, this AWD Forester Hybrid at P2.498M is not a practical buy. For the other 5% who truly need or want a vehicle designed for frequent off-road use, they would usually prefer a 4X4 PPV SUV, 4X4 Pick-Up, Suzuki Jimny, or other similar vehicles. Thus, the market of this Forester Hybrid is quite limited.
Hopefully for Subaru dealers here, this Forester will not be further burdened with abnormally high PMS costs.
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