Introducing the New Subaru Forester: Redesigned for Raleigh and Beyond
Whether you're navigating the morning commute on I-40 between Garner and downtown Raleigh or heading out for a weekend getaway at Lake Benson Park, the 2026 Subaru Forester is engineered to handle the unique rhythm of the Triangle. From the stop-and-go traffic of Fayetteville Street to the winding backroads of Wake County, this SUV offers the perfect blend of fuel efficiency for city driving and rugged capability for North Carolina's diverse landscapes. With its spacious interior and advanced safety features, it provides a confident driving experience for local families and commuters alike, ensuring you stay comfortable whether you're shopping at White Oak Crossing or exploring the Neuse River Trail.
Performance and Powertrain
For 2026, the Forester remains focused on balanced, dependable performance rather than high-speed sports dynamics.
Engine: 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine.
Output: $180 \text{ hp} @ 5,800 \text{ rpm}$ and $178 \text{ lb-ft} @ 3,700 \text{ rpm}$.
Transmission: Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Higher trims (Sport, Wilderness, Limited, Touring) include an 8-speed manual mode with paddle shifters.
Efficiency: Delivers up to 33 MPG highway and 26 MPG city for most trims.
Towing: Standard models are rated for 1,500 lbs, while the Wilderness trim features an upgraded transmission cooler allowing for up to 3,500 lbs.
Rugged Engineering and Versatile Specs
The 2026 Subaru Forester is built on a reinforced chassis that offers a 10% increase in torsional rigidity, translating to a smoother, quieter ride across the varying road surfaces of North Carolina. Standard trims like the Premium and Limited provide a versatile 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the off-road-focused Wilderness trim increases that height to 9.3 inches to better navigate ruts and debris. Depending on the trim you choose, the Forester comes equipped with durable 17, 18, or 19-inch alloy wheels, with the Wilderness specifically featuring matte black 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama GEOLANDAR® All-Terrain tires for enhanced grip on loose soil or gravel.
Inside, the cabin is designed for both utility and high-tech convenience. Most trims feature the expansive 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia touchscreen, though the base model utilizes a dual 7.0-inch display system. Cargo versatility remains a hallmark of the Forester, offering up to 74.4 cubic feet of space in standard models and 69.1 cubic feet in the Wilderness trim. Whether you're hauling home improvement supplies from Garner or camping gear for a trip to the coast, the wide rear gate opening and available foot-activated power liftgate ensure that loading and unloading are as seamless as possible.
Color Palette (Exterior)
The 2026 colors lean into earth tones and metallic finishes. Note: Availability varies significantly by trim level.
Primary Options: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, and Crimson Red Pearl.
Adventure Tones: Autumn Green Metallic, Sapphire Blue Pearl, and River Rock Pearl.
Trim-Specific: * Geyser Blue: Exclusive to the Wilderness trim.
Daybreak Blue Pearl & Dark Mahogany Pearl: Typically found on Touring and Limited trims.
Bronze Accents: The Sport trim features unique bronze-finish exterior accents and wheels.
Suited Terrain and Capability
Subaru engineers the Forester to excel where pavement ends, but the specific "best" terrain depends on the trim choice:
Rain and Slick Roads (All Trims): Perfect for the frequent heavy rainstorms in North Carolina, the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides consistent traction on wet asphalt.
Light Trails and Mud (Sport, Limited, Touring): These trims feature X-MODE®, which optimizes the engine and AWD system for slick surfaces. The "Dual-Function" version adds specific settings for Deep Snow and Mud.
Technical Off-Roading (Wilderness): Suited for the Appalachian foothills or sandy coastal paths. Its 9.3 inches of clearance and improved approach/departure angles allow it to clear obstacles that would catch the bumpers of other compact SUVs.
A Note on Brand Guidelines
Per Subaru's marketing standards, we avoid describing the vehicle as "unstoppable" or "bulletproof," as these terms can imply a lack of need for driver caution. Instead, the focus is on "Active Safety," "Dependable Confidence," and "Versatile Capability." The 2026 Forester is designed to provide "peace of mind" through its standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology.
Visit Southern States Subaru Serving Raleigh, Garner, and Clayton, NC for Your Next 2026 Subaru Forester
Ready to experience the redesigned 2026 Subaru Forester for yourself? Browse our new inventory online today to see the latest trims arriving at our Raleigh showroom. If you're traveling from Garner or Clayton, our centrally located dealership at 2511 Wake Forest Road. Contact our sales team today and let us help you drive home in a 2026 Forester built for your next North Carolina adventure!
