2026 Subaru Forester

Discover the 2026 Subaru Forester in Normal, IL

Elevate your daily drive with the fully redesigned 2026 Subaru Forester, now available at Subaru of Bloomington Normal. For 2026, the Forester debuts a bolder, more sophisticated aesthetic with a prominent new grille and "squarer" shoulder lines that emphasize its rugged capability. Whether you are navigating the morning rush on Veterans Parkway or exploring the hidden trails of Central Illinois, the 2026 Forester offers the ultimate blend of panoramic visibility and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Visit us at 1430 Fort Jesse Rd in Normal to experience the SUV that combines Subaru’s legendary longevity with a major leap forward in modern refinement.

Interior

The interior of the Subaru Forester has been meticulously updated to be quieter, and filled with innovative features. The cabin has a new dash design centered around a standard 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen (on most trims) that handles everything from navigation to climate control with ease. For 2026, a new 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster is available, offering a customizable view of your driving data and safety alerts. Ergonomics have also seen a boost, with a redesigned center console that features a dedicated smartphone slot, expanded cupholders that accommodate 32-ounce bottles, and a shifter positioned closer to the driver for more natural control.

Passenger comfort is a cornerstone of the 2026 redesign. The new front seats feature improved bolstering to reduce fatigue, while the use of more sound-deadening material throughout the chassis has led to a 39% reduction in noise from the roof. With up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space and a new hands-free power rear gate with a kick sensor, the Forester is ready for everything from a major grocery haul to a camping trip at Comlara Park. Whether you choose the durable StarTex® upholstery of the Sport or the premium leather of the Touring, the 2026 Forester provides a spacious, light-filled sanctuary for up to five passengers.

Exterior

The 2026 Forester arrives with a "tougher" visual identity that reflects its go-anywhere spirit. The front fascia is dominated by a wider, gloss-black grille and standard LED Steering Responsive Headlights that peek out from a more angular hood. Around the sides, protective wheel arch cladding and air vents behind the front wheels help improve aerodynamics and stability at highway speeds. New for 2026, the River Rock Pearl paint joins the lineup, providing a sleek, modern look. The Wilderness trim returns as the ultimate off-roader, featuring 9.3 inches of ground clearance, matte-black 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and exclusive Anodized Copper accents.

Performance

Under the hood, the 2026 Forester is powered by a refined 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Subaru has retuned the engine to provide more low-end torque, making merges onto I-55 smoother and more responsive. The standard Lineartronic® CVT has been updated for quieter operation and features a manual mode with paddle shifters on select trims. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive remains the heart of the vehicle, now featuring a revised center differential for faster lockup and improved traction in the deep snow or mud of a typical Illinois winter.

Explore the Trims:

The 2026 Subaru Forester offers a diverse range of trims to fit your specific needs:

• Base: The essential entry featuring standard EyeSight, dual 7.0-inch screens, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
• Premium: The most popular choice, adding the 11.6-inch touchscreen, panoramic moonroof, and a 10-way power driver's seat.
• Sport: Features a unique "bronze" aesthetic, 19-inch bronze-finish wheels, and retuned sport-tuned suspension.
• Limited: A luxurious option with leather-trimmed upholstery, a power rear gate, and a heated steering wheel.
• Touring: The premium flagship with ventilated front seats, a 360-degree Surround View Monitor, and a smart rearview mirror.
• Wilderness: Built for the trails with 9.3 inches of clearance, upgraded suspension, and a 3,500-lb towing capacity.

Safety Features

Subaru’s world-renowned EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on every 2026 Forester, but it has been significantly upgraded. The new system features a wider field of view and a third camera (mono camera) that can identify pedestrians and cyclists at intersections earlier than ever before. New for 2026 is Emergency Stop Assist, which can safely bring the vehicle to a halt and activate hazard lights if the driver becomes unresponsive while using Adaptive Cruise Control. With standard LED headlights that pivot into corners and an available 360-degree camera, the 2026 Forester is engineered to keep you protected in the busy streets of Normal and beyond.

Visit Subaru of Bloomington Normal Today

The 2026 Subaru Forester is a smarter, tougher, and more refined version of the SUV you already trust. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you explore the new technology, compare trim levels, and find the perfect Forester for your next adventure. Schedule a test drive and see why the Forester remains the ultimate choice for Central Illinois drivers.