2026 Subaru Forester Review — AWD King of the Desert?

Not every compact SUV comes with all-wheel drive as standard. In fact, almost none do in this price bracket. But the 2026 Subaru Forester has always played by its own rules — and this sixth-generation redesign sharpens the formula with more refinement, better tech, and that unshakable Symmetrical AWD system that GCC drivers will appreciate when the tarmac ends and the sand begins.

Starting at AED 118,000 in the UAE, the 2026 Subaru Forester occupies an interesting niche: it's pricier than some mainstream rivals yet undercuts premium badges. The question isn't whether it's competent — it absolutely is. The question is whether its laid-back personality fits what GCC buyers actually want.

Let's dig in.

2026 Subaru Forester Overview: What's New?

The 2026 Forester rides on Subaru's updated SGP platform with more structural adhesive and additional sound-deadening material. Translation? It's stiffer and quieter than before — both welcome improvements for long highway cruises between Dubai and Abu Dhabi or the Riyadh–Dammam corridor.

This is a sixth-generation redesign, not a mere facelift. Subaru has retuned the suspension, made the AWD center differential respond faster, and refined the EyeSight safety suite. The formula remains familiar — boxy, practical, AWD-first — but the execution is more polished.

Key stats at a glance:

• Engine: 2.0L flat-four petrol (GCC spec), 154 HP, 196 Nm torque
• Transmission: CVT with manual mode
• Drivetrain: Symmetrical AWD (standard)
• Fuel economy: 13.5 km/L
• 0–100 km/h: 10.3 seconds
• Top speed: 193 km/h
• Safety: 5-star NHTSA, 5-star Euro NCAP
• Made in Japan

Here's the thing: GCC-market Foresters get a 2.0L boxer engine producing 154 HP, while US-spec models receive a larger 2.5L unit with 180 HP. That's a notable difference we'll address throughout this review.

2026 Subaru Forester Exterior Design

Subaru hasn't reinvented the Forester's looks — it has evolved them. The 2026 model retains the tall, upright silhouette that prioritizes visibility over swooping drama. But the details are sharper.

The front fascia gets a bolder grille flanked by redesigned C-shaped headlights that give it a wider, more planted stance. The wheel arches are slightly more pronounced, and the body creases are crisper without making the Forester look busy.

Dimensions and stance:

• Ground clearance: 8.7 inches standard (up to 9.3 inches on Wilderness trims in markets where available)
• Boxier profile maximizes headroom and cargo space
• Full-size spare tire on select trims — a rarity in this class

But that's not all. The high beltline and large greenhouse mean outward visibility is genuinely excellent — you sit high and see far, which is invaluable when navigating tight mall parking in Dubai or merging onto busy Riyadh highways.

It's not going to turn heads like a Mazda CX-50, but the 2026 Subaru Forester wears its practicality proudly. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a really well-designed piece of outdoor gear — function-first, handsome in an honest way.

2026 Subaru Forester Interior & Comfort

Step inside and the Forester immediately feels airy. That boxy exterior pays dividends here — headroom is generous in both rows, and the large windows flood the cabin with light.

Cabin highlights:

• Seating for five with supportive, upright chairs — great for long drives
• Rear legroom is among the best in class; adults sit comfortably behind adults
• Cargo space is generous with a wide opening and low load floor
• Updated materials with softer-touch surfaces on key touchpoints
• Improved sound insulation reduces wind and road noise noticeably

Subaru has also improved the interior fit and finish for 2026. There's more padding on the armrests, the dashboard textures feel higher-grade, and the overall assembly quality reflects the "made in Japan" pedigree. It's not luxury-grade, but it doesn't pretend to be.

And the best part? The driving position is near-perfect. The seat height, steering reach, and pedal placement all feel natural from the moment you settle in. The upright pillars and slim A-pillars create a panoramic view that makes low-speed maneuvering — think tight underground parking or school drop-offs — surprisingly stress-free.

One downside: the cabin design is still more functional than stylish. If you want the wow factor of a 2026 Kia Sportage interior, the Forester will feel a bit clinical.

2026 Subaru Forester Performance & Driving

This is where the conversation gets honest. The GCC-spec 2026 Subaru Forester uses a 2.0L naturally aspirated flat-four producing 154 HP and 196 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT and Subaru's signature Symmetrical AWD.

Let's address the elephant in the room: 10.3 seconds to 100 km/h is slow. Not dangerously slow, but certainly slower than most rivals. The 2026 Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 both offer more punch from their turbo or hybrid powertrains. The CVT, while smooth during steady cruising, amplifies the engine's leisurely nature when you need a quick overtake on Sheikh Zayed Road.

How does the 2026 Subaru Forester drive?

• Ride quality: Excellent. The retuned suspension absorbs bumps and ripples with composure — ideal for the mix of smooth highways and pockmarked side roads common across the GCC
• AWD system: The star of the show. Symmetrical AWD with a faster-responding center differential means confident grip in rain, on gravel, or during those rare but real UAE downpours
• Steering: Light and accurate, though not overflowing with feedback
• Fuel economy: 13.5 km/L is respectable for a permanent AWD SUV of this size
• Highway cruising: Quiet and relaxed — the improved sound deadening makes 120 km/h cruising genuinely pleasant

Where the Forester shines is off the beaten path. That standard AWD, generous ground clearance, and proven durability make it more capable on desert tracks and wadi roads than most compact SUVs. It's no 2026 Toyota FJ Cruiser, but it'll handle the Hatta mountain roads or a weekend camping trip in the Empty Quarter with more confidence than any front-drive rival.

In markets where the Wilderness trim is available, the Forester gets 9.3 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a retuned suspension — making it a legitimate rival to the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands. GCC availability of that trim remains unconfirmed.

2026 Subaru Forester Technology & Safety

Subaru's EyeSight safety suite is standard across all GCC trims, and it's one of the most comprehensive active-safety packages in the segment. The 2026 model benefits from the latest generation of EyeSight with wider-angle cameras and faster processing.

EyeSight includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Lead vehicle start alert
• Automatic emergency steering

Infotainment and connectivity:

• Large touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless on higher trims)
• Physical knobs for climate and audio — a win for usability in hot weather when touchscreens get sweaty
• Harman Kardon audio available on premium trims
• Digital instrument cluster on upper trims

The safety ratings speak volumes: 5 stars from NHTSA and 5 stars from Euro NCAP. Subaru also scores a perfect 5.0 reliability rating with no known recurring problems, which should reassure anyone planning to keep their Forester for the long haul.

How Much Does the 2026 Subaru Forester Cost in the UAE?

Pricing for the 2026 Subaru Forester in the UAE spans from AED 118,000 to AED 135,000 across three trims. Here's the breakdown:

Trim	UAE Price (AED)	Key Additions
2.0L Eyesight 4WD	118,000–120,000	EyeSight safety suite, Symmetrical AWD, 17-inch alloys, cloth seats, basic infotainment
2.0L Eyesight Premium 4WD	130,000–132,000	18-inch alloys, leather seats, power tailgate, upgraded infotainment, Harman Kardon audio
2.0L Sport Eyesight 4WD	132,000–135,000	Sport styling, sport-tuned suspension, unique interior accents, paddle shifters

Which trim should you pick? The base Eyesight trim is the value play — you get the full safety suite and AWD system for AED 118,000. But the Premium trim at AED 130,000 adds the leather, power tailgate, and better audio that make daily life noticeably more pleasant. The Sport trim's upgrades are mostly cosmetic; unless you love the look, the Premium is the sweet spot.

Saudi pricing is estimated at SAR 135,000+ on average, though dealer-specific pricing may vary.

2026 Subaru Forester vs the Competition

The compact SUV segment in the GCC is fiercely competitive. Here's how the Forester stacks up against its key rivals:

vs. 2026 Honda CR-V: The CR-V offers more power, a slightly larger cabin, and strong resale value. But it doesn't offer standard AWD at this price point. If AWD matters to you, the Forester wins outright.

vs. Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 is the default choice — reliable, well-known, and with hybrid efficiency. Its 2.5L engine outpaces the Forester's 2.0L. But the RAV4's AWD variants command a premium, and the Forester's standard AWD means no upcharges.

vs. Mazda CX-50: The CX-50 is the style and driving-dynamics champion. It looks sharper and drives with more verve. But the Forester counters with superior visibility, better off-road capability, and that proven AWD system.

vs. Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport Badlands is the Forester Wilderness's direct rival — boxy, capable, and adventurous. But the Bronco Sport has a smaller cabin and less refined on-road manners.

The 2026 Subaru Forester's trump card remains standard AWD at a competitive price. In a region where rain, sand, and off-road detours are real considerations, that's not a small thing.

2026 Subaru Forester Verdict

The 2026 Subaru Forester is not the fastest, flashiest, or most exciting compact SUV in the GCC. It doesn't try to be. What it does offer is a rare combination of standard all-wheel drive, five-star safety, excellent visibility, and genuine off-road capability — all from a starting price of AED 118,000.

The 2.0L engine is undeniably sleepy, and the CVT won't thrill anyone. But for families who value safety, practicality, and the confidence of AWD on unpredictable surfaces, the Forester delivers where it counts. It's also one of the few compact SUVs you can genuinely take off-road without modifications — even more so if the Wilderness trim reaches GCC showrooms.

TL;DR: The 2026 Subaru Forester is the thinking person's compact SUV — slow but sure, practical above all, and uniquely capable thanks to standard AWD. If you need speed, look elsewhere. If you need confidence on every surface, this is your pick.