LOOK: Next-Generation 2026 Subaru Forester Spied Cruising In Makati

Well, well, well, it seems that the 2026 Subaru Forester’s arrival is upon us. That’s because a couple of days ago, we were able to capture the next-generation Forester being driven at Skyway around 10 pm. Though the badges and emblems are all covered up, there is no denying that this is the next-generation Forester.

But how soon can we expect the new Forester? Based on this sighting, the wait shouldn’t be any longer at the moment. Perhaps a fourth-quarter 2025 launch would be the most plausible. Since the launch date is still unknown, what can we expect from the new generation Forester?

Considering that Motor Image, its distributor in the Philippines, sources the Forester from Japan, the safest bet would be the new 2.5-liter e-Boxer hybrid drivetrain, branded in Japan as S:HEV. That’s because, unlike previous attempts at its e-Boxer hybrid system, this one is now a true hybrid, capable of running in pure electric mode for a decent amount of distance.

In this case, a 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with an electric motor that provides a system output of 194 horsepower. The electric motor uses a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, and it can power the vehicle in pure electric mode at short distances and intervals. As a result, in Japan, it is claimed to achieve up to 18.8 km/l based on WLTC testing.

The hybrid system is all hooked up to a familiar Lineatronic CVT, while in typical Subaru fashion, all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. However, unlike many automakers who are moving towards electronic AWD systems for their hybrids, Subaru chose to retain the mechanical Symmetrical AWD setup in the Forester Hybrid for more consistent and natural power delivery.

In Japan, the Forester is also available with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, but this verison of the Forester never reached the Philippines. The other safe bet is possibly a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine, as is the case with the Indonesian Forester. In this case, it produces 180 horsepower and 241 Nm of torque, sent, of course, through all four wheels, via a Lineatronic CVT.

For now, all we can do about its engines or specs is speculate, but until then, do stick to Go Flat Out PH to know more about any new vehicle launches in the Philippine market.