Subaru Aims for 30-Plus Combined MPG with new Hybrid Forester Wilderness

Subaru’s electrification binge has created a whole new family of electric SUVs, from the Solterra to the Uncharted, Trailseeker, and now also, a new three-row 2027 Getaway. But Subaru’s EV play isn’t pure. Hybrids will play a bigger role in its  lineup in the coming years, and that expansion starts with the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid.

The latest Wilderness model will sport the most miserly powertrain of all the vehicles in that sub-brand, Subaru says. The basics are just a little off the beaten path: to the usual 2.5-liter flat-four engine, Subaru grafts on a lithium-ion battery and electric motors to spool up 194 horsepower and to raise fuel economy on the Wilderness edition by up to 25%. That could mean the standard Wilderness model’s 26-mpg combined rating might rise to the low-30-mpg range when final EPA numbers are published.

Aside from the hybrid system add-ons, the Wilderness edition remains the off-road specialist among Foresters. It’s lifted to 9.3 inches of ground clearance, with a revamped suspension tune and all-terrain tires all its own. Subaru’s X-Mode traction system and its hallmark all-wheel-drive system remain in place, too. Forester Wilderness wagons also get more sound deadening and body adhesive to make them more rugged, Subaru says.

Features on the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid include roof rails, 17-inch matte black wheels, an 11.6-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12.3-inch digital cluster with integrated Apple Maps, synthetic leather upholstery, 576 watts of Harman Kardon audio, and adaptive cruise control. Prices haven’t been confirmed, but the new hybrid arrives late in 2026.

Got a tip about a new vehicle powertrain? Send us a line at tips@thedrive.com

The post Subaru Aims for 30-Plus Combined MPG with new Hybrid Forester Wilderness appeared first on The Drive.