2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Gains Hybrid Powertrain, Canada Still Missing Out for Now

• Forester Wilderness Hybrid becomes the first Subaru Wilderness model offered with an electrified powertrain.

• Hybrid output reaches 194 hp while Wilderness ground clearance remains approximately 236 mm.

• Subaru still does not offer the Forester Wilderness trim in the Canadian market.

Subaru is growing its hybrid powertrain offering by making it available with the popular Wilderness sub-brand for the first time. U.S. Subaru customers may now select a Forester Wilderness Hybrid for the 2027 model year. At the time of writing, the off-road-oriented Forester Wilderness trim remains unavailable in Canada.

The new Wilderness Hybrid uses Subaru’s series-parallel hybrid system, pairing a specially developed 2.5L Atkinson/Miller-cycle Boxer 4-cylinder engine with electric motors and a lithium-ion battery.

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Despite the environmentally friendly hybrid powertrain joining the Wilderness line-up, key off-road hardware remains. Ground clearance measures 9.3 inches, or about 236 mm, and the model receives Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, underbody protection, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and dual-mode X-Mode.

The cabin includes StarTex upholstery, a heated steering wheel and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Wilderness Hybrid features a Harman Kardon audio system and a power rear gate. Geyser Blue, a colour associated with Wilderness models, is among the available exterior finishes.

For buyers who want the hybrid system without the Wilderness accessories, Subaru continues to offer it in all other trims, including Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring, however excluding the base model.

The Forester Wilderness Hybrid starts at US$40,495 before applicable charges, placing it only US$1,000 above the gasoline Wilderness at US$39,495. The only trim available with the hybrid powertrain in Canada is the Premier, and it commands a $3,000 premium over the non-electrified powertrain at CDN$51,508 with fees.

In Canada, adding another hybrid option highlights an ongoing product difference between the two markets. Subaru does not currently offer the Forester Wilderness in Canada, and a sole hybrid option.

Subaru builds the 2027 Forester and Forester Hybrid in Lafayette, Indiana, and Gunma, Japan. The latter would be tariff-exempt for Canadian consumption…