Verified year comparison
What changed on the Subaru Forester?
Compare only the features our editors have verified. A blank cell does not prove the vehicle lacks a feature—it means the cited guide does not cover that year.
Official configuration changes
Powertrain and efficiency by researched year.
This table compares the complete EPA-tested configuration set for each researched year, independently of feature-guide coverage.
Documentation matrix
Verified feature coverage
Scroll horizontally on a phone. Select two years above to highlight them and see the documented differences.
| Feature and equipment note | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Set a Lower Power Rear Gate Opening HeightVerified in the 2025 Forester Getting Started Guide for gasoline Foresters equipped with the factory Power Rear Gate; Base and unequipped configurations are excluded. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Start the Forester Hybrid and Confirm READY2026 Forester Premium Hybrid, 2026 Forester Sport Hybrid, 2026 Forester Limited Hybrid, 2026 Forester Touring Hybrid | Covered by this guide | Not covered by this guide |
| Turn Auto Start-Stop Off for the Current Drive2026 Forester Base, 2026 Forester Premium, 2026 Forester Sport, 2026 Forester Wilderness, 2026 Forester Limited, 2026 Forester Touring | Covered by this guide | Not covered by this guide |
| Use Auto Vehicle Hold in a Forester Hybrid2025 Forester Premium Hybrid, 2025 Forester Sport Hybrid, 2025 Forester Limited Hybrid, 2025 Forester Touring Hybrid | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
Important: this matrix compares published documentation coverage, not every factory option. The equipment/trim control filters the scope labels recorded on guides; it is not a factory build matrix. Confirm an individual vehicle in its window sticker, owner portal or dealer build record.