2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Comparison

The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid emerges as the top choice for active families by combining a robust 3,500 lbs towing capacity and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with a balanced $40,495 base MSRP. While the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD offers higher city MPG and the Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD features a larger rear cargo hold, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid provides strong 9.3-inch ground clearance, advanced safety equipment, and off-road trail capability without demanding a luxury price tag.

Blue Subaru SUV parked on a dirt trail on a grassy hill during sunset with scenic mountain views.

Which 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid, 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD, or 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD Is the Best Overall for Chesterfield Families?

The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is the strong overall choice for local families due to its strong combination of 3,500 lbs towing capacity, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and 9.3 inches of unladen ground clearance at a starting MSRP of $40,495.

When evaluating compact electrified crossovers for all-weather utility, daily practicality, and weekend recreational demands, comparing specifications reveals clear operational distinctions. The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid arrives with a 2.5L 4-cylinder powertrain generating 194 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque channeled through a Lineartronic CVT. In comparison, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD produces 236 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque from its 2.5L setup with an ECVT, priced starting at $39,900. Meanwhile, the top-tier 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD uses a 2L engine producing 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque with a CVT, coming in at a higher $42,950 base MSRP.

For suburban households navigating routine commutes and trips to local parks near Chesterfield, capability extends beyond horsepower figures. The Forester Wilderness Hybrid matches the RAV4's 3,500 lbs towing capacity while dramatically outpacing the CR-V's limited 1,000 lbs tow limit. Furthermore, Subaru’s mechanical full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive delivers consistent, continuous power distribution to all four wheels. This provides superior traction on unpaved access roads, muddy trails, or slick winter pavement compared to part-time electric-motor rear-wheel drive setups.

To explore our current inventory of adventure-ready crossovers, you can check out our new Subaru Forester selection, browse our larger three-row Subaru Ascent inventory, or view our full current new Subaru inventory to find the right fit for your household.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

Specification2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD
Engine2.5L2.5L2L
Horsepower194 hp236 hp204 hp
Torque199 lb-ft170 lb-ft247 lb-ft
TransmissionLineartronic CVTECVTCVT
DrivetrainAll-wheel driveAll-wheel driveAll-wheel drive
Blue SUV driving on a winding two-lane road surrounded by colorful autumn trees on rolling hills. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

How Pricing and Trim Features Compare for These SUVs

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD carries the lowest entry price at $39,900, but the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid delivers significantly better long-term functional value at $40,495 compared to the $42,950 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD.

Pricing structures among these three adventure-focused hybrid crossovers reflect distinct equipment packaging strategies. The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid carries a base MSRP of $40,495 with a $1,475 destination charge, bringing its total entry point to $41,970. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD starts slightly lower at $39,900 MSRP, but a $1,595 destination charge brings its starting total to $41,495. The 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD occupies the top tier of its lineup with a $42,950 base MSRP and a $1,550 destination charge, resulting in a total price of $44,500.

What makes the Forester Wilderness Hybrid strong value is the extensive list of standard capability hardware included in its base price. Unlike traditional crossovers that charge extra for off-road styling upgrades, the Wilderness Hybrid includes a raised suspension providing 9.3 inches of ground clearance, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 9.3-inch-wide all-terrain tires, engine underbody protection, and dual-function off-road drive modes. The RAV4 Woodland AWD features 18-inch alloy wheels with 8.5 inches of ground clearance, while the CR-V Sport Touring AWD focuses primarily on road-oriented luxury with 19-inch wheels and 8.2 inches of clearance.

Shoppers who want to evaluate pre-owned pricing benchmarks across various model years can inspect our pre-owned vehicle inventory to analyze trade-in retention and value across the segment.

Pricing

Manufacturer-listed pricing per trim, across compared vehicles.

2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid TrimMSRP2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD TrimMSRP2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD TrimMSRP
Wilderness Hybrid$40,495Hybrid Woodland AWD$39,900Hybrid Sport Touring AWD$42,950

Cargo and Passenger Space for Family Gear Runs

While the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD leads in initial cargo volume behind the second row with about 38 cu ft, the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid offers a more comfortable passenger cabin featuring 43.3 in of front legroom and 40 in of front headroom, expanding to about 69 cu ft of maximum cargo space with rear seats folded flat.

Cabin space and seating ergonomics play a massive role in day-to-day satisfaction during family errands, sports drop-offs, and weekend road trips. The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is engineered with an upright, boxy greenhouse that optimizes interior volume and outward visibility. Front occupants enjoy 40 inches of headroom and class-leading 43.3 inches of legroom, alongside 58.1 inches of shoulder room. Rear passengers receive 37.7 inches of headroom and 39.4 inches of legroom. Behind the rear bench, the Forester offers about 27.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, which expands to a spacious about 69 cu ft when the 60/40-split rear seatbacks are folded down.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD provides about 38 cu ft of cargo volume behind the rear seats and about 70 cu ft maximum, but offers less front legroom at 41 inches and front headroom of 37.7 inches. The 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD yields about 35 cu ft behind the second row and expands to a maximum of about 76.5 cu ft, providing 41.3 inches of front legroom and 38.2 inches of headroom. However, the Forester’s wide rear gate opening, low 29.5-inch cargo loading floor height, and heavy-duty cargo tie-down hooks make loading heavy coolers, sports bags, and camping equipment exceptionally effortless.

If you are planning to upgrade your current family crossover, our team can help you estimate your trade-in value quickly online before visiting our showroom.

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim

Specification2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD
Seating555
Cargo27.5 cu ft37.8 cu ft34.7 cu ft
Curb weight3,675 lbs3,814 lbs3,926 lbs
Towing3,500 lbs3,500 lbs1,000 lbs
Spacious SUV cargo area with folded seats and protective rubber mats looking out into a green forest.

Performance and Driving Experience on Ladue’s Rolling Hills

The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid delivers the most capable and secure all-terrain driving experience with 194 hp, 199 lb-ft of torque, and full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, giving drivers constant mechanical traction that part-time electronic systems cannot match on steep or uneven surfaces.

Navigating uneven pavement, steep inclines, and changing weather conditions requires a chassis and drivetrain engineered for stability. The Forester Wilderness Hybrid utilizes Subaru's 2.5L Subaru BOXER® 4-cylinder engine coupled with a transmission-integrated electric motor generator (117.9 hp / 199 lb-ft motor output) and a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup generates a system total of 194 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed continuously to all four wheels via Lineartronic CVT and full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. On the mature, tree-lined neighborhoods and gently rolling hills of Ladue, this mechanical configuration maintains balanced weight distribution and constant grip.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD utilizes a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors (a 134 hp front motor and a 53.6 hp rear motor) fed by a 1.59 kWh battery. This combination produces 236 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque through an ECVT. Toyota’s Electronic On-Demand AWD relies on the rear electric motor to engage the back wheels only when slippage is detected. The 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD generates 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque from a 2L engine and a 181 hp electric motor with a 1.4 kWh battery, utilizing Real Time AWD.

While the RAV4 offers higher system horsepower and the CR-V delivers stronger low-end torque, neither matches the Forester Wilderness Hybrid's off-road geometry. The Forester boasts an impressive 23.5-degree approach angle and a 25.5-degree departure angle, compared to 20 degrees approach / 24 degrees departure on the RAV4 Woodland AWD, and 16.1 degrees approach / 21.3 degrees departure on the CR-V Sport Touring AWD. Furthermore, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid features a 3,500 lbs towing capacity, matching the RAV4 while drastically outperforming the CR-V’s 1,000 lbs rating.

To explore flexible purchasing paths for your next adventure vehicle, you can contact us about financing using our secure online tools.

Hybrid Fuel Efficiency and Range for Commuters

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD achieves the highest EPA fuel economy ratings at 38 combined MPG, but the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid provides a practical 26 combined MPG (24 city / 28 hwy) and a large 16.6-gallon fuel tank that delivers a total driving range of 432 miles.

Fuel efficiency and total driving range dictate how often you stop at the pump during busy work weeks and long-distance road trips. The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid balances its rugged, trail-ready hardware and raised suspension with efficient electrified performance, delivering EPA estimates of 24 city MPG, 28 hwy MPG, and 26 combined MPG. Thanks to its generous 16.6-gallon fuel tank capacity, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid delivers an EPA calculated vehicle range of 432 miles on a single fill-up of regular unleaded fuel.

By comparison, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD achieves 41 city MPG, 35 hwy MPG, and 38 combined MPG. Equipped with a 14.5-gallon fuel tank, it offers an estimated total range of 551 miles. The 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD posts EPA ratings of 40 city MPG, 34 hwy MPG, and 37 combined MPG. With its 14-gallon fuel tank, the CR-V delivers a total range of 518 miles.

While the Toyota and Honda crossovers achieve higher efficiency numbers on smooth pavement, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid trades a small amount of highway MPG for aggressive all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance, and robust underbody protection that allow eco-conscious drivers to explore further off the beaten path.

When it comes time to customize your crossover for outdoor adventures, our parts department can help you order genuine Subaru parts and accessories designed specifically for your vehicle.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy and range by trim

Specification2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD
MPG24 city / 28 hwy / 26 combined41 city / 35 hwy / 38 combined40 city / 34 hwy / 37 combined

Technology Features That Simplify School Runs and Weekend Trips

The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid stands out with its standard 11.6-inch high-resolution center touchscreen display, outsizing both the 10.5-inch screen in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD and the 9-inch display in the Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD.

Modern families rely on intuitive infotainment, seamless smartphone connectivity, and accessible charging options to keep everyone connected and entertained. The Forester Wilderness Hybrid comes equipped with an 11.6-inch vertical multimedia touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. The system includes standard Bluetooth® audio streaming, voice-activated controls, SiriusXM® satellite radio with a 4-month trial subscription, and over-the-air (OTA) software update capability. Cabin convenience is further enhanced by two front USB charging ports, two rear USB charging ports, and three 12V power outlets located in the front console, rear seat area, and cargo compartment.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD features a 10.5-inch center display paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, three front USB ports, two rear USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. The 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD includes a 9-inch center touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument display, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system with a subwoofer, a wireless charging pad, and four USB ports (two front, two rear).

Subaru also provides long-term peace of mind through its MYSUBARU COMPANION telematics system, offering 60 months of included subscription services that cover breakdown assistance, automatic collision notification, and remote vehicle controls.

Car interior with a large vertical touchscreen display showing GPS navigation and copper trim accents on the dashboard. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

Safety Systems Designed for Busy Parents and Surrounding Areas

The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid delivers exceptional occupant protection equipped with standard EyeSight® Driver Assist technology, an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick Plus rating, and 7 standard airbags protecting all seating positions.

Safety is paramount for family vehicles, and Subaru continues to lead the industry with advanced driver-assist technology. The Forester Wilderness Hybrid comes standard with EyeSight® Driver Assist technology. This comprehensive suite includes automatic pre-collision emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane departure warning with steering intervention, active lane control, and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The system operates down to minimum speeds of 7 mph and activates brake lights automatically during emergency stopping maneuvers.

In crash testing, the Subaru Forester earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus designation, achieving "Good" ratings across all impact tests, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, headlight effectiveness, and LATCH child-seat ease of use. It also earned a 5-star overall Euro NCAP safety rating with an 83% adult occupant score and an 89% child occupant score.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD includes Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 and 8 standard airbags, while the Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD comes equipped with Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and 10 standard airbags. However, the CR-V earned a lower "Poor" rating in the updated IIHS moderate overlap front test, giving the Forester a safety advantage for protecting rear-seat passengers.

Warranty, Maintenance, and Local Service Options for These SUVs

The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is backed by a comprehensive manufacturer warranty package, including a 36-month/36,000-mile whole vehicle OEM warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 36 months/36,000 miles of roadside assistance coverage.

Warranty / Service Feature2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD
Basic Warranty36 mth / 36,000 mi36 mth / 36,000 mi36 mth / 36,000 mi
Powertrain Warranty60 mth / 60,000 mi60 mth / 60,000 mi60 mth / 60,000 mi
Corrosion Perforation60 mth / Unlimited mi60 mth / 60,000 mi60 mth / Unlimited mi
Roadside Assistance36 mth / 36,000 mi24 mth / Unlimited mi36 mth / 36,000 mi
Maintenance ProgramAvailable24 mth / 25,000 mi12 mth / 12,000 mi

When your vehicle requires routine maintenance or routine inspections, our factory-trained technicians understand Subaru’s unique engineering—trust us to keep your vehicle safe and reliable. For drivers in the St. Louis metro area, our Sunset Hills showroom address is easy to reach. You can give our service team (314) 476-9638 for maintenance inquiries or schedule a service appointment online at your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hybrid SUV Capability

Q: Is the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid better suited for off-road trails than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD?

A: Yes. The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid features 9.3 inches of unladen ground clearance, a 23.5-degree approach angle, a 25.5-degree departure angle, and full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD offers 8.5 inches of ground clearance, a 20-degree approach angle, a 24-degree departure angle, and relies on a part-time rear electric motor for all-wheel drive, giving the Forester greater stability and clearance on tough terrain.

Q: How does the towing capacity compare between the Forester Wilderness Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid?

A: The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 lbs, matching the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD. In contrast, the 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD is rated to tow just 1,000 lbs. This makes the Forester Wilderness Hybrid significantly better suited for hauling small boats, utility trailers, or pop-up campers.

Q: Which of these hybrid crossovers offers the largest center touchscreen display?

A: The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid comes standard with an 11.6-inch high-resolution center touchscreen. This is larger than the 10.5-inch touchscreen display found in the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD and the 9-inch screen equipped on the 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD.

Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and range of the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid?

A: The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid features a 16.6-gallon fuel tank that uses regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline. Combined with its EPA fuel economy rating of 26 combined MPG (24 city / 28 hwy), it delivers an EPA calculated driving range of 432 miles on a single tank.

Q: What safety awards has the 2027 Subaru Forester earned?

A: The Subaru Forester earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick Plus status, achieving "Good" ratings across all crashworthiness evaluations, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side impact tests. It also holds a 5-star overall Euro NCAP safety rating.

Which Hybrid SUV Should You Drive Home Today?

While the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland AWD offers strong city fuel economy and the 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD provides a quiet highway ride, the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid delivers the most complete balance of capability, technology, and overall value. With its robust 3,500 lbs towing capacity, 9.3 inches of ground clearance, full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard 11.6-inch touchscreen, and IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus protection, it stands out as the adventure-ready crossover for active households.

Ready to discover the all-wheel drive advantage for your family? Visit Sunset Hills Subaru to test drive the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid today. Schedule your test drive today and experience the Subaru difference firsthand!

A blue Subaru SUV driving through a muddy puddle on an off-road path with a surfboard on the roof rack.

Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.


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