Subaru Forester vs Toyota bZ

Subaru had redesigned the 2025 Forester and introduced a hybrid version mid-year. For 2026, the Forester lineup included a revamped Wilderness model with modifications aimed at enhancing utility and safety. The Wilderness-spec Subaru was easily recognizable with its lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, exclusive wheel designs, extra body cladding, and anodized copper accents. The Wilderness badges added to its distinct look, which was polarizing but seemed more fitting on the Forester than other Subaru models.

Inside, the Forester Wilderness was designed for easy cleanup after adventures, featuring water-resistant artificial leather with improved breathability. Although seat ventilation was unavailable, all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat helped trap water, mud, and grime. Copper accents and Wilderness emblems on the front seat head restraints reinforced its rugged identity. Subaru had not released details for the 2026 Forester Hybrid, but the gas-only lineup included several trims with prices ranging from $31,445 to $43,045. The test vehicle, equipped with an optional package, had an MSRP of $42,035 and included a digital instrumentation panel, navigation system, Harman Kardon sound system, and power liftgate.

Toyota offered the 2026 bZ in XLE and Limited trims with options for single-motor FWD or dual-motor AWD, and two battery sizes. Models with the larger battery were pricier but provided more power, performance, and range, with prices ranging from $36,495 to $46,895. The XLE test vehicle had FWD and the optional larger battery, turning it into the XLE Plus with an MSRP of $40,468. The restyled 2026 bZ looked better with body-color trim, and the interior featured a cleaner dashboard and center console, enhancing quality and organization. The XLE’s fabric seats had an upscale pattern, and the center touchscreen was increased to 14 inches, integrating climate control with large adjustment dials and icons for ease of use. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Although it lacked the turbocharged option available in the Outback Wilderness, the Forester's lighter weight partially compensated for the power deficit. During testing in the Portland, Oregon area, the Forester's CVT performed well, maintaining engine responsiveness and offering eight programmed ratios with paddle shifters for manual control. The Wilderness model featured a shorter final-drive ratio for better low-speed responsiveness and increased towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

Subaru's Active Torque Split AWD system was standard, with X-Mode Dual Mode traction settings for various terrains. The Wilderness model had increased ground clearance to 9.3 inches, improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, and more underbody protection. Off-road testing showed the Forester Wilderness could handle challenging trails, though it wasn't as fuel-efficient, averaging 22.7 mpg compared to Subaru's estimate of 26 mpg.

The 2026 Toyota bZ XLE with FWD and a 57.7-kWh battery offered 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models with the larger battery produced 338 hp and offered varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ could recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger, and the larger battery required seven hours for a full charge with a Level 2 home charger.

Efficiency tests showed the bZ XLE Plus averaged 4.5 miles per kWh on a fuel economy loop and 3.9 miles per kWh on a mountainous route. The bZ lacked one-pedal driving capability, but its brake regeneration paddles provided some control. The bZ was easy to drive around town, with good visibility and standard parking sensors. On the highway, it was comfortable but lacked robust passing power, and its handling on winding roads was limited by the tires and steering.

The 2026 Subaru Forester emphasized function over form, with a classic two-box design maximizing passenger and cargo space. The Wilderness model's heated front seats were comfortable, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. However, it lacked a heated steering wheel and rear seats. A panoramic sunroof was standard, but its lack of tint could cause intense solar heating. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and safety improvements to the seatbelts.

The Forester Wilderness offered 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The boxy design made the most of the space, and Subaru offered numerous accessories to enhance cargo-carrying capabilities.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered easy entry and exit with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Both front seats had standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment in XLE and Limited trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats in the Limited trim. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a tray beneath the console.

Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good legroom, though foot space was tight. The bZ offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, reduced to 25.8 cubic feet in the Limited trim due to a subwoofer. The rakish rear window limited maximum cargo space, but folding the back seats provided 56.9 cubic feet of room.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Subaru Multimedia Plus software. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and MySubaru Companion connected services. However, the voice recognition system was limited, and the infotainment screen could be cluttered. The Wilderness model featured a 180-degree forward view camera system, though the camera's distorted view made it hard to trust.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital driver display and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Toyota Audio Multimedia. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect powered the native navigation system and Intelligent Assistant, which performed well in testing. However, the lack of a home screen and low-contrast colors in daytime mode were drawbacks.

The 2026 Subaru Forester featured EyeSight, a package of camera-based ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Emergency Stop Assist. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it aimed to improve rear passenger safety for a higher score.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs. The Limited trim offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The bZ's adaptive cruise control response was inconsistent, and the driver monitoring system was overly sensitive. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech as Good, but the headlights and frontal-impact crash-tests received lower ratings.