Subaru has released pricing and specifications for the 2027 Forester in both gas and hybrid versions, and order banks are now open. The Forester carries over for model year 2027, so the news centers on trim availability, build sourcing, and order codes. Deliveries are expected to begin in December, which puts the ordering window squarely in front of fleets planning year-end and early-2027 replacements.
What changes for model year 2027
Subaru describes the MY27 Forester as a carryover with a short list of spec changes. The gas versions of the Sport, Sport Onyx, and Touring trims have been discontinued. Sport and Touring are now Hybrid-only, and the Sport Hybrid no longer carries the bronze exterior accents.
Fleets that are standardized on a gas Sport or Touring trim will need to move to the hybrid version of that trim or select from the remaining gas trims. Vehicle selection policies, driver eligibility tiers, and cost-per-mile models built around the previous lineup deserve a fresh review before orders go in.
Subaru also says it repositioned Forester pricing for the model year and characterizes the value proposition as highly competitive on both gas and hybrid models. Pricing shifts flow through to lease rates and total cost of ownership, so quotes should be built from MY27 figures.
Build source and order codes
All MY27 Forester fleet production is sourced from Indiana. The one order-code detail to watch involves the Forester Premium with Option Package 15. Fleet customers should order VFD-15. Subaru states that VFD-15 and VFC-15 are identically equipped, and that VFC-15 is available only through the retail channel and is produced in Japan.
Because the two codes belong to different sales channels, each Premium with Option Package 15 order should be checked against the fleet code before it is submitted. Ask your fleet provider or dealer to confirm the code on the order confirmation.
Timing and supply
Subaru reports a very good supply for both the gas and hybrid models and anticipates deliveries beginning in December. With order banks open now, fleets have time to finalize trim decisions, secure quotes, and line up delivery against vehicles scheduled for replacement.
The manufacturer's fleet participation fee continues for MY27 until further notice. Subaru also notes, as it does each year, that pricing and specifications are subject to change, so confirm details with your fleet provider before finalizing an order.
Recognition Subaru cites
The announcement lists several third-party results for the Forester:
- The IIHS named the Forester a Top Safety Pick+.
- J.D. Power ranked it first for projected resale value among compact SUVs.
- Consumer Reports rates the Forester Hybrid as the top compact SUV, with the gas Forester in second place.
- The Forester Hybrid is also the safest recommended compact SUV, per the same publication.
- Over 13 consecutive years, the Forester has held the top compact SUV spot in Consumer Reports, which also rates it the most comfortable in its class.
Projected resale value carries particular weight in fleet planning, since residuals influence lease pricing and remarketing outcomes. These are Subaru's summaries of third-party results, so fleets comparing compact SUVs should review the source ratings alongside competing models before settling on a standard.
What fleet managers can do now
- Review trim standards and driver eligibility against the discontinued gas trims.
- Request refreshed MY27 quotes on both the gas and hybrid Forester from your fleet provider.
- Verify order codes, especially VFD-15 for the Premium with Option Package 15.
- Match the December delivery expectation to your replacement schedule and any vehicles nearing end of term.
- Weigh duty cycle when comparing powertrains. Hybrid systems tend to deliver their largest fuel savings in stop-and-go driving, so units assigned to suburban and urban routes are natural candidates.
The trim consolidation also gives fleets a reason to revisit hybrid adoption generally. With Sport and Touring available only as hybrids, drivers who want those trims will be in a hybrid regardless, and the fleet's fuel tracking, maintenance planning, and driver onboarding should reflect that.
Plan your Forester order
Order banks for the 2027 Forester are open, and the trim and code changes make early planning worthwhile. EMKAY's team can help you compare configurations, review lease structures, and time deliveries to your replacement cycle. Reach us at 630.250.7400 or info@emkay.com.
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