Choose the Premium for the strongest everyday value: panoramic moonroof, power driver's seat, heated equipment, wireless charging and X-Mode. Choose Sport for 19-inch bronze wheels, StarTex Sport upholstery, dual-mode X-Mode, blind-spot technology and a bolder cabin. Sport OP24 is the complete version if you also want Harman Kardon audio, a power rear gate and Reverse Automatic Braking.
Premium already covers a lot.
| 2026 feature | Premium | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $31,995 | $34,795 |
| Engine / economy | 180 hp / 26 city, 33 hwy | 180 hp / 25 city, 32 hwy |
| Moonroof | Panoramic, standard | Panoramic, standard |
| Driver seat | 10-way power with lumbar | 10-way power with lumbar |
| Upholstery | Cloth | Gray Sport StarTex |
| Wheels | 17-inch alloy | 19-inch bronze-finish alloy |
| Blind spot / rear cross traffic | With OP15 | Standard |
| Power rear gate | With OP15 | With OP24 |
| HK audio / reverse auto braking | Not in OP15 | With OP24 |
The Premium is not a stripped trim. It includes the 11.6-inch multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, heated mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, wireless charger, power driver seat and X-Mode.
Why OP15 and OP24 matter.
Premium OP15 adds $1,200 for the power rear gate, Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. That is a focused, easy-to-understand package. A Premium OP15 starts around $33,195 before destination and other equipment.
Sport includes blind-spot and rear cross-traffic technology, dual-mode X-Mode, paddle shifters, low-profile roof rails, bronze exterior accents and StarTex Sport upholstery. OP24 adds $1,700 for Harman Kardon audio, the power rear gate and Reverse Automatic Braking. If you want Sport, OP24 is often the build that feels finished.
Ride, tires and San Diego streets.
The 19-inch Sport wheels sharpen its stance, while the Premium's 17-inch setup leaves more tire sidewall. That can mean lower replacement cost and a more forgiving response over broken pavement. This is a feel question, not a spreadsheet questionâdrive both on the same road.
Premium wins whenâŠ
Value, ride comfort and lower tire cost matter more than appearance. OP15 adds the three upgrades most families ask for.
Sport wins whenâŠ
You genuinely want its bronze styling, StarTex cabin and dual-mode X-Mode. Add OP24 when audio, power liftgate and Reverse Automatic Braking are must-haves.
What current inventory says.
On September 2, Carlsbad inventory included 12 Premium and nine Sport models. Every Premium in that snapshot was in transit; seven of nine Sports were available now. Market prices ranged from $34,212â$35,914 for Premium and $38,819â$39,680 for Sport. Availability can be worth more than a theoretical configuration if your deadline is real.
Frequently asked questions.
Does the Forester Sport have more horsepower than Premium?
No. Both gas trims use the 180-horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine.
What is Forester Premium OP15?
It is a $1,200 factory package adding a power rear gate, Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Is Sport OP24 worth it?
It is the package to target if you want Harman Kardon audio, a power rear gate and Reverse Automatic Braking. If those do not matter, standard Sport keeps the distinctive design and core equipment.
Sources and method.
Specifications and starting MSRPs come from manufacturer material; California fees come from state agencies; local availability and market-price ranges come from the BuyASubie inventory snapshot dated September 2, 2026. Inventory and incentives can change after publication.