Subaru has built a reputation for providing go-anywhere vehicles – and it’s taken things to the next level with the introduction of its Wilderness line-up, off-road-oriented models equipped with beefier tires, higher ground clearance and other upgrades. At this week’s Chicago Auto Show, we got a first look at the latest entry, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness.
With its improved ground clearance and other updates, Subaru claims the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is well suited for serious off-roaders.
There’s a reason why Subaru has gained such a grip on Snowbelt markets. With features like its Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive technology, its products are well-equipped to handle whatever challenges winter might throw at them.
But the Japanese automaker has taken things to the next level with the launch, a few years back, of its Wilderness sub-brand. These models add things like beefier tires, revised bumpers, higher ground clearance and other features meant to boost off-road capabilities, as well.
The Japanese automaker pulled the wraps off the latest member of the Wilderness family at the Chicago Auto Show on Thursday, February 6, with the debut of the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness – which took its bow alongside the newly updated Forester Hybrid. Here’s what we’ve learned about the off-road crossover.
First look
Features like X-Mode and Hill Descent Control enhance the off-road capabilities of the Forester Wilderness.
The newest addition to the Wilderness line starts out as the familiar Subaru Forester crossover but it gets a number of welcome upgrades:
- Ground clearance jumps to 9.3 inches, up from 9.2 inches with the prior model;
- An upgraded suspension and all-terrain tires;
- Skid plating;
- Front and rear tow hooks;
- A revised X-Mode function for use when off-roading.
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness also gets upgrades to its interior, and the latest version of the automaker’s advanced driver assistance system, EyeSight.
Performance upgrades
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness makes its debut at the Chicago Auto Show.
The improve ground clearance is the result of Subaru adopting new coil springs and shocks. The automaker also claims the “suspension has been tuned for improved stability and comfort on- and off-road.”
To further enhance grip, the Wilderness package turns to big Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires mounted on unique 17-inch anthracite wheels.
For those who really will take the crossover off-road, the numbers suggest it should be able to attack some reasonably challenging terrain, in part due to modifications to the front and rear bumpers, as well as that ride height increase. The 2026 Forester Wilderness boasts an approach angle of 23.4 degrees, a ramp breakover of 21 degrees, and departure angles of up to 25.5 degrees. The outgoing model was rated at 19, 19.6 and 24.6 degrees, respectively.
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The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness draws power from a 2.4-liter Boxer engine.
Powertrain
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness draws power from a naturally aspirated version of the automaker’s familiar 2.5-liter Boxer engine. Here it’s rated at 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
Wilderness now get an uprated transmission cooler aimed at keeping the crossover running under the most demanding of conditions, whether towing or out on the trail.
The 2026 crossover gets a tow rating of 3,500 pounds.
Other features
The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness offers upgraded technology, along with durable materials making it easy to get the cabin clean.
Things can get dirty out on the trail – and Forester is designed to minimize maintenance after a long day of off-roading. It features animal-free interior seating surfaces, notes Subaru, with water-resistant and “easily cleanable” StarTex upholstery.
Wilderness adds unique copper finish accents. It also gets a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for the first time. Meanwhile, an 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen is standard and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Wilderness also boasts the latest version of the Subaru EyeSight technology, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
For those heading out on an off-road adventure, the 2026 Forester Wilderness gets standard roof rails capable of handling a 176-pound load while moving. Set up a rooftop tent and the static load rating jumps to 800 pounds.
Look for the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness to reach U.S. showrooms next autumn. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
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