Coming up on its 30th year in production, Subaru’s Forester started life as an offshoot of the marque’s Impreza model. Essentially a tall Impreza station wagon, the 1997 Forester had an SUV’s profile without the truck-based underpinnings.
The Wilderness version was held in reserve for 2026, even though it was developed concurrently with the sixth-generation Forester.
Based instead on a car, the Forester was one of the first crossover SUVs; having debuted one year after the 1996 Toyota RAV4, which is considered to be the first contemporary crossover, which brings us to the subject of this review, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness.
While Subaru substantially updated the Forester for the 2025 model year, the Wilderness version was held in reserve for 2026, even though it was developed concurrently with the sixth-generation Forester.
To improve the Forester’s capabilities offroad, the Wilderness revisions increased the ride height, which gives it 9.3 inches of ground clearance vs the base model’s 8.7. A set of 235/60 all-terrain Yokohama Geolander tires on 17-inch wheels was also prescribed. These upgrades improved the Forester’s approach, departure and breakover angles.
A shorter final drive ratio was employed to improve the Forester’s responsiveness. This was enhanced by Subaru’s X-Mode driver selectable Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, which provide automated throttle management in those challenging situations. A more capable transmission cooler was fitted as well. Aluminum underbody protection, in addition to dual front and rear recovery points further speak to the mission of the Forester Wilderness.
To improve the Forester’s capabilities offroad, the Wilderness enjoys 9.3 inches of ground clearance rather than the 8.7 inches of the other models.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Power is sourced from Subaru’s venerable 2.5-liter DOHC flat four. The engine is configured to produce 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque for this application. A continuously variable transmission, dubbed Lineartronic by the marketing geniuses at Subaru, routes the engine’s output to Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
Revisions to this mechanism for Wilderness duty include quicker center diff lockup to reduce the potential for wheelspin. Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. I saw an average of 26 overall.
Interior Accommodations
Power for the Forester Wilderness is sourced from Subaru’s venerable 2.5-liter DOHC flat four, putting out 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
In keeping with its prescribed mission, the Forester Wilderness’ seats are upholstered in a water repellant material Subaru refers to as “StarTex.” Easy to clean, it gives the impression it can withstand the vagaries to which outdoorsy people will subject it. Complementing this were a set of rubber floor mats, also designed with those whose sense of adventure includes mud, sand, dirt and gravel in mind. A matching rubber mat is fitted to the cargo compartment.
Anodized copper accents are placed on the steering wheel and shift lever with matching stitching on the seats, door panels and center armrest. The rest of the interior accommodations are pretty much standard Forester fare. Controls are thoughtfully laid out, easily deciphered and readily accessible. The front seats are heated, as are the exterior rear view mirrors.
As is perhaps to be expected — given the Forester’s exaggerated roof height — head and shoulder room are good at all the main seating positions. Ingress and egress are easily accomplished too, even with the elevated ride height. Legroom is also good all the way around — even in the back seat.
Forester Wilderness gets a 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel to monitor the Subaru’s vitals.
Cargo capacity is 30 cubic feet with the rear seats deployed. This increases to 75 cubic feet with the second-row seats are folded away. Outward visibility is excellent.
Comfort, Convenience & Safety Tech
Forester Wilderness gets a 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel to monitor the Subaru’s vitals. This is complemented by a 11.6-inch touchscreen, which serves as the infotainment interface.
Wireless Android and CarPlay compatibility are standard, as is an inductive charging pad for mobile devices. The touchscreen’s responses are a bit slow, but its graphics are easy to read — if a bit on the busy side.
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance features include automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, all as standard equipment.
In keeping with its prescribed mission, the Forester Wilderness’ seats are upholstered in a water repellant material Subaru refers to as “StarTex.”
Additional features include blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency steering, emergency lane keep assist and reverse automatic braking. Audio is courtesy of Harman Kardon.
Driving Impressions
Driven in its element, Forester Wilderness is quite impressive. While I wouldn’t hit the Rubicon Trail in one, your basic mud and ruts pose no challenge for the Subaru. The suspension system’s revisions, while improving the offroad capability of the Forester Wilderness, did not compromise the Subaru’s comfort on asphalt. Ride quality is smooth and supple, with nice isolation from less than perfect pavement.
On the other hand, steering feel is next to nil and the engine is just barely up to the task of motivating the basic Forester. Add the weight that comes with the Wilderness package and the powerplant is further taxed. Basically, quick ain’t a word I would apply here.
What’s more, the continuously variable transmission exacerbates the engine’s tendency to drone. While handling is suitable for most drivers, zipping along twisty mountain roads was not a line item on the design brief. On the other hand, the Forester Wilderness is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.
A rubber mat matching the ute’s floor mats is fitted to the cargo compartment.
In Summary
Long story short, the Forester Wilderness will take you anywhere most SUVs will go. It will also get you back home. The interior accommodations are nice enough, if not exactly visually exciting. This can also be said for the way the Forester Wilderness goes down the road.
While the Subaru crossover drives okay for the way most people go, enthusiasts hoping for a capacious Impreza WRX aren’t going to be excited about the Forester Wilderness. Subaru does have a more robust hybrid powertrain for the Forester with which the Wilderness package could be fitted. As of right now though, it isn’t offered in this configuration.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness’ target audience is likely to be undaunted by this. Given the all-terrain capability, spacious cabin and easy-to-clean StarTex interior upholstery, fans of the Forester are likely to be quite pleased with this new offering. Pricing starts at 38,385. The price as tested for the example I drove was $42,430.
0 Comments