We just tested the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earlier this year and now the 2026 Forester Wilderness. Yep, the off-roady extra rugged and butched up trim grade makes its return for the first time since the redesign of the Forester, now in its sixth generation.
The Wilderness took the 2025 model year off, now returning to the redesigned Forester with increased lift and ground clearance, a more robust off-road tuned suspension, and more chiseled muscular styling touches inside and out.
The big news is increased ground clearance now at 9.3-inches afforded by taller springs and struts that feature off-road rates and damping profiles. Adding to its capability are beefier 235/60 Yokohama Geolandar tires mounted to an a freshly designed 17-inch alloy wheel that looks handsome indeed.
Its approach angle is improved to 23.5 degrees, breakover at 21 degrees and a departure angle to 25.5 degrees. Furthering its capability is a shorter final drive ratio for better slow-speed crawl-ability and an expanded collection of software driven traction toys as part of its X-MODE system that now features additional Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes.
Powering the Forester remains the venerable 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive. With 180 horsepower and 178 pound feet of torque, the Wilderness features an upgraded transmission cooler which affords its 3,500 pound tow rating.
Visual and functional upgrades abound. The Forester Wilderness features more ruggedly designed front bumper fascia and grille with LED hex fog lights. More robust under body protection can be seen under the front bumper, real metal offering real protection as evidenced on our tester.
The look continues with chunkier looking wheel arch flares, side rocker trims and rear bumper fascia all sporting anodized copper-finish accents. Up on top is a standard set of roof rails that can support an 800 pound static load which covers a lot of gear up to and including a pretty good size tent.
The cabin also gets its own set of unique treatments and trims. Weather resistant seat upholstery is a patterned vinyl Subaru calls StarTex is paired with more of the copper-finish accents and trims. Heavy rubber floor mats and rear cargo area cover are also included.
Center stage an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with Wilderness-exclusive graphics to go along with its 11.6-inch portrait style center screen which has plenty of real estate for all of its many functionalities including off-road screens.
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness we tested rang in at $42,035 which includes the $2,200 “Optional Package” that upgrades the audio and infotainment system among other things. It’s now on sale.
