Next-Generation Forester
Subaru introduced an all-new Forester last year, kicking off the 6th generation of this popular crossover SUV with fresh styling, an updated chassis, and a range of new features. Earlier this year, Subaru added a hybrid version to the lineup, and now, the more capable Forester Wilderness has arrived. The 2026 model is also the first Forester produced at Subaru’s production facility in Lafayette, Indiana.

What is Subaru Wilderness?
While models like the Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, and Forester all come standard with impressive off-road prowess, some shoppers are looking for more. So, in 2021, the company introduced the Outback Wilderness that boasted increased ground clearance, off-road tires, improved capability, and a rugged design. Since then, Wilderness versions of the Crosstrek and Forester were added to the lineup, and the 6th-generation Forester is the latest to get the Wilderness treatment.

Born to be Wild(erness)
Unlike its predecessor, the 2026 Forester was designed knowing there would be a Wilderness version. Features like improved sound deadening, quicker center differential response time, enhanced all-wheel drive, and improved seat design are all components of the 2026 Forester that make it a better Wilderness model.

What I Drove
Subaru invited me to Portland, Oregon, and provided me with a 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, painted in Geyser Blue. My test vehicle featured the single available option package, which includes the digital gauge cluster, navigation system, power rear liftgate, and Harman Kardon sound system for a total manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $42,035. That price included the destination charge of $1,450. Subaru paid for my travel, lodging, and meals during this driving event.

Standout Styling
The 2026 Forester Wilderness stands out from the rest of the updated lineup with a bold grille, LED hexagonal fog lights, extensive cladding, and a front skid plate. Anodized copper accents highlight the exterior design, including name badging and the addition of front and rear bumper tow hook covers. The copper highlights are also on the standard roof rack, which boasts a 176-pound dynamic capacity and 800 pounds of static load capability, easily enough to handle a roof-top tent.

Rear View
At the rear of the Forester Wilderness is a rugged bumper with additional copper accents and SUBARU embossed in large letters.

Rugged and Capable
The 2026 Forester Wilderness gets 9.3 inches of ground clearance – slightly higher than the outgoing version – and rides on larger all-terrain Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires fitted to 17-inch anthracite black-finish wheels that are exclusive to the Wilderness. The tires are designed to improve grip on gravel roads or when conditions get muddy, while still providing a smooth ride on pavement. The Wilderness also gets unique suspension tuning, front view monitor, and X-MODE Dual Mode with hill descent control.

Under the Hood
Subaru only offers the Forester (Wilderness or standard) with one engine option. The 2.5-liter engine delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, sending power to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that’s been revised for better off-road low-speed operation. Forester Wilderness also gets an upgraded transmission cooler, allowing for 3,500 pounds of towing capacity – the most ever offered on a Forester. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Forester Wilderness gets an estimated 24 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined. During my time in the new Forester, the trip computer showed 26 mpg in a mix of on and off-road driving, so the combined figure seems accurate.

Updated All-Wheel Drive
The Forester Wilderness shares its upgraded all-wheel drive system with the rest of the lineup. It provides a quicker center differential lockup for better grip and less wheelspin in slick or off-road conditions. At the same time, it takes into account the steering angle for improved cornering at higher speeds.

Safety
All Subaru Foresters come standard with an updated version of the brand’s EyeSight advanced driver assist system. The updated system provides a broader field of view with quicker response times. The Forester Wilderness features adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, reverse automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Also standard is Emergency Stop Assist, which will slow the vehicle to a stop, unlock the car, and turn on the hazard lights if the driver becomes unresponsive while using adaptive cruise control.

Inner Space
Like its predecessor, the 2026 Forester Wilderness features anodized copper interior accents that help set it apart from the standard Forester variants. Seats are comfortable with good support, and they come trimmed in StarTex upholstery, which is water-resistant and easy to clean up after those days playing in the mud. The center console is updated for all 2026 Foresters with a cleaner design that provides more storage space without losing its ability to handle large water bottles. A wireless phone charger is conveniently located under the display.

Infotainment
The 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment display screen comes standard and pairs well with the available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with Wilderness-exclusive graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Almost all physical controls are eliminated, but there are still temperature control buttons and volume/tuning knobs alongside the screen. Climate functions remain static at the bottom of the screen – these work well for most situations, but changing the airflow requires access to a submenu.

More Wilderness Cues
Copper-color stitching throughout the cabin and Subaru Wilderness tags on the seats and doors further differentiate this off-road version, as do the all-weather, unique Wilderness floor mats. Front seat headrests are also embossed with the Subaru Wilderness logo.

Rear Seat
Like the standard Forester, the Wilderness offers a surprisingly spacious rear seat with good headroom and 39.4 inches of legroom – more than in the Nissan Rogue or Toyota RAV4. The rear seat is easy to get in and out of, and dual USB-C ports help to keep devices charged.

Cargo Space
With a wide cargo opening and low lift-over height, loading gear into the Forester Wilderness is easy. With slightly more room than the outgoing model, the Forester provides 29.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which expands to almost 75 cubic feet when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded flat. A Wilderness-themed cargo mat protects the carpet when loading muddy gear.

On the Road
I was concerned that the off-road tuned suspension and off-road tires would degrade the Forester’s on-road performance, but this never became an issue. Steering provides good feedback, and while I wouldn’t call the Forester sporty, it handled twisty roads with confidence. There is a bit of road noise at high speeds, but not so much as to be bothersome. Overall, the ride is smooth and comfortable.

More Power Please
While the Forester’s 180 horsepower is enough for most driving situations, the compact crossover can sometimes feel underpowered. The Forester feels sluggish when accelerating from a stop, and this was especially noticeable when trying to get up to speed after turning onto a busy highway. Passing on a two-lane road also caused concern when it took much longer than expected to get around the car ahead and return to my lane.

Off the Pavement
It never ceases to amaze me how capable Subarus are in off-road conditions, and the new Forester Wilderness is a perfect example. Our route took us several miles northeast of Portland, OR, on gravel forest roads where the Forester performed admirably. Not only was the ride comfortable without any jarring action from the rough surface, but the Forester provided excellent grip on the loose gravel. I pushed the SUV around a tight corner, trying to get it to slide, and the all-wheel drive and traction systems kept the Forester stable and on the intended course.

Tough Terrain
While the gravel road wasn’t much of a challenge for the Forester Wilderness, when it came time to drive to the top of a plateau for pictures, I was glad to be driving the Wilderness. The trek to the top was a steep climb over large, loose rocks. With its grippy all-terrain tires and raised ground clearance, the Forester Wilderness climbed the rocky trail without a problem. After taking my photos, I headed back down, and the hill-descent control worked perfectly to keep the speed and traction steady to the bottom, while the forward-facing camera helped to avoid some of the larger obstacles.

Rating: 8.5
Like other Subarus I’ve driven, the Forester Wilderness is an ideal blend of daily-driver functionality with impressive off-road capability. Its intuitive infotainment system, comfortable and spacious cabin, and standard advanced driver assist features make the Forester quite appealing, as do the bold Wilderness design elements. While I would like more power under the hood, the Forester Wilderness delivers the confidence to cruise through town, tackle a winding road, or head off-road into the wilderness.