Expanding the Wilderness Line
Subaru SUVs are well known for their standard all-wheel drive and off-road capability, but in 2021, the brand added a line of rugged, more capable versions, starting with the Outback Wilderness. Subaru now offers three Wilderness models – Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek – all with more aggressive styling and upgraded off-road capability. For 2027, Subaru is expanding the lineup with the first-ever hybrid to wear the Wilderness badge – the Forester Hybrid Wilderness.

Hybrid Powertrain
The new Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses the same powertrain as the Forester Hybrid, which joined the lineup last year. Power comes from a new series-parallel hybrid system featuring a newly developed Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter boxer (horizontally opposed) 4-cylinder engine. Integrated into the continuously variable transmission (CVT) are two electric motors – one acts as a generator while the other provides added power to the wheels. With this setup, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive operates the same way as the non-hybrid, with a mechanical connection between the front and rear wheels, providing the same impressive traction as the non-hybrid variants.

Improved Performance
Opting for the hybrid makes a lot of sense, as it is more powerful and more efficient. Total output is 194 horsepower compared to 180 horses in the non-hybrid. When I drove the non-hybrid Forester Wilderness, it felt underpowered in some situations, so the new hybrid should be a noticeable and welcome performance upgrade.

More Efficient
Subaru hasn’t announced fuel economy for the new Forester Wilderness Hybrid, but the non-Wilderness gets an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined – a healthy bump from the 28-mpg combined in the non-hybrid Forester. I’d expect the Wilderness Hybrid to achieve more than 30 mpg combined, but the Forester will, without a doubt, be the most efficient Wilderness model offered.

Wilderness Styling
Aside from the special Wilderness Hybrid badging, the hybrid is practically indistinguishable from the non-hybrid Forester Wilderness. Both variants feature a Wilderness-specific grille, hexagonal fog lights, a front skid plate, special front and rear bumpers, and Anodized Copper accents for a nice pop of color. The standard roof rack can handle 176 pounds while driving and 800 pounds when stationary, ideal for a rooftop tent.

Off-Road Capable
The Forester Wilderness Hybrid doesn’t just look rugged; it also delivers added capability. With longer coil springs and unique shocks, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid boasts 9.3 inches of ground clearance compared to the still-respectable 8.7 inches in the non-Wilderness version. The updated suspension also improves drivability and comfort, both on and off-road. Also standard are 17-inch black wheels shod with Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires, as is Dual Mode X-MODE, which optimizes the drive systems for different off-road situations.

Inner Space
Like the non-hybrid Forester Wilderness, the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid features anodized copper interior accents that tie into the exterior design. Seats are trimmed in StarTex upholstery, which is water-resistant and easy to clean up after a day out on the trail. The center console was updated last year with more storage space without losing its ability to handle large water bottles. A wireless phone charger is conveniently located under the display. All-weather floor mats and a cargo mat are standard.

Advanced Tech
The Forester Wilderness Hybrid features an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment display screen that comes standard and pairs well with the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster featuring Wilderness-exclusive graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does a Harman Kardon 576-watt premium audio system with 11 speakers. While almost all physical controls are eliminated, temperature control buttons and volume/tuning knobs are integrated alongside the screen.

EyeSight
Like its non-hybrid sibling, the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid comes standard with the latest version of the brand’s EyeSight advanced driver assist system. It includes 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.

Coming Soon
The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is expected to arrive in showrooms later this year, with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date. The current Forester Hybrid runs about $3,000 more than the non-hybrid, so we expect the same variance for the upcoming Wilderness Hybrid.