Last Updated on 06/10/2025 by Team anadiorb

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness: The Adventure SUV That Dares to Go Further

Get ready to experience the all-new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness through our extensive review. Discover its aggressive performance, advanced safety, adventure-geared features, and why it is the best SUV for adventurers.

A Journey Begins: The Story of the Forester

It started many years ago when Subaru was out to create a car that wasn’t a car and wasn’t a SUV. The first Forester went about making its space in the hearts of explorers, trekkers, skiers, and weekend warriors who needed reliability, flexibility, and an element of off-road capability. It grew to be more than a car—it became a comfort companion, a partner in scores of road trips, hill climbs, and campfire tales.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness builds on this heritage and turbocharges it for the contemporary explorer. Imagine your Forester of familiarity—but brasher, stronger, and with so much ruggedness that even die-hard off-roaders look on in awed appreciation. This is Subaru’s assertion: you can do style, comfort, and technology and never sacrifice the adventure of discovery.

Interior: Comfort Meets Practical Adventure

Step into the Forester Wilderness, and you can see at once how Subaru has balanced tough practicality with considered refinement. Inside the cabin is clad in StarTex® water-resistant upholstery, not only a green-friendly choice but perfect for muddy boots, wet canine paws, or sandy footwear after a trip to the beach. Wilderness-inspired copper accents and discreet stitching provide character without overwhelming, a professional but outdoorsy sort of charm.

The technology within is just as bold. A prominent 11.6-inch touchscreen serves as the dashboard’s anchor, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and the available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster providing sharp graphics and customizable displays. Practicality has not been overlooked—all-weather floor mats, a stainless steel cargo tray that can be removed, and fold-flat 60/40 rear seats provide easy loading of camping equipment, kayaks, or mountain bikes.

Subaru’s Global Platform enhances structural rigidity, not just delivering a quieter cabin but also improved crash protection. The outcome is a car that is tough, yet inviting—like entering a luxury cabin nestled in the middle of the wilderness.

Performance: Ruggedness with Poise

Under the hood, the Forester Wilderness features a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated BOXER® 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It won’t break land-speed records, but it excels where it counts most—control, consistency, and confidence. Subaru’s Lineartronic® CVT, designed specifically for off-road use, delivers smooth acceleration on slippery mud roads or gravel paths.

The actual hero of the show, though, is Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, now tuned for Wilderness trim. With 9.3 inches of ground clearance and paired with it, the SUV can conquer rocky roads, snow, or even flooded trails with a confidence that only inspires more adventure. The reduced final drive ratio provides you with the control you need at low speeds, just ideal for slow ascents, tight turns, or navigating sensitive off-road corners.

And yes—while some may scoff at a naturally aspirated engine in an era of turbocharged beasts, this Forester proves that balance and reliability often trump raw horsepower, especially when venturing off the beaten path.

Safety: Technology That Protects

Subaru has always taken safety seriously, and the Wilderness is no exception. Fitted with the newest EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, it features adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking, having your back on highways and twisty trails alike.

Other features such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a front-view monitor ensure that navigating city streets or forest roads is equally easy. The strengthened chassis, with 10% more torsional rigidity, enhances crash performance and also results in a more rigid and stable driving experience. Subaru obviously recognizes that adventure is enhanced when accompanied by peace of mind.

Capabilities: Built for the Wilderness

Here is where the Forester Wilderness really excels. Subaru has carefully designed an SUV capable of experiencing the real-world excursions most vehicles would not dare to attempt:

Ground Clearance: 9.3 inches to simply roll over rocks, roots, and rough terrain without hesitation.

Approach/Departure Angles: 23.5° approach and 25.5° departure to conquer steep inclines and declines.

All-Terrain Tires: Yokohama Geolandar tires with confident traction on dirt, gravel, and snow.

Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs, ideal for small campers, trailers, or adventure equipment.

Roof Rails: 800 lbs rated for tents, bikes, kayaks, and anything else you can think of.

Essentially, the Forester Wilderness is more than a car—it’s an ally in discovery, whether that’s via backcountry roads, snow-covered passes, or weekend camping trips.

Pricing and Availability

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness begins at $38,385 in the US with an available $2,200 adventure package with navigation, Harman Kardon premium audio, digital gauges, and power rear gate. Dealerships will receive delivery in Fall 2025, which is the ideal vehicle to plan your 2026 road trips and outdoor activities.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Robust, off-road-capable styling with tough suspension and AWD system

Adventure-friendly interior with StarTex upholstery and useful cargo solutions

Advanced safety suite with EyeSight and strengthened chassis

High towing capacity (3,500 lbs) for recreational gear

Competitive pricing in the adventure SUV class

Cons:

Moderate engine power can be underwhelming for highway enthusiasts

Slightly more rigid ride than standard Forester trims

No hybrid offering in the Wilderness trim

The Verdict: Adventure Without Compromise

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness demonstrates that an SUV can be tough and sophisticated, able to dominate difficult trails while providing comfort and technology comparable to urban SUVs. It’s the ultimate partner for families, outdoor aficionados, and anyone who craves reliability, capability, and style.

Whether you’re hauling a camper up to the mountains, loading bikes for a forest ride, or just commuting daily with confidence, the Wilderness is adventure-ready—and so should you be.