The 2026 Subaru Forester SUV is a “pleasant surprise”
Automotive critic Mark Phelan spent a day with the 2026 Subaru Forester SUV and discovered that the car handled the wilderness easily.
- The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has strong off-road capabilities in its class.
- The wilderness has added ground clearance, improved approaches, and a departure angle.
- All-wheel drive is standard.
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has sourced off-road qualifications for the popular compact SUV, slotting in alongside the Ford Bronco Sports, with most of the popular vehicles passing by the edge of the driveway and stretching into suburban lawns.
I drove through the well-equipped Forester wilderness, from city streets to heavy-duty trails that mainly draw dirt bikes, ATVs and forest department pickups.
The Forester Wilderness is not a rock scrambler, but it does more than a reasonable owner would likely require.
It is also a comfortable and attractive small SUV with convenient cargo space.
I drove a loaded Forester Wilderness with a $2,200 optional package for Harman Kardon Sound, Navigation, Power Rear Gate and Digital Gauges.
2026 Subaru Wilderness Trim Levels and Prices
- Base: $29,995
- Premium: $33,385
- Sports: $36,105
- Limited: $37,695
- Forester Wilderness: $38,395
- Tour: $41,595
Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude destination charges of $1,450.
What is the wilderness of Forester?
The Wilderness is the most off-road capable version of the Forester Compact SUV.
Subaru Forester’s competitors include Ford Bronco Sports, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sport Aage, Jeep Compass, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The Jeep Compass could potentially join the Forester and Broncosports among compact SUVs with off-road reliability, once new models enter production, which were delayed in 2026.
Forester seats 5. The 2026 model rides the new architecture that supports most of the Subaru model line.
The Forester is located on the small edge of the class, but the front seats have plenty of space and storage. The rear seats are comfortable with 5 adults.
Like most Subaru, the Forester has full-time all-wheel drive. The revised centre differential has improved the system’s functionality by responding quickly to wheel slips.
The wilderness has an additional 0.6 inches of ground clearance, with corrected front and rear fascias for improved approaches and departure angles. The Wilderness adds an upgraded rear differential, a transmission cooler, a Diff Temp sensor, and other functional features.
Other wilderness exclusives include copper finish badges, raised roof rails and attractive and refined upholstery. There are no animal products in the interior.
Notable features of 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness
- 9.3 inch ground clearance
- Increased protection of the underbody
- 3,500 pounds towing capacity
- Upgraded rear differential
- Unique front and rear bumpers
- Unique cladding
- Startex upholstery
- Wilderness Badge
- 17 inch tires
- All terrain tires
- Full size spare
- Led hexagonal fog light
- All-weather floors and cargo mats
Drive impressions
The Forester Wilderness comes with a 2.5L engine and a continuous variable transmission, or a CVT. Engine – Subaru’s signature Smooth and horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
Its output is suitable for normal cities, highways and off-road driving. The engine and transmission are modest. Most drivers don’t realize that the transmission is a CVT. Electronically controlled and paddle shifters allow you to mimic traditional 8-speed when needed.
The cabin is quiet and charming. Subaru Startex upholstery is clean and comfortable, with no leather surfaces or the karmic discomfort that can accompany animal testing.
The low range of gears in the wilderness is not due to rock climbing or dangerous mud, but my test vehicle climbed rocky, dusty trails and had no difficulty finding scenic perches. Its improved approach and departure angle consistently surprised me with a deep, sudden dive in and out easily.
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Key Standard Function
- All-wheel drive
- Torque vectorization
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Reverse automatic braking
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Emergency steering and brake assist
- Blind spots and rear traffic alerts
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated front seats and side mirrors
- Heated windshield wiper
- Dual-zone climate control
- 11.6 inch touch screen
- 10-way power driver seat
What’s good?
The 11.6-inch touchscreen allows Subaru to distribute almost all traditional controls to its disadvantages. The smooth touchpoints of heated seats, fan speed, drive modes and other common features, whether off-road or urban traffic, are not something that drivers pay attention to.
Volume and tuning make the dial easy to use, while slightly raised buttons adjust the internal temperature.
At 3,675 pounds, the wilderness is the heaviest Forester. That off-road intent justifies it and justifies the lower fuel economy of the class, but it helps more horsepower pass, especially on mountain trails.
Why buy the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
The Forester wilderness can be in and out of places where most compact SUVs can be reached. It’s comfortable, attractive and practical. A wealth of safety features add to its appeal.
Prices are available near the top of the class, but the wilderness of Forester is worth it.
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness at a glance
Compact all-wheel drive SUV
5 seats 5
Base price: $38,395, excluding destination charges of $1,450
On sale in autumn 2025
Tested Price: $40,585, excluding $1,450 purpose fee
Power: 2.5L 4-cylinder engine
Output: 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 178 pound-feet of torque @ 3,700.
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 24 mpg City/28 Highway/26 Total. Regular gasoline
Wheelbase: 105.1 inch
Length: 183.3 inches
Width: 72 inches (81.2 inches with mirror)
Height: 69.3 inches
EPA Interior Volume: 134.1 cubic feet
Cargo volume: 27.5 cubic feet behind Riasia. 69.1 cubic feet with folded seats.
Ground clearance: 9.3 inches
Towing ability: 3,500 pounds
Curb weight: 3,675 lbs
assembled in Lafayette, Indiana
Please contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Please read more Auto And sign up for us Automotive Newsletter. Become a subscriber.
