2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Review, Prices, and Specs

More than the sum of its components.

Text by Tom Appel

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness

Specs

Class: Compact Crossover

Country of Manufacture: U.S.

Miles pushed: 113

Observed gasoline financial system: 22.9 mpg

Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway

EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 24/28/26 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)

Fuel sort: Regular fuel

Base value: $38,385 (not together with $1450 (vacation spot cost)

Options on check automobile:  Option Package ($2200)

Price as examined: $42,035

Audio-System Brand

Harman Kardon

Audio-System Quality

Poor  Fair  Good Very-Good  Excellent

Pros and Cons

The nice: Roomy, comfy, enjoyable to drive

The good: Excellent outward visibility, promise of off-road journey

The not so good: Disappointing gasoline financial system

Review

I’m a foul journalist. Or, maybe extra precisely, I’m a journalist with a foul reminiscence. Here’s the deal: I at all times keep in mind liking the Forester, however I by no means recall fairly why. Subaru’s deservedly fashionable compact crossover has earned a nice status for satisfying the wants of singles, small households, and empty nesters, however the way it does so isn’t totally apparent. In the case of the Wilderness, there are a number of issues—little issues—which might be price noting—issues that, thought of in toto, mix to kind automobile that’s a lot greater than the sum of its components.

Forester was final redesigned for the 2025 mannequin yr,  although the earlier era Wilderness carried on till this yr. For 2026 the Wilderness is now updated, that includes the identical tweaks and upgrades as the remainder of the Forester lineup.

Special Wilderness gear

What makes a Wilderness a Wilderness? Let’s take a look:

• Ground clearance enhance of .6 inches (to 9.3 inches)
• All-terrain wheels and tires
• Unique off-road drive-mode settings
• Towing capability of 3500 kilos (up from 1500 kilos)
• A mechanically decrease final-drive ratio for simpler hill climbing
• Front and underbody skid plates
• Reinforced rails (most for roof tents)
• Unique exterior and inside design parts

Forester trim ranges

As you would possibly anticipate, given the gear upgrades, the Wilderness sits close to the highest of the Forester trim-level hierarchy, beneath solely the full-loaded Touring. Here’s a break down:

• Base: $31,445
• Premium: $33,445
• Sport: $36,245
• Limited: $37,445
• Onyx Edition: $37,945
• Wilderness: $38,445
• Touring: $41,445

Engines

All Foresters, no matter trim degree, are powered by 180-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT-style automated transmission. And, true to model, all Foresters come geared up with all-wheel drive.

Test automotive

Consumer Guide not too long ago spent per week behind the wheel of a 2026 Forester Wilderness in Geyser Blue. Including choices and vacation spot cost, our check automotive got here to $42,035.

It’s the little issues

Today we’d prefer to take a better take a look at what makes the Forester particular, particularly in Wilderness trim. Below please 5 cool issues in regards to the Forester that we predict are neglected, however contribute to the compact Subaru’s allure and character.

Visibility

We surprise what number of Forester homeowners consciously be aware of the open vista made attainable by the Forester’s ample glass space and slim aspect pillars. More than every other automobile within the compact crossover class, the Forester reminds us a lot enjoyable it’s to look out the home windows on a protracted trim, or when hitting the path for a little bit outside tour.

Seating

The Forester usually sits extra upright than many different compact crossovers, with a taller, extra vertical seating place, together with an elevated hip level (H-point, for simple entry and exiting). This offers occupants—together with the driving force–a commanding, chair-like view of the street quite than a decrease, extra reclined “car-like” posture frequent in most rivals.

This cat-bird-seat place enhances outdoors visibility, and makes it simpler for smaller occupants to benefit from the view.

Grunt (particularly in  Wilderness trim)

While the Forster’s 2.5-liter “boxer” engine produces solely a fashions quantity of horsepower, it does ship respectable low-end muscle, offering snappy takeoffs from a cease. Those prices from low pace are accompanied the Subaru engine’s attribute growl, which can both annoy drivers, or add to the Forester’s allure. We discover the throttle response and corresponding soundtrack enjoyable and satisfying. (Thanks to its distinctive gearing, the Wilderness enjoys a little bit additional snap off the road, although the particular setup does lower gasoline financial system a bit.)

Roomy

Subaru engineers did a nice job of carving passenger house out of the Forester inside. Four adults will get pleasure from nearly lavish lodging, with loads of seat prime and foot-well house for something small which may not match within the cargo space.

 Real foul-weather functionality

If you don’t stay within the Snow Belt—Consumer Guide is headquartered up right here is Chicago—chances are you’ll neglect simply how succesful the Forester—or any Subaru—is in deep snow. We haven’t pushed the brand new Wilderness over rocks or by way of mud, however have little question the identical methods that make winter tolerable up right here in The North will deal with off-pavement enjoyable with comparable prowess.

Note that the Forester Wilderness just isn’t an excessive off-roader, however ought to deal with well-marked, mild-adventure trails with ease.

Value

I really feel higher lastly having absolutely explored my fondness for the Forester. To borrow a cliché, Subaru’s compact crossover is greater than the sum of its components, and enjoyable to drive for causes that will not at all times be apparent. And, in case you stay in a area of the nation that endures merciless winters, you’ll get pleasure from proudly owning a Subaru much more.

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2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Pictures

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