Review: 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is a standout in the compact SUV segment, meticulously engineered for outdoor enthusiasts who demand rugged capability without sacrificing everyday practicality. Building on the success of its predecessor, this sixth-generation model introduces refined off-road prowess, updated styling, and enhanced technology while retaining Subaru’s hallmark reliability and value.

Performance and Off-Road Capability

The 2026 Forester Wilderness is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four boxer engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While these figures remain unchanged from the previous model, Subaru has optimized the powertrain for better off-road performance. The Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) features a revised shorter final drive ratio, improving low-end torque delivery for crawling over rough terrain. The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, a Subaru staple, has been enhanced with a faster-responding center differential lockup and new steering-angle integration, ensuring precise power distribution across varied surfaces. The dual-mode X-MODE system (Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud) allows drivers to tailor traction settings, with improved torque vectoring for better grip in challenging conditions like mud or loose gravel.

Off-road capability is further elevated by a class-leading 9.3 inches of ground clearance (up from 9.2 inches in the prior model), longer-travel coil springs, and retuned shock absorbers that enhance stability on uneven terrain while maintaining a composed ride on pavement. The Wilderness rides on 17-inch anthracite alloy wheels fitted with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, which provide excellent traction on loose surfaces like gravel or sand. Approach (23.5°), breakover (21°), and departure (25.5°) angles have been improved, allowing the Forester Wilderness to tackle steeper inclines and obstacles than most competitors, including the Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition and Honda CR-V. An upgraded transmission cooler boosts towing capacity to 3,500 pounds (up from 3,000), making it suitable for small trailers or lightweight off-road gear.

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On-road, the Forester Wilderness feels refined, with a 10% stiffer chassis reducing body roll and improving handling precision. However, the engine’s modest power output can feel underpowered compared to turbocharged rivals like the Mazda CX-50 Meridian (up to 256 hp) or the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands (250 hp). Acceleration is adequate but not exhilarating, with a 0-60 mph time around 8.5 seconds. Fuel economy is estimated at 25-26 mpg city and 32-33 mpg highway, slightly lower than the standard Forester due to the all-terrain tires and off-road-oriented gearing. While a hybrid variant has been teased for future Forester models, the 2026 Wilderness sticks with the proven boxer engine, prioritizing reliability over efficiency gains.

Exterior Design

The 2026 Forester Wilderness sports a bold, purposeful redesign that balances rugged aesthetics with functional enhancements. The front fascia features a redesigned hexagonal grille with a more aggressive stance, flanked by sharper LED headlights and new hexagonal LED foglights that improve visibility in adverse conditions. Protective cladding along the wheel arches, bumpers, and side sills guards against trail damage, while skid plates shield the undercarriage. Anodized copper accents on the front bumper, roof rails, and badging add a distinctive flair, setting it apart from the standard Forester. Available colors include rugged options like Geyser Blue, Autumn Green Metallic, and a new matte-finish Cascade Green Silica, which resists scratches and enhances the outdoor aesthetic.

The roof rails are a highlight, rated for a static load of 800 pounds (220 pounds dynamic), making them ideal for rooftop tents or heavy gear—a boon for overlanding enthusiasts. A redesigned hood with improved airflow aids engine cooling during extended off-road use. While the overall design is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, it exudes confidence and capability, appealing to buyers who value function over flash.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Forester Wilderness balances durability with comfort, catering to adventurers who need a practical yet inviting cabin. The seats are upholstered in water-repellent StarTex material, which is easy to clean after muddy excursions and feels surprisingly premium. Anodized copper stitching and accents on the seats, steering wheel, and dashboard add warmth to the rugged interior. The cabin layout is intuitive, with physical buttons and knobs for climate controls complementing the digital interfaces—a thoughtful touch for gloved hands or distracted driving.

Cargo space remains a strong suit, with 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, competitive with the Honda CR-V (76.5 cubic feet) and Toyota RAV4 (69.8 cubic feet). A wide, low tailgate and flat load floor make it easy to load gear, while underfloor storage and tie-down points add versatility. The rear seats offer ample legroom for adults, though headroom is slightly tighter than in some rivals due to the elevated ride height. Noise insulation has improved, with thicker glass and additional sound-deadening materials making the cabin quieter at highway speeds, though the all-terrain tires introduce slight road noise.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2026 Forester Wilderness comes standard with an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen running Subaru’s latest Starlink infotainment system. The interface is responsive, with crisp graphics and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. An optional 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provides customizable displays, including off-road data like pitch and roll angles—a handy feature for trail driving. However, the infotainment system, while functional, lacks the polish of competitors like the Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-50, with occasional lag in menu transitions. A standard six-speaker audio system is adequate, but the optional Harman Kardon 11-speaker upgrade delivers richer sound for long drives.

Other tech highlights include four USB ports (two USB-A, two USB-C), a wireless charging pad, and an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Practical touches like a 180-degree front-view camera aid in navigating tight trails, while the rearview camera includes a washer to clear mud or debris. The absence of a fully digital driver display on base trims and a slightly dated voice recognition system are minor drawbacks in an otherwise well-equipped package.

Safety

Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite is standard, earning the 2024 Forester an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, and the 2026 model is expected to maintain this pedigree. Key features include adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. A new driver monitoring system uses facial recognition to detect distraction or drowsiness, enhancing safety on long trips. The Wilderness’s elevated ride height slightly affects the forward collision system’s detection range, but recalibrated sensors ensure reliability. Compared to rivals, the Forester’s safety tech feels comprehensive, though some competitors offer additional features like highway driving assist.

Pricing and Value

Expected to start around $37,000 (slightly higher than the 2025 model’s $35,390), the 2026 Forester Wilderness offers strong value for its off-road capability and standard features. It undercuts the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands ($40,000+) while offering comparable trail-ready performance. Fully loaded models with options like the Harman Kardon audio, digital gauge cluster, and power moonroof should approach $42,000. The Forester Wilderness arrives at U.S. dealerships in fall 2025, with pre-orders likely starting in summer.

Overall Appeal

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness excels as a versatile, adventure-ready compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on daily usability. Its off-road enhancements—higher ground clearance, improved angles, and all-terrain tires—make it a leader in its class, surpassing the Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition and rivaling the pricier Ford Bronco Sport Badlands. The refined chassis and quieter cabin ensure it’s a comfortable daily driver, while the spacious cargo area and robust roof rails cater to weekend warriors. However, the lack of a turbocharged or hybrid powertrain limits its appeal for buyers seeking more power or efficiency, and the infotainment system trails some competitors in refinement.

For outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing capability, safety, and value, the Forester Wilderness is a compelling choice. It embodies Subaru’s “go-anywhere” ethos with practical upgrades that enhance its trail-ready credentials without alienating urban drivers. Those craving more performance may await a rumored hybrid variant or look to pricier alternatives, but for most, the 2026 Forester Wilderness strikes an ideal balance of ruggedness and reliability.

Check it out on Subaru USA’s website here.