2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Follows The Formula
Subaru has just taken the wraps off the 2026 Forester Wilderness. Built on the new Forester platform that debut last year, this is the first second-generation Wilderness model in the brand’s lineup. Although there’s no radical departure from Subaru’s Wildernessification, there are some new pieces here and there.
The 2026 Wilderness features LED hexagonal fog lights, underbody protection, various anodized copper-finish exterior accents, front and rear bumper tow hook covers, and of course copious Wilderness badging.
Not a Pretender
Unlike some competitors, when Subaru ruggedize vehicles, it adds extra capability and not just unique bumpers and knobby tires. With longer coil springs and shock absorbers, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness will once again include a higher ground clearance: 9.3 inches (236 millimeters) to be exact. The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has an approach angle of 23.5 degrees, a ramp breakover of 21 degrees and a departure angle of 25.5 degrees. These numbers are nearly identical to the previous Forester Wilderness model which isn’t much a surprise as the new generation Forester has a lot in common with the old one.
New to the Wilderness range this is year is an enhanced X-MODE function that can mimic high/low gearing when off-roading.
Subaru states the 2026 Wilderness has suspension tuning that improves stability and comfort both on- and off-road, compared to the old model. Of course the new Forester Wilderness includes the brand’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system which doesn’t differ much from regular 2025 Foresters. Other items included are all-terrain Yokohama Geolandar tires, 17-inch alloy wheels, and better transmission cooling which allows for a 3,500 pound (1,360 kilogram) towing capacity.
The Rest of the Goods
Like every other Forester model except the Hybrid, power for the Wilderness comes from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It sends power to all four wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission. As this is a Wilderness, the transmission features a shorter final drive ratio for more precise control when driving off-road.
Inside, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has the usual upgrades with weather resistant soft touch seats, anodized copper-finish trim bits, and of course Wilderness badging. Like other higher trims of the 2026 Forester, the Wilderness includes the new, configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. There are also some custom graphics included just for the Wilderness.
In the center of the SUV sits the 11.6-inch tablet-style infotainment screen which is available in every Subaru not named the BRZ. It features standard navigation in the Wilderness, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Subaru’s most recent Eyesight suite of safety systems is standard and includes all the latest updates such as wide-view camera and emergency lane keep assist. For the overlanders, the standard roof rails can hold up to 800 pounds (363-kilogram) when parked, or 176 pounds (80-kilogram) while driving.
Pricing and more details will be available closer to the planned launch of the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness later this fall.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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I wonder what psychological inadequency that auto makers have discovered that rewards them for producing ever larger grilles over same or smaller engines. The Forester is a prime example. I nreality, there are four small slits in the grille for air. The rest is a huge plastic merkin.
It's uglier than sin though :(