Automotive News: We test drive the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness

The Subaru Forester has been about practicality, and it has stood apart from most other SUVs. To most of us it is more of a wagon than an SUV but Subaru likes to call it an SUV, most likely because SUV is a popular term and wagon is not. Whatever you call it, it is a typical looking Subaru at first glance. Once you dig deeper, you start to realize that this Forester is one of the most practical cars you can buy.

The 2026 Subaru Forester is available in six trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness. All come standard with the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. All are powered by a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine that puts out 180 hp coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The Wilderness uses a revised CVT with a shorter final drive ratio for better low-speed off-road capability paired with advanced X-MODE® Dual Mode System with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for added confidence. A revised AWD system offers faster center differential lockup and reduced wheelspin when off-roading, and incorporates steering angle data for better stability at turn-in and cornering on higher-speed roads.

The Wilderness offers improved approach, departure, and breakover angles. The approach angle has been extended to 23.5 degrees compared to 19 degrees; ramp breakover improves up to 21 degrees compared to 19.6 degrees; and the departure angle edges up to 25.5 degrees compared to 24.6 degrees. An uprated transmission cooler offers an increased towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the highest towing capacity ever offered on a Subaru Forester.

The Wilderness model adds a unique front fascia with a hexagonal front grille and hexagonal LED fog lights, as well as a useful anti-glare hood decal in matte black to diffuse direct sunlight on the trails. It rides on 17-inch matte black wheels wrapped with 235/60R17 all-terrain tires and interestingly includes a full-size spare wheel with a smaller 225 tire. Anodized copper-finish exterior accents, including on the front and rear bumper tow hook covers and roof rails, visually communicate the uprated capability.

While it does not have the feel of a luxury car, the Wilderness interior is all about utility. Inside, water-resistant gray StarTex® seating surfaces with copper stitching with the Wilderness logo embossed on the front headrests, all-weather mats, and a cargo tray are well-prepared for muddy feet and gear with easy-clean surfaces.

Once you get underway, the Wilderness can use a turbocharger. The 2.5 liter engine has 180 hp available to move the 3675 pound Forester. That does not work out to be muscle car numbers but after driving it, you start to figure out why Subaru owners love their cars. For one thing, the engine tuning makes the Forester feel strong. In daily driving the engine is very responsive.

The shorter final drive of the Wilderness coupled with the CVT ensure that the engine is at its optimal level at all times. Owners love the reliability of their Subarus and the simplicity of the Subaru boxer engine is a big factor. While it is possible to get much more power from a 2.5 liter engine, the engine is not stressed which is why historically these engines go for over 250k miles.

Handling is not something that is expected of a vehicle designed for off road use but this is where the Subaru shined once again. While it is not a sports car, compared to other off road SUVs it is a sports car. It is fun to drive and feels very agile and small. The best part though is definitely the ride quality as the Subaru seems to ignore the potholes and the bumps of the roads in everyday driving. It seems not to care if the road is smooth or filled with potholes or if there is a road at all.

Another surprise is the cargo area. While the outside profile of the Forester looks small, interior space is one of the factors that owners rave about. We found the interior space to be very well designed and able to swallow lots of big boxes.

Practicality must also be affordable and Forester pricing starts out at $29,995 for the base model. The Wilderness model comes in at around $38,385 which is very modest considering everything you get which includes navigation, Harman Kardon premium audio, heated seats, and more.

If you could only drive one vehicle, the Forester would have to be on your list. It has a great ride quality, handles well, is roomy, affordable, reliable, capable of going almost anywhere, without being too big to drive everyday.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness offers superior ground clearance and towing capacity, while the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands leads in off-road angles and turbo torque. The Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road balances comfort and capability but trails in towing and clearance.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the three rugged compact SUVs:

2026 Off-Road Compact SUV Comparison

Key Takeaways

• Subaru Forester Wilderness: Best for towing and trail clearance. Ideal for overlanding and utility-focused buyers.
• Ford Bronco Sport Badlands: Most capable off-road geometry and torque. Suited for serious trail enthusiasts.
• Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road: Most fuel-efficient and tech-forward, but less rugged in towing and clearance.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Specifications

Key Specifications

Off-Road & Towing Capability

Dimensions & Cargo

Interior & Tech

• Upholstery: StarTex® water-resistant seats
• Infotainment: 11.6-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Gauge Cluster: Available 12.3-inch digital display
• Safety: Subaru EyeSight® driver assist suite
• Convenience: Keyless entry, adaptive cruise, power liftgate (optional)