I’ll never forget the muddy trails I tackled with my buddy’s old Subaru Forester back in Oregon—it handled like a champ, gripping every twist and turn. Now, it’s Sunday, August 31, 2025, 9:30 AM IST, and I’m sipping my morning chai, thinking about the latest news. The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness just rolled out, but it’s got a $2,130 price bump to $39,835, and that’s got folks talking. Is this rugged upgrade worth the extra cash, or should you stick with last year’s model? In this Subaru Forester Wilderness review, I’ll break down the changes, dig into how it performs, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next big trip. If you love hitting the trails or just need a reliable daily driver, let’s see what’s cooking.

Eye-Catching Design: Built Tough with a Fresh Look

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness takes the seventh-generation redesign and cranks up the rugged vibe. It stretches to 183 inches long with a 105.1-inch wheelbase, standing tall at 68.9 inches thanks to a bumped-up 9.2-inch ground clearance—higher than the standard Forester’s 8.7 inches. This lift opens up better approach (23.5 degrees), departure (25.4 degrees), and breakover angles (21.0 degrees), perfect for tackling rocky paths or snowy hills.

Up front, the hexagonal grille and LED headlights give it a bold stare, while matte-black cladding and 17-inch alloys with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires add that off-road edge. The roof rails can handle 800 pounds when stationary—great for a rooftop tent—and the anti-glare hood decal cuts down on sun glare. Last month, I read about a Colorado test in Off-Road Magazine where it breezed through jagged trails without a scratch, showing how it’s evolved from the 2025 version’s softer look.

• Standout Design Bits:
  • Boxy shape improves airflow (Cd 0.38) and sightlines.
  • Copper trim on bumpers and badges adds a classy touch.
  • StarTex seats shrug off water and mud like a pro.

Comfortable Interior: Roomy and Ready for Anything

Inside, the Wilderness feels like a snug campsite. The seats sport water-repellent StarTex with heating for both rows, and the optional power moonroof plus dual-zone climate control keep things cozy. Cargo space is a winner at 28.9 cubic feet behind the back seats, stretching to 74.4 cubic feet when folded—more than the 2025 model’s 27.6/69.1 cubic feet, thanks to a flatter load floor.

A friend’s family took one on a camping trip up in Subaru’s Adventure Journal, stuffing it with tents and coolers for four, with the roof rails holding a canoe steady. The 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a breeze to use, and the optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon system turns drives into a personal concert. It’s not as fancy as a high-end SUV, but for the price, it’s a solid deal.

Solid Performance: Built for Trails and Towing

The Wilderness keeps the 2.5-liter boxer engine, pumping out 180 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque through Subaru’s all-wheel drive and a CVT. It’s not a speedster (0-60 mph around 8.5 seconds), but it’s tuned for the wild with X-Mode’s Dual Function (Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud), plus hill descent control. Towing jumps to 3,000 pounds—double the base trim’s 1,500—and a Truck Trend test showed it pulling a 2,500-pound trailer up a steep grade without breaking a sweat.

Fuel use sits at 25 mpg combined (26 city/32 highway), a bit less than the standard Forester’s 28 mpg because of those all-terrain tires. But a 500-mile Colorado trail run in Outside Magazine clocked 24 mpg through mud and rocks, proving it’s versatile for both work and play.

Smart Tech and Safety: Always on Your Side

Subaru’s EyeSight system comes standard with adaptive cruise, lane centering, and emergency braking, earning it a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. The Wilderness adds a 360-degree camera and reverse braking for tricky off-road spots. The 11.6-inch screen handles wireless connectivity, and the Harman Kardon audio (optional) pumps out 576 watts.

A Consumer Reports poll from last year found 92% of 2024 Forester owners loved the safety gear for dodging crashes, backed by Subaru’s 5-star NHTSA rating. The new Starlink system even gets over-the-air updates to keep things current.

Pricing and When You Can Get It: A Bit Steeper but Fair

The 2026 Wilderness kicks off at $39,835, up $2,130 from last year, reflecting its new design and upgrades. Other trims hold steady: Base at $31,095, Premium at $33,495, Sport at $35,995, Limited at $37,795, and Touring at $41,695 (all plus $1,395 destination). You’ll see them at U.S. dealers this fall, built at Subaru’s Indiana factory with the Ascent and Crosstrek.

Kelley Blue Book figures show the Wilderness keeps 58% of its value after three years, beating the Toyota RAV4’s 55%, which makes the price jump look smart for the long haul.

How It Compares: Stacking Up Against the Competition

Vs. Toyota RAV4 Adventure: The Forester’s 9.2-inch clearance tops the RAV4’s 8.6 inches, and its 23.5-degree approach angle beats 19 degrees. A Winter Tire Review test showed Subaru’s AWD outgripped RAV4 by 20% in snow. Vs. Honda CR-V Touring: Forester’s cargo (74.4 cubic feet folded) nearly matches CR-V’s 76.5, but CR-V edges on fuel (28 vs. 25 mpg). Consumer Reports gave Forester a reliability edge (85/100 vs. 80/100). Vs. Jeep Compass Trailhawk: Forester’s 3,000-pound tow rating outdoes Compass’s 2,000, though Jeep’s 8.1-inch clearance is close. Off-Road Magazine liked Forester’s smoother off-road ride.

Real-Life Stories, Numbers, and Tests: Put to the Proof

Car and Driver’s 10,000-mile test of the 2025 Wilderness averaged 24 mpg on mixed terrain, with owners cheering X-Mode for rescuing a stuck car in Colorado snow. IIHS data shows EyeSight cuts front crashes by 85%, and NHTSA’s 5-star rating holds firm. Subaru’s Adventure Team tackled a 500-mile off-road loop, towing 2,800 pounds with 15% better fuel use than expected. Edmunds’ 2024 resale study found Forester holds 5% more value than CR-V after three years.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

How much does the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness cost?
Starts at $39,835, up $2,130 from 2025.

What’s the towing limit for 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
Up to 3,000 pounds, a record for the line.

How high off the ground is Subaru Forester Wilderness?
9.2 inches, great for rough terrain.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness vs Toyota RAV4: Which wins?
Forester shines in AWD and clearance; RAV4 in fuel economy.

Can Subaru Forester Wilderness tow heavy loads?
Yes, 3,000 lbs with hill descent control.

What safety tech is in 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
EyeSight, 360-camera, 5-star NHTSA rating.

How good is 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness fuel use?
25 mpg combined, per EPA.

What’s the real-world range for Subaru Forester Wilderness?
Averages 24 mpg, over 500 miles per tank in tests.

When’s the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness coming out?
Hits U.S. dealers this fall.

How much stuff fits in Subaru Forester Wilderness?
28.9 cubic feet, up to 74.4 cubic feet folded.

Wrapping Up: Why the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Might Be Your Match

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness isn’t just another SUV—it’s a tough, reliable partner that earns its price tag with off-road chops and everyday ease. With sales soaring (over 107,000 units in 2025) and real-world proof of its grit, it’s a standout. If you’re itching for a vehicle that handles trails and town, check out a dealer this fall. What’s the one feature you can’t live without? Drop a comment—I’m all ears!

Image Source –www.subaru.com