Greater than the sum of its components.
Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness
Specs
Class: Compact Crossover
Nation of Manufacture: U.S.
Miles pushed: 113
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | B- |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gas Economic system | B- |
| Worth | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 180-horsepower 2.5-liter |
| Engine Kind | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT-automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Noticed gas economic system: 22.9 mpg
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 24/28/26 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gas sort: Common gasoline
Base worth: $38,385 (not together with $1450 (vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Choice Bundle ($2200)
Value as examined: $42,035
Audio-System Model
Harman Kardon
Audio-System High quality
Poor Truthful Good Very-Good Wonderful
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Roomy, snug, enjoyable to drive
The nice: Wonderful outward visibility, promise of off-road journey
The not so good: Disappointing gas economic system
Assessment
I’m a foul journalist. Or, maybe extra precisely, I’m a journalist with a foul reminiscence. Right here’s the deal: I all the time keep in mind liking the Forester, however I by no means recall fairly why. Subaru’s deservedly widespread compact crossover has earned a superb popularity for satisfying the wants of singles, small households, and empty nesters, however the way it does so isn’t totally apparent. Within the case of the Wilderness, there are a number of issues—little issues—which might be price noting—issues that, thought-about 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.
Particular Wilderness tools
What makes a Wilderness a Wilderness? Let’s take a look:
- Floor clearance improve of .6 inches (to 9.3 inches)
- All-terrain wheels and tires
- Distinctive off-road drive-mode settings
- Towing capability of 3500 kilos (up from 1500 kilos)
- A mechanically decrease final-drive ratio for simpler hill climbing
- Entrance and underbody skid plates
- Bolstered roof rails (most for roof tents)
- Distinctive exterior and inside design parts
Forester trim ranges
As you may count on, given the tools upgrades, the Wilderness sits close to the highest of the Forester trim-level hierarchy, beneath solely the full-loaded Touring. Right here’s a break down:
- Base: $31,445
- Premium: $33,445
- Sport: $36,245
- Restricted: $37,445
- Onyx Version: $37,945
- Wilderness: $38,445
- Touring: $41,445
Engines
All Foresters, no matter trim stage, are powered by a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT-style computerized transmission. And, true to model, all Foresters come geared up with all-wheel drive.
Take a look at automobile
Shopper Information not too long ago spent every week behind the wheel of a 2026 Forester Wilderness in Geyser Blue. Together with choices and vacation spot cost, our take a look at automobile got here to $42,035.
It’s the little issues
Immediately we’d wish to take a more in-depth take a look at what makes the Forester particular, particularly in Wilderness trim. Beneath please finf 5 cool issues in regards to the Forester that we predict are missed, however contribute to the compact Subaru’s appeal and character.
Visibility
We surprise what number of Forester house owners consciously pay attention to the open vista made doable by the Forester’s ample glass space and slim aspect pillars. Greater 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 out of doors tour.
Seating
The Forester usually sits extra upright than many different compact crossovers, with a taller, extra vertical seating place, together with an elevated “H-point” (hip-point, for simple entry and exiting). This offers occupants—together with the driving force–a commanding, chair-like view of the street somewhat than a decrease, extra reclined “car-like” posture widespread in most rivals.
This cat-bird-seat place enhances exterior visibility, and makes it simpler for smaller occupants to benefit from the view.
Grunt (particularly in Wilderness trim)
Whereas the Forster’s 2.5-liter “boxer” engine produces solely a modest quantity of horsepower, it does ship respectable low-end muscle, offering snappy takeoffs from a cease. These costs from low velocity are accompanied the Subaru engine’s attribute growl, which is able to both annoy drivers, or add to the Forester’s appeal. We discover the throttle response and corresponding soundtrack enjoyable and satisfying. (Because of its distinctive gearing, the Wilderness enjoys a little bit additional snap off the road, although the particular setup does lower gas economic system a bit. We noticed simply 23 mpg in routine driving.)
Roomy
Subaru engineers did a superb job of carving passenger area out of the Forester inside. 4 adults take pleasure in virtually lavish lodging, with loads of seat prime and foot-well area for something small that may not match within the cargo space.
Actual foul-weather functionality
In case you don’t reside within the Snow Belt—Shopper Information is headquartered up right here is Chicago—you could overlook simply how succesful the Forester—or any Subaru—is in deep snow. We haven’t pushed the brand new Wilderness over rocks or via 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.
Notice that the Forester Wilderness will not be an excessive off-roader, however ought to deal with well-marked, mild-adventure trails with ease.
Worth
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 all the time be apparent. And, if you happen to reside in a area of the nation that endures merciless winters, you’ll take pleasure in proudly owning a Subaru much more.
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2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Footage
(Click on beneath for enlarged photos)
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