Subaru has unveiled the latest evolution of its most rugged and capable Forester: the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. Designed for adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts, the new Forester Wilderness builds upon its predecessor’s capability with increased ground clearance, an upgraded suspension system, and refined technology. Arriving in fall 2025, this trail-ready SUV continues Subaru’s legacy of blending reliability, versatility, and all-terrain prowess.
Enhanced Performance and Off-Road Capability
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is engineered to tackle rough terrain with confidence. It features 9.3 inches of ground clearance—an improvement over the previous model—made possible by longer coil springs and shock absorbers that enhance stability and ride comfort.
Under the hood, the Forester Wilderness is powered by a revised 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The updated Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) incorporates a shorter final drive ratio, optimizing low-speed off-road capability. Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is now more advanced, offering quicker center differential lockup and reduced wheelspin when traversing challenging terrain.
The SUV also boasts an enhanced X-MODE® Dual Mode system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, ensuring superior traction across various conditions. For added capability, the 2026 Forester Wilderness comes equipped with all-terrain Yokohama Geolandar® tires on exclusive 17-inch anthracite wheels. A new transmission cooler increases towing capacity to 3,500 pounds, making the SUV more versatile for outdoor adventures.
Additionally, improved approach, departure, and breakover angles make the Forester Wilderness even more adept at handling steep inclines and rugged trails. The approach angle has increased to 23.5 degrees (from 19 degrees), while the ramp breakover and departure angles have been enhanced to 21 degrees and 25.5 degrees, respectively.
Exclusive Design and Functional Upgrades
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is distinguished by its rugged styling and performance-focused enhancements. The SUV features a striking front fascia with LED hexagonal fog lights, underbody skid plates for protection, and expanded anodized copper-finish exterior accents on the bumpers and tow hook covers.
For practicality, the Forester Wilderness includes reinforced roof rails with an 800-pound static load capacity, allowing for rooftop tents and additional cargo storage.
Inside, the cabin combines durability with modern refinement. Water-resistant StarTex® upholstery ensures easy cleaning after outdoor adventures, while anodized copper-finish accents add a touch of exclusivity. For the first time, an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with Wilderness-exclusive graphics enhances the driver experience. The standard Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system includes wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, along with on-screen controls for audio, climate, and vehicle functions.
Advanced Safety and Structural Improvements
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is built on an enhanced Subaru Global Platform, featuring a 10% stiffer torsional rigidity for improved handling and crash protection. The new full inner frame construction, combined with stronger welding techniques and expanded structural adhesive, enhances the vehicle’s overall strength and stability.
Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is standard, providing features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, and automatic emergency braking. The Forester Wilderness also benefits from an updated rear differential temperature sensor, improving performance in demanding off-road conditions.
Spacious and Practical Interior
Despite its rugged exterior, the 2026 Forester Wilderness offers a comfortable and spacious interior. The SUV provides up to 69.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while passengers enjoy 39.4 inches of rear legroom. Standard 60/40-split folding rear seats offer flexibility for carrying gear and supplies on long adventures.
Additional convenience features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity, SiriusXM® satellite radio with a complimentary four-month Platinum Plan, and over-the-air software updates for the multimedia system.
Availability and Final Thoughts
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness brings a perfect balance of off-road capability and modern refinement, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and daily commuters alike. Subaru’s commitment to rugged performance, safety, and practicality ensures that the new Forester Wilderness remains a top contender in the adventure SUV segment.
Pricing and full specifications will be announced closer to its market launch in fall 2025.
Source: Subaru
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
