Edmunds Checks out the New 2026 Forester Wilderness

When Subaru redesigned the Forester for 2025, they left the Wilderness model behind but assured everyone that a Wilderness version of the new design would arrive for the 2026 model year. Now that the 2026 model year has arrived, true to their word, the 2026 Forester Wilderness is here. Edmunds.com was quick to review the new model, and Twin Falls Subaru shares what they found.   

Having been in the all-wheel-drive game for decades before most others in the industry and long catering to a market in mountainous areas, Subaru crossovers already have a reputation for being more capable than most of their competition. The Wilderness models, also available on the Outback and Crosstrek, take things a step further. There are off-road-themed models from other brands, but while most involve little more than all-terrain tires, body cladding, and badging, Subaru’s Wilderness models are packed with hardware that boosts capability. In addition to Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels for increased sidewall absorption and added cladding to protect the paint from brush, the Forester Wilderness features a revised suspension with more compliance and ground clearance raised to a remarkable 9.3 inches. 

The extra height and redesigned front and rear bumpers improve approach and departure angles (23.5 degrees and 25.5 degrees, respectively, with a 21-degree break-over angle). The front bumper also includes LED fog lights. 

Underbody protection has been added, and the transmission now has its own cooler. The AWD system has been updated with a quicker-responding center-locking differential to reduce wheel spin. Towing capacity has increased to 3,500 pounds from 1,500, and the Wilderness features a roof rack with an 800-pound static load capacity. If you’re wondering why a high weight metric for a roof rack matters when the vehicle is stationary, think rooftop tents—Subaru clearly was. 

The 180-hp 2.5-liter boxer-4 engine and CVT stay the same as in other Foresters, but the X-Mode now offers extra off-road settings. 

In keeping with the overall theme, all-weather floor mats are standard, and the seat surfaces are water-resistant. The Wilderness also features interior updates across the Forester lineup, such as a larger center console and a smaller shifter that provides extra storage. 

Edmunds noted that while the Wilderness can’t compete with dedicated off-road vehicles like the Wrangler or Bronco, it’s much easier to live with on the highway and in town. It is likely capable of handling most tasks short of what a serious off-road enthusiast would need. “If you need something with 35-inch tires and a foot of ground clearance, the Forester Wilderness isn’t for you. But compared to rivals from Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai, the Forester Wilderness is a solid choice. Those automakers all offer trims similar to Subaru’s Wilderness, but models like the Toyota RAV4 Woodland and Honda CR-V TrailSport don’t offer everything you’ll get with the Forester.” 

If you enjoy exploring off the beaten path but want a vehicle that doesn’t make you pay for that capability during everyday driving, the Forester Wilderness is perfect for you. 2026 Forester Wilderness models should have arrived in the Twin Falls Subaru inventory by now. Check it out, buy one, and see how far it can take you.