The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is proof that Subaru can balance rugged capability with style. Building on the success of the previous model, this one gets subtle but meaningful updates for the enthusiast who wants adventure and comfort.

More Off-Road Capabilities

At the heart of the Forester Wilderness is its off-road prowess. It now has 9.3 inches of ground clearance (up from 9.2 inches) thanks to longer coil springs and shocks. That means it can tackle more challenging terrain and has better approach and departure angles of 23.5 and 25.5 degrees respectively. That’s ready to take on rough stuff.

Along with its structural upgrades, the Forester Wilderness gets 17-inch matte-black off-road wheels with Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires. That’s perfect for all-weather, and all-terrain. A front skid plate is also added to protect the underbody from impacts during off-road excursions.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine making 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty of power, especially at lower RPMs which is great for off-road where you need more control. The engine is paired with a revised Lineartronic® CVT with a shorter final drive ratio for better low-speed off-road capability.

Despite the advancements in hybrid technology in Subaru’s lineup, the Forester Wilderness still has the traditional gasoline engine. While that might disappoint some eco-conscious folks, the existing powertrain means reliability and consistent power delivery which is crucial for off-road.

Design and Features

Visually the 2026 Forester Wilderness has a new exterior design that looks robust and adventurous. The front fascia has a new grille and headlight design for a more aggressive look on the road. The restyled lower cladding not only looks rugged but also serves the purpose of protecting the vehicle from debris and obstacles during off-road use.

A Wilderness trim signature is the gold accents. Externally they’re on the crossbars, rear cargo door, and the “Forester” wordmark. Internally they’re on the steering wheel, shifter, and dashboard to add a unique flair to the cabin.

Interior Comfort and Tech

The Forester Wilderness interior is designed to balance durability with comfort. Redesigned soft-touch materials create a welcome atmosphere while water-repellent StarTex® upholstery means the seats can withstand the elements, perfect for outdoor adventures.

Technology is evident with an 11.6-inch central touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. For the first time, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is available to provide drivers with customizable and easily accessible vehicle information. These features keep occupants connected and informed no matter how remote the journey.

Competitive Advantage

In the off-road SUV market, the Forester Wilderness stands out with its best-in-class specs. For example, compared to the Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition which has 8.1 inches of ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 18 and 20 degrees respectively, the Forester Wilderness has more. These numbers show that Subaru doesn’t just put an off-road badge on a vehicle but also engineers them to be off-road capable. The 2026 Forester Wilderness is robust and refined for those who want adventure without sacrificing comfort and style. It’s got more ground clearance, more protection, and more tech to make it a force to be reckoned with in the off-road SUV world. And it’s still got the traditional powertrain.