The introduction of the Wilderness models was a stroke of brilliance by Subaru , bringing a scoop of legitimate off-road capability to bolster the brand’s outdoorsy image — and, with the debut of the updated Forester lineup that's improved one of the best small SUVs on sale, the automaker has taken the opportunity to enhance their wild offerings even further. Here’s what we know so far about the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness .
Changes to the Forester Wilderness start with the Subaru Global Platform underpinnings, which now features 10% greater torsional rigidity than the previous version. Not only should this help give the crossover a bit more capability off-road, but it’ll improve the ride on the street, too.
The SUV receives an updated variant of the familiar 2.5-liter boxer engine , which provides 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Subaru says the engine has been set up to maximuze low-end grunt, with two additional torques available — though two horsepower have also been lost, compared to 2024. The reworked continuously variable transmission (CVT) should alleviate the loss, however, as it's been fitted with a shorter final drive ratio. The central differential has been reprogrammed for faster locking, with the aim of reducing wheelspin on slick surfaces. The model also benefits from a new transmission cooler than allows for a maximum tow rating of 3500 lbs.
The real Wilderness upgrades come by way of the suspension package, which features longer coil springs and shock absorbers than the standard model. Working with the unique 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar rubber, the package provides the off-road SUV with 9.3 inches of ground clearance, up a smidge from the 9.2 of last year’s model. This allows the Forester Wilderness to have approach, breakover, and departure angles of 23.5, 21, and 25.5 degrees, respectively.
The Wilderness model retains similar visual trappings to its predecessor, with LED hexagonal fog lights, anodized copper-finish exterior accents, large tow hooks front and rear, and standard roof rails. The interior scores niceties like an 11.6-inch infotainment screen paired with a large 12.3-inch digital cluster, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes as standard.
Pricing information for the new model isn’t out yet, but expect that to arrive shortly before the Wilderness goes on sale in the fall of 2025. Last year’s Wilderness model was around $5000 more expensive than the entry-level model, so assuming prices don't change too much for the 2026 version, it should come in around $36,000–$37,000. If you need a fresh Forester hit before the off-road model arrives, however, the 2025 Forester Hybrid lineup will hit dealers this spring, with prices starting at $36,415 .
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