The Wilderness version joins the sixth-generation Subaru Forester lineup, and it's more than a rugged appearance package. It's a legitimate off-roader that can tackle moderate terrain, while also remaining civilized on pavement.
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Subaru Forester
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester received a full redesign for the 2025 model year, but the rugged Wilderness version was a carryover from the previous generation. For 2026, the Wilderness gets all of the upgrades that its more conventional sibling enjoyed last year, as well as several more that should allow adventure-seeking shoppers to get well outside of their city confines.
Design
From the outside, the new Wilderness has a more purposeful and rugged appearance, with a revised front fascia sporting durable black plastic elements that can be sacrificed to scrapes and scuffs with fewer regrets than painted metal. The grille is reshaped and looks less like a Ford Explorer than the standard Forester. The chin has also been angled upwards to increase the approach angle to obstacles, and the back end receives a similar treatment.
The Wilderness also rides higher than the standard Forester, with 9.3 inches of ground clearance. Both perceived and legitimate off-road capabilities are furthered by 17-inch wheels with light all-terrain tires, while anodized copper accents return as a character trait exclusive to the Wilderness models. Up top, a raised roof rail can support up to 800 pounds when parked, which should be plenty for an overlanding platform. When driving, the maximum weight allowed is 176 lbs.
Powertrain
The Wilderness model is powered by the same engine that's found in the standard Forester: a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder (boxer) engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sends power to all four wheels, and special off-road drive modes help to conquer challenging terrain. Properly equipped, the Forester can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
As with past Wilderness models, this Forester should find a good balance between off-road abilities and on-road comfort. While it's not recommended for rock crawling or high-demand off-roading, it should easily traverse deep snow, mud, and rough trails.
Interior
The Wilderness's interior mimics the standard Forester's, but it adds a few flourishes that set it apart. The most obvious are the anodized copper accents and thick rubber all-season floormats. Subaru's StarTex synthetic leather upholstery gives shoppers an animal-free and water-resistant alternative.
To the eye, the interior materials look similar to the soft-touch surfaces found in other SUVs, but many are actually hard plastic to better survive the great outdoors-or unruly children. While these plastic elements lack some refinement, they're an appropriate choice for those who use their Forester Wilderness as intended. Cargo capacity is generous, at 27.5 cubic-feet.
Technology
The 2026 Forester Wilderness comes standard with a large 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that controls almost every feature. To make more commonly used systems easier to access, items such as the climate controls are anchored to the bottom of the screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included and operate wirelessly, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is available as an option.
As off-road-focused as the Wilderness model is, we're somewhat surprised there aren't additional trail cameras to help the driver place the Forester precisely where they want on a trail. It also lacks some of the more detailed info screens (lean and approach angles) found in other all-terrain vehicles.
Safety
The Forester Wilderness comes standard with all of the typical advanced safety features expected of any SUV. These include frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. The latest EyeSight safety system from Subaru sharpens these features for quicker responses and improves its operation in challenging conditions.
The standard Forester received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and we expect the Wilderness model to come close to that result, though the taller ride height may affect some tests.
Pricing and Release Date
Pricing for the 2026 Forester Wilderness hasn't been announced yet, but we think it's a safe bet that it will land somewhere between the top Limited and Touring trims in the Forester lineup. That should have it priced in the $38,000 neighborhood. Check back closer to the on-sale date this fall for more information, as well as drive impressions.