Subaru Forester adds new Wilderness trim For 2026, increasing versatility
Published 10:00 pm Friday, February 6, 2026
Subaru has long been a consumer favorite in the Pacific Northwest, thanks in part to the standard symmetrical all-wheel drive technology on each and every vehicle.
The 2026 Subaru Forester debuts a Wilderness trim that will induce even more fanfare.
It is the most rugged Forester yet, with special features that will make it a more reliable partner when the pavement gives way to trail.
Forester comes in six trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring and now Wilderness. It seats five passengers and includes flexible cargo space. The rear seats fold flat and tie-down hooks are included.
Here’s what separates the Wilderness from the rest of the lineup. It uses a revised Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a shorter final drive ratio for better low-speed off-road capability paired with advanced X-MODE dual-mode system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for added confidence.
A revised symmetrical all-wheel drive system, shared with the sixth-generation Forester, offers faster center differential lockup and reduced wheel-spin when off-roading, and incorporates steering angle data for better stability at turn-in and cornering on higher-speed roads.
It’s equipped with standard 235mm all-terrain tires, wider than the outgoing generation, for more confidence off-road. And with an increased 9.3-inch ground clearance, Wilderness’ approach angle has been extended to 23.5 degrees compared to 19 degrees; ramp break-over improves up to 21 degrees compared to 19.6 degrees; and the departure angle edges up to 25.5 degrees compared to 24.6 degrees. An uprated transmission cooler offers an increased towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the highest towing capacity ever offered on a Subaru Forester.
Forester Wilderness is powered by a revised 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine that generates 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque is available at a lower RPM for improved responsiveness.
Wilderness-exclusive exterior details include a hexagonal grille, LED fog lights and anodized copper accents. Updated interior features include water-resistant StarTex upholstery with copper stitching and Wilderness logos.
Creature comforts are highlighted by a Harman Kardon speaker system, navigation, power rear gate, full digital cluster, wireless phone charger, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety, of course, is always at the forefront at Subaru. Standard on every 2026 Forester is the latest version of EyeSight, designed to operate more smoothly and quickly, and in a broader range of conditions. That is due in part to a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. EyeSight can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alert the driver and apply braking to avoid collisions. Additional available safety features include Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, and Emergency Lane Keep Assist.
Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection can stop the SUV if it detects an unresponsive driver when the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control is active. The system will stop the SUV, activate hazard lights, and unlock the doors. Subaru Connected Services can then call emergency services for help.
All 2026 Foresters have a Rear Seat Reminder that can alert drivers to check the rear seat for occupants or pets to prevent trapping them alone in the vehicle.
Base Price: 39,835
Price As Driven: $42,430
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
