The redesigned 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness returns as the most rugged and trail-capable Forester yet, built to take on tough adventures when the pavement ends. Powered by a revised 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and enhanced dual-function X-MODE, it pairs go-anywhere hardware with everyday comfort. Newly increased 9.3 inches of ground clearance — more than the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands or Hyundai Tucson XRT — plus all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension, and uprated cooling for up to 3,500 pounds of towing make it ready for boundless exploration. With bold new styling, front underbody protection, and the latest EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the Forester Wilderness is engineered for adventure-seekers.
The Forester Wilderness is engineered from the ground up for off-road capability. A revised Lineartronic CVT with a shorter final-drive ratio improves low-speed climbing, while a retuned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system delivers faster center-differential lockup and reduced wheelspin on the trail. Longer springs and shocks lift the SUV to 9.3 inches of clearance and improve stability both on and off the pavement, so you can confidently tackle rocks, mud, and slick conditions.
The Forester Wilderness is built to bring your whole adventure along. Its uprated transmission cooler and rear differential temperature sensor deliver confident towing up to 3,500 pounds — enough for a small trailer, camper, or boat. A reinforced full inner-frame body with roughly 10% stiffer torsional rigidity improves durability, while standard roof rails and front underbody protection make it easy to load up gear and head off the beaten path without worry.
Inside and out, the Forester Wilderness makes its adventurous purpose clear while keeping everyday comfort front and center. Its redesigned exterior wears signature copper accents, protective cladding, and unique Wilderness styling, while the cabin pairs rugged, easy-clean StarTex upholstery with the latest connected technology. Upgraded EyeSight Driver Assist Technology — recalibrated to match the Wilderness’s added ground clearance and off-road upgrades — adds a wider field of view and greater range for confidence on every drive.
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has 9.3 inches of ground clearance — newly increased for this model year and higher than the 8.7 inches on other Forester trims — thanks to longer coil springs and shock absorbers. That’s more than the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands or Hyundai Tucson XRT.
The 2026 Forester Wilderness is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, thanks to an uprated transmission cooler — double the 1,500-pound rating of other Forester trims. That’s enough for a small trailer, camper, or boat.
The Wilderness adds 9.3 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain Yokohama Geolandar tires, a shorter final-drive ratio, dual-function X-MODE, front underbody protection, an uprated transmission cooler for 3,500-pound towing, and rugged exclusive styling — all engineered for serious off-road capability.
The Forester Wilderness features advanced dual-function X-MODE with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with faster center-differential lockup, all-terrain tires, front underbody protection, and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles for clearing obstacles.
Yes. Like every Subaru Forester, the Wilderness comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Wilderness version is retuned for off-roading with faster differential lockup and reduced wheelspin, plus steering-angle data for better on-road stability.
Yes. Despite its off-road focus, the Forester Wilderness has a suspension tuned for comfort on and off the pavement, a spacious cabin with easy-clean StarTex upholstery, modern connected technology, and upgraded EyeSight safety — making it just as capable commuting as it is on the trail.
The 2026 Forester Wilderness is fully redesigned, with increased 9.3-inch ground clearance, an uprated transmission cooler for 3,500-pound towing, sharper off-road geometry, a stiffer inner-frame body, bolder exterior styling, and an available first-ever 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
