Rugged Design

The 2026 Forester Wilderness’ distinctive front end will stand out more, thanks to a new grille and headlights. The updated exterior body cladding will help the Forester Wilderness withstand the elements and rough conditions, and a front skid plate will protect the undercarriage. A 23.5-degree approach angle (an increase from the standard Forester’s 19-degree angle), 21-degree ramp breakover angle, and 25.5-degree departure angle will give the Wilderness more leeway to clear obstacles off-road.

Atop the Forester Wilderness, standard raised roof rails will be able to support a roof tent and up to 800 pounds of people and gear when the vehicle is parked for camping. The model’s unusual hexagonally shaped LED fog lights will give extra illumination far beyond the city streetlights, and front and rear tow hooks with bumper covers will be ready to assist in a sticky situation. Staying true to its roots, the Forester’s unique anodized copper exterior accents will keep it connected to the rest of the Wilderness family. Anodized copper trim will match the exterior accents, bringing the outside in.

Trail-Ready Performance

The all-new Forester Wilderness will incorporate the sixth generation’s revised 180-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder Subaru BOXER engine, which is to be paired with the latest Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The updated powertrain will shorten the Forester Wilderness’ final drive ratio for better off-roading at low speeds. The X-MODE Dual Mode selector will expand to include new Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud drive settings, offering enhanced traction on various surfaces. Underneath, the updated suspension has been tuned for all-terrain stability and comes with longer coil springs and shock absorbers than the outgoing system, adding 0.1 inches of ground clearance for a total of 9.3 inches. The redesigned Forester Wilderness will also incorporate Subaru’s standard symmetrical all-wheel drivetrain, which has been retooled for the Wilderness for quicker center differential lockup and to reduce wheelspin beyond the pavement.

New Technology and Versatile Amenities

The 2026 Forester Wilderness’ interior will pair ruggedness with comfort. For example, water-repellent StarTex leatherette-style upholstery will cover the seats, steering wheel, and shifter knob for easy cleaning. New convenience technology, such as a vertically oriented 11.6-inch high-resolution tablet-style touchscreen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, will come standard. Wireless smartphone charging and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, now with Wilderness-exclusive graphics, will also improve the cabin experience. Subaru wants the Forester Wilderness to be as safe as it is rugged, and so the latest version of the award-winning EyeSight driver-assist suite will come standard. Other standard technology for this specialized trim will include Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, and over-the-air updates.