Following a 2025 redesign for the core model, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness recently debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. It represents the peak of off-road capability in the Forester lineup. Its closest GM rivals are the Chevy Equinox Activ and the upcoming GMC Terrain AT4.
As is typical for the Subaru Wilderness line, the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness comes with a showy appearance package and a host of upgrades that improve its off-road chops. A few highlights include an advanced X-Mode tuned for off-road performance (with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes), 9.3 inches of ground clearance, an upgraded off-road suspension system, and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter boxer engine rated at 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Output is routed to all four wheels via a contiously variable automatic transmission with a shorter final drive ratio than the regular Forester.
The rugged appearance package is for more than just appearances. The revised front and rear fascias give the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness improved approach (23.5 degrees) and departure (25.5 degrees) angles. Other exterior features include roof rails, LED hexagonal fog lights, skid plates, anodized copper-finish accents, and front and rear bumper tow hook covers.
The interior gets some upgrades unique to the Wilderness trim, as well. Its StarTex synthetic seats are water-resistant and easy to clean, and the copper-colored accents continue inside. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster comes with Wilderness-exclusive graphics, which is a first.
The Forester Wilderness arguably competes with the GMC Terrain AT4 more than the Chevy Equinox Activ. The Activ is primarily an appearance package, but it does come with all-terrain tires. Meanwhile, the new Terrain AT4 that’s coming for 2026 adds extra ground clearance, metal underbody protection, hill descent control, and a Terrain drive mode. However, even considering the Terrain AT4’s upgrades over the Equinox Activ, the Subaru Forester Wilderness will likely boast greater capability than both.
Subaru will announce pricing for the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness closer to its launch in Fall 2025.
Comments
Needs more black plastic.
where is it built?
I assume indiana
Suburbia.
I think Subaru is really missing the boat by not dropping the 2.4 turbo into the Forester and Crosstrek Wilderness and Sport models
Ewww! Missed the mark on the design, but that engine is welcome. Hopefully this encourages GM to drop the 2.0T in the terrain and NOX, or preferably, a new generation high value small displacement 6th gen small block V6. A man can dream right?
So, you think them having a boxer four with 180hp/tq is going to convince GM to pop a 250hp 2.0 turbo in there that didn’t sell before? Haha, you really have zero grasp of buyers in this market. The 1.5 has 200ftlbs at 2k rpm, it is a much better engine than a boxer four…
Spoken like a true enabler to mediocrity.
Yikes, that thing is ugly, even for a Subaru.
As ugly as sin and very heap looking. I wonder if they could find any more places to slather black plastic on the exterior. Good grief!
Is Tupperware a Subaru supplier?