Key PointsThe Subaru Forster was redesigned for the 2025 model year, carrying over the same interior technology but with a more refined exterior and numerous cabin improvements.The Wilderness Edition, with its rugged look and additional off-road capability, has been proven to be a hot seller for the brand.The Forester keeps comfort and efficiency at the top of its list, while driving dynamics and power take a back seat. Off-road flavor for its family-friendly SUVSubaru has applied its Wilderness trim to three of its biggest sellers. The mid-tier Forester, also the brand's second best-selling model, received the ruggedized trim in 2024, which carried over for the 6th-generation redesign. In a new sub-segment of soft-roaders, it has quickly become a big success for the brand, across the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback. The Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition trim integrates genuine off-road upgrades rather than cosmetic add-ons, and that's a smart move compared to some other brands' versions. With increased ground clearance, revised gearing, all-terrain tires, and trail-focused technology, it aims to be equally comfortable on muddy trails and commutes. My tester's base price was $38,385. Key standard features included 17-inch matte black alloy wheels, raised suspension with 9.3 inches of ground clearance, revised Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with center locking differential, all-terrain tires, Wilderness exclusive exterior trim and badging, dual front and rear recovery points, aluminum underbody protection, heated front seats, dual automatic climate control, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, power panoramic moonroof, X-MODE Dual-Mode System, StarTex upholstery, Harman Kardon premium audio, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen. The total price came to $42,035 including a $2,200 options package and a $1,450 destination fee. Exterior & Interior Styling - 8/10 The Forester Wilderness lookslike no other Forester in the lineup, and Subaru made sure it stands out as a truly capable soft-roader, even moreso than the last generation's trim level. The hex fog lights, matte black hood treatment, unique grille, and anodiized copper trim bits set it apart. Matte-black 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires reinforce its trail-ready intent. From the side view, it's apparent that this trim level is different. It looks like it would rather be camping than going to the strip mall. The increased 9.3 inches of ground clearance and revised bumpers improve approach and departure angles, making the Wilderness visibly more capable than standard Forester trims. The special badging on the front door and the chunky tires meld incely with the matte black roof rails and ruggedized body cladding. The angular fender trim is a bit busy, but that's the look Subaru wants across its model line. While we wouldn't call it an stunning vehicle, it's hard to mistake the Forester Wilderness for anything else. Inside, the cabin doesn't look all that much different from the last Forester. It's purposeful but ruggedly appealing. The grey StarTex water-resistant upholstery is easy to clean after muddy hikes or dog-filled adventures, while copper accents and Wilderness badging provide visual continuity with the exterior. The big touchscreen overwhelms the dash, but it incorporates most of the vehicle's climate and audio controls, so it comes as no surprise. There is a lot of grey plastic inside, but it's all well done. The broad seats have contrast stitching to break up the darkness, and the StarTex logos on the seat inserts and the embossed headrest logos help to further distinguish the trim level. The little copper tags on the seats and doors are a little gimmicky, but the outdoorsy types should like that. Infotainment and Technology - 7/10 The large 11.6-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad included as standard. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with Wilderness-specific graphics adds a modern touch while keeping critical off-road data easy to read. What I don't get is why the 2025 redesign didn't get the redesigned Outback's much better interface and portrait orientation. That system looks better, is more responsive, and ditches the poor on-screen climate controls. The redesign came a year after the Forester, but could the brand not have foreseen this? Subaru’s dual-function X-MODE system offers terrain settings for snow, dirt, mud, and deep snow, allowing controlled wheel slip for improved traction in challenging conditions. While the interface is feature-rich, the vertically oriented infotainment layout still requires multiple taps for some climate and vehicle controls, which can be distracting on rough terrain. Modern and capable, though the touchscreen-heavy interface isn’t ideal off-road.Space, Comfort, and Usability - 9/10 The Forester has long excelled at everyday usability, and the Wilderness Edition maintains that reputation. The upright greenhouse provides excellent outward visibility, while the suspension tuning absorbs potholes, gravel chatter, and highway seams with ease. The huge airy cabin has a colossal amountof headroom, more than just about any vehicle we've tested. The SofTex upholstery is perfect for the outdoors and for families. It wipes clean easily, and all of the interior surfaces minimize filth, except for the piano black on the center stack. 39.4 inches of rear legroom is class-leading, and the seats are very comfortable for rear occupants. The cushioning and the back rests are just right, and even the middle position is good for longer trips thanks to minimal bulging. The rear side windows and the large panoramic moonroof help to minimize motion sickness. My kids marveled at the cabin space and felt comfortable stretching out. The reinforced roof rails can support up to 800 pounds of static load, enough for a rooftop tent, while the 3,500-pound towing capacity expands its utility for small campers or boats. In fact, it's the most of any Forester, ever. It also boasts real-word practicality with a full-size spare tire, durable cargo-area materials, LED cargo lighting, and flexible 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The cargo section is capacious with a total of 74.4 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Driving Experience - 7/10 Power comes from a revised 2.5-liter BOXER engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque and paired with a CVT featuring a shorter final drive ratio for improved low-speed control. On pavement, the Wilderness feels composed and surprisingly refined. Subaru retuned the suspension to maintain ride comfort while preserving off-road articulation, and the all-terrain tires remain relatively quiet at highway speeds. While the Forester Wilderness is excellent in a straight line and on trails, that's the limitation of its capabilities. img_1258 The steering, handling, and accleration are lackluster, but Subaru doesn't excel at those with its family-friendly models. 0-60 comes in about 8.8 seconds, which is far from blistering. It's adequate for daily driving, but it's challenged when it comes to passing and merging into moving traffic on highways. Expect sufficient body roll and that floating feeling in the turns. Off-road, the Wilderness proves its legitimacy. Dual-function X-MODE, revised AWD programming, and extra ground clearance allow it to tackle rutted trails, snow, and rocky terrain with confidence. That said, acceleration is modest, and the CVT prioritizes efficiency and traction over driving excitement.Final Verdict - 7.5/10The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition successfully transforms a practical compact SUV into a genuinely capable adventure vehicle without sacrificing everyday livability. With increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, revised gearing, and trail-focused drive modes, it’s built to handle snow, mud, and rough trails while remaining comfortable and efficient for daily commutes and long highway drives.It isn’t quick, and the touchscreen-heavy interface can be frustrating off-road, but those compromises feel intentional in a vehicle designed for control and confidence rather than speed. For drivers who need one SUV to tackle Midwest winters, pothole-ridden streets, and weekend escapes beyond the pavement, the Forester Wilderness stands out as one of the most well-rounded and purpose-driven choices in the compact SUV class.