The chances are high that if you’re shopping for an SUV, the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness is on the list of options. It’s one of the most popular vehicles on the market, and for a good reason. However, with every vehicle comes incredible things and things that aren’t. Here are the pros and cons of owning a 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness, according to Cars.com.
Pros: The 2022 Subaru Forester has a little pep in its step
2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness | Subaru of America, Inc.
For 2022, the newest Forester trim level is the off-road Wilderness model. While it uses the same engine as others in the lineup, it feels quicker. Using the same 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the Wilderness gains a shorter final drive ratio and revised transmission tuning. According to Cars.com, the result is a quicker throttle response and snappier acceleration. In short, the Wilderness dropped a full second from its 0 to 60 times compared to the Subaru Forester Touring the publication tested previously. Moreover, the Touring model went from 0 to 60 in 9.57 seconds, but the Wilderness did it in 8.6 seconds.
Pros: Higher SUV, more ground clearance
2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition | MotorBiscuit: Peter Corn
With the Wilderness trim, customers receive longer springs and shock absorbers. Together, these result in more ground clearance, which is already good for other trims. Forester Wilderness models get 9.2-inches of clearance, up from the 8.7-inches other models have. In addition, the re-tuned suspension makes high-speed bumps hardly noticeable from inside the cabin.
Pros: Better tires for a better drive
2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition | MotorBiscuit: Peter Corn
Standard 2022 Subaru Forester models use 17-inch all-season tires. However, the Wilderness trim trades those in for a set of 17-inch Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. More importantly, the Yokohama tires have a “knobbier” tread pattern, which provides a better grip for driving off-road. They’re the perfect option for this compact SUV as it takes on dirt, gravel, or other unpaved surfaces. Cars.com also noted that the Wilderness tires are reasonably quiet even while driving off-road, and the automaker includes a full-size spare tire.
Pros: Forester Wilderness models can tow more
Off-road capability isn’t the only thing that receives a boost with the Wilderness trim. Towing capacity goes from 1,500 pounds to 3,000 pounds, double the other Foresters. Revised gearing, an external transmission oil cooler, a reinforced transfer case, and a more robust radiator fan help keep the engine cool, making the Wilderness trim more capable.
Cons: The 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness doesn’t get good gas mileage
While increased acceleration is always a positive attribute, it has its downsides. Compared to the other Forester models, the Wilderness trim loses some fuel economy because of its boost in throttle response and acceleration. In short, its EPA-estimated 28 mpg on the highway is five mpg less than the other trims. That number is far less significant in the city, dropping only one mpg, giving the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness a combined 26 mpg. While it’s unfortunate that it loses fuel economy, it’s still better than many competitors. For example, the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands gets 23 mpg combined, and the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk gets 21.
Cons: Conventional Forester problems remain
2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness interior | Subaru of America, Inc.
There aren’t many things Cars.com dislikes about the 2022 Subaru Forester. However, things like limited cabin storage and “an awkward information display on top of the dashboard” detriment the SUV. Fortunately, this isn’t new to the Wilderness trim level. Other than decreased fuel economy, the only other problems you’ll find with the off-road model are the same across the lineup.
Pros and cons of owning a 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness
Should you buy a 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness? If you’re interested in a standard Forester model but wish it was more peppy and capable, the Wilderness trim is perfect. Better acceleration, more ground clearance, better tires, and higher towing capacity make the Wilderness SUV a better option than other models. However, if you’re more concerned with gas mileage than anything else, avoid the Forester Wilderness. It severely drops its overall mpg thanks to the increase in throttle response and acceleration.
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