- Subaru’s sixth-generation Forester has gained Wilderness and Hybrid models
- The Forester Wilderness features 9.3 inches of ground clearance and 3,500 pounds of towing capacity
- The Forester Hybrid introduces a next-generation hybrid powertrain developed with Toyota
The Subaru Forester was redesigned for the 2025 model year, but the rugged Forester Wilderness was missing from the lineup.
That is no longer the case, as Subaru on Thursday at the 2025 Chicago auto show revealed the sixth-generation Forester’s Wilderness model and confirmed it will be in showrooms this fall, arriving as a 2026 model. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch but as a guide, the outgoing model, which is still available for 2025, is priced from $36,415, including a $1,420 destination charge.
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness
Like its predecessor, the 2026 Forester Wilderness is engineered for off-road adventures. It benefits from longer coil springs and shock absorbers than the standard Forester, resulting in an increased ground clearance of 9.3 inches, up from the standard 8.7 inches. Enhancing its rugged capabilities, the approach, departure, and breakover angles have also been improved, now measuring 23.5, 21, and 25.5 degrees, respectively. The SUV rides on a set of 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, providing enhanced traction on rough terrain.
To improve handling and ride comfort, Subaru has also increased overall torsional rigidity by approximately 10% through stronger welds and additional structural adhesive. The automaker claims these refinements not only improve dynamic performance but also contribute to a smoother and quieter ride.
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness
The powertrain is the Forester’s standard 2.5-liter flat-4, which is rated at 180 hp and comes paired with a CVT and symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Subaru said the towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, thanks in part to an uprated transmission cooler. The rear differential also features a temperature sensor and the drive mode selector comes with specific modes for handling snow and mud.
Other details that help the 2026 Forester Wilderness stand out from the standard Forester include standard roof rails with an 800-pound static load capacity rating (176 pounds dynamic), hexagonal fog lights, underbody protection, and copper-colored accents inside and out. Model-specific graphics also feature in the availalle 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
Subaru also used the Chicago auto show to reveal a new Forester Hybrid model that will be available this spring, as a 2025 model. Pricing will start at $36,415, including a $1,420 destination charge.
The 2025 Forester Hybrid features a next-generation hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter flat-4 running the Atkinson cycle, with Toyota’s planetary-gear hybrid system, with calibrations specific to the Subaru, including a stronger traction motor. The combined peak output is 194 hp, and drive is still to all four wheels via Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
Subaru said owners can expect 40% better fuel economy on the EPA city cycle and up to 25% better fuel economy on the combined cycle compared to the regular Forester. And although peak output hasn’t increased much compared to the standard Forester, Subaru said the hybrid system’s stronger torque delivery helps with acceleration, especially at highway speeds. Passing times have improved 10-15%, the automaker said.
