🏔️ 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness — Full Review & Off‑Road Test
Fresh first‑drive reviews give a very clear picture of what the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is like both on the road and deep into the dirt. Multiple expert outlets have now tested it, and the consensus is remarkably consistent: Subaru didn’t reinvent the Wilderness formula — it refined it.
Below is a detailed, citation‑backed breakdown using the latest reporting.
🚙 What’s New for 2026
MotorTrend notes that Subaru “didn’t mess up a good thing,” keeping the Wilderness formula intact while improving refinement and daily livability MotorTrend.
Cars.com adds that the biggest visible changes are new all‑terrain tires, a slightly revised suspension, and updated tech including a new infotainment system and optional digital gauge cluster Cars.com.
⚡ Powertrain & Driving Feel
- Same 2.5‑liter flat‑four engine
- Tuned CVT for better low‑speed control
- Revised suspension for improved comfort and stability
MotorTrend reports that the 2026 model feels more agreeable to live with while still delivering the rugged capability expected from the Wilderness trim MotorTrend.
🛞 Off‑Road Capability — Trail Test Results
Edmunds calls it “the hardest soft‑roader around,” emphasizing that while it’s not a Wrangler or Bronco, it’s shockingly capable for a unibody crossover Edmunds.
Key Off‑Road Hardware
- Increased ground clearance
- All‑terrain tires (wider & taller for 2026)
- Dual‑function X‑Mode
- Upgraded underbody protection
- Improved approach/departure angles
Cars.com confirms the new tires and suspension add slightly more clearance and noticeably better grip on rough surfaces Cars.com.
Real‑World Trail Behavior
- Confident on ruts, rocks, and loose climbs
- Predictable throttle and traction control
- Excellent stability on uneven terrain
- Strong hill‑descent control performance
Edmunds highlights that the Wilderness tune gives it better low‑speed traction and control than the standard Forester Edmunds.
🛋️ Interior, Comfort & Practicality
J.D. Power reports that the 2026 Wilderness benefits from a more refined cabin, improved materials, and updated tech while maintaining the Forester’s trademark visibility and spaciousness J.D. Power and Associates.
Interior Highlights
- Water‑resistant upholstery
- Large cargo area
- Excellent outward visibility
- New infotainment interface
- Optional digital instrument cluster
🧭 Verdict — Should You Buy One?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is widely praised as one of the best all‑around adventure crossovers available today.
👍 Strengths
- Legitimate off‑road capability
- Comfortable daily driving
- Great visibility and practicality
- Rugged hardware without harshness
👎 Weaknesses
- Engine still modest in power
- Not a hardcore rock crawler
- Fuel economy lower than non‑Wilderness trims
If you want a crossover that can handle real trails without sacrificing comfort or practicality, reviewers agree the Wilderness is a standout.
If you’d like, I can also compare the Wilderness to the Bronco Sport Badlands, RAV4 Woodland, or CR‑V TrailSport to help you see how it stacks up.
