Honda and Toyota Are Set to Surpass the 2026 Forester Wilderness, Yet Subaru Surprised Me

When it comes to updates for car models, some changes are barely noticeable—a couple of new USB ports or a fresh seat fabric—while others significantly revamp the vehicle entirely, like the 2026 Subaru Outback. The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness occupies a middle ground on that spectrum. It introduces several hardware enhancements resulting in tangible improvements over its predecessor, in addition to some handy updates that may not warrant the purchase of a brand-new vehicle but certainly boost the ownership experience.

Having tested various trims and powertrains of the Subaru Forester and enjoying each variant, I was eager to experience the latest iteration of the Forester Wilderness. Subaru has made distinct enhancements for this model, such as increased ground clearance, better cooling capabilities for towing (now rated at 3,500 pounds, an increase from the previous 3,000), and modifications to the all-wheel-drive system for improved off-road performance. The more cosmetic changes include a redesigned grille and fancier interior stitching.

This model features a familiar 2.5-liter boxer-four engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque through a CVT that, while not thrilling, performs adequately. Fuel efficiency is pegged at around 24 miles per gallon in urban areas and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

At first glance, it might seem like just a lifted version of the regular Forester, which itself resembles an Impreza under a few more inches of height. However, such appearances can be deceiving. Many Subarus exist in the “fine” spectrum specs-wise, yet they maintain a loyal following due to what they deliver beyond numbers.

During my test drive of the Forester Wilderness, I found it to be more comfortable compared to the Crosstrek Wilderness. Road noise was minimal, and the interior felt more refined, avoiding the feel of being a toy-like vehicle. The optional Harman Kardon sound system added an appreciated touch, and it seemed that adjustments to both the tires and drivetrain contributed positively to the overall comfort level.

I took the opportunity to test the Forester on a trip to Pennsylvania’s Amish country, a spot famous for bargain groceries and unique record shops.

The Wilderness’s capabilities truly shone on the bumpy and unpredictable roads during my journey through Lancaster, adeptly handling potholes and the occasional horse-drawn carriage. It proved to be a capable vehicle, even on paths that might challenge a typical SUV.

That said, the driving experience leans towards the dull side. The CVT delivers mundane propulsion, and the steering lacks excitement. The driving experience doesn’t inspire vigor, often feeling forgettable. However, given that the Forester Wilderness isn’t geared towards aggressive driving, its sensible demeanor shouldn’t come as a surprise.

The interior of the Forester has also seen improvements, including the introduction of “StarTex” material that claims to be more resistant to water and easier to clean. Living in regions like Maryland and Pennsylvania during the late fall and winter means dealing with muddy shoes regularly, and I found the Forester Wilderness’s interior capable of withstanding significant wear and tear.

For families, this feature is invaluable in combating crumbs from snacks and the chaos of various items scattered throughout the cabin. For adventurers, the durable interior provides assurance that even muddy biking gear won’t damage the inside.

While Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system remains somewhat sluggish and unresponsive, it serves its purpose reasonably well in this setup. It’s worth noting that the 2026 Outback boasts a significantly improved infotainment system.

The starting price for the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is $38,385, an increase from the base model’s $29,995. This cost includes features like a ground clearance of 9.3 inches, roof rails rated for 800 pounds, skid plates, aggressive tires on 17-inch wheels, and distinct Wilderness branding. The “Optional Package,” priced at $2,200, includes upgrades such as the Harman Kardon audio system, a digital instrument cluster, and a power liftgate. A River Rock Pearl paint option is available for $395, adding up to a total of $42,430 with a $1,450 destination fee.

While this price positions the Forester on the higher end of Subaru’s offerings, it’s relatively moderate compared to competitors that often exceed $50,000 for comparable off-road models. For instance, the 2026 Toyota RAV4’s Woodland edition starts at $39,900 and offers hybrid efficiency at 41 miles per gallon while maintaining a matching towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

However, while the Forester might not measure up against a similarly priced Toyota when scrutinizing specs, it definitely carves out its own niche.

The Forester Wilderness exudes a sense of adventure and capability that resonated with me; its appeal left a lasting impression, making it a vehicle I’d genuinely consider owning. Despite its average driving dynamics, I found joy in its presence and overall character. If I could suggest one feature improvement, it would be adding a hybrid drivetrain or perhaps the turbo from the Outback XT, but even as it stands, it is quite impressive. The Forester’s popularity is firmly rooted in its solid all-around performance and cohesive design.

In comparison to Toyota or Honda, one might rank Subaru lower, but often emotions regarding brand identity overshadow mere numbers and statistics, leading to a conclusion that overlooks the essence of the Subaru experience—one that triumphs in its authenticity and adventurous spirit.