The All-New 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness

The 2026 Forester Wilderness is a powerful performer designed to offer off-road upgrades as standard features. The vehicle’s engine is designed to keep up with a revised 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine producing 180 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque at a lower RPM for better responsiveness. It includes a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a shorter final drive ratio, giving it better low-speed and off-road capability.

The 2026 Wilderness also features advanced X-MODE Dual Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes that gives drivers more confidence in challenging and diverse conditions. Other upgrades on the 2026 include a faster center differential lockup and lowered wheelspin when off-roading. This, along with better steering angle data, drivers have more stability when turning and corner at higher speeds.

The Subaru Forester provides the desired performance of an adventure seeker. A core reason for that is its higher stance – with longer coil springs and shock absorbers, it adds more ground clearance at 9.3 inches, which is slightly higher than the 2025 model. The suspension system offers more stability to increase off-road and on-road comfort for everyone in the vehicle, no matter what the circumstances.

The bigger transmission on the 2026 model also brings with it more towing capacity, at 3,500 pounds, easily allowing the SUV to confidently pull a small trailer or boat behind it.

While the exterior of the Forester Wilderness is designed for rugged adventure, the interior provides the comfort and support features that drivers and passengers need for a long trip. The 2026 model features animal-free interior seating surfaces with StarTex upholstery. Though durable to handle wear and tear, this surface is also water resistant and easy to wipe clean when needed. Throughout the vehicle are anodized copper-finish interior accents to elevate the look and feel of this performance vehicle. This is the only Forester with this trim design. You’ll notice that theming in the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as well, with its Wilderness-themed graphics.

The roomy interior offers a 60/40 split with rear folding seats, providing ample storage and cargo room. With the seats folded, you get 69.1 cubic feet of usable cargo space. With room for up to five people, there’s a full 39.4 inches of rear seat legroom so adults can sit back comfortably. That’s impressive for a compact SUV.

With a noticeably updated exterior shape and styling, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness brings with it a bolder look. With 9.3 inches of ground clearance, the Wilderness brings go-anywhere capability with extra features. It can climb over larger rocks and navigate slick conditions with improved approach and departure angles. It does all of that while bringing gear with you, as it includes 800-pound static capacity ratings in the standard roof rails (with 176 pounds of dynamic capacity). The anodized copper-finish exterior accents are impressive, especially on the front and rear bumper tow hook covers.

The body of the Forester Wilderness features a new full inner frame construction designed with 10% stiffer torsional rigidity and improved welding methods. This, along with additional structural adhesive , improves the overall rigidity of the platform, improving durability. That also creates a more dynamic level of performance for the vehicle with a smoother ride. It also helps to reduce road noise from within the cabin.

To enhance performance and looks, the Forester Wilderness adds a new grill and headlight design. To keep traction on the trail, the SUV incorporates 17-inch matte black off-road wheels with Yokohama GEOLANDER all-terrain tires, providing tough grip on difficult trails.

The all-new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness brings modern technology that starts with a clean, sharp image 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system. This standard system has a high-resolution touchscreen to improve driver visibility. It also keeps riders entertained and informed with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in with a full-screen display.

The center display provides all the connectivity necessary for features such as Bluetooth, a hands-free phone, audio streaming, a rear-vision camera, and an HD radio. SiriusXM All-Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link are available with free, four-month Platinum Membership. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is an available feature on the Wilderness. It offers navigation and Apple Maps integration right in front of the driver to keep eyes on the road.

Along with this, owners get EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The latest version of Subaru’s advanced driver assist technologies includes excellent features like pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure and sway warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The full lineup of features on the Subaru Wilderness for 2026 also includes rear cross-traffic alert, DriverFocus, and reverse automatic braking availability. All these features make handling the daily drive to work as confident as trekking through a background adventure.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is set to arrive on dealership lots in the fall of 2025. Not all details of this new adventure-focused compact SUV have been released just yet, but you can expect our team to be ready to provide you with any of the specs and feature information you need when you reach out to us. When you need new or used trucks for sale in Jacksonville, Lakeside, Orange Park, St. Johns, Green Cove Springs, MacClenny, or Middleburg, put your trust in Hanania Subaru of Orange Park.

To shop for new or used Subaru vehicles , contact the team now. You can browse our new inventory online and get set up with pre-approved financing , or schedule a test drive so you can be one of the first behind the wheel of the Forester Wilderness. Contact us now to be alerted to the arrival of the Forester Wilderness at Hanania Subaru of Orange Park.

Is the Subaru Forester an SUV, a car, or a truck?

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is a compact, crossover SUV. It offers room for five adults in two rows of seats and ample cargo space for hauling gear. The Wilderness trim package enhances the look and function of the Forester with improved off-roading features.

What’s new in the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness?

The Wilderness trim sees significant upgrades for 2026. That includes raised suspension tuning that increased the ground clearance to 9.3 inches, up from 8.7 inches on the other Forester trims. It also has a shorter final drive ratio, which improves its off-road capability. Drivers also benefit from the all-terrain Yokohama Geolander tires for improved traction. With improved approach and departure angles, it’s easier to overcome whatever is on the trials.

What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness?

The EPA has yet to issue an official fuel economy for the 2026 Forester Wilderness, but it has the same engine as the 2025 model. That provides for an estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Where can I get Subaru service near me?

If you need a Subaru oil change or radiator repair in Jacksonville, give us a call at Hanania Subaru of Orange Park. Our team offers comprehensive repair services for all trims offered by Subaru. Ask us about available Subaru service coupons and deals as well. We provide comprehensive service from Subaru-trained and certified technicians you can rely on.

What is the Subaru dealer's lifetime warranty promise?

At Subaru, our drivers earn a nationwide lifetime warranty and 1st year complimentary maintenance, along with lifetime car washes. This vehicle lifetime warranty provides you with peace of mind when purchasing your Subaru from us and continued support for all of your needs along the way.

What car dealerships near me offer special financing?

At Hanania Subaru of Orange Park, we offer a wide range of special financing opportunities. That includes the College Grad Program and Military Incentive Program . When you meet with our finance team, we will provide you with insight into all available special offers and discounts. Get pre-approved now so you can drive off the lot with the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness as soon as it arrives at the dealership.