The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness marks the return of the Wilderness badge to Subaru’s compact SUV lineup, bringing serious off-road upgrades to the ever-popular Forester.
As competition in the rugged small SUV segment heats up, the Forester Wilderness will take on off-road-ready rivals like the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, Jeep Compass Trailhawk, and Honda CR-V TrailSport. Here’s what you need to know about Subaru’s latest adventure-ready SUV.
How the Forester Wilderness Stacks Up Against Rivals
While many SUVs get off-road styling without major performance upgrades, Subaru has given the Forester Wilderness real capability enhancements. It will face off against:
- Ford Bronco Sport Badlands – Features a turbocharged engine, twin-clutch rear differential, and an optional Sasquatch off-road package.
- Jeep Compass Trailhawk – Offers a turbocharged engine and excellent approach and departure angles.
- Honda CR-V TrailSport – Honda’s off-road-focused CR-V variant, expected in 2026.
- Nissan Rogue Rock Creek – Includes all-terrain tires and hill-descent control.
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Powertrain & Performance
The Forester Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine, producing:
- 180 horsepower
- 178 lb-ft of torque
This naturally aspirated engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Unlike other new Forester models, the hybrid powertrain will not be available in the Wilderness trim.
Towing Capacity and Drivetrain Improvements
- Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs (best in class).
- Upgraded transmission cooler for better performance under load.
- Faster center-differential lockup for improved all-wheel-drive response on rough terrain.
While the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and Jeep Compass Trailhawk offer more powerful turbocharged engines, the Forester Wilderness makes up for it with its rugged off-road upgrades and superior towing capacity.
Off-Road Upgrades: Ground Clearance & Suspension
Subaru has significantly improved the Wilderness model’s off-road capability with higher ground clearance and better approach angles:
| Model | Ground Clearance | Approach Angle | Departure Angle | Breakover Angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 9.3 inches | 23.5° | 25.5° | 21° |
| Ford Bronco Sport Badlands (Standard) | 8.1 inches | 30.4° | 27.9° | 23.6° |
| Ford Bronco Sport Badlands (Sasquatch) | 8.7 inches | 31.2° | 27.9° | 23.6° |
| Jeep Compass Trailhawk | 8.6 inches | 30.4° | 34° | 23.6° |
Key Off-Road Features
- Longer coil springs & dampers for better suspension travel.
- Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels.
- Upgraded X-Mode with settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud.
- Shorter final-drive ratio in the CVT for improved low-speed off-road performance.
While the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and Jeep Compass Trailhawk have higher approach and departure angles, the Forester Wilderness leads in ground clearance—a crucial factor for tackling uneven terrain.
Interior & Technology: Comfort Meets Durability
Cabin Features
The Forester Wilderness is built for adventure with durable, water-resistant materials and modern technology:
- Waterproof StarTex upholstery for easy cleaning.
- 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
- Optional 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with off-road-specific graphics.
Cargo & Passenger Space
The Forester remains a spacious option in its segment:
| Model | Cargo Space (Seats Up) | Cargo Space (Seats Down) |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Forester Wilderness | 28 cu ft | 69 cu ft |
| Ford Bronco Sport Badlands | 29 cu ft | 61 cu ft |
| Jeep Compass Trailhawk | 27 cu ft | 60 cu ft |
The Forester Wilderness offers more cargo room than both the Bronco Sport and Compass, making it a great choice for adventure enthusiasts who need extra space for gear.
Price & Release Date
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness will arrive at dealerships in fall 2025. While pricing has yet to be announced, expect it to start around $36,000–$39,000, aligning with its competitors.
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness delivers real off-road capability, making it a strong contender against the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and Jeep Compass Trailhawk. While it has less power than some rivals, it makes up for it with:
Best-in-class ground clearance (9.3 inches)
Superior towing capacity (3,500 lbs)
Durable, adventure-ready interior
Spacious cargo area for outdoor gear
For those looking for a reliable, adventure-ready SUV with true off-road ability, the Forester Wilderness is a top choice in 2026.