Fall Foliage Drives Near Plymouth Meeting, PA As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, the parks, trails, and back roads around Plymouth Meeting transform into one of the best fall foliage destinations in the Philadelphia area. Pennsylvania has one of the longest and most varied fall foliage seasons in the country, and you don't have to travel far to see it. Here's a local guide to the best fall foliage drives near Plymouth Meeting, brought to you by John Kennedy Subaru. Wissahickon Valley Park Just a short drive from Plymouth Meeting, Wissahickon Valley Park is consistently ranked among the best places in the region to see fall color. The park spans 1,800 wooded acres across both Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties, with more than 50 miles of trails winding along Wissahickon Creek. The seven-mile Forbidden Drive is the easiest way to take it all in, leading to the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in Philadelphia and one of the park's most photographed fall spots. Peak color typically arrives in the last week of October through the first two weeks of November. Fort Washington State Park Continuing north from the Wissahickon, Fort Washington State Park connects to the same forested corridor via the Wissahickon Trail, also known as the Green Ribbon Trail. It's a great add-on stop for a longer fall drive, with wooded hiking paths and an easy-to-reach overlook that puts a wide sweep of Montgomery County's fall color on display. Valley Forge National Historical Park A quick drive toward King of Prussia, Valley Forge National Historical Park pairs Revolutionary War history with some of the most photogenic fall scenery in the area. Its rolling fields and monuments are just as striking from behind the wheel as they are on foot, making it an easy loop to add to any fall day trip from Plymouth Meeting. Evansburg State Park A bit farther out near Skippack and Collegeville, Evansburg State Park offers a mix of forest trails and open meadows along Skippack Creek. It's a quieter alternative to the more heavily trafficked Wissahickon, with plenty of picnicking spots to enjoy the season at a slower pace. Green Lane Park For a bigger day trip, Green Lane Park is the largest park in Montgomery County at 3,400 acres, with a trail network ranging from easy, flat walks to higher-elevation hikes with sweeping views. It's one of the best spots in the county for both fall color and birdwatching in the same trip. The Cross County Trail For something closer to home, the Cross County Trail runs from Conshohocken directly into Plymouth Meeting as a spur off the Schuylkill River Trail, making it one of the most convenient fall color walks for anyone right in our own backyard. The Best Way to Take In the Season Whether you're winding through the Wissahickon, looping Valley Forge, or heading out to Green Lane Park for the day, a fall foliage drive is a lot more enjoyable in a vehicle built for changing conditions. Every Subaru comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, so wet leaves on a shaded back road or an early frost won't cut your foliage tour short. Get Fall-Ready with a Subaru from John Kennedy Subaru Whatever your route this fall, our team can help you find the right Subaru for the drive. Browse New Subaru Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Proudly Serving Plymouth Meeting and the Surrounding Communities John Kennedy Subaru is a convenient stop for drivers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area heading out to enjoy the season. We're proud to serve drivers from: Plymouth Meeting, PA Conshohocken, PA West Conshohocken, PA Norristown, PA East Norriton, PA West Norriton, PA King of Prussia, PA Blue Bell, PA Whitemarsh, PA Lafayette Hill, PA Ambler, PA Fort Washington, PA Ardmore, PA Philadelphia, PA No matter which of these communities you call home, our Plymouth Meeting showroom is just a short drive away. Visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers before you hit the road this fall. Park hours, trail conditions, and seasonal offerings referenced above are subject to change. Please check with each destination directly for current hours and availability before visiting.

2026 Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot: Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Family? When it's time to find a three-row SUV for the whole family, the Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot are two of the most cross-shopped names in the segment. Both offer seating for up to eight, strong towing capability, and genuinely useful family features. But they take different approaches to all-weather capability, power, and everyday practicality. Here's a full breakdown from the team at John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting to help you decide which one truly fits your family. Quick Comparison: 2026 Ascent vs. 2026 Pilot Starting MSRP — Ascent: $40,795 | Pilot: $42,395 Standard Engine — Ascent: 2.4L Turbo Boxer, 260 hp / 277 lb-ft | Pilot: 3.5L V6, 285 hp / 262 lb-ft Drivetrain — Ascent: standard Symmetrical AWD on every single trim | Pilot: front-wheel drive standard, AWD optional on Sport/EX-L, standard only from TrailSport up Max Towing — Ascent: up to 5,000 lbs (every trim) | Pilot: up to 5,000 lbs with AWD, only 3,500 lbs with FWD Ground Clearance — Ascent: 8.7 inches | Pilot: up to 8.3 inches (TrailSport) Seating — Ascent: up to 8 passengers | Pilot: up to 8 passengers Max Cargo (rear seats folded) — Ascent: up to 75.6 cu ft | Pilot: up to 87–112 cu ft Standard Safety Suite — Ascent: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | Pilot: Honda Sensing All-Wheel Drive: The Ascent's Biggest Advantage This is the single most important difference between these two SUVs. Every 2026 Subaru Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, no exceptions and no upcharge, across all seven trims. The Honda Pilot, by contrast, starts as a front-wheel-drive SUV on its base Sport and EX-L trims, with AWD offered only as a paid option — and even then, FWD Pilot models are limited to 3,500 lbs of towing versus 5,000 lbs with AWD. For Plymouth Meeting and Montgomery County families who deal with real winter weather, that means every single Ascent on the lot is already built for the conditions, while Pilot shoppers have to make sure they're looking at the right trim and drivetrain combination to get the same capability. The Ascent also holds a ground clearance advantage at 8.7 inches, edging out even the Pilot's off-road-focused TrailSport trim at 8.3 inches. Combined with standard X-MODE and Hill Descent Control, the Ascent is built to handle rougher terrain and worse weather right out of the box, on every trim — not just the priciest one. Power and Towing The Pilot's 3.5L V6 does produce more horsepower on paper (285 hp vs. the Ascent's 260 hp), and its smooth V6 character is a genuine strength. But the Ascent's turbocharged boxer engine actually delivers more torque (277 lb-ft vs. 262 lb-ft), which translates to strong low-end pulling power for merging, passing, and towing. Both SUVs top out at a useful 5,000 lbs of towing capacity — but the Ascent reaches that number as standard equipment on every trim, while the Pilot only hits its full 5,000-lb rating once you've added AWD. Space, Safety, and Family Features Subaru positions the Ascent as offering more overall passenger space than several competitors in this class, and it comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, along with available features like DriverFocus distraction mitigation and Cabin Connect, which lets the driver talk to third-row passengers without turning around. The Pilot counters with a genuinely spacious cabin of its own, a new-for-2026 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a larger maximum cargo capacity when both rear rows are folded flat — a real advantage for families who occasionally need to haul more gear than passengers. To Be Fair: Where the Pilot Holds Its Own The Pilot isn't without real strengths. Its 285-hp V6 is smooth and refined, its maximum cargo volume beats the Ascent's by a wide margin, and its new 12.3-inch touchscreen is a meaningful upgrade for 2026. The TrailSport trim also offers genuine off-road-oriented hardware and second-row captain's chairs for families who want a slightly different flavor of capability. If maximum cargo space and horsepower on paper matter most to you, the Pilot is a strong, well-rounded choice. The Verdict Both of these three-row SUVs are excellent choices for growing families. But for buyers who want standard all-wheel drive on every trim without paying extra, a higher ground clearance, and full towing capability regardless of which trim you choose, the 2026 Subaru Ascent comes out ahead. The Pilot remains a strong pick for families who prioritize maximum cargo room and V6 smoothness, but if all-weather confidence and standard capability across the entire lineup matter most, the Ascent is the stronger overall package. See the 2026 Subaru Ascent for Yourself Visit John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting to test drive the Ascent and see how it compares to the Pilot in person. View Ascent Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Proudly Serving Plymouth Meeting and the Surrounding Communities John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting is a convenient stop for Ascent shoppers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area. We're proud to serve drivers from: Plymouth Meeting, PA Norristown, PA East Norriton, PA West Norriton, PA Conshohocken, PA King of Prussia, PA Valley Forge, PA Blue Bell, PA Whitemarsh, PA Ardmore, PA Philadelphia, PA No matter which of these communities you call home, our Plymouth Meeting showroom is just a short drive away. Browse our full new Subaru inventory or visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers. Pricing, specifications, and third-party data referenced above are current as of publication and sourced from Subaru.com, Honda.com, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, TrueCar, and Autoblog. Specs and pricing are subject to change by each manufacturer and may not include destination fees, taxes, title, or dealer charges. See John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting for current pricing, incentives, and availability.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness raises the toughness factor to levels not seen in previous models. It surpasses typical compact crossovers with its elevated clearance, tenacious tires, and trail-ready features that actually work when you hit the rough terrain around Pennsylvania. Our team at John Kennedy Subaru in Plymouth Meeting has compiled this guide to detail why the new 2026 model is an excellent choice for local drivers. more New Forester Wilderness What Makes the 2026 Forester Wilderness Different The 2026 model isn't your regular Subaru Forester. It sits 9.3 inches off the ground, which is 0.6 inches taller than standard models and higher than last year's version. Its stretched springs and shocks don't just add height; they make rocky trails feel like smooth sailing. The chunky Yokohama Geolandars wrapped around 17-inch matte black wheels grab mud, snow, and loose rock when normal crossovers would spin and whine. Off-road angles have received major upgrades. The approach angle increases from 19 degrees to 23.5 degrees, the breakover angle rises from 19.5 degrees to 21 degrees, and the departure angle climbs from 24.6 degrees to 25.5 degrees, all of which means no more scraping your bumpers on steep driveways or getting stuck on trail bumps. Copper accents make it stand out visually, while the water-resistant StarTex upholstery can easily cope with muddy jeans and wet dogs; just wipe the seats down after your trip. Subaru hit the jackpot with these trail-ready vehicles, which account for 15%-20% of sales across its lineup. Drivers love driving them, with almost half (46%) of owners taking them off-road. Dog owners love them too; 58% of buyers have at least one furry friend at home, so it's no surprise that Subaru puts so much thought into easy-clean fabrics and smart storage. 2026 Forester Wilderness Pricing and Trim Options The Subaru Forester Wilderness price starts at an MSRP of $38,385, undercutting Ford's Bronco Sport Badlands, which starts at $40,115. Adding the Sasquatch package for serious trails costs an additional $2,990. If you select the Subaru, you can save enough cash for roof racks, bike carriers, and weekend fuel. You'll also achieve better towing capacity and that famous Subaru all-wheel grip. Off-Road Capabilities and Ground Clearance The Forester Wilderness's off-road capabilities and ground clearance of 9.3 inches matter when you're crawling over rocks or pushing through deep snow. The longer springs don't just make it taller; they give the wheels more travel to absorb bumps when you're bouncing down Pennsylvania's rutted forest roads. The X-MODE traction control system has been upgraded so you can select between Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud settings based on the conditions you're facing. Subaru has shortened the final drive ratio for better control when creeping over obstacles. X-MODE activates hill control and automatically activates the front camera to detect trail hazards. All this works together, allowing you to tackle rough terrain on weekends while still driving on regular highways during the week. Engine Specs and Performance The 2026 Subaru Forest Wilderness engine is a trusty 2.5-liter flat-four model that produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, with peak torque now delivered at 3,700 rpm rather than its previous 4,400 rpm. This makes a real difference in daily driving, providing a more responsive acceleration when merging onto I-476 or moving away from traffic lights in Plymouth Meeting. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph takes around 8.4 seconds, depending on conditions. Towing capacity has improved, thanks to better cooling; at 3,500 pounds, that's a 500-pound increase over the previous figure and beats the Bronco Sport by 1,300 pounds. With this towing power, you'll be able to haul your camper to the Poconos without any difficulty. Fuel Economy and Efficiency Going off-road-ready doesn't mean spending a fortune on gas. EPA ratings are 24 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. While that's not as fuel-efficient as other Forester trims due to those larger tires and shorter gears, many drivers think it's worth it for the off-roading capability. In recent live tests, highway cruising at 75 mph achieved 27 mpg, which allows for approximately 440 miles per tank; Subaru claims it can achieve up to 460 miles in ideal conditions. If you're mixing work drives with weekend trips to the mountains, that means fewer stops and more cash kept in your adventure fund. Interior Design and Cargo Space In the Forester Wilderness interior, the StarTex seats stand out as a key feature: tough and completely waterproof, they're ideal for active types. Unlike regular materials that stain or crack, StarTex cleans up with soap after muddy hikes or spilled drinks and endures through countless cleanings. Distinctive copper-colored stitching features throughout the dark cabin. The 2026 Forester Wilderness offers generous second-row legroom of 39.4 inches, which is ample for adults on trips to Ricketts Glen. It provides 27.5 cubic feet of storage space behind the seats, but folding the second row seats down increases the total space to 69.1 cubic feet. The wide tailgate makes loading bulky equipment easy, and the LED light helps when you're packing up after dark. Technology and Infotainment An 11.6-inch touch screen is standard on all but the base trims, plus wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a charging pad for your phone. For the first time in the Forester model, Subaru also provides the option for a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with Wilderness graphics, providing an excellent way to track your off-road performance statistics. Safety features are enhanced with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies on every model, incorporating adaptive cruise control, lane departure assistance, and emergency braking. It also includes automatic emergency steering and crash-prevention features that work on highways and narrow back roads where visibility is limited. Ready for Your Next Adventure? From its ground clearance to mud-ready tires and wipe-clean seats, every aspect of the 2026 Forester Wilderness serves a purpose for active Pennsylvania families. Its competitive pricing and legendary Subaru toughness make this a smart choice for drivers who mix daily drives with weekend escapes. If you want a comfortable ride that handles trails no matter the weather and carries your equipment without drama, the 2026 Forester Wilderness is the vehicle for you. Contact our team at John Kennedy Subaru to arrange a test drive. We can also assist with financing and help you find the right version to suit your needs.