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.
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.
Connect with us
