Through the course of 2025 we have driven and reviewed many “off road package” cars and trucks from various manufacturers. By and large we have been critical of them for the simple fact that they typically tack on some significant expense to a car or truck and then deliver very little for the money. Stick around for next week and our look at perhaps the worst offender but right now? Right now we’re talking about perhaps the most legit off-road package upgrade offered by anyone on any small SUV and frankly car. The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is the latest in Subaru’s successful Wilderness sub-brand. They apply this name to models that have been substantially upgraded for off-road capability. It is not just cosmetic, this is legit mechanical change. So much so that we’re pretty impressed.

From the ground up we have larger 235/60/17 tires on the corners, which are the largest offered from the factory ever on a Forester, Wilderness trim or not. Ground clearance is increased to a pretty legit (for these days) 9.3″, the front and rear fascias were redesigned to improve approach and departure angles. The increased ground clearance raised the break over angle as well. These are good changes but what about the real mechanical improvements?

For starters the final drive ratio was shortened from 3.70 to 4.11 which gives better low speed crawl ability and the ability to build wheel speed quick when the ground needs to be clawed at off road. The center differential was recalibrated to lock a lot quicker to prevent excess wheel spin front and rear.

An upgraded transmission cooler, rear differential temperature sensor, and other small touches make this Wilderness stand out in a sea of supposedly “upgraded” models in the same m market segment.

So how does it drive? With a 3,700lb weight and 180hp, which comes from an engine recalibrated to make peak power at about 3,700 RPM vs 4,400 previously hooked to a CVT, things start with promise and end with wanting. Meaning, the shorter final drive gearing means that the first short squirt off the line feels pretty decent but after that acceleration tapers off pretty hard and this thing is really begging fro the extra 14hp and torque from the hybrid system offered on other variants of the Forester.

We’re not asking for a drag racer here or some hairy 300+ horsepower engine but rather about 20-25 more. 200hp would change this car immensely from the perspective of the driver. Merging isn’t “scary” but you need to pick your spot and be on the deck with the gas pedal long before you plan on actually integrating into traffic. The famed boxer engine is a good piece we just want some more gusto to back up the rest of what is otherwise a very solid car.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness interior is exactly what you’d expect from a Subaru and we say that with respect. It is not flashy, it is not overly lux, it is well done, comfortable, and lacking any sort of really notable pizzaz or mistakes. The the Forester a “driver’s car” so to speak? Not really. This is not some skidpad hero but we will stay that the larger and more aggressive off-road style tires do not detract from the car’s street manners and it drives with a steady confidence that one expects from a modern car.

Headroom, rear seat room, visibility, and overall space are excellent. Now that we have gotten through the good and solid stuff about the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, there is one glaring thing that needs attention with regard to the inside of the car and its something that the driver uses a lot and it’s in need of big time help.

This screen. Yes, it’s huge. but it’s the one thing in this Subaru that’s kind of flashy because of its tremendous size but it does not deliver a great experience in the face of everyone else’s dash screens. This one is clunky and slow to respond. We found ourselves having to tap it multiple times to get things to work, and it just took a little too much effort and time with eyes off the road to be good. There’s likely some software and perhaps hardware upgrades coming from Subaru down the line and the sooner they arrive, the better.

Unlike the typical CUV cramped stowage area, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has a low load floor, loads of room, and functionality for days in this respect. It’s a simple thing but one that owners who use their wagon in practical ways. No complicated tailgate, no gadgets, just a large hatch and loads of high roof storage availability.

For a sticker price of $42,036 this is a lot of car. It would be even more car with the additional horsepower but overall, this is a machine we believe delivers on its asking price. Yes, we have our nits to pick but overall the driving experience, the reputation, and utility, and the functionality built into the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness makes it something that we’d recommend you shop if you are looking for a small SUV that can handle the weather, the occasional trip to the woods, and more. Put respect on the same of this car. It’s actually upgraded and improved in real ways to make the ownership and operational experience that much better and to deliver more value on the price.

Just don’t try to drag race it…unless it is in the mud.