2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness – BAPTISM BY WATER

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness

BAPTISM BY WATER 

BLAYLOCK CREEK, Ark – The Ouachitas had been weeping, and as I scouted a crossing for the swollen mountain creek, I should have known better. 

The line looked feasible – another word for about to make a fool of yourself – but Moo, my loyal, waterproof, and clearly superior hiking companion, didn’t hesitate. He danced across the crystal waters, a furry critique of my caution, and watched patiently from the opposite bank.

My route was a ballet of questionable judgment: rock, rock, long log, rock, bigger rock, and then the last five feet of pure faith. That faith proved misplaced. One final, arrogant step onto a large, wobbly rock and it was over. I leaned left, leaned right, then plummeted, perfectly sticking an eight-point, arse-skyward landing.

“This is unbelievable! Straight 10s from the judges!”

“Dang, that water is cold,” was my only coherent thought as the mid-December chill hit like a flash-freeze. Moo, bless his little heart, rushed out and solicitously licked my face as I thrashed about. “No Winding Stairs for us today, little dog,” I mumbled, feeling the dense, dead weight of my soaked jacket and jeans.

Survival training kicked in. Get out. Get dry. Get warm. Moo and I double-timed it two miles back to the vacant parking lot. Shivering uncontrollably, I stripped down to my skivvies beside the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness and discovered that only my wallet stayed dry. 

That’s where the Forester Wilderness became the hero of this adventure. Its muscular heater and heated seats fired up with the fervent dedication of a four-wheeled guardian angel. Within moments, wrapped in the light spare jacket and pants I carry (note to self: add spare shoes, dry undies and a spare ego), the shivers subsided. 

Since Moo wasn’t getting his trail hike, we decided to make the best of it by taking the long way out of the Ouachita National Forest. The Forester Wilderness was about to prove it was more than just a sticker package.

More Than a Look: Genuine Trail Toughness

The roads up and over these Arkansas peaks are not a priority for the federal budget. They are deeply rutted, rocky, and steep—a proper proving ground. Driving slowly was a necessity, both to avoid blowing a tire on jagged stone and, frankly, to drive at “Moo speed,” so we could both appreciate the steep, fallen-leaf grandeur of these mountains. Here, the Subaru shrugged off the terrain that would make urban-style cousins weep for a tow truck.

This machine positions itself brilliantly: It’s the compact SUV for buyers who demand genuine trail capability without sacrificing the comfort needed for a Monday morning commute. Sitting near the top of the Forester line, this tester hit $42,035 (including a $1,450 delivery fee, where most manufacturers now covertly recoup a part of tariffs), putting it squarely against competitors who often offer more veneer than grit.

Subaru has always cultivated a loyal base of owners – people who return again and again for the brand’s symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), legendary safety, and impressive resale value. The Forester, dating back to the late ’90s, has always been the practical, durable, wagon-SUV hybrid. The Wilderness trim is the most singular expression of that heritage.

The Wilderness sets itself apart by committing to function. The ride height is a generous 9.3 inches (a full inch over many rivals), and revised bumpers improve approach and departure angles; it wears chunky all-terrain tires like a badge of honor.

The boxy stance, thick cladding, and exposed roof rails—rated for a static load of 800 pounds (perfect for a rooftop tent)—scream utility, not fashion. Compared to the urban-centric focus of the CX-50 or even the RAV4 Adventure, the Forester is the pair of comfortable, slightly muddy boots you trust.

The Engine and the Drive

Under the low hood is the familiar 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine. Its horizontal layout is a signature Subaru move, lowering the center of gravity to keep the handling predictable and planted – a welcome trait when navigating a slippery, rutted forest track or while scooting through a winding mountain pass.

While its 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque are adequate and reliable, this engine doesn’t win drag races. Merging onto the highway is a commitment, not a casual request.

The engine bolts to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Though pre-2018 versions had issues, Subaru’s chain-driven system is now among the most dependable on the market.

The CVT often carries a stigma for its tendency to drone under heavy throttle, but Subaru has tuned this unit for smooth, predictable power delivery and incorporated simulated shift logic to mitigate the worst of the drone. Though paddle shifters allow the driver to select gears, I never found a gear that worked better than the one selected by the computer.

Subaru’s CVT prioritizes steady torque and fuel efficiency—practical traits that matter more on a long trail run than a lightning-fast sprint. For the type of slow-speed rock work we encountered, its revised final-drive calibration and advanced X-Mode terrain settings work in perfect concert to find grip where a lesser AWD system would spin uselessly.

Even with the taller, firmer suspension, the Wilderness handles paved roads surprisingly well, soaking up imperfections without excessive body roll. On our slow exit over rough roads, the SUV felt unflappable. Best of all, even while driving at Moo-speed and letting the engine work, we averaged close to 26 mpg, solid for an all-terrain machine.

A Cabin That Works

After the creek incident, I was especially thankful for the cabin’s design choices. The interior is built for life outside. The StarTex water-resistant upholstery, heavy-duty floor mats, and reinforced cargo surfaces make cleanup after a muddy adventure (or, you know, a human baptism) a non-issue. The materials are functional and solid – not a luxury cocoon, but a durable, easy-to-maintain space you aren’t afraid to actually use. The rear seats offer competitive legroom, and the cargo area is well-shaped for gear.

Our tester included the larger 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen, which houses the infotainment, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While perfectly functional, the system isn’t as quick or graphically polished as some rivals. However, the standard EyeSight driver-assist suite – featuring adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking – is top-tier and a fundamental reason for Subaru’s vaunted safety reputation.

Bottom Line: Earned Capability

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness delivered a clear, compelling promise on the winding, washed-out roads of the Ouachita National Forest. It’s a compact SUV that can genuinely handle the rough stuff while keeping the comfort and utility needed for the daily grind. It leans into everything Subaru does right: durable Boxer engine, world-class Symmetrical AWD, and a practical, no-nonsense design.

For buyers who rely on the increased ground clearance, improved angles, and higher-capacity roof rails, the Wilderness is an outstanding value. This factory-installed mod kit is cheaper and more dependable than any aftermarket effort. 

I can confirm it handled a two-mile, chilly-socks-only retreat with the fortitude of a seasoned trail veteran. It’s the right choice for the loyal, outdoor-minded owner who wants to go a little farther and come back cleaner than their gear (or, in my case, their driver).