The hybrid arrives at Subaru dealers this spring, starting at $34,995 and offering significantly improved fuel economy

No huge changes come under the skin when compared to the outgoing 2025 Forester Wilderness; 2026 models actually lose two horsepower, down to 180, but gain two pound-feet of torque, up to 178. Subaru says the engine and transmission have been retuned to make more of that power accessible at lower engine speeds.

The trail-ready SUV adds a splash more ground clearance and a dash more torque, but stands by the naturally aspirated flat-four.

While nearly all Subaru vehicles are solid off-road performers, the Crosstrek Wilderness has a few features that make it especially capable on the trail.

The latest Forester Wilderness comes ready to go off-road. It features a lifted ride height providing 9.3 inches of ground clearance, which is a 0.1-inch increase over the previous Wilderness model. This new setup offers a 23.5-degree approach angle, a 21-degree breakover angle, and a 25.5-degree departure angle.

Comment Now! Subaru's sixth-generation Forester has gained Wilderness and Hybrid models; The Forester Wilderness features 9.3 inches of grou

At Subaru, a Wilderness badge on any of the automaker’s crossover SUVs signifies added off-roading capability. Unsurprisingly, the redesigned 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness features engineering, design, and other details to support adventuring well beyond the beaten path.

The Wilderness line of models was, historically speaking, both the smartest and most obvious business decision Subaru ever made. Take a company already associated with doing outdoorsy things and give it more off-roady models?