EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, a brand new and slightly more macho trim level for this well-known all-wheel-drive model.
This is the sixth-generation Forester, the “most rugged” yet, Subaru says, with a higher 9.3 inches of ground clearance, a similar bold black grill remains, and a bit more angular sculpting – with more copper accents. There’s a serious skid plate up front, angular black fender flare accents all-round, and 17-inch Yokohama Geolander A/T rubber.
Inside, that added height means it’s easy to slide into the Forester Wilderness’ dark gray buckets seats, embossed “Subaru Wilderness” logos on head restraints. Small plastic paddle shifters in back work eight simulated gears on the CVT, with a big 11.6-inch center touchscreen as part of a higher-mounted dashboard for increased space.
You can select Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud drive modes – on the screen – which can also display a nose camera video of what you are driving over, or all-wheel-drive status, roll and dive angle and steering articulation, with climate controls still active below. It’s frisky enough on-road, and able to comfortably go gently off-road .
So read lots more about this – 2026 Subaru Forester Ups Its Game With Wilderness Trim – and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.