The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is like the 2024 model year outdoor-themed compact SUV. Should you buy it or wait for the remodeled 2026 Forester Wilderness? I will explore both options in my report here.
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Should you go now or wait for the next-gen Forester Wilderness?
The rugged 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness announced by Subaru of America (SOA) is based on the previous-generation model, so it’s a carry-over model with no changes or upgrades. The price goes up a reasonable $75.00.
Subaru of America says, “The go-anywhere 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is based on the previous-generation model and features increased capability, including 9.2 inches of ground clearance for adventure-seekers.”
What is the 2025 Forester Wilderness pricing?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $36,415, including destination and delivery fees ($1,420).
Buy now or wait?
The advantage of buying now is you could save $2,000 over the next-gen 2026 Forester Wilderness. The new Forester Wilderness will receive significant upgrades, and the price could go up around two grand.
What the improvements are, we don’t know yet. Subaru of America has not announced any upgrades to the 2026 Forester Wilderness. But they will be worth waiting for.
I know the new Forester Wilderness will get extensive upgrades inside and outside. Check out my report here for more details.
Until then, here is the 2025 Forester Wilderness model guide.
Subaru highlights the unique features of the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness, such as the 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels wrapped in All-Terrain Yokohama Geolander tires, longer coil springs and shock absorbers, and a full-size spare tucked underneath the cargo area. These features enhance the SUV's off-road capabilities and provide added confidence on muddy, wet, or snowy roads or trails.
“The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness includes a unique front fascia with a hexagonal grille and hexagonal LED fog lights, larger cladding around the wheels, and a front skid plate to help protect the SUV off-road. A useful anti-glare, matte black decal helps diffuse light from the hood for better outward vision. It gives the Subaru Forester Wilderness a visually distinctive appearance on the road and the trails.”
“Water-resistant StarTex seating surfaces are easily cleanable, while all-weather mats and a standard cargo tray are well-suited for muddy gear and boots. The Wilderness also boasts more robust, ladder-style roof rails that can support up to 800 pounds while stationary, including a rooftop tent.”
What’s inside?
"Inside, the Subaru Forester Wilderness offers a spacious and versatile interior. The standard 60/40-split folding rear seats open up to 69.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with a wide 51.2-inch rear gate opening width to help load bulky gear. With the rear seats upright, the Wilderness comfortably seats up to five people, with 39.4 inches of rear seat legroom and 26.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row."
How much with the Forester Wilderness tow?
"The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is equipped for adventure. It has a towing capacity of up to 3,000 pounds and comes standard with Trailer Stability Assist, ensuring you can bring all your gear with you on your outdoor excursions."
Forester safety tech.
"The Subaru Forester Wilderness is equipped with a range of safety features. Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology features Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Automatic Emergency Steering works with EyeSight and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds slower than 50 mph."
How much power does the Forester Wilderness have?
“Every 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter Boxer engine paired with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission. The efficient engine sends 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.”
Who should consider buying the Forester Wilderness?
Anyone with an active lifestyle wanting to go deeper, further off the trail and off the grid, should take a look.
When does the 2025 Forester Wilderness arrive?
The Subaru Forester Wilderness is assembled alongside the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester in Gunma, Japan. SOA says the 2025 Forester Wilderness will arrive at Subaru retailers in early 2025.
What do you think?
Will you shop the 2025 Forester Wilderness or wait for the remodeled 2026 Forester Wilderness? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Competition Subaru
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