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Subaru says it will initially offer the 2025 Forester in five trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. So, where is the outdoor-themed 2025 Forester Wilderness trim?
I know it's coming, but when?
I covered the 2025 Subaru Forester and Wilderness in a previous report, knowing that the rugged Forester Wilderness trim will continue to be offered on the Forester compact SUV but will not be available at the model's dealer launch next spring. William Stokes, planning manager for the Forester at Subaru of America, told Automotive News this news.
photo credit: CarSales
Stokes should have reiterated why the 2025 Forester does not have a Wilderness trim level, but he didn't. Still, I speculate it's because Subaru Corporation put so much of its resources into the sixth-generation Forester. They need more time to plan the Wilderness trim. Check out the rendering from a recent CarSales report above and see what you think.
The Forester Wilderness requires additional engineering
The next-generation Forester Wilderness requires the Japanese automaker to develop a new suspension, possibly a different engine, and add outdoor upgrades that set it apart from the standard model and the Sport trim pictured below.
The good news for active customers is that Subaru is waiting and bringing the 2025 or 2026 Forester Wilderness, emphasizing that it needs to be a competitive model in the lineup.
The Forester Wilderness competes with the top-selling Outback Wilderness and the all-new Crosstrek Wilderness models. Subaru needs to emphasize the 2025-2026 Forester Wilderness, so it's a worthy pick for outdoor enthusiasts who want to get further off the grid.
Will the Forester Wilderness finally get a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine upgrade?
Subaru has not confirmed this, but I speculate that the sixth-generation Forester Wilderness could get a new powertrain and possibly a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine upgrade over the standard trim levels.
Subaru will launch the 2025 Forester compact SUV with a 2.5-liter Boxer engine with 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. That's two less horsepower and two more lb-ft of torque than the fifth-generation 2024 Forester.
More horsepower is needed for the 2025 Forester Wilderness.
Where’s The New 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness? It’s A No Show @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #foresterwildernesshttps://t.co/ddppPXDWfd
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 18, 2023
The all-new 2025-2026 Forester Wilderness needs more power than the Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels to set it apart and allow it to carry extra gear up a steep mountain pass or trail.
Forester Wilderness needs more towing capacity.
The new-generation Forester Wilderness also needs more towing capacity to keep up with the Outback and Crosstrek Wilderness trims. The Outback and Crosstrek Wilderness will tow up to 3,500 lbs. vs. the Forester Wilderness, which currently has a 3,000 lb. towing capacity.
I look for Subaru Corporation and Subaru of America to give the sixth-generation Forester Wilderness new upgrades over the current model. Will they be enough? Look for the next-generation Subaru Forester Wilderness to launch a year from now. Stay tuned.
Your turn.
What do you think of the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness rendering? Would you buy it?
Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Forester Wilderness story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.
For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy.
My Must-Read Top Picks
- The 6th-Generation 2025 Subaru Forester It's All Here - Images, Details, Video
- The Remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester - 10 All-New Hidden Interior Upgrades
- Subaru Says The Forester Is Its Strategic Global Vehicle
Watch 2025 Subaru Forester World Premiere First Look from Driving Sports TV
I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!
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photo credit: main image CarSales
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Comments
Nope not getting a 25. …
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Nope not getting a 25. Seriously Subaru!? Almost nothing has changed. Only super minor stuff, and a tail opener with your foot? Hasn't the competition had that for 10 years already? I'm buying a 24. Even though they took away the CD (even though they said only cosmetic changes) and raised the price. Should have gotten the 23.
Absolutly! with 280-300 chev…
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Absolutly! with 280-300 chev.!!but as that unfortunately won't happen, I'm leaving Subaru! Hope your dreams come true!!
Why do you focus on…
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Why do you focus on everything except basic comfort? I believe it was this trim level that I sat in this past weekend (perhaps a freshly delivered car that also happened to be open on the lot in Conway, NH), but current model, whatever year that is. The driver seat has lots of adjustability, but the passenger seat had almost NONE. Forty thousand for no identical adjustability and you make it sound like it's such a great offering? In my opinion it is incredibly cheap of Subaru and made me immediately cross the car off a list of potential next cars. Perhaps ok if one is single with just a dog for the passenger seat.