Subaru’s Risky Path Not Taken With The Forester Wilderness

The good and bad news.

Subaru didn't take the risky path of bringing out the Forester Wilderness trim too soon. They want it to be correct. It was the right move for the Japanese automaker. 

The good news for Subaru outdoor enthusiasts is Subaru of America will keep the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness around for another year at the same price. 

The Wilderness trim carries over with a starting price of $36,265, which includes destination and delivery fees ($1,345). That's good because the 2025 Forester has a significant price increase. Check my report here.

A path not taken.

The bad news is I don't know when Subaru will bring the next-generation 2025 Forester Wilderness. Subaru chose an interesting path with the Forester Wilderness trim level. It’s not coming, yet. I know it's coming, but it won't be for another year. They chose not to built it yet. My guess is the outdoor-themed next-gen Wilderness will launch in late 2025. 

If you go to Subaru's website page for the 2025 Subaru Forester, you'll see the 2024 Forester Wilderness tab but not the new next-generation Forester.

I reported that the new Forester Wilderness trim level was a no-show at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. 

William Stokes, Subaru of America's planning manager for the Forester, told Automotive News at the show, "Subaru's Wilderness trim, which the automaker launched in 2021 as an overlanding subbrand, will continue to be offered on the Forester but not at launch."

Why did Subaru choose this path?

Stokes did not reiterate why the 2025 Forester does not have a Wilderness trim level. Still, I speculate that Subaru Corporation put so much of its resources into the sixth-generation Forester that they need more time to plan the Wilderness trim. 

They are also developing an all-new sixth-generation Forester Hybrid trim level. This will take more of the new Forester's resources from the Wilderness trim. You can read my report here for more information on the hybrid trim level.

Here's what you get with the 2024 Forester Wilderness

• Raised suspension with 9.2 inches of ground clearance
• 17-inch matte black-finish alloy wheels and Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires
• Dual-function X-Mode with Hill Descent Control
• StarTex water-repellent upholstery
• 180-Degree Front-View Monitor
• Anodized Copper-finish interior and exterior accents

In addition to its 9.2 inches of ground clearance, Wilderness trims have a half-inch increase over the other Forester models. It has longer coil springs, shock absorbers, and unique tuning for ride and handling performance.

What is the Forester Wilderness fuel mileage?

The Forester Wilderness gets an EPA-estimated 25/28 city/highway MPG and 26 combined MPG. 

How much can you tow with the Forester Wilderness?

The 2024 Forester Wilderness comes with a 3,000-lb. towing capacity (vs. 1,500 for the standard model) and features standard trailer stability assist. The additional tow rating will now allow customers with active lifestyles to pull a small boat or camper.

Does the Forester Wilderness have an upgraded engine?

Outdoor enthusiasts were disappointed the 2024 Forester Wilderness did not get a remodel and the FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged engine upgrade. Forester Wilderness is still powered by a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated Boxer engine producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.

While Subaru has not confirmed any new engine upgrades for the next-gen model, there's hope that the all-new Forester Wilderness will receive more power than the Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels. 

This potential upgrade could set it apart and allow it to carry extra gear up a steep mountain pass or trail, making it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts. 

More 2024 Wilderness upgrades

• Forester Wilderness has a unique front fascia, which features a hexagonal front grille and hexagonal LED fog lights over the standard model. It also has a practical anti-glare hood decal in matte black to diffuse direct sunlight on the trails. 
• It has water-resistant StarTex seating surfaces, all-weather mats, and a cargo tray. All are well-prepared for muddy feet and gear with wash-and-ready attitudes.

Significant changes are coming for Forester next year. 

As I previously reported, the next-gen Forester will be manufactured at Subaru of Indiana Automotive starting next year. This move ensures a steady supply for its North American customers. 

Wilderness trims will also be built in Indiana as the new Forester production moves to the U.S. This shift not only marks a significant change in Subaru's manufacturing strategy but also brings potential customer benefits, such as reduced delivery times and improved availability of the popular Forester Wilderness, ensuring you can get your hands on the new Forester Wilderness outdoor-themed model sooner.

When will the next-gen Wilderness launch?

The good news for active customers is that Subaru is waiting and bringing the next-gen Forester Wilderness, emphasizing that it needs to be a competitive model in the lineup.

Subaru of America has yet to announce the all-new Forester Wilderness, but it will likely be sometime next year. Subaru is redesigning the rugged trim level now. 

Note: The sixth-generation Forester will get a significant price increase. So, that makes the 2024 Forester a great value for active customers who want to get further away from the city and off the grid. 

I expect Subaru Corporation and Subaru of America to upgrade the sixth-generation Forester Wilderness over the current model. I'll keep you informed of any new developments. Stay tuned. 

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Competition Subaru