Subaru is famous for its rugged and dependable all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars. Forester has two chief offerings for consumers who want to buy an SUV in the 2025 model year — the base Forester and the more off-road-capable Forester Wilderness. Although both cars are on the same platform, their purpose, design, and ability differ significantly.
This is an in-depth review of the Subaru Forester Wilderness and a comparison to the regular model. We will explore real-world performance, off-road capability, fuel economy, interior features, and more. This comparison will be useful if you decide between adventure and daily practicality.
Both the 2025 Forester and Forester Wilderness come with Subaru's 2.5-liter flat-four engine. But in the Subaru Forester Wilderness review, it is clear that the Wilderness gets some tweaks.
The base Forester produces around 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Forester Wilderness, however, has a re-tuned version of the same engine that produces a bit more torque at low RPMs to push off the road. It does so in a way that makes it easy for the Wilderness to traverse tough trails.
In freeway cruising and daily commutes, both are silky smooth. On Forester trail capability, however, the Wilderness has the advantage through low-ratio gearing and off-road-calibrated power delivery.
They both utilize Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system, one of the best-known in the business. The Subaru AWD review continues to sing the praises of the stability and responsiveness of these cars, particularly in inclement weather.
Meanwhile, Forester Wilderness' off-road capability is further enhanced by a unique calibration of this AWD system. It features enhanced X-Mode settings with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. The modes tailor throttle response, traction control, and braking to provide optimum grip.
The entry-level Forester also gets AWD and X-Mode, but not the off-road-tuned stuff. 99% of the customers will never miss the upgraded system, but if you're off-roading extensively, the Wilderness trim is the place to be.
Forester trail competence is probably the largest category in which Wilderness leads. The Subaru Forester Wilderness review adequately demonstrates that this vehicle is designed to venture out.
The higher ground clearance enables the Wilderness to handle steeper inclines and prevent underbody damage. It also features improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, which are beneficial when driving over rocks or rough terrain.
The Wilderness suspension is stiffened and set up for trail driving. It's just a tiny bit stiffer than the standard version but provides a bit more support when driving over rough or rocky trails. The standard Forester is softer and more comfortable, though.
One of the largest compromises between the two vehicles is gas mileage. Because of extra weight, off-road tires, and another gear ratio, the Wilderness isn't nearly as efficient.
This isn't necessarily a humongous gap, but in the long run, particularly for those who commute, the base Forester saves you a ton of money. If you will mostly be driving your vehicle back and forth to work or the freeway, you may appreciate the thriftiness of the base model.
Tires are part of the backbone of any Subaru Forester Wilderness review, and it's easy to see why. The Wilderness comes with all-terrain tires that have more aggressive tread patterns. These are mounted on matte-black 17-inch wheels that are both stylish and functional.
These tires enhance Forester Wilderness off-road capability, particularly in gravel, snow, and mud. But they're louder and less fuel-efficient on the highway than highway-tuned tires on regular Forester.
If you never take a Forester off-road, the smoother, quieter ride of the regular Forester is the way to go. But if you enjoy dirt roads and camping vacations, the Wilderness tires are worth the premium price.
Now let's discuss Forester interior differences, which will assist you in making an informed decision based on your lifestyle.
The base Forester interior is softer and more upscale. It has cloth or optional leather seats, less intrusive color options, and a more refined cabin environment. It's perfect for cities and families.
The Wilderness interior, on the other hand, is designed to last. It features waterproof StarTex seats, copper-colored trim, all-weather floor mats, and wipe-clean surfaces. The dash and panels are also stronger and prepared for outdoor equipment and other abuse.
In the Forester interior differences suit, consider how you will be using the vehicle. If you have pets, camp, or reside in dirty weather conditions, the Wilderness interior may be the better bet.
Technologically, both trims are the same. You have a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru's STARLINK system supports navigation, audio, and voice command.
Both trims on the Subaru Forester Wilderness review feature Subaru EyeSight driver assist technology, which provides:
While the technology features are essentially identical, the Wilderness adds other off-road driving aid functions to the trail-view camera. It's better if you enjoy navigating tight or difficult terrain.
Yet another Forester vs Wilderness mpg and practicality issue is towing.
The Wilderness model doubles towing capacity due to its improved transmission cooler and heavier-duty suspension. If you have a small trailer, kayak racks, or bikes to tow, this may be a breaking point for you.
Smooth ride comfort can make or break your day, particularly on long road trips.
The entry-level Forester has a smooth, soft, and very quiet ride. It's appropriate for daily driving, running errands, or long-distance travel. It's quieter because it's equipped with less aggressive tires and comfort-tuned suspension.
Conversely, the Subaru Forester Wilderness review describes its ride as firm and marginally noisier, particularly at highway speeds. But this is accompanied by added grip and stability on difficult surfaces. The ride is more assured and secure on dirt roads or trails.
The Wilderness trim receives distinctive styling flourishes that shout "off-road capable." These are:
The regular Forester resembles a more conventional family SUV. It's professional, stylish, and clean — perfect for suburban dwellers and office employees.
That being said, styling is a matter of taste, and if you prefer your SUV to have more personality and stand out with its ruggedness, then the Wilderness certainly does.
As of 2025, the Forester Wilderness begins at approximately $36,000, while the regular Forester begins at $30,000.
For another $6,000, you add off-road upgrades, a more rugged interior, additional towing capacity, and other trail gear. But if you are not taking advantage of most of the features much of the time, the base model is the ticket.
Think about your lifestyle: are you riding dirt trails, camping excursions, or towing equipment? Or are you just commuting, running errands, and highway cruising?
No matter if you opt for the base Forester or upgrade to the off-road-ready Wilderness, Subaru continues to offer reliable, competent, and tech-loving SUVs for drivers of all kinds. This review of the Subaru Forester Wilderness assists in comprehending the subtle but significant differences, from Forester interior variations to Forester Wilderness off-road capability.
In the end, your lifestyle, driving needs, and sense of adventure should guide your decision. Either way, you’re getting a vehicle that's built for more — whether it’s conquering trails or cruising through city streets.
This content was created by AI