Subaru Forester vs. Forester Wilderness: Off-Road Capable SUV Comparison

What To Know

  • The Subaru Forester and Forester Wilderness are both competitively priced, with the Forester starting at $25,195 and the Forester Wilderness starting at $29,695.
  • If you’re looking for a more affordable SUV with a spacious interior and a wide range of features, the Forester is the better choice.

The Subaru Forester and Forester Wilderness are two popular SUVs that offer a blend of rugged capability and everyday practicality. However, there are some key differences between these two models that potential buyers should be aware of before making a decision. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Subaru Forester vs. Forester Wilderness in terms of their performance, features, and value to help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs and budget.

Performance

The Subaru Forester and Forester Wilderness both come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. However, the Forester Wilderness gets a slight edge in performance thanks to its standard X-Mode system, which enhances off-road capability by adjusting the engine, transmission, and suspension for rough terrain. The Wilderness also comes with a standard seven-speed manual transmission, while the Forester offers a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Features

The Subaru Forester and Forester Wilderness offer a wide range of features, including:

  • Standard all-wheel drive: Both models come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability in all driving conditions.
  • Spacious interior: The Forester and Forester Wilderness offer plenty of room for passengers and cargo, with a spacious cabin and a large cargo area.
  • Advanced safety features: Both models come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
  • Infotainment system: The Forester and Forester Wilderness come standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Value

The Subaru Forester and Forester Wilderness are both competitively priced, with the Forester starting at $25,195 and the Forester Wilderness starting at $29,695. However, the Forester Wilderness offers more value for the money thanks to its enhanced off-road capability and additional features.

Which One is Right for You?

The Subaru Forester and Forester Wilderness are both excellent SUVs that offer a blend of rugged capability and everyday practicality. However, there are some key differences between these two models that potential buyers should be aware of before making a decision.

  • If you’re looking for a more rugged SUV with enhanced off-road capability, the Forester Wilderness is the better choice.
  • If you’re looking for a more affordable SUV with a spacious interior and a wide range of features, the Forester is the better choice.

The Bottom Line: The Best Subaru Forester for Your Needs

Ultimately, the best Subaru Forester for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a more rugged SUV with enhanced off-road capability, the Forester Wilderness is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable SUV with a spacious interior and a wide range of features, the Forester is the better choice.

Top Questions Asked

Q: What are the key differences between the Subaru Forester and Forester Wilderness?
A: The Forester Wilderness offers enhanced off-road capability thanks to its X-Mode system and standard seven-speed manual transmission. The Forester Wilderness also comes with additional features, such as a roof rack, fog lights, and all-terrain tires.

Q: Which model is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Subaru Forester is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Forester Wilderness, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which model has more cargo space?
A: The Subaru Forester and Forester Wilderness offer the same amount of cargo space, with 28.9 cubic feet behind the second row of seats and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down.