Putting Toddlers in the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is the best SUV for those who need a vehicle that can tackle many outdoor activities while still being a safe and reliable mode of transportation for families. Subaru increased the ground clearance of the Wilderness compared to the standard Forester from 8.7 inches to 9.3, revised the vehicle’s suspension, and utilized all-terrain Yokohama tires with a taller sidewall.

A New Review by Autoblog.com

However, even with its off-road prowess, the Forester Wilderness still needs to be easy enough for young kids to be able to climb into. In a new review by Autoblog.com, the author, Kristen Brown, wanted to know exactly how well a Wilderness edition Forester would hold up to toddlers living in the vehicle throughout the week she had it.

How Does the Forester Wilderness Handle Kids?

“Given the large doors that open wide, the tall ceiling, and the low entry point despite the high ground clearance, installing my daughter’s car seats was easy. So easy, I probably could have done it blindfolded. Both of my daughters are forward-facing, so I always remove the headrests to make room for the top of their seats … My daughters loved the large windows and long, tinted sunroof, and even though it didn’t come with sunshades, the windows were so dark that it didn’t matter.”

Power and Upgrades

Under the hood of every Forester is the well-regarded 2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder that puts out 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, perfectly mated to a smart continuously variable transmission (CVT). In addition to the upgraded suspension, the Wilderness model features front and rear bumpers with reduced overhang, which makes trail driving easier. LED fog lights help provide extra lighting off-roading or in foggy conditions.

Fuel Economy

Even with that extra lift, a rougher, more off-road-ready attitude, and knobby all-terrain tires, the EPA says the Wilderness model will still achieve 24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. That’s not far off from the other models that achieve an EPA-estimated 26 city and 33 highway mpg.

A Great Price

Starting at $39,835, the Wilderness offers only one option: the Optional Package. This adds a 9-speaker, 576-watt equivalent Harmon Kardon sound system, a power rear liftgate, and a digital instrument cluster that features built-in navigation, supports Apple CarPlay apps, and displays important safety information from the award-winning Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

An Easy Interior to Maintain

One of the features Kristen said she loved about the Forester is the rubber cargo floor mats and cargo floor protector. Because kids are messy, and their stuff and snacks tend to go everywhere, the Forester Wilderness is easier to clean up after spilled Cheerios. All Forester models can be optioned with all-weather floormats, too.

One of the Safest Vehicles Around

Subaru vehicles are well known for being among the safest on the road, and the 2026 Forester is no different. As a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), owners can feel at ease knowing that every occupant in the vehicle will be protected in the event of an accident. And with the inclusion of standard Subaru Eyesight Driver Assist Technology, the Forester Wilderness has High Beam Assist, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB), Brake Assist, whiplash-reducing front seats, and more.

Of course, even the safest-rated vehicles can’t eliminate the risk of being hit by a negligent driver. In Texas, thousands of SUV occupants are injured each year in crashes that they did nothing to cause. Understanding what you’re entitled to after a collision is just as important as knowing your vehicle’s safety ratings. Texas car accident attorneys can offer a detailed breakdown of what injured drivers and passengers should know about their rights under Texas law.

Let Ewing Subaru of Plano Help You Find Your Next Subaru

All of the new 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid models are available now at Ewing Subaru of Plano, where you will also find some of the best salespeople ever. They are knowledgeable and aren’t pushy. Instead, they are focused on you getting the best possible price for your next vehicle.

Why Choose Ewing Subaru of Plano

With summer just around the corner, get a jump on your warm-weather adventures by visiting Ewing Subaru of Plano to get the best price on new and used vehicles. With hundreds of vehicles to choose from, our sales team and finance department will work hard to get you the best price. Our service department will work tirelessly to ensure your vehicle is in the best possible condition, keeping your travels safe and enjoyable.

We look forward to serving you soon!