Let’s get one thing straight: the Forester Wilderness isn’t a sticker package. It’s the most capable Forester Subaru has ever built, with real hardware changes — not just decals. For North Texas drivers who actually leave pavement — unpaved state-park roads, muddy lake access at Lake Texoma, sandy river crossings, rutted trails to hunting leases — it’s the trim that gets you there and back without drama. It keeps the same 180-hp BOXER engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, but everything underneath, from the suspension to the final drive to the tires, is upgraded for dirty work. It’s also the only Forester rated to tow 3,500 pounds — double the standard rating.
Ground clearance increased to 9.3 inches from 8.7 inches with modified front and rear bumpers that improve approach and departure angles. The additional 0.6 inches, along with new body lines, means the difference between successfully negotiating a rock formation and getting stuck.
If your idea of a weekend involves a dirt road, a boat ramp, a rooftop tent, or a trailer over 1,500 pounds, the Wilderness earns its keep. If 95% of your driving is Plano streets and highway commutes, you’ll pay extra for capability you never use — and ride slightly stiffer, with marginally lower fuel economy from the all-terrain tires. The Sport Onyx Edition is a better style-and-tech pick for pavement; the Limited is a better luxury pick. The Wilderness is a tool. Buy it if you’ll use the tool. One more honest note: it’s not a rock crawler — it’s a capable soft-roader and overlanding platform, and Subaru is clear about that. For serious off-roading, a Bronco or Wrangler is the next step up.
With Wilderness models being the most popular at Ewing Subaru of Plano, our team knows how customers utilize these vehicles. We can equip them with a trailer hitch and wiring, roof rack crossbars, all-weather floor mats, and a cargo tray before your purchase and guide you to local businesses that will install a rooftop tent and lighting for an extra adventure boost.
We will properly assess your trade-in vehicle, provide straightforward information regarding the financing options available, and thoroughly discuss how each off-road mode works right before you leave our service center. When choosing between the Forester Wilderness and the Outback Wilderness or their competitors, our specialists will make sure that both of them are available at our dealership for testing purposes. Explore our current inventory online or visit Ewing Subaru of Plano; we always keep Wilderness models in stock.
Is the Forester Wilderness really off-road capable or is it a styling package?
Wilderness gets a half-inch lift to 9.3 inches of ground clearance, revised front and rear bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, a lower final-drive ratio for improved low-end crawling, an upgraded transmission cooler, and dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. The matte-black hood decal and copper accents are the only cosmetic changes. It will take dirt roads, muddy trails, sandy access roads, and moderate off-road adventures; it’s not a rock crawler, but it’s much more than a badge.
What is the towing capacity of the Wilderness and is the 3,500 lb. Is the rating legitimate?
Yes – the Wilderness is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. That’s double the rating of every other trim level in the lineup at 1,500 pounds. Subaru managed that thanks to a lower final-drive ratio, upgraded transmission cooler, and recalibrated drivetrain. That is enough for a mid-size camper, a couple of ATVs, a small boat, or a pair of jet skis – typical lake and camping gear here in Texas. Expect you’ll need the trailer hitch and wiring harness (we’re happy to install it before you take delivery) and that you’ll want to ensure your trailer’s actual weight does not exceed your vehicle’s respective towing capacity.
The Wilderness has a more powerful motor, or the same 2.5L as other Foresters?
It has the same 180-horsepower 2.5L BOXER four-cylinder and CVT transmission as the rest of the gas Forester models. This new version incorporates some drivetrain tuning differences, with a lower final-drive ratio to increase low-end torque for hauling and towing, and a transmission cooler to enable continuous high-load operation. Acceleration is comparable to other Forester models, not the quickest but sufficient. For a turbocharged Subaru SUV, the Outback Wilderness (2.4L turbo, 260 hp) or Ascent are the logical next performers, and we can show you both at Ewing Subaru of Plano.
Any difference in fuel economy due to Wilderness lift and all-terrain tires?
Typical standard Forester trims get EPA ratings of roughly 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway; the Wilderness is three or so MPG less due to the additional rolling resistance of the all-terrain tires, the increased aerodynamics at the lifted height, and the shorter final-drive ratio. In the real world, Wilderness owners report 1-3 MPG less than a standard Forester in daily driving, which is the equivalent of changing what you spend on a couple of 12-packs of beer to fund an off-road ride now and then. If you never leave the pavement, you’ll save a little on ride quality and on your pocketbook.
Should I choose the Forester Wilderness or upgrade to the Outback Wilderness?
Depends on size and power. The Forester Wilderness is more fun to squeeze into tight spaces around Dallas and Plano, is less expensive, and has nearly the same ground clearance as the Outback Wilderness, which it also tows 3,500 pounds. It’s slightly smaller overall, and while that means less rear seat room, it also means more cargo space. The Outback is longer, has more power, more rear seat room, and offers a smoother ride over the long-haul stretches on the highways between Dallas and Plano. The Forester Wilderness is our choice if you want the smaller and nimbler of the two – unless you need the extra power to pull longer loads.
