A Tougher Subaru: 2022 Forester Gets the Off-Road Treatment with New Wilderness Model

• September 2, 2021
• Story By
  Mike Garrett

Earlier this year Subaru debuted a new version of its Outback wagon designed to capitalize on the growing market of people who want more off-road capability from their crossovers and compact SUVs. It's called the Outback Wilderness, and it wasn't a bold prediction that the Wilderness treatment would spread to other Subaru models. 

Today, Subaru officially debuted the second member of this extra-rugged lineup, the 2022 Forester Wilderness, based on the Outback's boxier, more upright crossover SUV counterpart. 

The announcement of the Forester Wilderness came alongside some other minor changes across the '22 Forester line (mainly a new front fascia), but it's the Wilderness model that brings the real new stuff to the party.

The Forester Wilderness sits above the exiting Forester Sport in the lineup, and while it's not sporting massive changes from the other models, it does have the same tweaks seen on the Outback Wilderness.

Forester Wilderness Updates

These include a new suspension setup that delivers extra ground clearance for a total of 9.2 inches, and unique 17-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires. 

There are also some exterior changes, including more aggressive fender flares to compliment the new wheels and tires, a unique front fascia with hexagonal LED foglights.

The Forester Wilderness also gets a stronger roof rack that can support 220 pounds on the move and up to 800 pounds when parked, making it a great choice for a roof-mounted tent. 

Inside, the Wilderness model gets Subaru's "StarTex" materials designed for easy cleaning along with some unique color-keyed accents to help set it off.

One thing that the Forester Wilderness does not get is more horsepower. It's powered by the same 182hp 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer engine that powers every other Forester. 

Those who want more power from their off-roady Subaru will probably want to opt for the Outback Wilderness and its 260hp 2.4L turbocharged engine. Though that car comes in around $5,000 higher than the Forester Wilderness' $32,820 starting price. 

Those looking to pick up a 2022 Forester Wilderness or any of the refreshed 2022 Forester models won't have to wait long as they are scheduled to hit dealerships next month.