2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: The Rugged Holdout on Last-Gen Platform

While Subaru's popular Forester enters its sixth generation for 2025, the adventure-ready Wilderness trim takes a different path. This off-road specialist remains on the previous-generation platform, offering unique capabilities at a competitive $36,415 starting price. MotorVero examines what makes this rugged variant stand out in Subaru's lineup.

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Purpose-Built Off-Road Capabilities

The Forester Wilderness distinguishes itself with serious adventure-ready features that justify its platform continuity:

Suspension and Ground Clearance

Subaru engineers equipped the Wilderness with taller springs and shock absorbers, delivering an impressive 9.2 inches of ground clearance. This surpasses not only other Foresters (8.7 inches) but also competitors like the Toyota RAV4 Adventure (8.6 inches). The increased height improves obstacle clearance on rough trails while maintaining Subaru's renowned stability.

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Specialized Exterior Features

The Wilderness trim sports several distinctive elements:

• Unique front fascia with improved approach angle
• Matte-black 17-inch wheels for rugged aesthetics
• Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires (standard)
• Reinforced roof rails with 800-pound static capacity
• Additional underbody protection

Powertrain and Performance

While the sixth-generation Forester receives updates elsewhere, the Wilderness retains its proven mechanical package:

Engine	2.5L FB25D Boxer 4-cylinder
Horsepower	182 hp @ 5,800 rpm (+2 hp vs standard Forester)
Torque	176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm (-2 lb-ft vs standard)
Transmission	Lineartronic CVT with 8-speed manual mode
Drivetrain	Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard)
Estimated MPG	25 city / 28 highway / 26 combined

The Wilderness's powertrain tuning prioritizes low-end torque for off-road situations. The CVT's manual mode simulates gear changes for improved control on challenging terrain. While fuel economy trails the new-generation Foresters (26/33/29 mpg), the trade-off comes in enhanced capability.

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Interior and Technology Package

The Wilderness cabin balances rugged functionality with modern comforts:

Standard Features Include:

• StarTex synthetic leather upholstery (water-resistant)
• 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• All-weather floor mats
• Rear cargo area protector

Safety and Driver Assistance

Subaru's acclaimed EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Pre-Collision Braking
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lead Vehicle Start Alert
• Reverse Automatic Braking

Pricing and Competitive Position

At $36,415 (including $1,420 destination charge), the Forester Wilderness presents a compelling value proposition:

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Competitor	Starting Price	Key Differences
Subaru Forester Wilderness	$36,415	Higher ground clearance, better towing
Toyota RAV4 Adventure	$35,570	More power (203 hp), but less ground clearance
Honda Passport TrailSport	$44,890	Larger V6 engine, much higher price
Ford Bronco Sport Badlands	$38,585	More off-road tech, smaller cargo space

The Wilderness's modest $400 price increase over 2024 contrasts with $2,000-$3,000 hikes for sixth-gen Foresters, making it an attractive option for buyers prioritizing capability over the latest design.

Who Should Consider the Forester Wilderness?

This specialized trim makes the most sense for:

• Outdoor enthusiasts needing serious trail capability in a midsize package
• Adventure gear haulers requiring the 3,000-pound towing capacity
• Winter climate drivers wanting maximum ground clearance
• Value-conscious buyers seeking rugged features without luxury markups

For urban commuters or those wanting the latest tech, the sixth-generation Forester models may prove more appealing. However, the Wilderness remains Subaru's most capable compact SUV for escaping pavement.

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Availability and Final Thoughts

The 2025 Forester Wilderness arrives at dealerships alongside the all-new sixth-generation models. While it lacks the updated platform's refinements, its specialized off-road enhancements and modest price increase maintain its niche appeal.

Subaru's decision to keep the Wilderness on the proven fifth-generation platform suggests confidence in its adventure-ready formula. For buyers who prioritize function over form, this rugged variant continues to offer one of the best combinations of capability and value in its class.

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