Despite a new sixth-generation Forester entering the market, the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness continues on the old platform. Subaru just released its price.
Following in the footsteps of the Outback Wilderness, Subaru first released the Forester Wilderness for 2022. For 2025, the Japanese brand released the sixth-generation Forester, replete with another layer of refinement and updated technology, all while staying true to its Forester identity. But, for 2025 at least, the Forester Wilderness stays with the tried and true fifth-generation platform and will arrive at dealers early in 2025. And that means my review of the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness effectively remains a current one.
Wilderness differences
As before, the 2025 gets a half-inch lift, courtesy of longer springs, to ride 9.2 inches off the ground. You roll on Yokohama GEOLANDAR, all-terrain tires, sized 225/60R17. Those longer springs and shock absorbers also receive a unique tune. A skid plate protects powertrain vitals underneath. And a full-size spare tire hangs out underneath the cargo area.
Subaru also applies a different front fascia to Wilderness models, which includes LED fog lights and a hexagonal grille. A matte black decal on the hood adds a bit of visual distinction, but Subaru says also reduces glare from the hood to improve vision on the road or trails. This especially helps when you point the nose right at the sun when climbing or cresting steep hills.
Inside, Subaru uses an upholstery called StarTex that resists clinging on to mud and grit. All-weather floor and cargo mats achieve a similar goal for your dirty equipment and shoes. Standard equipment includes a 6.5-inch center display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, small in today’s world. A $2000 option package increases the screen size to eight inches, up markets your sound system, and swaps in a power liftgate.
If 27 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, or 69 cubic feet with them folded proves inadequate, the Wildness gets a ladder type roof rail that Subaru claims can handle up to 800 lbs. of weight when the vehicle is stationary. Still need more space? The Forester Wilderness tows up to 3000 Lbs.
powering it all
A 2.5-liter flat-four engine lugs the Forester around, and whatever your attach on top or behind. It makes 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft of torque. That power goes through a continuously variable transmission before heading to all four wheels. In my experience, the 2.5-liter hauls around the Forester just fine, but the CVT lacks the linearity of power delivery that regular torque converter automatics deliver.
Subaru charges $34,995 for the 2025 Forester Wilderness before the $1420 destination charge, putting you at $36,415. Tack on another 2k for the aforementioned options package. That puts the Forester Wilderness above the base, premium, and sport trims, but less expensive than Limited or Touring Foresters.
sixth generation forester
I largely liked the sixth-generation Subaru Forester. I found it a fitting evolution to this small, tall station wagon/short crossover SUV that’s been with us since the late 90s. The biggest upgrades came inside, with an 11.6-inch, portrait mounted center display with wireless smart phone connectivity.
Driving wise, the sixth generation essentially gets the same powertrain as the fifth and nothing about it feels much different than the outgoing model. If you don’t much care about modern tech and screen size, there’s little to concern yourself with the newest Forester Wilderness.
But… I have a feeling that Subaru may very well be working on a more capable sixth-generation Forester Wilderness, with even better ground clearance and approach/breakover/and departure angles. Perhaps even more power. But that one still needs another year of development, hence this carryover model for 2025.
This is all my own speculation, but something to keep an eye on. I will and will share as soon as I learn more.
