Skip to main content

We can finally learn more about the upcoming 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness trim. However, it includes a few surprises. For example, the Subaru Forester Wilderness is shockingly thirsty, and we expected it to do a little better. 

The 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness isn’t great on fuel 

A 2022 Subaru Forester driving down the road
2022 Subaru Forester | Subaru

According to the EPA, the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness will get up to 25 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. The regular Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 mpg. So, the fuel economy for the Wilderness trim is noticeably worse. 

But is this really a surprise? Unless you have the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, most off-roading trims deliver a weaker fuel efficiency. The higher ground clearance, larger off-roading tires, and heavier suspension components can weigh an SUV down. 

What to expect with the Forester Wilderness 

Surprise! The Subaru Forester is the next model to adopt the new Wilderness off-roading trim. The 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition was supposed to debut at the New York International Auto Show, but it was canceled. Now the official debut is currently on hold. 

The Forester Wilderness is expected to use the current 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine should provide adequate power, but we would like to see a little more muscle. 

It’s possible that the Forester could gain the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque from the Outback. This amount of power makes the Subaru Outback Wilderness a little more appealing. 

But all we can do is speculate for now. The Subaru Forester Wilderness will probably gain a factory-installed suspension lift, larger tires, hex-designed fog lights, an anti-glare decal, and black-finish exterior badges. 

The Forester Wilderness will probably include a ladder-type roof system that can hold a roof-top tent. Also, Geyser Blue is an exclusive Wilderness Edition paint color that’s inspired by the scenery of U.S. National parks. 

What do we know about the Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition? 

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness parked on a rock
2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness | Subaru

We have to wait to learn more about the 2022 Subaru Forester Edition, but at least the Outback Wilderness is out. You can get started in a new Subaru Outback for about $26,945, and the Wildness trim raises the price to about $36,995. 

The 2021 Subaru Forester starts at about $24,795, but pricing for the 2022 model hasn’t been revealed. It’s getting a redesign, so it could slightly increase. Also, it’s possible that the Wilderness trim will raise the price by about $10,000. 

With the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, you get a skidplate, 9.5-inches of ground travel, and a returned X-Mode system. The dual-function X-Mode system includes settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. 

The interior includes StarTrex water-repellant material that’s comfortable and durable. It includes a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can opt for built-in navigation and a power moonroof. 

It’s safe to expect that the Forester Wilderness will be pretty similar to the Outback. But we will have to wait and see. We’re sure that the refreshed Forster won’t disappoint!

RELATED: The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Challenges Rivals

Related

The 2021 Subaru Outback Refuses to Kneel to the 2021 Kia Telluride

Best in Trucks & SUVs
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.