If two is a pattern, we like the new pattern Subaru is following. The quirkiest Japanese brand has begun to do something many automakers do – build a sub-brand focused on off-road-oriented versions of some of its most popular cars. But it’s also begun to do something most automakers don’t do – set the prices of the rough roaders lower than the top-of-the-line version built more for paved surfaces.
Middle-of-the-Range Price
Yesterday, Subaru unveiled the second product in its new Wilderness lineup. The 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness gets the full trail treatment (we’ll break it down in just a moment), adding more off-road skill to an already-quite-capable SUV. And it gets a price in the middle of the Forester lineup. At $32,820, it costs appreciably more than the base 2022 Forester ($25,195). But it comes in less than the fully-kitted-out 2022 Forester Touring ($35,295).
Earlier this year, Subaru pulled the same trick with the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness – a more rugged Outback with a sticker price that isn’t the top of the Outback range.
Top-of-the-Range Trail Moxie
What does the additional scratch get you? A beefier suspension than the base Forester, retuned, with longer coil springs and shock absorbers. It sits half an inch higher, for a total of 9.2 inches of ground clearance. That extra half-inch comes despite a front skid plate to protect the undercarriage.
The Forester Wilderness rides on Yokohama all-terrain tires, and you get a fifth full-size one mounted under the cargo area because no one wants to pick their way up a trail on a spare.
A reshaped front fascia improves the approach angle, while the new ride height boosts departure and breakover angles. Larger wheel wells permit that new, longer suspension travel. A matte black hood decal reduces glare. Wilderness badges and copper-colored lettering on the body cladding above the rear wheels boast that you’re driving a Wilderness model. The same copper hue appears on the supports for the ladder-type roof rack, which has a 220-pound dynamic load capacity and can support up to 800 pounds when parked.
Inside, the Wilderness model is upholstered in water-resistant StarTex fabric. Rubber floor mats should make it easier to keep clean despite the mud on your boots. The only color option is black, but it looks great with copper-colored trim accents throughout. Thoughtfully, the Forester now comes with a brighter dome light. Someone at Subaru has actually been on the trail at night looking through an overstuffed pack before.
The Next Wilderness Model?
When Subaru revealed the Outback Wilderness, we heard hints that another Wilderness model would come soon. We haven’t heard similar chatter this time. The Forester could complete the Wilderness lineup for the sub-brand’s first year in showrooms. But it’s hard to imagine Subaru not rolling out a Crosstrek Wilderness soon, so don’t assume they’re done with the copper-badge reveals.
Wilderness Not the Only News
The Wilderness edition isn’t the only Forester news. Other trim levels of the 2022 Forester benefit from a redesigned front fascia. A more prominent grille sits between thinner headlights. The EyeSight driver assistance system already included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. For 2022, it adds emergency steering assist on higher trims that can help guide the car around an obstacle at speeds below 50 mph.
Class of 2022: All the New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
