It seems that every automaker is trying its hand at making its own version of an off-road crossover. Realistically, this is something that Subaru has been doing for a really long time, especially with the Forester. So, while everyone tries to play catch-up, Subaru offers the Wilderness, which is even more suited for off-road activities than the already rugged Forester models.

In a comparison test conducted by Autoblog.com, they tested the latest Honda CR-V Hybrid TrailSport, Toyota RAV4 Woodland in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, and the Nissan Rogue Rock Creek. They pitted them against the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness to see which Japanese crossover was best for all-purpose duties.

How exactly did the Forester Wilderness fare compared to the popular competition? It won. Not only is the Wilderness the second least expensive vehicle on this list at $39,835 (the Nissan costs the least at $33,990, but also came in last place), but it’s the vehicle with the most credibility when the roads are no longer paved. Whether you’re crawling up or creeping down a mountainside, the Subaru has the ability to tackle pretty much anything compared to the others.

The Subaru is also the only vehicle where every trim level offers all-wheel drive as standard.

“With 9.3 inches of ground clearance, a 23.5-degree approach angle, a 25.5-degree departure angle, and a 21-degree breakover angle, the Forester Wilderness wasn’t just the best off-roader on this list on paper; it even proved itself in practice. Using “X-Mode,” the Forester Wilderness climbed up literal mountains with no hesitation, took brutal underbody beatings from sharp, jagged boulders like they were mere creekside pebbles, and drove on loose surfaces as if they had magically become fresh tarmac. If I had to take any of these five SUVs off-road, the Forester Wilderness would be my immediate choice.”

The Dual-Function X-MODE feature lets drivers dial in the terrain type with settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. Standard Hill Descent Control takes control of the vehicle’s speed downhill while you focus on steering.

The Forester Wilderness isn’t just some wannabe off-roader. Subaru took the Forester and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is already higher than every other crossover in its class, and bumped it up to 9.3 inches through tweaked suspension and new all-terrain Yokohama tires with taller sidewalls. This puts the Wilderness edition’s ground clearance 1.1 inches more than the Honda and the Nissan, and .7-inch over both RAV4s. New front and rear bumpers also reduce overhang, making it easier to drive up and downhill. New LED fog lights also assist in night driving on trails.

All Subaru Forester models feature the reliable 2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder under the hood, delivering 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which is put to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The 2026 Forester Wilderness isn’t all about adventuring off the less-traveled roads; it’s also one of the safest vehicles on the road. Standard Subaru Eyesight Driver Assist Technology gives the Forester cutting-edge safety features, including High Beam Assist, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB), Brake Assist, whiplash-reducing front seats, and more. In crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Forester earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ designation, making it one of the top vehicles to buy for crash prevention and safety.

If you’re in the market for an off-road crossover or SUV, stop by Twin Falls Subaru and check out the 2026 Subaru Forester. All trim levels offer award-winning safety and convenience technology along with a comfortable interior with plenty of cargo space.

Twin Falls Subaru offers some of the best prices on every new and used vehicle, along with some of the best services around. Our fantastic sales team and finance department will work hard to find the best car for your needs. Our dedicated service department will always ensure your vehicle is cared for in the best possible way.

We look forward to serving you soon.