2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness AWD: New Trim, Refreshed Exterior

Highlight: This is one of the few vehicles still offering a standard CD player.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 36,545 (Base Model: $27,070)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; all-wheel drive; traction control; vehicle dynamic control; a temporary spare tire; a rear camera; a pre-collision braking system; a lane departure sway warning; a lane departure prevention system; an automatic brake hold feature; a trailer stability assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Base Model): 17-inch wheels; a 7-speed transmission; remote keyless entry; a radar activated cruise control system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; 7-inch infotainment screen; an electronic parking brake; start-and stop system; manual adjustable front seats; cloth seats; cargo area underfloor storage; and an automatic climate control system

Standard Equipment (Wilderness): 17-inch Black alloy wheels; 8-speed transmission; all-terrain white letter tires; 9.2-inch ground clearance; all terrain tires; symmetrical all-wheel drive with a specially revised drivetrain; exclusive version of dual function X-Mode; Wilderness exclusive exterior design cues; leather-like seats with copper stitching; exclusive ladder type roof rails and crossbars; LED fog lights; snow/deep mud modes both under and above 25-mph; copper stitching embedded throughout the interior; blind spot detection with lane change assist; all-weather floormats; interior Wilderness logos; towing capacity up to 3,000-lbs; one touch folding rear seatback; reserve automatic braking; a power driver’s seat; 180-degree front view camera; a full spare tire; alloy pedal covers; automatic high beam assist lights; a panoramic power sunroof; an 8-inch infotainment system; a push-button ignition starter; and keyless access

Options: an 8-inch multimedia navigation system; a 9-speaker Harmon/Kardon premium audio system; and a power rear gate with height memory

Other Trim Levels:

Premium

Sport

Limited

Touring

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 4-speaker AM/FM/HD/CD audio system w/SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine/182-hp

Recommended Fuel: Unleaded

Standard Fuel Mileage: 26-city/33-hwy

What’s New: The compact SUV has been refreshed for the 2022 model year, receiving updates to the grille, headlights, and front and rear bumpers. Furthermore, an all-new Wilderness trim joins the line-up for the true adventure seeker.

Why: 

Off roading with elevated clearance with Wilderness trim (being ½ inch more than other trims)

Wilderness trim doubles the towing capacity to 3,000-lbs

Co-pilot assist system

All-wheel drive configuration

Spacious

Roomy

Easy-to-use infotainment system

CD player standard

Upgraded audio system offers a premium sound

481 driving range, according to fueleconomy.gov

But: 

A traditional boxy design

Pricey, depending upon trim

Subaru’s engineering team needs to recalibrate the display of the fuel range so that the DTE (drive to empty) gauge is based on actual miles, as opposed to every 10 miles

The Wilderness’ fuel driving range is slightly lower than the base model Forester

Verdict:  We haven’t been behind the wheel of a Forester, since 2011. Since that time, the compact station wagon-like utility vehicle has evolved. In addition to some cosmetic upgrades, this year’s Forester expands its offering, adding an all-new Wilderness trim. This rugged off-road Forester, with a 9.2-inch ground clearance, is designed for those seeking adventure, meaning unlike its competitors this Subaru is equipped to navigate mud and dirt at a variety of speeds.

The Wilderness is also accentuated with bolder design cues too, from its blacked-out wheels to its black side skirts to its knobby tires. Yes, this vehicle is designed for true outdoor enthusiasts.

Moreover, the snug five-seater is outfitted with a host of luxury-like features, ranging from a radar-activated co-pilot steering assist system to vibrant colored, easy-to-use center stacked infotainment screen to an oversized power sunroof. Like all Foresters, the new Wilderness trim offers ample headroom and utility space too.

Competition: Chevrolet Equinox; Ford Escape; GMC Terrain; Honda CRV; Nissan Rogue; Toyota RAV4 and VW Tiguan