- The Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid adds power and fuel efficiency to the off-road-focused model.
- Subaru claims a 25 percent increase in fuel efficiency over the standard Forester Wilderness.
- This is the first Wilderness model to receive a hybrid powertrain.
Subaru clearly has a winning formula with its Wilderness lineup. Install a set of all-terrain tires, raise the suspension, and make sure the roof can accommodate the tent. Voila, an instant increase in sales, and Subaru delivered a product aimed squarely at its own demo.
The latest model to get the Wilderness makeover is the Forester Hybrid. The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid aims to deliver the same solid off-road capability, but with better cruising range.
Subaru quotes a 25 percent fuel efficiency improvement for the Wilderness hybrid compared to the standard Forester Wilderness. The automaker hasn’t posted actual numbers, but after doing basic calculations, I got 35 mpg on the highway and just over 31 mpg in the city. That’s based on an EPA rating of 28/25 mpg for the non-hybrid version.
Strong numbers for an off-road capable machine, to be sure. Of course, real-world numbers will vary. Regardless, adding a hybrid powertrain here is a no-brainer.
The Forester Wilderness Hybrid has a ground clearance of 9.3 inches. all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels, and increased power. You’ll see 194 horsepower versus the non-hybrid version’s 180 hp.
At first glance, not much. But the hybrid system should fill the low-end torque gap, which is a big boost when you’re driving off-road.
This one wears all the Wilderness hallmarks: big badging, upgraded roof rails, and copper trim accents. Inside, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid features an 11.6-inch center display, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, StarTex upholstery and an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system.
There’s no word yet on the price. Subaru plans to make the announcement closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date, which is scheduled for late 2026.
Motor Pickup1: This is an easy and smart move from Subaru. The Wilderness model quickly became a must-buy model in the automaker’s lineup. Pair the Wilderness model’s adventure mindset with improved fuel efficiency and more power, and you’ve got a winner.
