2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness is sassier than a typical Forester
CASEY WILLIAMS | Auto Reviewer
AutoCasey@aol.com
There’s no doubt the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness is capable of tackling really challenging trails. My trip to Bend, Ore., last October for the press preview proved that. I think we hit every log road in the state, and it demonstrated its substantial prowess.
But, back in the real world, all of the upfitting for the back country pays dividends in suburbia with easy maneuvering and safe traveling.
The Wilderness is a bit sassier than a typical Forester, flaunting black cladding around the wheels, lower body and covering shaved bumpers that improve maneuverability in the rough. The hood’s black anti-glare patch, 17-inch black alloy wheels wearing Geolander all-terrain tires and reinforced roof rack that can hold 800 pounds of tent add purpose. The anodized copper accents look chic but also hide attachment points. Look close and you’ll notice an additional half an inch of ground clearance in case you decide to actually use it beyond pavement.
Environmentalist Subaru fans said they wanted a vegan leather option, so they get one here, with upholstery that looks like leather and feels like suede but wipes clean.
Alloy pedals, Harman Kardon audio and an extended-length sunroof add luxuries, while automatic climate control, heated front seats, actual knobs for volume/tuning and Apple/Android connectivity ease driving.
Rubber floor mats throughout, full-size spare with identical fifth black wheel and an LED light on the liftgate confirm this Forester is prepared to get busy.
The twin camera EyeSight system provides auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise and lane centering for safety.
I was surprised at how enjoyable the Forester Wilderness is. Those big tires grip mud but also better absorb potholes and rough pavement. In town or on the highway, it provides a comfortable ride.
The 182-horsepower flat-four engine provides plenty of power and 25/28-MPG city/highway but lacks the oomph of the Outback Wilderness’ turbo engine. I’m not a fan of continuously-variable transmission, but the Forester’s keeps the engine in a peppy rev range and can be manually shifted through eight “gears” with the paddles.
When we were out in Oregon, Subaru sent us on a combination of pavement, gravel roads and near-impassible trails that beat our undersides and insides like a purse on the runway. The updated suspension certainly clears obstacles better, but it also reduces lean through fast corners. It handles better. At several points, the X-Mode system, with settings for snow/mud that allow more wheel slippage, simply shifted power around smoothly.
There’s more road noise and suspension harshness than in the Outback Wilderness, but the Forester Wilderness is considerably more affordable.
According to Subaru, 25 percent of Forester owners camp, and more than 33 percent carry bikes. Subaru is second only to Jeep for people who actually go off-road. But adventurous customers are unwilling to compromise on their vehicle’s ability to get the friends to dinner, pick up a mall haul or zip to the home store.
In the end, Subaru delivered exactly that vehicle. It’s also pretty affordable, with an as-tested price of $34,165. Competitors include the Toyota RAV4 TRD, Ford Bronco Sport and GMC Terrain AT4.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey. For all your Subaru needs in North Texas, see Ewing Subaru of Plano.
