August 29 2025,
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is the most adventure-focused version of Subaru's redesigned Forester, adding increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, enhanced X-MODE and greater towing capability.
But Canadian shoppers have an important question: Is the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness coming to Canada? Although Subaru Canada originally announced the model for a Canadian launch, the Wilderness is not currently included in Subaru Canada's 2026 Forester lineup. Here's what Canadian shoppers need to know.
The 2026 Forester Wilderness is not currently included in Subaru Canada's 2026 Forester lineup.
Subaru Canada originally announced the redesigned Forester Wilderness in February 2025 and indicated that it was expected to arrive at Canadian dealerships in fall 2025.
Since that announcement, however, plans for the Canadian market have changed. The Wilderness is currently absent from Subaru Canada's 2026 Forester model lineup.
Canadian automotive reporting has indicated that the Forester Wilderness has been placed on pause for Canada rather than formally discontinued.
That means shoppers should not assume that U.S. availability, specifications or pricing apply to Canada.
When Subaru Canada first revealed the new Forester Wilderness, the company announced plans for it to arrive in fall 2025.
The vehicle was designed as the rugged member of the redesigned Forester family, with additional off-road hardware and increased capability compared with the standard Forester.
Subaru Canada's current 2026 Forester lineup now consists of Convenience, Touring, Sport, Limited, Premier and Hybrid Premier.
Wilderness is not currently among those Canadian trims.
Although it is not currently offered as part of Subaru Canada's Forester lineup, the 2026 Forester Wilderness is available in the United States and Subaru has published specifications for the model.
| Feature | 2026 Forester Wilderness |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER |
| Horsepower | 180 hp |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive |
| Ground Clearance | 9.3 in / approximately 236 mm |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 lb / approximately 1,588 kg |
Specifications above reflect the U.S.-market 2026 Forester Wilderness. Canadian specifications, equipment and availability may differ if the model is introduced in Canada.
One of the Wilderness model's most important upgrades is its 9.3 inches of ground clearance, or approximately 236 mm.
The additional clearance is designed to help the Forester travel over rough surfaces and obstacles while improving its approach, breakover and departure angles.
This type of capability can be particularly appealing to drivers who regularly travel on cottage roads, trails, snow-covered roads or unpaved surfaces.
The U.S.-market 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lb when properly equipped.
That additional capability is one of the major differences between the Wilderness and conventional versions of the Forester.
If the Wilderness eventually becomes available in Canada, Canadian towing specifications and equipment requirements should be confirmed with Subaru Canada before towing.
Like other Forester models, the Wilderness uses Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The Wilderness adds an enhanced dual-function X-MODE system designed for more demanding low-traction conditions.
Its selectable settings are designed to help manage conditions such as snow, dirt, mud and other loose surfaces.
Combined with its additional ground clearance and all-terrain tires, these systems make the Wilderness the most trail-focused version of the Forester.
The Forester Wilderness uses 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires designed to provide additional traction away from pavement.
Subaru also revised the suspension for the Wilderness model to provide its increased ride height while maintaining stability and control on paved roads.
Front underbody protection provides additional protection when travelling over rough terrain.
The Wilderness combines its rugged exterior hardware with the technology and practicality of the redesigned Forester.
U.S.-market equipment includes an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The cabin also features Wilderness-specific materials and details designed to suit an active lifestyle.
With the rear seats folded, Subaru lists up to approximately 1,957 litres of usable cargo space.
The 2026 Forester Wilderness includes Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
Depending on market and equipment, EyeSight technologies can include features designed to assist with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane management and emergency steering.
These technologies are driver-assistance systems and do not replace attentive driving.
The Wilderness is designed for drivers who want more off-road capability than a conventional Forester.
| Area | Regular Forester | Forester Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Everyday versatility | Off-road capability |
| AWD | Symmetrical AWD | Symmetrical AWD |
| Tires | Road-focused | All-terrain |
| X-MODE | Available configuration varies by trim | Enhanced dual-function X-MODE |
| Underbody Protection | Standard configuration | Added front underbody protection |
Subaru Canada's current 2026 Forester lineup includes:
All current Canadian Forester models provide Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive, while equipment and powertrain options vary by trim.
View Current Subaru Inventory in Orillia
Canadian drivers interested in Wilderness capability do have another option: the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness.
The Outback Wilderness is currently part of Subaru Canada's 2026 lineup and combines Wilderness-specific capability with a turbocharged 2.4-litre SUBARU BOXER engine producing 260 horsepower.
Read our complete 2026 Subaru Outback guide to learn more about the Outback Wilderness and the rest of the Canadian Outback lineup.
The 2026 Forester Wilderness is not currently included in Subaru Canada's Forester lineup. Subaru Canada originally announced plans for the vehicle, but its Canadian introduction has since been placed on pause.
Current information indicates that the 2026 Forester Wilderness has been placed on pause for the Canadian market rather than formally discontinued. Future availability has not been confirmed.
The U.S.-market 2026 Forester Wilderness has 9.3 inches, or approximately 236 mm, of ground clearance.
Subaru rates the U.S.-market 2026 Forester Wilderness for up to 3,500 lb of towing capacity when properly equipped.
The U.S.-market model uses a 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine producing 180 horsepower.
Yes. The Forester Wilderness features Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive along with enhanced dual-function X-MODE.
No. The Forester Wilderness uses a gasoline 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine. Subaru offers a separate Forester Hybrid in the Canadian Forester lineup.
Yes. Unlike the Forester Wilderness, the 2026 Outback Wilderness is currently included in Subaru Canada's model lineup.
While the Forester Wilderness is currently paused for Canada, Subaru of Orillia can help you explore the Forester models that are currently available to Canadian drivers.
We can also help shoppers compare the Forester with other Subaru models, including the Outback Wilderness, based on passenger space, AWD capability, technology and intended use.
View current Subaru inventory at Subaru of Orillia and compare available Forester and Outback models.
VIEW NEW SUBARU INVENTORYCanadian vehicle availability, specifications and equipment are subject to change. Forester Wilderness specifications referenced above are based on the U.S.-market 2026 model and should not be interpreted as confirmed Canadian specifications. Contact Subaru of Orillia or consult Subaru Canada for current Canadian model availability.
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