2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Coming Soon to Subaru of Orillia

The next-generation Subaru Forester made its debut last year for the 2025 model year. This spring, we welcomed the first-ever hybrid Forester—an exciting milestone for the lineup. But one key version is still on its way: the highly anticipated Forester Wilderness, built for serious off-road adventures.

We already knew the Wilderness wouldn’t arrive until 2026, as the previous-generation model remained on the roster through 2025. Now, with fall fast approaching, the all-new Forester Wilderness is just around the corner—and we’re expecting it to land at Subaru of Orillia very soon.

Let’s take a look at what you can expect from this rugged and capable SUV.

Built to Go Beyond the Pavement

The Forester Wilderness stands apart from other Forester trims with its tougher, trail-ready appearance. It features a more aggressive design with upgraded all-terrain tires, a revised front bumper, and functional tow hooks that hint at its adventurous intent. A raised ground clearance helps it clear obstacles more easily, making it one of the most capable vehicles in Subaru’s lineup.

Skid plates help protect vital components underneath, giving drivers more confidence when venturing off-road. And with improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, the 2026 Forester Wilderness is ready to handle rough terrain with ease.

Proven Subaru Power with Standard AWD

Under the hood, the new Forester Wilderness will be powered by Subaru’s proven 2.5-litre flat-four (BOXER) engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and, of course, Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

This setup delivers solid fuel efficiency while providing the dependable traction you need in every season—perfect for life in Orillia and the surrounding Simcoe County area.

It’s important to note that unlike other Forester trims, the Wilderness model will not be available with a hybrid powertrain.

Tech, Comfort, and Confidence

Inside, the 2026 Forester Wilderness is designed to be both practical and comfortable. The seats are upholstered in durable, water- and stain-resistant materials, accented with contrast stitching for a rugged yet refined look.

The centrepiece of the cabin is a modern touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. On the safety side, Subaru’s latest EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is onboard, offering features like Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Braking, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to help keep you protected wherever your adventures take you.

Growing Demand for Wilderness Models

Since the launch of the Wilderness lineup, these models have quickly become some of Subaru’s most sought-after vehicles—and for good reason. The upcoming 2026 Forester Wilderness promises even more capability, rugged styling, and practical features for drivers who want to venture further.

At Subaru of Orillia, we’re just as excited as you are for its arrival. Stay tuned—we’ll have full details soon, and we’ll let you know the moment it’s available for test drives at our dealership right here in Orillia, Ontario.

In the meantime, feel free to contact us with any questions or to explore the current Forester lineup.