It's an exciting time when you decide to buy or lease a new Subaru, but we also know that it can be a challenge to narrow it down to one model that contains everything you're looking for in a car. At Byers Airport Subaru in Columbus, OH, just a quick drive from Pickerington and Lancaster, we strive to make every step of your car-buying journey enjoyable and hassle-free. This is why we've put together this handy comparison page so you can see how the 2026 Subaru Forester stacks up against its rugged sibling, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. Both models offer impressive fuel economy, powerful performance, and award-winning safety features, but if you're an outdoor enthusiast, the Wilderness may be for you with hearty features tailored to fit your exciting lifestyle. You'll find standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight® driver assist technology, and the iconic BOXER® engine in both models, so you know that whichever one you choose, you're getting the best Subaru has to offer. Take a deep dive into the specs and features of the 2026 Forester and 2026 Forester Wilderness below, and contact Byers Airport Subaru for a test drive. Drivers from Westerville know they can trust the experts in Columbus, OH, when it comes to quality new models.
Both the 2026 Forester and 2026 Forester Wilderness start off with 17-inch aluminum wheels, but the Forester Wilderness comes in an attractive black matte finish. You can only upgrade to larger 18- or 19-inch wheels on the Forester, and while they're paired to all-season tires, the Forester Wilderness is mated to all-terrain tires for better traction and handling while off-road. The standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance on the Forester is high enough to make for an easier drive on unpaved roads, but with the Forester Wilderness, you'll get 9.3 inches. LED steering responsive headlights are standard fare on both models, while LED fog lights are available on higher trim levels of the Forester. Hexagonal-shaped LED fog lights are standard on the Forester Wilderness.
Both the 2026 Forester and 2026 Forester Wilderness seat 5 with comparable passenger volume and cargo space. The Forester offers standard 6-way manual front seats, while the Forester Wilderness starts off with 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Heated front seats are standard on the Forester Wilderness and available on higher trim levels of the Forester. Other available heated features on the Forester include rear outboard seats and a steering wheel, and for hot summer days, the Forester boasts available ventilated front seats. These amenities are not found in the Forester Wilderness. One feature you will only find on the Forester Wilderness is StarTex® water-repellent upholstery, so you can enjoy your weekend adventuring without worrying about keeping your seats clean - this special feature wipes off dirt, mud, and water easily. Staying connected is simple in the Forester with dual 7.0-inch displays as standard fare, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, while the Forester Wilderness comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, navigation, and wireless connectivity.
Every Subaru model packs a potent BOXER® engine under the hood, and the 2026 Forester and 2026 Forester Wilderness offer a 2.5-liter engine that generates 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. SI-DRIVE® is standard fare on both models as well as the Lineartronic® CVT automatic transmission, but only the Forester Wilderness includes an 8-speed manual mode. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on both SUVs for better handling and traction in whatever weather Columbus can throw at you. The base Forester can tow up to 1,500 lbs and gets up to 33 MPG on the highway, while the Forester Wilderness manages up to 3,500 lbs and offers up to 28 highway MPG.
While the 2026 Forester Wilderness has not been rated, the IIHS has named the 2026 Forester a Top Safety Pick+, their highest accolade. The Forester was also awarded a perfect 5-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight® suite of driver assist technology is standard fare in both models, offering Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lane Keep Assist. You'll only find the innovative DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System available on higher trims of the Forester – it's unavailable on the Forester Wilderness. Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking, available on the Forester, are standard on the Forester Wilderness.
Drivers from New Albany and Gahanna already know that Byers Airport Subaru in Columbus, OH, sells the best and brightest Subaru has to offer, including the 2026 Forester and the 2026 Forester Wilderness. Both offer powerful performance, award-winning safety, and the latest in connectivity, plus plenty of room for the whole family and their cargo. If you're in the market for a go-anywhere crossover, the new Forester is your ideal choice, but if you love the outdoors and take every chance you can get to head out for new horizons, the Forester Wilderness is your best option. With a higher ground clearance and water-repellent upholstery, it's perfect for your lifestyle. Contact Byers Airport Subaru in Columbus, OH, just minutes from Reynoldsburg, and take a test drive or two today!
|
2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Engine | 2,5-Liter BOXER® | 2.5-Liter BOXER® |
| Standard Horsepower | 180 | 180 |
| Standard Torque | 178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Passenger Volume | 110.8 Cubic Feet | 106.6 Cubic Feet |
| Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Standard | Standard |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 33 Highway / 26 City | 28 Highway / 24 City |
| Max Cargo Volume | 74.4 Cubic Feet | 69.1 Cubic Feet |
| LED Steering Responsive Headlights | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Wheels | 17-inch Aluminum-Alloy | 17-inch Aluminum-Alloy w/ Black Matte Finish |
