Subaru has introduced a new special edition of its popular SUV model, the Forester, called the Forester Wilderness Edition, which offers significantly improved off-road performance and is expected to be launched in the Japanese market around July 2026.
On October 30, 2025, Toyota announced the release of the Crosstrek WILDERNESS Edition, a special edition of the flagship Crosstrek SUV model, which expresses the popular North American WILDERNESS brand for the Japanese market.
Subaru Forester Wilderness finally arrives in Japan
This model, which was first unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, is a monumental model that marks the full-scale introduction of Subaru’s Wilderness series, which has previously been sold mainly in the North American market, to the Japanese market, along with the Crosstrek Wilderness.
What is the Forester Wilderness? A full-fledged off-roader with adventure specifications
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Wilderness series concept
Subaru’s Wilderness series is a special edition vehicle that further enhances the off-road capabilities of the company’s signature “Symmetrical AWD” and targets users who enjoy serious outdoor activities and off-road driving. Combining tougher, more powerful styling than the standard model with improved practical off-road performance, this “adventure model” has gained great popularity in the North American market.
The significance of introducing it to the Japanese market
The introduction of the Forester Wilderness in Japan can be seen as a strategic move by Subaru in response to the domestic outdoor boom and growing popularity of SUVs. By offering an option with more serious off-road capabilities for users who enjoy activities such as camping, trekking, and skiing, the Forester lineup will be further enhanced.
Forester Wilderness main specifications and equipment
Exclusive exterior design
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The Forester Wilderness features a specially designed exterior that gives it a powerful presence that sets it apart from the standard model.
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Key exterior features:
- Dedicated front grille and front bumper
- Matte black bonnet decal (reducing glare when driving off-road)
- Dedicated fog lamps
- Skid plates (front and rear)
- Matte black 17-inch aluminum wheels
- Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires installed
- Rear bumper with “SUBARU” logo
- Ladder-type roof rails (maximum load capacity: 363 kg/800 lbs)
- Anodized copper accent color
These exclusive features give the Forester a more aggressive and adventurous design than the regular Forester.
Dedicated suspension for improved off-road performance
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Improved Ground Clearance:
One of the Forester Wilderness’ greatest features is its specially tuned suspension. Ground clearance has been increased to 236 mm (9.3 inches), a 16 mm increase compared to the standard model’s 220 mm. This improves the following angle performance:
- Approach angle: 23.5 degrees
- Departure angle: 25.5 degrees
- Breakover angle: 21 degrees
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This improved value reduces the risk of the bottom of the vehicle coming into contact with rocks, steep slopes, or unpaved roads with large steps, allowing you to enjoy off-road driving with greater peace of mind.
Strengthening the drive system
To ensure stable off-road performance, the Forester Wilderness is equipped with the following special features.
- Dedicated final gear: Optimized gear ratio for increased driving force
- Transmission cooler: Maintains stable performance even during long off-road driving and in harsh environments
These features prevent performance degradation due to heat, even on rough roads or continuous uphill slopes, and maximize the performance of Subaru’s proud Symmetrical AWD system.
Exclusive interior design
Functionality and style combined
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The interior of the Forester Wilderness features a special design that harmonizes with the exterior.
Key interior features:
- Gray StarTex (water-repellent) seat
- Copper contrast stitching
- Embossed front headrests
- Dedicated trim panel
- Copper accents
- All-weather floor mats (standard equipment)
The seats are made of water-repellent StarTex material, which makes them easy to handle wet clothes and dirt after outdoor activities, making them a welcome addition for users who value practicality.
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Fully equipped for comfort
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The Wilderness grade is based on the Premium grade, so the following comfort features are also included as standard.
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- 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Wireless Smartphone Charger
- 11.6-inch portrait full HD touch display
- 6-speaker audio system
- sunroof
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In addition, by selecting an optional package (worth approximately 240,000 yen), you can add the following equipment.
- GPS Navigation
- 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
- 12.3-inch full digital meter
- power liftgate
Improvements common to all grades of the 2026 Forester
Improved convenience of the center console
All 2026 Forester trim levels feature an improved center console.
Main changes:
- New cup holder that accommodates large 32-ounce (approximately 950 ml) water bottles
- Extended armrests
- More compact shifter
- New front storage space for convenient storage of smartphones and small items
These changes have resulted in a more comfortable in-car environment, from everyday use to long drives.
Basic grade with unchanged price
Despite rising prices, Subaru has kept the price of the base grade of the 2026 Forester the same as the previous year’s model at $29,995 (US price), a rare move in the automotive industry and a user-friendly pricing strategy.
However, shipping costs increased by $30 to $1,450.
Pricing for the Forester Wilderness
Expected price in the Japanese market
Forester Wilderness: From approximately 5 million yen
The Forester Wilderness will be priced as the top model in the series due to its extensive exclusive equipment. Considering that the current Forester’s top grade, the Premium S:HEV EX, is priced at 4,598,000 yen, the Wilderness is expected to start at around 5 million yen.
North American market price
In the US market, the 2026 Forester Wilderness has been announced to be priced at $38,385, a $2,100 increase from the previous model, but considering the significant improvements in equipment and performance, this is a reasonable price.
Current Forester lineup and prices (Japanese specifications)
Gasoline turbo model
SPORT grade (1.8L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder turbo):
- SPORT: 4,048,000 yen
- SPORT EX (EyeSight X equipped vehicle): 4,191,000 yen
- SPORT Black Selection (special edition): 4,158,000 yen
- SPORT EX Black Selection (special edition): 4,301,000 yen
Specs:
- Engine output: 177ps/30.6kgm
- Fuel economy (WLTC mode): 13.6km/L
S: HEV hybrid model
X-BREAK grade:
- X-BREAK S:HEV: 4,202,000 yen
- X-BREAK S:HEV EX (EyeSight X equipped vehicle): 4,477,000 yen
Premium grade:
- Premium S:HEV: 4,488,000 yen
- Premium S:HEV EX (EyeSight X equipped vehicle): 4,598,000 yen
S:HEV system specifications:
- Engine: Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder 2.5L (160ps/21.3kgm)
- Motor: 119.6ps/27.5kgm
- Fuel economy (WLTC mode): X-BREAK 18.8km/L, Premium 18.4km/L
All grades come standard with 4WD “Symmetrical AWD”.
Powertrain | The power of the new generation S:HEV hybrid system
New system developed in collaboration with Toyota
The “S:HEV” hybrid system installed in the current Forester is a new generation system that utilizes Toyota’s “THS (Toyota Hybrid System)” technology.
Differences from the conventional e-BOXER
Old e-BOXER system:
- Engine: Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder 2.0L (145ps/19.2kgm)
- Motor: 13.6ps/6.6kgm
- Type: Mild hybrid
- Fuel economy: WLTC mode 14.0km/L
New S:HEV system:
- Engine: Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder 2.5L (160ps/21.3kgm)
- Motor: 119.6ps/27.5kgm
- Type: Strong Hybrid
- Fuel economy: WLTC mode 18.8km/L
The significant increase in motor output has expanded the EV driving range and improved fuel economy by 4.8km/L. In addition, the motor’s instantaneous torque distribution has improved on-road cornering performance and off-road performance.
Latest safety technologies: EyeSight and EyeSight X
Triple camera system
The current Forester is equipped with the latest generation of EyeSight.
Main features:
- The triple camera system doubles the field of view compared to conventional stereo cameras.
- New design for windshield mounting
- Lens hood prevents accidental contact
- Added a monocular camera for wide-angle recognition when driving at low speeds
- Improved motorcycle and pedestrian recognition accuracy
- Expanded scenarios for pre-crash braking
EyeSight X
EyeSight X, which is installed on higher grade models, adds even more advanced features.
function:
- Utilizing high-precision 3D map data
- High-precision positioning using GPS and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System “Michibiki”
- Deceleration function before curves
- Hands-off driving assistance in traffic jams (0 to approximately 50 km/h, under certain conditions, on expressways)
These advanced safety technologies support safe and secure driving, from everyday driving to long drives.
History of the Forester | From the first generation to the current model
First-generation Forester (1997-2002)
The Forester, named after “Forester (the one who nurtures the forest),” was launched in 1997 as a crossover SUV based on the Impreza. As the successor to the Impreza Gravel EX, it gained popularity as a model that combined the comfort of a passenger car with a tough appearance and off-road capabilities.
Second-generation Forester (2002-2007)
The styling has evolved to be more SUV-like, and an STI model inspired by the Impreza that competed in the WRC is also available, achieving a high level of both driving performance and practicality.
3rd generation Forester (2007-2012)
The design became more modern, and safety and comfort features were enhanced, making it more popular in the North American market.
4th generation Forester (2012-2018)
The car is now fully equipped with EyeSight, significantly improving safety performance and enhancing its level of perfection as a crossover SUV.
5th generation Forester (2018-2025)
Adopting the Subaru global platform, driving performance, safety performance, and environmental performance have all been improved. The e-BOXER Hybrid has also been added.
6th generation Forester (2025 onwards)
The full model change has introduced the latest technologies, such as the new generation S:HEV hybrid system, triple camera EyeSight, and full inner frame structure. And in 2026, the long-awaited Wilderness grade will be released in the Japanese market.
Competitors to the Forester Wilderness
Toyota RAV4 Adventure / RAV4 TRD Off-Road
Toyota’s RAV4 also offers a grade with enhanced off-road capabilities. The price range and target demographic are similar, making it a direct competitor.
Mazda CX-5 / CX-50
Mazda’s SUV lineup is also popular for its high quality and driving pleasure, with the CX-50 in particular being popular among outdoor-oriented users in the North American market.
Honda CR-V
The Forester also competes with the CR-V, known for its practicality and reliability, and its hybrid system’s efficiency.
Users who would recommend the Forester Wilderness
Those who enjoy outdoor activities
It is ideal for those who enjoy serious outdoor activities such as camping, mountain climbing, skiing, fishing, etc. With its high ground clearance and excellent off-road performance, you can drive safely on unpaved roads and snowy roads.
Those who want to enjoy off-road driving
For those who enjoy forestry and off-road driving, Wilderness’ custom-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires are the ideal combination.
Those looking for a tough and unique SUV
This car is recommended for those seeking a bold and unique design that sets it apart from typical SUVs. Its attractive styling makes it stand out even in the city.
Those who trust Subaru’s 4WD technology
This is the best choice for those who trust Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD technology, which has been cultivated over many years, and who prioritize safety and off-road performance.
Summary | Expand your adventure possibilities with the Forester Wilderness
The Subaru Forester Wilderness brings a new option for a full-fledged adventure SUV to the Japanese market. With its release scheduled for July 2026, anticipation is building among outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy off-road driving.
The Forester’s off-road capabilities and practicality are further enhanced by Wilderness’ unique equipment, including a ground clearance of 236mm thanks to its special suspension, all-terrain tires, and specially designed exterior and interior.
The price is expected to start at around 5 million yen, making it the top model in the series, but it comes with a full range of equipment and performance that is worth the price.
The combination of Subaru’s traditional Symmetrical AWD, the latest S:HEV hybrid system, and Wilderness’ exclusive equipment makes this a reliable partner for any situation, from everyday use to outdoor activities and serious off-road driving.
Why not open the door to a new adventure with the Forester Wilderness?
