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Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid: Go anywhere with 25% better fuel economy

[Credit: All images courtesy of Subaru]

 

 

The first-ever Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is the most efficient model ever to wear the Wilderness badge. It pairs the go-anywhere capability of the Forester Wilderness with a next-generation, fuel-efficient Subaru Hybrid powertrain with up to 25% better fuel economy.

The Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid retains the same 9.3-in. ground clearance, X-MODE Dual Mode System, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, upgraded suspension, and all-terrain tires as the non-hybrid model, in addition to its fuel-saving powertrain and interior refinements for around-town comfort.

Like the Subaru Forester Hybrid, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses an Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine optimized for efficiency, paired with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery and electric motors to produce 194 hp. The next-generation Subaru Hybrid system uses a series-parallel configuration to seamlessly integrate with the existing Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The range is an estimated 481 miles per tank and 25% better city MPG than the gas version.

Just like the Forester Hybrid, the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is equipped with an 11.6-in. tablet-style touchscreen for infotainment, a 12.3-in. full digital gauge cluster with navigation and Apple Maps integration, animal-free StarTex interior upholstery, and Subaru's award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

Capable and efficient
The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses longer coil springs and shock absorbers to increase ground clearance from 8.7 in. in the Forester Hybrid to 9.3 in. in the Forester Wilderness Hybrid. Along with a revised suspension, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid is tuned for on- and off-road comfort thanks to added sound-absorbing materials and structural adhesives, as well as a lighter, stiffer chassis shared with all sixth-generation Forester models.

A Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) helps the next-generation Subaru hybrid system remain efficient, while the X-MODE Dual-Mode System with Hill Descent Control (with settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud) provides extra confidence off-road. Larger all-terrain Yokohama Geolandar tires mounted on Wilderness-exclusive 17-in. matte black wheels help grip gravel or muddy terrain.

The 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with a mechanical connection between the front and rear axles. Compared to the standard Forester Hybrid, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid offers improved approach (23.5 degrees vs. 19 degrees), breakover (20.6 degrees vs. 19.3 degrees), and departure angles (25.5 degrees vs. 24.6 degrees).

Raised, ladder-type roof rails with an 800-lb static load capacity are standard on all Forester Wilderness Hybrid models, along with a 27.5-cu.-ft cargo area with a power rear gate. With the rear seats folded forward, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid offers more than 69 cu. ft of cargo space, with no space lost due to the hybrid powertrain components.

Comfort and tech
The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is equipped with a Subaru 11.6-in. multimedia system with navigation, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A configurable 12.3-in. full digital gauge cluster with Apple Maps integration is standard, as well as a Harman Kardon speaker system with 11 speakers and a 576-W equivalent amplifier.

Wilderness-exclusive gray textured StarTex seating surfaces offer a weather-resistant, easily cleanable interior that's perfect for adventure, while standard all-weather mats and a cargo area protector help to keep muddy boots and gear in place.

Every Forester Wilderness Hybrid is equipped with Subaru's award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including Automatic Emergency Steering, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Emergency Stop Assist, and more.

The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid will go on sale in late 2026, with pricing announced closer to launch. A standard Subaru Forester Hybrid starts at $34,730 and has a range up to 581 miles.

For more information and to get vehicle updates, go to subaru.com/vehicles/forester/hybrid/2027.html.

Source: Subaru

Published May 2026

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