Fuel efficiency vs ruggedness: forester vs forester wilderness – balancing the scale

The Subaru Forester has long been a beloved choice for adventure-seekers and families alike. With its rugged capabilities and spacious interior, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular SUVs on the market. But what happens when you take the Forester to the next level? That’s where the Subaru Forester Wilderness comes in.

The Wilderness trim adds a host of off-road upgrades that make it even more capable than the standard Forester. But how do these two models compare? Let’s take a closer look.

Power and Performance

Both the Forester and the Forester Wilderness are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. However, the Wilderness gets a slight boost in performance thanks to its revised suspension and tires.

The Wilderness also comes standard with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the Forester is only available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The manual transmission gives the Wilderness more control over the vehicle’s power and handling, which can be an advantage off-road.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Forester Wilderness is designed to handle even the most challenging terrain. It comes standard with a raised suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. It also features a unique X-Mode system that optimizes the vehicle’s performance for off-road conditions.

The standard Forester is also capable of handling off-road trails, but it doesn’t have the same level of ruggedness as the Wilderness. If you’re planning on doing any serious off-roading, the Wilderness is the better choice.

Interior and Comfort

Both the Forester and the Forester Wilderness offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Wilderness gets a few unique features, such as water-resistant upholstery and rubber floor mats, which make it easier to clean after a day of adventure.

Technology and Safety

The Forester and the Forester Wilderness come standard with a variety of technology and safety features, including:

• Subaru StarLink infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• EyeSight driver-assist technology
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic emergency braking

Fuel Economy

The Forester and the Forester Wilderness have similar fuel economy ratings. The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Wilderness gets 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Price

The Forester starts at $25,195, while the Forester Wilderness starts at $32,995. The Wilderness trim adds a significant amount of value for the price, so it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a more capable SUV.

Which One is Right for You?

The Forester and the Forester Wilderness are both great choices for adventure-seekers and families alike. The Forester is a more affordable option that still offers plenty of off-road capabilities, while the Wilderness is the ultimate choice for those who want the most rugged and capable Forester possible.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which one is right for you is to test drive both models. That way, you can see for yourself how they compare and make the best decision for your needs.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: What are the key differences between the Forester and the Forester Wilderness?

A: The Forester Wilderness has a raised suspension, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a unique X-Mode system that optimizes the vehicle’s performance for off-road conditions.

Q: Which model is better for off-roading?

A: The Forester Wilderness is better for off-roading because it has more rugged features and a more capable suspension.

Q: Which model is more fuel-efficient?

A: The Forester is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Forester Wilderness.