Wilderness vs touring: the ultimate subaru forester showdown

The Subaru Forester, renowned for its versatility and all-terrain capabilities, offers two distinct trim levels: the Wilderness and the Touring. While both share the Forester’s core attributes, they cater to different driving preferences and needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Subaru Forester Wilderness vs. Touring to help you make an informed decision about which one suits you best.

Off-Road Prowess

The Forester Wilderness is the epitome of off-road capability. It boasts a lifted suspension that provides an additional 0.6 inches of ground clearance, giving it an impressive 9.2 inches of clearance. The Wilderness also features all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a front skid plate for enhanced protection on rugged terrain.

In contrast, the Touring is primarily designed for on-road driving. While it offers a comfortable ride quality, it lacks the Wilderness’s specialized off-road features. However, it still provides ample ground clearance of 8.7 inches for navigating light off-road trails.

Exterior Design

The Forester Wilderness exudes a rugged and adventurous aesthetic. It features blacked-out exterior accents, including a black grille, mirror caps, and roof rails. The Wilderness also sports unique bronze-colored wheels and a distinctive “Wilderness” badge on the tailgate.

The Touring, on the other hand, presents a more refined and sophisticated exterior. It features chrome accents, including the grille and mirror caps. The Touring also has body-colored door handles and a sunroof for enhanced comfort and style.

Interior Features

Inside, the Forester Wilderness focuses on practicality and durability. It features water-resistant StarTex upholstery, a rubberized cargo mat, and an all-weather package that includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The Touring offers a more luxurious interior experience. It boasts leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a premium sound system. The Touring also has a larger touchscreen display and a navigation system for enhanced convenience.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Both the Forester Wilderness and Touring are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. However, the Wilderness comes with a slightly different tuning that prioritizes low-end torque for better off-road performance.

In terms of fuel economy, the Wilderness and Touring have nearly identical ratings. The Wilderness achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the Touring gets 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Safety Features

Both the Forester Wilderness and Touring come standard with the Subaru EyeSight suite of safety features, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, the Touring offers blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system for enhanced visibility.

Pricing

The Forester Wilderness starts at a higher price point than the Touring due to its additional off-road features. The base price for the Wilderness is $32,820, while the Touring starts at $30,445.

Which One is Right for You?

The Subaru Forester Wilderness is the ideal choice for drivers who prioritize off-road adventures and rugged terrain. Its enhanced ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and protective skid plates make it a capable companion for exploring the great outdoors.

The Forester Touring is better suited for drivers who primarily drive on-road and value comfort and luxury. Its leather-trimmed seats, premium sound system, and sunroof provide a refined and enjoyable driving experience.

In a nutshell: Your Off-Road and On-Road Companions

Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or prefer a comfortable and stylish ride, the Subaru Forester Wilderness and Touring offer distinct options to meet your driving needs. The Wilderness is the perfect companion for off-road escapades, while the Touring excels in providing on-road comfort and luxury. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual preferences and driving habits.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which trim level has a higher ground clearance?
A: The Wilderness has a higher ground clearance of 9.2 inches, compared to the Touring’s 8.7 inches.

Q: Does the Touring have all-terrain tires?
A: No, the Touring does not have all-terrain tires. It features standard on-road tires.

Q: Which trim level offers a sunroof?
A: The Touring is the only trim level that offers a sunroof.

Q: Is the Wilderness more expensive than the Touring?
A: Yes, the Wilderness has a higher starting price due to its additional off-road features.

Q: Which trim level has a premium sound system?
A: The Touring features a premium sound system, while the Wilderness has a standard audio system.