2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Review, Specs & More

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness, an amazing vehicle that's been making waves in the auto world. If you're the kind of person who loves hitting the trails but also needs a reliable daily driver, this Forester might just be your perfect match. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its rugged design and off-road capabilities to its interior comfort and tech features. Buckle up; it's going to be an awesome ride!

Overview of the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness

The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness isn't just another trim level; it's a statement. Subaru took the already capable Forester and injected it with a heavy dose of off-road DNA. What does that mean for you? Think increased ground clearance, a more aggressive suspension, and all-terrain tires ready to tackle whatever Mother Nature throws your way. But it's not just about brawn; Subaru also made sure to retain the Forester's renowned safety features, practicality, and everyday comfort.

One of the standout features of the Wilderness edition is its beefed-up suspension. This isn't your standard Forester setup; Subaru has lifted the suspension, providing an impressive 9.2 inches of ground clearance. That's more than enough to clear most obstacles you'll encounter on the trails. The longer coil springs and specially tuned dampers work together to provide a smoother ride, even on rough terrain. Combine that with the Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires, and you've got a vehicle that's built to explore.

Under the hood, you'll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it might not sound like a powerhouse on paper, this engine is perfectly adequate for most driving situations. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has been specifically tuned for off-road use. The CVT features a lower final drive ratio, which improves low-end torque and makes it easier to crawl over obstacles. Plus, the Wilderness edition comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which provides excellent traction in all kinds of conditions.

Inside, the Forester Wilderness doesn't skimp on comfort or technology. You'll find water-resistant StarTex upholstery, which is perfect for those muddy adventures. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. The interior also features copper accents and Wilderness logos, giving it a unique and stylish look. As for tech, the Forester Wilderness comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the key features and specifications that make the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness stand out from the crowd. This isn't just a cosmetic upgrade; Subaru has made some serious mechanical changes to enhance its off-road prowess. From its lifted suspension to its all-terrain tires, every detail has been carefully considered to make this Forester a true adventure machine.

  • Engine: The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful engine in its class, it provides adequate performance for both on- and off-road driving. The engine is paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that has been tuned for enhanced low-speed climbing ability. This makes it easier to navigate challenging terrain and provides better control when you need it most.

  • Drivetrain: Standard on the Wilderness edition is Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This system provides exceptional traction and stability in all types of conditions. It constantly monitors the road and distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, helping to prevent slippage and maintain control. The Wilderness also features X-Mode, which optimizes the AWD system for specific types of terrain, such as snow, mud, and sand.

  • Suspension and Ground Clearance: One of the most significant upgrades on the Wilderness is its lifted suspension. This provides a generous 9.2 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to clear obstacles that would stop other SUVs in their tracks. The longer coil springs and retuned dampers improve ride quality on rough roads, making it more comfortable for both driver and passengers. The suspension is designed to provide a balance of off-road capability and on-road comfort.

  • Tires and Wheels: The Forester Wilderness comes standard with Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires mounted on unique 17-inch alloy wheels. These tires provide excellent grip on a variety of surfaces, from pavement to dirt to gravel. They are also designed to be durable and resistant to punctures, which is essential for off-road adventures. The aggressive tread pattern helps to improve traction in loose or slippery conditions.

  • Exterior: The exterior of the Forester Wilderness is both rugged and stylish. It features a unique front fascia with a hexagonal grille, larger wheel arch cladding, and a matte black hood decal to reduce glare. The raised roof rails are designed to accommodate a variety of accessories, such as roof racks and cargo carriers. The Wilderness also has a reinforced rear gate with a tow hitch, making it easy to bring along your favorite outdoor gear.

  • Interior: Inside, the Forester Wilderness is designed for comfort and durability. The seats are wrapped in water-resistant StarTex upholstery, which is easy to clean and resistant to stains. Copper accents and Wilderness logos add a touch of style to the interior. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The rear seats fold down to create even more cargo space, making it easy to haul large items.

Off-Road Capabilities

When you're talking about the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness, you've got to talk about its off-road capabilities. This isn't just a regular SUV that can handle a gravel road; it's a purpose-built machine designed to tackle some serious terrain. Subaru has taken the Forester's already capable platform and enhanced it with a range of features that make it a true off-road warrior. From its lifted suspension to its all-terrain tires, every aspect of the Wilderness has been optimized for adventure.

One of the key features that contributes to the Forester Wilderness's off-road prowess is its X-Mode system. This system optimizes the vehicle's AWD system for specific types of terrain, such as snow, mud, and sand. When X-Mode is engaged, it adjusts the engine output, transmission settings, and stability control system to provide maximum traction and control. It also includes Hill Descent Control, which automatically maintains a constant speed when descending steep hills, allowing you to focus on steering.

The increased ground clearance of the Forester Wilderness is another major advantage when it comes to off-roading. With 9.2 inches of clearance, it can clear obstacles that would stop other SUVs in their tracks. This is especially useful when navigating rocky trails or crossing streams. The longer coil springs and retuned dampers not only provide more ground clearance but also improve ride quality on rough roads. This means you can tackle tough terrain without sacrificing comfort.

The Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires are another essential component of the Forester Wilderness's off-road capabilities. These tires provide excellent grip on a variety of surfaces, from pavement to dirt to gravel. Their aggressive tread pattern helps to improve traction in loose or slippery conditions, and their durable construction makes them resistant to punctures. Whether you're navigating rocky trails or driving through muddy bogs, these tires will help you stay in control.

In addition to these features, the Forester Wilderness also has a number of other enhancements that make it well-suited for off-road adventures. The reinforced rear gate with a tow hitch makes it easy to bring along your favorite outdoor gear, and the standard skid plates protect the underbody from damage. The matte black hood decal reduces glare, making it easier to see when driving in bright sunlight. All of these features work together to make the Forester Wilderness a true off-road champion.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Okay, so the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness is a beast off-road, but what about when you're just cruising around town or embarking on a long road trip? Fear not, because Subaru hasn't forgotten about interior comfort and technology. This isn't some bare-bones off-road machine; it's a well-equipped SUV that's designed to be comfortable and convenient for everyday use. From its water-resistant seats to its advanced infotainment system, the Forester Wilderness has everything you need to stay comfortable and connected on the go.

One of the standout features of the Forester Wilderness's interior is its water-resistant StarTex upholstery. This material is not only durable and easy to clean but also resistant to stains and spills. This is a huge plus if you're the kind of person who likes to get messy on your adventures. Whether you're tracking mud into the car after a hike or spilling your coffee on the way to work, the StarTex upholstery will keep your seats looking great.

The seats themselves are also designed for comfort. They provide plenty of support and cushioning, even on long drives. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, so you can easily find the perfect driving position. The rear seats are also comfortable and spacious, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The rear seats also fold down to create even more cargo space, making it easy to haul large items.

As for technology, the Forester Wilderness comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system is easy to use and packed with features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to connect your smartphone to the infotainment system and access your favorite apps, such as music, navigation, and messaging. The infotainment system also includes a built-in navigation system, so you can easily find your way to your destination.

In addition to the infotainment system, the Forester Wilderness also has a number of other tech features that enhance comfort and convenience. These include a premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a suite of advanced safety features. The premium audio system provides excellent sound quality, making it a pleasure to listen to music on the go. The panoramic sunroof lets in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and airy cabin. The advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, help to keep you safe on the road.

Pricing and Availability

Alright, let's talk brass tacks: pricing and availability. The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness isn't the cheapest SUV on the market, but it offers a lot of value for the money. It's packed with features that make it a true off-road machine, and it's also comfortable and well-equipped for everyday use. If you're looking for an SUV that can handle both on- and off-road adventures, the Forester Wilderness is definitely worth considering.

The starting price for the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness is around $34,000. This price includes all of the standard features that we've already discussed, such as the lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, water-resistant seats, and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Of course, the price can go up if you add optional features, such as a premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, or advanced safety features.

As for availability, the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness is available at Subaru dealerships across the country. However, demand for this model is high, so you may have to wait a few weeks or even months to get your hands on one. If you're serious about buying a Forester Wilderness, it's a good idea to contact your local Subaru dealer as soon as possible to place an order.

Before you head to the dealership, it's also a good idea to do some research online. You can use Subaru's website to build and price your own Forester Wilderness, and you can also read reviews from other owners to get a better sense of what it's like to own this vehicle. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you're getting the best possible deal.

Final Thoughts

So, what's the final verdict on the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness? Well, guys, it's a pretty awesome SUV. It perfectly blends off-road capability with everyday practicality. If you're the kind of person who loves to explore the great outdoors but also needs a reliable and comfortable daily driver, this Forester is definitely worth a look. It's not the cheapest SUV on the market, but it offers a lot of value for the money. With its lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and water-resistant seats, it's ready for just about anything you can throw at it.

Of course, the Forester Wilderness isn't perfect. Its engine isn't the most powerful in its class, and its fuel economy is just average. But these are minor drawbacks compared to its many strengths. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness is a fantastic SUV that's sure to appeal to adventurous drivers. Whether you're hitting the trails or just running errands around town, it's a vehicle that's always up for the task. So, if you're in the market for a new SUV, be sure to give the Forester Wilderness a try. You might just fall in love with it.