2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Extra rugged SUV leaked

Subaru is ready to disclose its subsequent rugged Wilderness mannequin, primarily based on the brand new sixth-generation Forester.

YouTube channel Auto Patrons Information | Alex on Autos final week posted a video specializing in the upcoming 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, however some eagle-eyed viewers noticed what seems to be an as-yet-unreleased mannequin lurking within the background.

The sighting sparked hypothesis on-line, with the mannequin believed to be the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness – a extra rugged model of the sixth-generation Forester that’s already on sale within the US and which can arrive regionally someday this 12 months.

Alex on Autos’ video has since been edited and re-uploaded to obscure the white SUV with a black field, however not earlier than some viewers captured a screenshot and posted it on social media. You may watch the present timestamped footage under:

100s of recent automotive offers can be found by way of CarExpert proper now. Get the consultants in your facet and rating an incredible deal. Browse now.

In any case, the blurry screenshot captured and uploaded to Instagram by person kindelauto exhibits the extra rugged Forester variant.

Headlining the discernible modifications from the common Forester are prolonged black plastic cladding on the wheel arches and doorways; a redesigned entrance bumper with bigger black components and a silver decrease portion; off-road tyres; a barely taller trip peak; and beefier roof racks with brightly colored accents much like these seen on earlier Subaru Wilderness fashions.

Given the mannequin seen within the video seems to be production-ready we’d counsel an American debut mightn’t be too far-off.

Nevertheless, it’s unclear whether or not it can be part of Subaru’s Australian lineup. The common Forester is due right here someday this 12 months, however Subaru has but to supply any Wilderness automobiles regionally – although it has beforehand stated it’s eager to take action.

The Japanese model already sells Wilderness variations of the Crosstrek, Outback, and former fifth-gen Forester in North America.

Subaru Australia has beforehand outlined it needs to introduce the Wilderness nameplate in Australia, although it confirmed early final 12 months that plans for an area debut had been pushed again resulting from numerous timing and demand challenges.

The Wilderness line was launched in 2022 with the Subaru Outback, with modifications together with a 20mm suspension raise for a floor clearance of 240mm, 17-inch alloy wheels, in depth black cladding with built-in tow hooks, an uprated 320kg roof rack, and a shorter last drive ratio for “improved low-speed climbing”.

That mannequin was adopted by Forester and Crosstrek Wilderness fashions in 2022 and 2023, each of which function related enhancements to the Outback. The Crosstrek Wilderness additionally provides a constantly variable transmission (CVT) cooler for an elevated towing capability of 1600kg.

All Wilderness fashions are at present constructed within the US. No Subarus bought in Australia are at present sourced from this nation, although that will change as manufacturing for the Outback ends in Japan.

If Australian-market Outbacks find yourself being constructed within the US, it will open the door for its Wilderness variant to be introduced Down Beneath.

MORE: Subaru’s rugged Wilderness fashions delayed for Australia
MORE: Subaru Outback’s Australian future safe, however the place will or not it’s constructed?
MORE: Every thing Subaru Forester