As a kid, I remember seeing Subaru Outback commercials featuring Crocodile Dundee navigating his way through the Outback, conquering the terrain, and arriving just in time to thwart a croc from the jaws of victory. These were fun commercials highlighting a brand that has consistently proven its capabilities and dependability the world over. So, when I had the chance to experience the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness over a 2,500 jaunt from Texas to Flagstaff for the annual Overland Expo, I was curious if the brand’s cache could meet the demands of a vehicle-dependent journey.
The Wilderness model is the newest in Subaru’s line-up. Featuring Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires and upgraded suspension, Lineartronic ® CVT with wider ratio coverage and revised final drive ratios, an advanced dual-function X-MODE ® for increased capability, a DOHC 4-cylinder 2.5-liter BOXER engine with a towing capacity of 3,000 lbs., 9.2” of ground clearance, and approach and departure angles of 23.5 and 25.4 degrees respectively, the Subaru Forester Wilderness, on paper, looks legit.
My time with the Subaru Forester Wilderness was greeted with how surprisingly roomy the interior is. With the second-row seats folded down, I was able to pack our entire booth items, 1,000 copies of OutdoorX4 Magazine, and camping/clothing items for a week within the 69 cubic ft of space in the rear. Even with all the additional weight, this SUV didn’t feel to be overburdened while traveling at highway speeds, averaging about 26mpg roundtrip from the Houston area to Flagstaff.
On-road handling is generally carlike but far more appropriate as a competent platform off-pavement than the Telluride I had driven and featured in a past review within OutdoorX4. With 182hps and 176 lb-ft of torque, the 2.5L BOXER motor is a bit underpowered but is so exceptionally reliable that I’d say it’s a worthy platform. In short, if you want to win a race, you won’t do it in the Forester Wilderness. If you want an enjoyable, comfortable ride, this is your SUV.
Off-pavement, the Wilderness model really shines particularly in mild to moderate terrains. While any competent overland-style vehicle generally requires several key upgrades depending on how the vehicle is used, I was impressed by the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system in the Wilderness though would like to see a locking differential (either in the center or at the rear) to allow for a bit more controlled travel along gnarly terrain. Still, the Forester Wilderness performed brilliantly along a variety of trails in Sedona and drew plenty of attention while resting at our booth during the Overland Expo in Flagstaff.
In short, the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness would make ‘ol Crocodile Dundee proud. It’s an agile, comfortable, capable vehicle that’ll get you to the trailhead for just about any type of outdoors pursuit. It looks good, drives great, is generally simplistic for a modern vehicle, and at a tad over $34k out the door, it wears the Subaru namesake proudly at an attainable price.