The 2022 Forester Wilderness isn’t going to compete with Jeeps or the new Bronco for off-road titles, but the new trim level, also available on the Outback, does deliver an altogether better drive and ride experience than any other Forester on the market.
This generation Forester has undergone some tweaks since it debuted in 2018 as a 2019 SUV. The 2022 model year is the SUV’s half-generation milestone, earning a refresh that includes a new front end and the newest suite of EyeSight driver assist technology.
Forester wilderness has bulkier cladding and elevated 9.2-inch ground clearance compared to the traditional models. It also has an improved roof rail system with added static weight capability (800 pounds vs. 700 pounds) and more tie downs.
The SUV’s skid plates give it a stiffer ride. Normally this translates to worse ride quality. In the Subie it’s the opposite. The Forester Wilderness is more confident on the road than its Forester brothers, feeling planted but not heavy. The steering has been balanced accordingly.
It rides on Yokohama Geolander tires that are wrapped around 17-inch wheels. Together with the added weight of the car and its all-wheel drive, the Subaru Forester plays the part of capable sleigh. An early season rain-sleet-snow storm in the Cascades and an impromptu flight cancellation provided the opportunity to really put it the Forester Wilderness to the test.
In addition to slick streets and blinding conditions along the seven-hour drive from Bend, Oregon to Seattle, Washington, the topography and makeup of the winding roads then interstate provided a perfect mix of conditions, terrain and low light scenarios to show what Forester Wilderness is made of.
In the variety of conditions, the SUV never hesitated. It held confidently to the road and provided a comfortable drive experience, which was especially important after more than 10 hours behind the wheel that day.
The SUV’s standard StarTex seats don’t lose their appeal despite being made of a synthetic material that is designed to withstand heavy wear and tear.
Forester isn’t going to win any awards for being ht most tech-forward SUV or the most sleek and sophisticated. The 8.0-inch infotainment touch screen is sufficient and buyers can option to an and upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, navigation, and a power liftgate for $1,850. Even if you never use the navigation (you can use Google Maps, Waze or Apple Maps in its place) the liftgate and sound system are worth the extra cost.
Subaru’s EyeSight system seems better calibrated in this model year Forester than in other models. The SUV’s technology works well even in less than ideal conditions, and can be configured to make few chimes.
The 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness has a starting price of $32,820. The price feels right for a vehicle that inspires confidence behind the wheel, on or off the beaten path.
