Hey there, fellow adventure seekers! Ready to dive into the world of the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness? This isn't your average Forester, folks. Subaru has taken their already capable compact SUV and injected it with a serious dose of off-road prowess, rugged style, and a spirit that screams, "Let's get lost!" Buckle up as we explore what makes the Wilderness trim so special, and why it's a top contender for anyone craving a taste of the wild. From its enhanced off-road capabilities to its unique design, we'll cover everything you need to know about this exciting vehicle.

Unveiling the Wilderness: What's New and Exciting?

So, what's the buzz all about the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness? Well, the Wilderness trim isn't just about a new paint job and some fancy badges. Subaru has gone the extra mile to create a Forester that can truly handle the rough stuff. First off, they've raised the ride height to a generous 9.2 inches of ground clearance. This is a significant jump from the standard Forester and gives you a much better vantage point for navigating uneven terrain and clearing obstacles. This extra lift not only improves off-road capability but also gives the Forester Wilderness a more imposing stance. Think of it as the off-road-ready cousin of the already versatile Forester.

But the enhancements don't stop there. Subaru has equipped the Wilderness with a specially tuned suspension, designed to absorb bumps and jolts with ease. This means a smoother ride, even when the going gets tough. They've also added more durable front and rear bumpers, with improved approach and departure angles, making it easier to tackle steep inclines and declines. The Wilderness also boasts a front skid plate to protect vital components from rocks and debris, providing added peace of mind when exploring rugged trails. Furthermore, the Wilderness features Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. These tires offer superior grip on a variety of surfaces, from gravel and dirt to mud and snow. These tires are a game-changer when it comes to off-road performance, providing the necessary traction to keep you moving forward when the going gets tough. The all-terrain tires, combined with the other upgrades, give the Forester Wilderness a level of capability that sets it apart from the competition. Inside the cabin, you'll find water-resistant StarTex upholstery, perfect for those muddy adventures. The interior is designed to be both functional and comfortable, making sure you feel at home even when you're far from civilization. All these additions are more than just cosmetic tweaks, they're the embodiment of Subaru's commitment to building vehicles that can handle the elements.

The Forester Wilderness also has a unique exterior design, setting it apart from other Forester trims. It features bold, black exterior trim, including fender flares, and a distinctive front fascia with a rugged-looking grille. Copper-colored accents add a touch of sophistication and style. The Wilderness also includes matte-black 17-inch alloy wheels that complement the off-road aesthetic. The Wilderness edition has been designed to look capable and rugged, and it delivers on that promise.

Power and Performance: Does it Deliver the Goods?

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood of the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness. It's powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine found in other Forester models, delivering a respectable 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it's not a powerhouse, this engine is more than capable of getting you where you need to go, both on and off the road. The engine is mated to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which has been specifically tuned for off-road performance in the Wilderness trim. This means the transmission can handle the demands of challenging terrain, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. One of the key strengths of the Forester Wilderness is its standard all-wheel-drive system. Subaru is renowned for its all-wheel-drive technology, and the system in the Wilderness is particularly sophisticated. It continuously monitors road conditions and distributes power to the wheels with the most grip. This helps to maximize traction and stability, especially in challenging conditions like snow, ice, or muddy trails.

The Wilderness also features a unique X-MODE system with two settings: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. X-MODE optimizes the engine, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system for specific terrains, enhancing traction and control. This system makes it easier for drivers to navigate challenging trails and obstacles. For those who enjoy towing, the Wilderness has a higher towing capacity than other Forester trims, rated at 3,000 pounds. This is a significant upgrade and allows you to bring along a small trailer, boat, or other gear on your adventures. The Forester Wilderness offers a balanced package of power, capability, and efficiency, making it a great choice for those who want to explore off the beaten path without sacrificing everyday practicality. The combination of the engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive system, and X-MODE ensures a capable and enjoyable driving experience, no matter the conditions.

Interior & Tech: Comfort Meets Capability

Step inside the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness, and you'll find a blend of practicality and comfort. The interior is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures while providing a comfortable and user-friendly experience. As mentioned earlier, the Wilderness trim features water-resistant StarTex upholstery. This durable material is easy to clean and can handle spills and messes, making it ideal for those who frequently venture off-road or enjoy outdoor activities. The seats are designed to provide good support and comfort, even on long drives. The Wilderness also offers ample headroom and legroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for both front and rear passengers.

The infotainment system in the Forester Wilderness features a user-friendly touchscreen display, typically 6.5 or 8 inches in size, depending on the trim level. The system includes features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and other apps. The system also offers Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The Forester Wilderness also includes a suite of advanced safety features, including Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. EyeSight includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind on the road. The Wilderness also offers a range of other features, such as a premium sound system, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof, depending on the trim level. The interior of the Forester Wilderness is designed to provide a comfortable and functional space for both everyday driving and outdoor adventures. The combination of durable materials, user-friendly technology, and advanced safety features makes it a great choice for those who want a vehicle that can do it all.

Driving Experience: Hitting the Trails and the Open Road

So, how does the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness drive? In a word: confidently. On the road, the Wilderness feels composed and comfortable. The raised ride height and tuned suspension provide a smoother ride than the standard Forester, especially on rough roads. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip and stability, even in challenging conditions. The Wilderness handles corners well for its size, and the steering is responsive. Off-road, the Forester Wilderness truly shines. The increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and X-MODE system combine to make it a highly capable off-roader. It can easily navigate trails, climb over obstacles, and handle challenging terrain that would be difficult or impossible for many other SUVs. The approach and departure angles have been improved, which help prevent the vehicle from scraping on steep inclines and declines. The Wilderness also features a front skid plate to protect the undercarriage from rocks and debris.

The all-terrain tires provide excellent grip on a variety of surfaces, from gravel and dirt to mud and snow. The X-MODE system allows you to select the appropriate setting for the terrain, optimizing the engine, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system for maximum traction and control. The Forester Wilderness is a great choice for those who want to explore off the beaten path without sacrificing on-road comfort and practicality. The vehicle's combination of off-road capability, on-road comfort, and user-friendly technology makes it an excellent all-around package. The Forester Wilderness is a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of driving situations. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or exploring the great outdoors, the Wilderness is a vehicle that can do it all.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Wilderness

Alright, let's break down the good and the not-so-good about the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness:

Pros:

• Exceptional off-road capability: The Wilderness trim is specifically designed for off-road adventures, with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a tuned suspension.
• Rugged and stylish design: The Wilderness trim features a unique exterior design with bold styling cues and copper accents.
• Standard all-wheel drive: Subaru is renowned for its all-wheel-drive technology, which enhances traction and stability in all conditions.
• Spacious and comfortable interior: The Forester Wilderness offers a comfortable and user-friendly interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
• Advanced safety features: The vehicle is equipped with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes a suite of advanced safety features.

Cons:

• Engine performance: The 2.5-liter engine, while adequate, may not feel as powerful as some competitors.
• Fuel economy: Fuel economy is slightly lower than the standard Forester due to the off-road enhancements.
• Infotainment system: While functional, the infotainment system may not be as intuitive or feature-rich as some competitors.

Is the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness Right for You?

So, who is the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness perfect for? If you're someone who loves to explore the outdoors, enjoys weekend camping trips, or frequently ventures off the beaten path, then the Wilderness trim is definitely worth considering. It's also a great choice for those who live in areas with challenging weather conditions, such as snow or ice. The Wilderness is ideal for anyone who needs a vehicle that can handle a variety of terrains while providing a comfortable and practical driving experience. If you are looking for a vehicle with outstanding off-road capability, a rugged design, and a comfortable interior, then the Forester Wilderness is an excellent choice. However, if you're primarily concerned with fuel economy or prefer a more powerful engine, you might want to consider other options. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness is a highly capable and versatile vehicle that's perfect for those who love adventure. It's a vehicle that can take you places you've only dreamed of. If adventure is calling your name, the Forester Wilderness is ready to answer! Happy trails, guys!