Off-Road Quick Take in the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness
With the love of off-roading really picking up in popularity, it seems all automakers are rolling out more capable vehicles for venturing off the pavement.
NEED TO KNOW
- The Wilderness Edition is the off-road focused trim of the Forester with real capability improvements over standard models.
- 9.2 inches of ground clearance is class-leading for a compact crossover.
- Redesigned roof rails are rated to carry up to 800 pounds for overlanding gear.
- Starting at $32,820, the Wilderness is a reasonably priced entry into genuine light off-road use.
- The writer found it to be ‘small but mighty’ at the Texas Auto Writers Association Texas Truck Rodeo event.
This philosophy has now trickled down into what some affectionately call the “cute-ute” segment of small crossovers. Typically known for their low price and ample cargo room, these compact crossovers are becoming more and more capable in the dirt.
We took a 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition out to the off-road test track at Eagles Canyon Raceway as a part of the Texas Auto Writers Association’s Texas Truck Rodeo.
From its small and maneuverable size, peppy engine with CVT, and capable AWD system, this little Forester proved to be plenty of fun in the dirt of Texas.
What are your thoughts on this small but mighty crossover? Is it for you, or do you desire something bigger?
2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness Features:
All images courtesy of Capturing the Machine .
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2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness
PROS
- Small and maneuverable size makes it genuinely fun and capable on off-road test tracks
- 9.2 inches of ground clearance with improved approach, breakover, and departure angles for a compact crossover
- Dual X-Mode selectable terrain modes provide real off-road functionality at this price point
- Symmetrical AWD with a peppy boxer engine made it 'plenty of fun in the dirt of Texas'
CONS
- CVT transmission is not universally loved among enthusiast drivers
- As a compact 'cute-ute' it will not satisfy buyers who need serious off-road capability or towing beyond 3,000 lbs