The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness earns our top recommendation over the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, delivering superior overall performance, broader cargo utility, and an exceptionally comfortable cabin environment. Powered by a 2.4L turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, the Outback Wilderness provides effortless acceleration compared to the 180 hp generated by the Forester Wilderness's 2.5L engine. Combined with about 35 cu ft of rear cargo volume, the Outback Wilderness delivers unmatched versatility for daily commutes and weekend road trips alike.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness carries a lower entry price with a base MSRP of $36,995, but the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness justifies its $44,995 base MSRP by delivering a larger chassis, a high-output turbocharged engine, and an upgraded feature suite. Both models carry an identical destination charge of $1,450.

When evaluating long-term value, shoppers should look closely at what comes standard on each trim. The Outback Wilderness includes a high-torque transmission, a premium 12-speaker harman/kardon® sound system with a subwoofer, 12-way power driver's seat adjustment, and synthetic leather upholstery standard. Additionally, Outback Wilderness buyers can opt for Option Code 22 (Moonroof, Navigation, Surround View Monitor) or Option Code 23, which adds Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a 12-way power driver's seat with leg extension, an 8-way power front passenger seat, and power-folding heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

The Forester Wilderness starts at a lower price point while featuring durable StarTex® synthetic leather seating and a 6-speaker audio system. To match the premium tech found in the Outback, Forester Wilderness buyers can select Option Code 33 (Harman Kardon® Speaker System + Navigation + Power Rear Gate + Digital Gauge Cluster). While the Forester Wilderness represents an accessible entry point into Subaru's rugged Wilderness family, the Outback Wilderness stands out as a complete, feature-rich midsize crossover that delivers long-term comfort and capability. Before visiting our showroom, you can estimate your trade-in value online or check out our pre-owned inventory options to explore every purchasing pathway.

Manufacturer-listed pricing per trim, across compared vehicles.

The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness delivers significantly more cargo volume and total passenger room than the Forester Wilderness, making it the better option for larger families and extended road trips. With about 35 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, the Outback Wilderness easily accommodates bulky gear, stroller systems, and outdoor equipment.

Interior dimensions reveal clear operational differences between these two crossovers. The Outback Wilderness offers 40.2 in of front headroom, 40.5 in of rear headroom, 43 in of front legroom, and 39.5 in of rear legroom. When maximum storage is needed, folding the 60/40 split rear seatbacks flat expands total cargo volume to an impressive about 80.5 cu ft. The cargo floor length extends to 75.9 in, allowing long items like skis or camping cots to lie flat inside the cabin.

The compact Forester Wilderness provides 40 in of front headroom, 37.7 in of rear headroom, 43.3 in of front legroom, and 39.4 in of rear legroom. Its standard cargo volume measures about 27.5 cu ft behind the second row, expanding to about 69 cu ft with the rear seats folded down. While the Forester's taller roofline yields good vertical clearance, its 70.7 in cargo floor length falls short of the Outback's extended rear bay. For active households in Maryland Heights packing for weekend tournaments or family camping getaways, the Outback Wilderness provides the extra spatial buffer needed for effortless packing. You can contact us about financing from home to streamline your vehicle upgrade.

Capacity and dimensions by trim

The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness provides superior driving dynamics and effortless hill-climbing acceleration thanks to its 260 hp 2.4L turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine, whereas the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness focuses on balanced handling with its 180 hp 2.5L engine. Both vehicles feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and dual-function X-MODE® for optimized off-pavement traction.

Under everyday driving conditions, the mechanical differences between these powertrains are immediately noticeable. The Outback Wilderness's turbocharged engine produces its peak torque of 277 lb-ft low in the rev range at just 2,000 rpm. This low-end pulling power allows the 3,973 lbs crossover to accelerate confidently up steep inclines and pass highway traffic without straining the Lineartronic CVT. In terms of fuel economy, the EPA estimates the Outback Wilderness at 21 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined MPG, backed by an 18-gallon fuel tank that yields a calculated EPA driving range of 414 miles.

The Forester Wilderness weighs in lighter at 3,675 lbs, allowing its naturally aspirated 2.5L engine to achieve EPA fuel economy estimates of 24 city / 28 hwy / 26 combined MPG. With a 16.6-gallon fuel tank, the Forester Wilderness delivers a calculated EPA driving range of 432 miles. On trail surfaces, both models utilize independent front strut suspension and independent rear double wishbone setups designed to absorb heavy impacts. However, the Outback Wilderness's wider track measurements ( 62 in front / 63 in rear) and longer 108.1 in wheelbase provide enhanced high-speed stability across unpaved back roads. Feel free to explore our new Subaru Outback inventory or order genuine Subaru parts and accessories to customize your vehicle for upcoming trail trips.

Powertrain specs by trim

The Outback Wilderness is well worth its $44,995 base MSRP for buyers who want strong turbocharged performance and maximum interior utility. Its 2.4L turbocharged engine delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, vastly outpacing the Forester Wilderness's 180 hp. Furthermore, the Outback's about 35 cu ft cargo area provides superior room for families, travel gear, and outdoor equipment compared to the compact Forester.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness achieves slightly higher fuel economy ratings, with EPA estimates of 24 city / 28 hwy / 26 combined MPG. The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness is rated at 21 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined MPG. However, because the Outback carries a larger 18-gallon fuel tank, its total calculated EPA driving range of 414 miles is nearly equal to the Forester's 432-mile range.

The Outback Wilderness is the clear winner for cargo versatility. It offers about 35 cu ft of storage space behind the rear seats and up to about 80.5 cu ft with the rear seatbacks folded flat. The Forester Wilderness offers about 27.5 cu ft behind the second row and about 69 cu ft total. The Outback's longer cargo floor length of 75.9 in makes it much easier to pack bulky or elongated recreation gear.

Yes, both the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness and Forester Wilderness feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and dual-function X-MODE®. This advanced system includes specialized drive settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, optimizing engine mapping and wheel spin control to deliver confidence in all-weather conditions across mud, gravel, or winter roads.

You can experience both vehicles side-by-side at Sunset Hills Subaru, located at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127. Our knowledgeable sales team is ready to answer all your technical questions and set you up with back-to-back test drives. To get started, visit our Sunset Hills showroom or give our team a quick call at (314) 476-9638 today!

Fuel economy and range by trim