Researched this car segment for the last 2 months, my findings, - 5th gen forester rated #1 in safety and readability over all others including RAV, trial hawk, honda and bronco. That said, it has been a long road for Subaru from the CVT , oil consumption, head gasket issues of past generation vehicles. At 6'3, CR just announced the Forester is #1 with tall drivers as well, no surprise as the "green house" visibility is very attractive. All the safety dings can be disabled permanently, with the exception of engine on/off at stop. After market solution will solve that as well. So, I will be picking up my Subaru Forester Wilderness (gas, hybrid incremental benefits don't match cost) / pearl white next week. Comfortable driving on and off road, safety and readability, looks, honest service advisors that I have visited with during this time, all have pushed me this direction. And finally driving my daughters 2017 Forester premium, sold me on being a Subie owner. Suggested maintenance to ensure long life; 30k diff (F/R) service, 40k CVT Transmission service, and oil changes every 4k. Compared to the Outback, Off road analysis/videos show the turbo in the Outback gets totally in the way of performance when climbing, as the Forester's new gearing and software changes bring much more to the equation over the turbo, in my opinion. th-cam.com/video/ZF_JtgJ7aKQ/w-d-xo.html No rock climbing, but adventuring, all day long... HAPPY TRAILS
Great video! I traded in my 2021 Bronco Sport for the 2023 Forester Wilderness. After 8 recalls with the Bronco and continues break issues I have zero regrets getting rid of it. .. I feel like I’m driving a luxury SUV now. Subie for Life!
It’s quicker than any car I’ve had. But I’ve mostly had small sedans. it’s got enough umphf for me to pass comfortably on the highway. If you wanted to go any faster you’d be driving like a maniac in my option.
Subaru did an amazing job with their wilderness additions. Also great to see that they maintain their off-road prowess, their electronic system won’t stop the momentum by indicating that the awd drive is overheating, like the Honda pilot and I also believe Kia. That’s the last thing you want to see happen when you’re in a situation off-road
I've got a '19 sport model that I've lifted, and take out onto the trails, and even a few off road parks, but I'm highly tempted to trade it in for the wilderness right now. Seeing a few comparison videos, it seems more capable offroad than the outback wilderness and compared to the normal forester, this things a mountain goat! I think moving the long travel 2 inch suspension lift I have over to the wilderness would make it even more capable.
May I please inquire how the Subi Sport and Wilderness compare with each other? How do they differ from each other? It's a shame why the wilderness is NOT available here in Australia. We only have the Sport being sold here...I guess it's a marketing strategy as we have all the RAV4 hybrid sold out a have a long que (6 months) to buy one...They might simply be left behind from this wilderness market wise...
@@OldDogNewTricks_at_60 so, a few of the differences won't apply to you guys in Australia as your models already have it, or it's better than ours. But here in the US, the wilderness has an included transmission cooler, an included full sized spare (of which you guys have both of those) a higher tow rating of 1360kg vs 680 for the standard trims (no ratings for trailers with brakes), a front facing camera, but the main differences is that it has revised ratios for the transmission, and a revised final drive in the differential leading to a 16.9:1 crawl ratio vs the 13:1 the other trims have. Still not that great in terms of offroaders, but for a cvt, that's fantastic.
I have 11" of ground clearence under my rear differential and under the front, on my 02 WRX Wagon with a very simple lift. These car are FUN on and offroad!!!
I looked at the Wilderness but I couldn’t get past the 34 year old gloomy grey interior. So I opted to buy a Touring with saddle brown leather interior. For serious off roading we take our 4X4 pickup.
I’ll hit some of the high points of what makes a Wilderness so special: - 9.2 Inches of Ground Clearance with Front Skid Plate and Improved Angles - Matte Black Finish Wheels with All-Terrain Tires and Full-Size Spare - Enhanced Dual-Function X-MODE® - Drivetrain that features re-tuned gearing with revised ratios for improved low-speed climbing and an upgraded tow rating of 3,000 lbs. - Updated styling with more plastic cladding for paint protection. - Matte black good decal to help reduce glare
Awe. Sad y’all can’t get it. Usually we are the ones wishing we had something offered in other markets and not here in the states. So cool our video made it to you there in Australia. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for video. I'm just not on board with the CVT especially being used in off-roading conditions. This kind of stress on a trans that's known to slip and have underpowered issues overtime is the no go for me. I really like Subaru and I wished they would have stayed with the regular trans like Mazda.
Love the FW. My biggest complaint is the interior is a bit classy for a rugged vehicle like the piano black accents. Should have designed it with a sleek. Minimalistic design with a dashboard that was more geometric and less rounded. Add hard rubber to the back seats and it would be perfect.
No worries. We tested one of those as well! The Great Compromise? SUV or Wagon? We Test the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Off-Road th-cam.com/video/IYVnpRkMOr0/w-d-xo.html
I've never seen your channel before, but I searched for this specific car comparison. If I could give you some advice, cut out all the intro stuff and just jump into it. I'm 1:00 in and I still haven't heard a word of information that is useful to me. Remember, your TH-cam audience has a short attention span! Anyways, good reviews, thank you. 👍
@@GTGarageTalk I modified mine by installing 1.5” lift kit spring from eibach. It’s heavy duty springs it work just fine for me. My forester sport height it’s now 12” off the ground. Maybe someday I’ll get the wilderness.
I think that Subaru would sell more if it had a 2 inch lift instead of .5 inch. I also think that they should do some inexpensive quirky things like maybe some LED lights under the wheel wells, and or engineer a universal cellphone/tablet holder that connects to the back of the front seat headrest so the family can watch some movies or TH-cam, or something gimmicky that know one else has. Some well designed Is interior ambient lighting would also help it feel current and up-to-date. Just my opinion from a Subaru owner.
This is still a mass market vehicle that needs to meet fuel economy standards. No way in hell they will ever sell a factory lift that high. The 9.2" clearance is more than most pickup trucks, so this is more than capable enough for most people. If you think you need more you can certainly do it aftermarket, but this Wilderness is fine as it is.
question: does that seat belt for the rear middle passenger retract into the ceiling and get out of the way? Looked extremely annoying when you folded the seats. My dogs will hate it for sure and this is a dog friendly brand, I guess.
I get my 22 gyser blue wilderness So i don’t die on the 10 hrs back and forth monthly on the highway in the Canadian winters 0-60 in 10.2 so ima keep my Mercedes when I have a need for speed those tires r fine scene them climbing a steep incline in a foot a snow
@@toadranger50 Would LOVE to, but the Bronco Sport is near impossible to get our hands on for a proper test. We have not given up though, just limited supply. Stay tuned.
It’s really too bad that the upholstery color is Gloomy Grey or Boring Black. Sorry but dirt is tan or brown so dirt shows badly against the Gloomy Grey. Grey and Black interiors became popular in 1990. That was 32 years ago! My pickup came with Grey and Black interior, so I had it reupholstered in Red and Tan to match the 2 tone exterior paint. Last November I bought my wife a new Outback and ordered it with the Ivory leather interior. It’s gorgeous! My 11 Rav Limited 4WD with a 3.5 V6. It is Gold exterior with tan leather interior. It too is beautiful. My Rav actually gets better mpg than my wife’s Non Turbo Outback. My Rav has 269 hp and the Outback only has 182hp. We get 24-26mpg on the Rav and only 22mpg on the Outback.
I think you indicated a couple of times in your comments that it's a 2.5 liter engine. I'm sure if you check, you'll find the outback Wilderness is a 2.4 turbo. From everything I've seen and read! I don't think it comes with the 2.5 naturally aspirated engine.
Thanks for commenting. As you point out in your follow up comment your statements are correct about the Outback model. This Forester does have the 2.5L We tested an Outback Wilderness too The Great Compromise? SUV or Wagon? We Test the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Off-Road th-cam.com/video/IYVnpRkMOr0/w-d-xo.html
@@GTGarageTalk Right. It's the base coat after primer and they stopped. I haven't checked, but did they do this to the Outback as well? Is it a "cost effect" trick? Or a "Unique Look" deal? Just surprised they did it really. Overall I still like the package. I'm currently leasing a Sport and was considering this one next.
Talking rubbery cvts, this transmission in the Ascent is a fncxing pain in the a$$, it is bouncy , laggy, and constantly is desperately trying to go back to sleep by getting the engine at 800 rpm as quick ass possible. I hate it. Too bad cause the rest of the car is great.
Who actually wants 1970s Vinyl interior? Subaru has found yet another way to cheapen their automobiles. My approval for the interior colors and materials are much like Biden’s approval ratings.
The seats aren't 70's vinyl bad. they're actually rather nice. Considering all major brands are shifting away from leather, its a trend we better brace for.
@@GTGarageTalk yes all manufacturers are going towards making a cheaper product, but it’s still Vinyl and won’t last as long as leather. It’s too bad that the manufacturers don’t pass those savings onto their customers. Years ago I had a car with vinyl interior and I had it reupholstered in leather.
@@Doc1855 Have you driven a modern car and compared it to something from the 90s, 2000s, 2010s? the build quality is vastly improved. And, unfortunately, we demand so many standard features now that the costs are rising. I will be the first to admit, vehicle prices are becoming insane. My 2007 Silverado was very well loaded at $37,000... I would be lucky to get a base model for that price now.
I recently bought the same vehicle. When you compare the tires to anything that comes on other Foresters it is a substantial improvement. The are a good balance between on and light off road. They have handled the snow and ice here in Northern Idaho quite well. It is an over-lander not a true off road rig off course, and for that I think again that they are a good balance.
@@xxxarmycop agreed - these probably have better snow and ice capability than more aggressive AT tyres. I would rather road, dirt and snow performance than more capability in rocks and mud. Also lower noise is better for long overlanding trips with road sections
Researched this car segment for the last 2 months, my findings, - 5th gen forester rated #1 in safety and readability over all others including RAV, trial hawk, honda and bronco. That said, it has been a long road for Subaru from the CVT , oil consumption, head gasket issues of past generation vehicles. At 6'3, CR just announced the Forester is #1 with tall drivers as well, no surprise as the "green house" visibility is very attractive. All the safety dings can be disabled permanently, with the exception of engine on/off at stop. After market solution will solve that as well. So, I will be picking up my Subaru Forester Wilderness (gas, hybrid incremental benefits don't match cost) / pearl white next week. Comfortable driving on and off road, safety and readability, looks, honest service advisors that I have visited with during this time, all have pushed me this direction. And finally driving my daughters 2017 Forester premium, sold me on being a Subie owner. Suggested maintenance to ensure long life; 30k diff (F/R) service, 40k CVT Transmission service, and oil changes every 4k.
Compared to the Outback, Off road analysis/videos show the turbo in the Outback gets totally in the way of performance when climbing, as the Forester's new gearing and software changes bring much more to the equation over the turbo, in my opinion. th-cam.com/video/ZF_JtgJ7aKQ/w-d-xo.html
No rock climbing, but adventuring, all day long...
HAPPY TRAILS
Thanks for watching and sharing.
Great video! I traded in my 2021 Bronco Sport for the 2023 Forester Wilderness. After 8 recalls with the Bronco and continues break issues I have zero regrets getting rid of it. .. I feel like I’m driving a luxury SUV now. Subie for Life!
Enjoy!
Our geyser blue should come in any day. Good video. Thanks and have a good one from West Tennessee
Love Geyser Blue!
Enjoy!
Thanks!
Got a black one and I love it! Took it out to the CA desert and had a ton of fun.
NICE!!!!
🏜
How is at highway speeds?
It’s quicker than any car I’ve had. But I’ve mostly had small sedans. it’s got enough umphf for me to pass comfortably on the highway. If you wanted to go any faster you’d be driving like a maniac in my option.
I had a Black one for a few years. It was a Great ride… but I’ve never owned a black vehicle 😂
picking mine up this month in white. can't wait!
Love that. Enjoy!!!!!!!
Good for you 👍. Nothing like the smell of a new car.
Subaru did an amazing job with their wilderness additions. Also great to see that they maintain their off-road prowess, their electronic system won’t stop the momentum by indicating that the awd drive is overheating, like the Honda pilot and I also believe Kia. That’s the last thing you want to see happen when you’re in a situation off-road
👍🏼
I've got a '19 sport model that I've lifted, and take out onto the trails, and even a few off road parks, but I'm highly tempted to trade it in for the wilderness right now. Seeing a few comparison videos, it seems more capable offroad than the outback wilderness and compared to the normal forester, this things a mountain goat! I think moving the long travel 2 inch suspension lift I have over to the wilderness would make it even more capable.
It’s a fun car!
@@GTGarageTalk getting my wilderness Friday! Dealership wanted my lift kit though.
@@JDS-Dalton NICE
May I please inquire how the Subi Sport and Wilderness compare with each other? How do they differ from each other? It's a shame why the wilderness is NOT available here in Australia. We only have the Sport being sold here...I guess it's a marketing strategy as we have all the RAV4 hybrid sold out a have a long que (6 months) to buy one...They might simply be left behind from this wilderness market wise...
@@OldDogNewTricks_at_60 so, a few of the differences won't apply to you guys in Australia as your models already have it, or it's better than ours.
But here in the US, the wilderness has an included transmission cooler, an included full sized spare (of which you guys have both of those) a higher tow rating of 1360kg vs 680 for the standard trims (no ratings for trailers with brakes), a front facing camera, but the main differences is that it has revised ratios for the transmission, and a revised final drive in the differential leading to a 16.9:1 crawl ratio vs the 13:1 the other trims have. Still not that great in terms of offroaders, but for a cvt, that's fantastic.
Truly a great no BS, down to earth review, bravo!❤️
Thank you
That’s my car! I just took it on its first dirt trip, and it floated over rocks and mud and ditches, and I was scared, but it was not!🚙.
Love hearing that!!!!!!
I have 11" of ground clearence under my rear differential and under the front, on my 02 WRX Wagon with a very simple lift. These car are FUN on and offroad!!!
🤘🏼
Very nice and informative overview. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, I enjoyed the whole thing.
Thank you!
I looked at the Wilderness but I couldn’t get past the 34 year old gloomy grey interior.
So I opted to buy a Touring with saddle brown leather interior.
For serious off roading we take our 4X4 pickup.
Yes, I love that brown interior!
th-cam.com/video/MoSf1fa2yGQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pIl7BBM6WAGQALy-
Hi GT Garage Talk - How does the Subi Sport differ from the Wilderness? Wilderness is not sold here in Australia and I'm dying to have one!
I’ll hit some of the high points of what makes a Wilderness so special:
- 9.2 Inches of Ground Clearance with Front Skid Plate and Improved Angles
- Matte Black Finish Wheels with All-Terrain Tires and Full-Size Spare
- Enhanced Dual-Function X-MODE®
- Drivetrain that features re-tuned gearing with revised ratios for improved low-speed climbing and an upgraded tow rating of 3,000 lbs.
- Updated styling with more plastic cladding for paint protection.
- Matte black good decal to help reduce glare
Awe. Sad y’all can’t get it. Usually we are the ones wishing we had something offered in other markets and not here in the states. So cool our video made it to you there in Australia. Thanks for watching.
when on the dirt road,did you feel that its rigid and was there any rattling and so forth ? thanks
Solid!
Thanks for video. I'm just not on board with the CVT especially being used in off-roading conditions. This kind of stress on a trans that's known to slip and have underpowered issues overtime is the no go for me. I really like Subaru and I wished they would have stayed with the regular trans like Mazda.
Love the FW. My biggest complaint is the interior is a bit classy for a rugged vehicle like the piano black accents. Should have designed it with a sleek. Minimalistic design with a dashboard that was more geometric and less rounded.
Add hard rubber to the back seats and it would be perfect.
Maybe the next gen interior
@@GTGarageTalk do you know when that is?
@@PistonHonda87 not at this time.
The forester seems like it has a better approach and departure
Bronco Sport Badlands
30.4/20.4/33.1 (approach/break over/departure)
8.8” of ground clearance
Forester Wilderness
23.5/21/25.4 (approach/break over/departure)
9.2” of ground clearance
Bronco (non-Badlands)
21.7/18.2/30.4 (approach/break over/departure)
7.9” ground clearance
That's wild n sick.
👍🏼
They let you take a brand new vehicle out to dirt course like that?
What can I say, they love me.... 😉
Stay tuned for more off-road fun with the latest from MANY different manufacturers!
My apologies, I was thinking of the outback, not the forester.
No worries.
We tested one of those as well!
The Great Compromise? SUV or Wagon? We Test the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Off-Road
th-cam.com/video/IYVnpRkMOr0/w-d-xo.html
I've never seen your channel before, but I searched for this specific car comparison.
If I could give you some advice, cut out all the intro stuff and just jump into it. I'm 1:00 in and I still haven't heard a word of information that is useful to me.
Remember, your TH-cam audience has a short attention span!
Anyways, good reviews, thank you. 👍
Thanks for the advice. That’s an old video. We have cut down on all of that. Check out some of our newer stuff.
@@GTGarageTalk will do 😁👍
So what’s difference between regular 2019 forester versus wilderness. Is the wilderness suspension better than rest of their new generation forester?
Biggest differences:
• 9.2 Inches of Ground Clearance
• Improved Approach/Breakover/Departure Angles (23.5/21/25.5)
@@GTGarageTalk I modified mine by installing 1.5” lift kit spring from eibach. It’s heavy duty springs it work just fine for me. My forester sport height it’s now 12” off the ground. Maybe someday I’ll get the wilderness.
@@eugenegutierrez5106 👀
I think that Subaru would sell more if it had a 2 inch lift instead of .5 inch. I also think that they should do some inexpensive quirky things like maybe some LED lights under the wheel wells, and or engineer a universal cellphone/tablet holder that connects to the back of the front seat headrest so the family can watch some movies or TH-cam, or something gimmicky that know one else has. Some well designed Is interior ambient lighting would also help it feel current and up-to-date. Just my opinion from a Subaru owner.
🤔
@@mandingo9471 😂
Everybody wants a Subaru with an 11-inch clearance and led under the wheels.
This is still a mass market vehicle that needs to meet fuel economy standards. No way in hell they will ever sell a factory lift that high. The 9.2" clearance is more than most pickup trucks, so this is more than capable enough for most people. If you think you need more you can certainly do it aftermarket, but this Wilderness is fine as it is.
question: does that seat belt for the rear middle passenger retract into the ceiling and get out of the way? Looked extremely annoying when you folded the seats. My dogs will hate it for sure and this is a dog friendly brand, I guess.
It does disconnect at the seat and fully retract into the ceiling.
Funny how he climbs over big gaps with no forward visibility and doesn't even think to use the FWD camera.
🤣
I used the camera. Loved it, only it really flattened out everything. Couldn’t tell depth
I get my 22 gyser blue wilderness So i don’t die on the 10 hrs back and forth monthly on the highway in the Canadian winters 0-60 in 10.2 so ima keep my Mercedes when I have a need for speed those tires r fine scene them climbing a steep incline in a foot a snow
Nice. Thanks for watching and sharing.
whats the gas mileage vs a regular forester?? Wonder how much sacrifice
Typical Forester MPG is 26 city, 33 highway. Wilderness comes in at 25/28
@@GTGarageTalk city driving almost same. On highway only regular one shine.
28 mpg on highway is embarrassing for 182 HP car lol
@@spawn11would the tires and raised suspension make that much of a difference?
@@DiaperGranny11 28 mpg vs 32 mpg highway
Buddy you are not four wheeling come on up in Northeastern Pennsylvania I'll show you for wheeling
🤣 We found the limitations of the vehicle, but that was not the worst the off-road park had to offer. Trust us, there are some serious obstacles here.
You put the Bronco sport in the title why ?
Because this would be cross-shopped against one.
@@GTGarageTalk then you need to do an actual comparison. Nice advertisement for the Sport though, I love mine.
@@toadranger50 Would LOVE to, but the Bronco Sport is near impossible to get our hands on for a proper test. We have not given up though, just limited supply. Stay tuned.
It’s really too bad that the upholstery color is Gloomy Grey or Boring Black.
Sorry but dirt is tan or brown so dirt shows badly against the Gloomy Grey.
Grey and Black interiors became popular in 1990. That was 32 years ago!
My pickup came with Grey and Black interior, so I had it reupholstered in Red and Tan to match the 2 tone exterior paint.
Last November I bought my wife a new Outback and ordered it with the Ivory leather interior. It’s gorgeous! My 11 Rav Limited 4WD with a 3.5 V6. It is Gold exterior with tan leather interior. It too is beautiful.
My Rav actually gets better mpg than my wife’s Non Turbo Outback.
My Rav has 269 hp and the Outback only has 182hp.
We get 24-26mpg on the Rav and only 22mpg on the Outback.
I personally like color over grey/black myself.
@@GTGarageTalk I’m glad you do
Just bought a Platinum white
Awesome!!!
My 4th Forester, by far the best! Oh, and the color is “Crystal White Pearl,“ my error!
@@slongo9516 gotta love marketing names.
I loved the part where everything was out of focus. Subverted my expectations.
🤓😉
Skip to 1:12 to begin the review.
😁👍
😉
Эх, почему в Россию таких не поставляли? Ну а теперь то вообще конец всех надежд
🤷🏼♂️
I think you indicated a couple of times in your comments that it's a 2.5 liter engine. I'm sure if you check, you'll find the outback Wilderness is a 2.4 turbo. From everything I've seen and read! I don't think it comes with the 2.5 naturally aspirated engine.
Thanks for commenting.
As you point out in your follow up comment your statements are correct about the Outback model. This Forester does have the 2.5L
We tested an Outback Wilderness too
The Great Compromise? SUV or Wagon? We Test the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Off-Road
th-cam.com/video/IYVnpRkMOr0/w-d-xo.html
This is a forester not an Outback brotato
How much you want for it
It’s not mine to sell. Simply testing it out.
Lose the paddles!
Save the manuals.
Have fun with your cvt 🤣😂
It wasn’t that bad
First thing I noticed.
It's not painted under the hood.
🤷♂️
It’s just not finished out with the metallic or gloss coats.
@@GTGarageTalk
Right. It's the base coat after primer and they stopped. I haven't checked, but did they do this to the Outback as well? Is it a "cost effect" trick? Or a "Unique Look" deal? Just surprised they did it really. Overall I still like the package. I'm currently leasing a Sport and was considering this one next.
It’s a ford…what’s not better than a ford…? That was a rhetorical question.
😂
Talking rubbery cvts, this transmission in the Ascent is a fncxing pain in the a$$, it is bouncy , laggy, and constantly is desperately trying to go back to sleep by getting the engine at 800 rpm as quick ass possible. I hate it. Too bad cause the rest of the car is great.
That’s unfortunate. I’ve had limited time in an Ascent.
You need a new cameraman lol
Why do you say that???
@@GTGarageTalk or a quicker focusing camera.
@@IgnatiusCaelestis learning as we go. Getting better with each video.
Who actually wants 1970s Vinyl interior? Subaru has found yet another way to cheapen their automobiles.
My approval for the interior colors and materials are much like Biden’s approval ratings.
The seats aren't 70's vinyl bad. they're actually rather nice. Considering all major brands are shifting away from leather, its a trend we better brace for.
@@GTGarageTalk yes all manufacturers are going towards making a cheaper product, but it’s still Vinyl and won’t last as long as leather.
It’s too bad that the manufacturers don’t pass those savings onto their customers.
Years ago I had a car with vinyl interior and I had it reupholstered in leather.
@@Doc1855 Have you driven a modern car and compared it to something from the 90s, 2000s, 2010s? the build quality is vastly improved. And, unfortunately, we demand so many standard features now that the costs are rising.
I will be the first to admit, vehicle prices are becoming insane. My 2007 Silverado was very well loaded at $37,000... I would be lucky to get a base model for that price now.
@@GTGarageTalk yes, I bought my wife a new Outback in November
@@Doc1855 👍
A spotter u mean a co pilot
Sometimes you need someone outside giving you a different perspective.
@@GTGarageTalk ooo gotcha for like those crazy spots u we’re doing with 2 tires in the ground
Not bronze. Lol
Copper?
@@GTGarageTalk yes, Subaru calls it "anodized copper."
@@MrMarkRGraves gotta love a marketing spin. 😉
So the first thing when I started watching this video those are not off-road tires by any means
No sir. First modification.
I recently bought the same vehicle. When you compare the tires to anything that comes on other Foresters it is a substantial improvement. The are a good balance between on and light off road. They have handled the snow and ice here in Northern Idaho quite well. It is an over-lander not a true off road rig off course, and for that I think again that they are a good balance.
@@xxxarmycop agreed - these probably have better snow and ice capability than more aggressive AT tyres. I would rather road, dirt and snow performance than more capability in rocks and mud. Also lower noise is better for long overlanding trips with road sections