Subaru is set to reveal its next rugged Wilderness model, based on the new sixth-generation Forester.
YouTube channel Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on Autos last week posted a video focusing on the upcoming 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, but some eagle-eyed viewers spotted what appears to be an as-yet-unreleased model lurking in the background.
The sighting sparked speculation online, with the model believed to be the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness – a more rugged version of the sixth-generation Forester that’s already on sale in the US and which will arrive locally sometime this year.
Alex on Autos’ video has since been edited and re-uploaded to obscure the white SUV with a black box, but not before some viewers captured a screenshot and posted it on social media. You can watch the current timestamped footage below:
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
The channel makes it clear that showing the vehicle wasn’t intentional, writing in a comment, “There was something in the background that we can’t talk about”.
In any case, the blurry screenshot captured and uploaded to Instagram by user kindelauto shows the more rugged Forester variant.
Headlining the discernible changes from the regular Forester are extended black plastic cladding on the wheel arches and doors; a redesigned front bumper with larger black elements and a silver lower portion; off-road tyres; a slightly taller ride height; and beefier roof racks with brightly coloured accents similar to those seen on previous Subaru Wilderness models.
Given the model seen in the video appears to be production-ready we’d suggest an American debut mightn’t be too far away.
-
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. Credit: kindelauto -
2025 Subaru Forester (US model)
However, it’s unclear whether it will join Subaru’s Australian lineup. The regular Forester is due here sometime this year, but Subaru has yet to offer any Wilderness vehicles locally – though it has previously said it’s keen to do so.
The Japanese brand already sells Wilderness versions of the Crosstrek, Outback, and previous fifth-gen Forester in North America.
Subaru Australia has previously outlined it wants to introduce the Wilderness nameplate in Australia, though it confirmed early last year that plans for a local debut had been pushed back due to various timing and demand challenges.
The Wilderness line was launched in 2022 with the Subaru Outback, with changes including a 20mm suspension lift for a ground clearance of 240mm, 17-inch alloy wheels, extensive black cladding with integrated tow hooks, an uprated 320kg roof rack, and a shorter final drive ratio for “improved low-speed climbing”.
-
2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness -
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness -
2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness
That model was followed by Forester and Crosstrek Wilderness models in 2022 and 2023, both of which feature similar enhancements to the Outback. The Crosstrek Wilderness also adds a continuously variable transmission (CVT) cooler for an increased towing capacity of 1600kg.
All Wilderness models are currently built in the US. No Subarus sold in Australia are currently sourced from this country, though that may change as production for the Outback ends in Japan.
If Australian-market Outbacks end up being built in the US, it would open the door for its Wilderness variant to be brought Down Under.
MORE: Subaru’s rugged Wilderness models delayed for Australia
MORE: Subaru Outback’s Australian future secure, but where will it be built?
MORE: Everything Subaru Forester
