Subaru SUVs are widely noted for their off-road prowess even in their standard formats, thanks to their powerful engines, all-wheel drive, and sturdy engineering. But for serious trail enthusiasts, Subaru has a trick up their sleeve with the Wilderness line of crossovers, which adds even more off-road capability to various models in their roster.

The latest model to receive the Wilderness treatment is the Forester, a compact crossover that's already enjoying strong sales among savvy Canadian buyers. The new 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness is now available for test-drive at our Toronto Subaru dealership, and here's what it brings to the hardcore crossover SUV party.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the Forester Wilderness's powertrain lies a 2.5L flat-four gas engine making a sturdy 182 horsepower and 176lb-ft of torque. As with the regular Forester, the output is passed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to all-wheel drive as standard. However, for the Wilderness, the transmission has been tuned to produce more torque at the low end of revs for better rock crawling performance.

But of much greater interest to off-road enthusiasts is the inclusion of an enhanced version of Subaru's active X-Mode. This system continuously optimizes engine output, transmission ratios, torque distribution, and braking response to suit the current terrain, greatly adding to the agility and handling qualities of the SUV whatever the surfaces you throw it over.

More Off-Road Enhancements

But the powertrain is only part of the off-road story. With the Wilderness edition, Subaru has raised the four-wheel independent suspension by 1.25cm, providing an attractive total ground clearance of 23.4cm. What's more, the breakover angle is now a healthy 21 degrees, complementing the approach angle of 23.5 degrees and the departure angle of 25.4.

The slightly narrower body is now clad in protective layers to stave off damage by trail-side foliage, while heavy Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires increase traction on the rockiest of surfaces.

Advanced Infotainment and Technology

The infotainment options on the Wilderness are largely the same as on the regular Forester trims, with a choice of a 6.5" or 8" touchscreen display equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone compatibility. In-built navigation is an optional extra, while the Wilderness display can also show information tailored to off-road performance, including roll and pitch indicators and current X-Mode status. And lastly, the standard audio can be upgraded to a premium Harman Kardon sound system on the top-level trims.

Active Driver Assist Technology

Lastly, the Wilderness is fitted with the Subaru EyeSight suite of active safety and driver-assist systems, with key standard and available highlights including:

- Active lane control.

- Adaptive cruise control.

- Automatic emergency braking and steering assist.

- Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts.

Experience the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness at Marino's Fine Cars

Whether you're a dedicated off-roadster or an enthusiastic weekend explorer, you'll find the new 2022 Forester Wilderness a joy to drive. Book a test drive now from our Toronto location and experience its enticing blend of power, comfort, and technology for yourself.