At Shingle Springs Subaru, we know that not all SUVs are built to tackle the same adventures. That's why the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Forester Wilderness offer two distinct approaches to capability while sharing Subaru's trusted safety, reliability, and versatility. Both models feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, generous ground clearance, and Subaru's hallmark durability, making them excellent companions whether you're commuting along Highway 50, running errands in Placerville, or heading into the Sierras for a weekend escape. The standard Forester is a balanced SUV, offering a comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and everyday versatility. It's perfect for drivers who need a dependable vehicle for daily use, road trips, and the occasional dirt road without sacrificing fuel efficiency or refinement. The Forester Wilderness, meanwhile, is built for drivers who want to push further off the beaten path. It retains the Forester's comfort and practicality but adds increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a reinforced suspension, and unique design details that set it apart. These upgrades give it the confidence to take on rugged trails and challenging weather conditions while maintaining the family-friendly appeal of the Forester name. In this comparison, we'll explore how the Forester and Forester Wilderness differ in exterior design, interior comfort, technology, performance, and safety. Whether you lean toward the refined versatility of the Forester or the trail-ready toughness of the Wilderness, both offer outstanding value for life in Northern California.
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Forester features a clean, upright profile designed for visibility and practicality. At about 182 inches long, it provides spacious proportions without feeling cumbersome. Standard roof rails, steering-responsive LED headlights, and a broad glass area make it both stylish and functional. Available exterior upgrades include chrome accents, a panoramic moonroof, and premium wheels. The 2025 Forester Wilderness builds on this foundation with adventure-focused design elements. It rides higher thanks to increased ground clearance at 9.2 inches vs. 8.7 inches, features matte-black cladding for added protection, and wears unique hexagonal front grille styling. Standard all-terrain tires, copper-finish accents, and Wilderness badging further set it apart. Functional upgrades like an anti-glare hood decal and front skid plate make it as purposeful as it is distinctive for off-road adventures.
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Comfort & Technology
Inside the 2025 Forester, you'll find a roomy cabin with generous headroom and nearly 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Cloth upholstery comes standard, with leather-trimmed seating available on higher trims. Heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver's seat add comfort, while technology includes a standard 7.0-inch multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus an available 11.6-inch touchscreen. The 2025 Forester Wilderness matches these comfort and tech features but adds rugged touches for durability. It comes standard with water-resistant StarTex® upholstery, all-weather floor liners, and unique Wilderness interior accents. Like the standard Forester, it offers heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and premium infotainment upgrades, but emphasizes materials and finishes that stand up to the demands of outdoor use.
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Performance
The 2025 Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter BOXER® engine producing 180 horsepower, paired with a Lineartronic® CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control is available for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces. Its balance of smooth acceleration, stable handling, and efficient fuel economy makes it ideal for a variety of driving conditions. The 2025 Forester Wilderness uses the same 2.5-liter engine but with 182 horsepower, and with the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. It also gains an upgraded suspension, 9.2 inches of ground clearance, and Yokohama Geolandar® all-terrain tires for better off-road grip. Dual-function X-MODE® expands capability across deep snow, mud, and rocky trails, while reinforced roof rails can carry heavier adventure gear.
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Safety
The 2025 Forester comes standard with Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. Available safety upgrades include blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. It holds a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and is recognized as a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The 2025 Forester Wilderness shares these advanced safety technologies and crash safety ratings, ensuring its rugged capability doesn't come at the expense of protection. It also benefits from the Forester's excellent visibility and offers the same available camera systems, including a 180-degree front-view monitor for tight trails. Both models blend driver assistance features with strong structural integrity, making them equally secure on pavement or off-road terrain.
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Overall Value
At Shingle Springs Subaru, the 2025 Forester and Forester Wilderness both deliver on the Subaru promise of safety, reliability, and all-weather capability. The standard Forester excels as a versatile, comfortable, and fuel-efficient SUV with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it a great fit for everyday life in Northern California. The Forester Wilderness takes that versatility and adds serious off-road capability. With its upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and adventure-focused design details, it's the perfect choice for drivers who want to explore more challenging terrain while keeping Forester comfort and practicality. Both models offer the same award-winning safety ratings, advanced driver assistance, and Subaru durability. Whether your adventures keep you close to town or lead deep into the backcountry, there's a Forester ready to match your lifestyle. Visit us to test drive both and see which one fits your next adventure.
 | 2025 Subaru Forester | 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Engine | 2,5-Liter BOXER® | 2.5-Liter BOXER® |
| Standard Horsepower | 180 | 182 |
| Standard Torque | 178 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 3,000 lbs | 3,000 lbs |
| Passenger Volume | 110.8 Cubic Feet | 107.6 Cubic Feet |
| Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Standard | Standard |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 33 Highway / 26 City | 25 Highway / 28 City |
| Max Cargo Volume | 74.4 Cubic Feet | 69.1 Cubic Feet |
| LED Steering Responsive Headlights | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Wheels | 17-inch Aluminum-Alloy | 17-inch Aluminum-Alloy w/ Black Matte Finish |
