When it comes to rugged adventure, Subaru delivers vehicles built for those who aren't afraid to venture off the beaten path. Two of the brand's most adventure-ready SUVs, the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness and the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness, are designed to let you embark confidently onto the road, whether you're conquering dusty trails, snowy mountain passes, or just navigating everyday life. Both models are engineered with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, enhanced ground clearance, and specialized off-road features, but they each bring unique strengths to the table. The Forester Wilderness leans into compact agility, offering a smaller footprint that excels in tighter trails and urban environments alike. Meanwhile, the Outback Wilderness takes a slightly larger, more wagon-like approach, combining off-road toughness with long-haul comfort. Deciding between the two depends largely on your adventure style and day-to-day needs. Whether you're seeking maximum maneuverability or additional cargo versatility, both the Forester Wilderness and the Outback Wilderness promise to deliver impressive performance, smart technology, and rugged durability. Below, Shingle Springs Subaru will dive into how these two Wilderness models compare in design, comfort, performance, safety, and overall value - helping you find the perfect Subaru for your next big adventure.
2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness and the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness both embrace rugged, trail-ready styling, but they present it differently. The Forester Wilderness features a compact, upright design with 9.2 inches of ground clearance, durable matte black cladding, and copper-finish accents that highlight its adventurous character. Reinforced roof rails and a functional front skid plate enhance its capability. Meanwhile, the Outback Wilderness rides slightly higher with 9.5 inches of ground clearance and wears more aggressive body cladding along with a matte-black hood decal to reduce sun glare. Its longer body allows for a stronger visual presence, especially for those who prefer a more wagon-like silhouette combined with SUV ruggedness.
2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Comfort & Technology
Inside, both SUVs deliver a driver-focused, durable environment perfect for tackling tough conditions without sacrificing comfort. The Forester Wilderness provides supportive StarTex® water-repellent upholstery, an 11.6-inch touchscreen display (new for 2025), wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and a spacious cabin that feels airy thanks to its upright design. The Outback Wilderness mirrors many of these features, also offering StarTex® seating, a user-friendly 11.6-inch infotainment system, and slightly more cargo room for bigger adventures. Both models emphasize practicality, with intuitive controls, plenty of storage options, and the latest Subaru STARLINK® safety and multimedia technologies to keep drivers connected and protected on any journey.
2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Performance
Both Wilderness models are tuned for more adventurous driving, but they differ under the hood. The 2025 Forester Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter BOXER® engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, tuned for trail responsiveness and everyday efficiency. It can tow up to 3,000 pounds, making it a solid choice for smaller campers or gear trailers. The 2025 Outback Wilderness, meanwhile, steps up with a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER® engine generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Its greater towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and stronger acceleration give it an edge for drivers who plan to haul heavier loads or seek more performance when merging or passing. Both models include upgraded X-MODE® systems, specially tuned suspension, and all-terrain tires for optimized off-road control.
2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Safety
Safety remains a priority across the Subaru lineup, and both Wilderness models come equipped with the latest version of Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. Features like Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, and Lane Departure Prevention are standard. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Forester lineup has historically achieved strong Top Safety Pick ratings, and the Outback has frequently earned Top Safety Pick+ honors - showcasing Subaru's commitment to crash protection and accident avoidance. Additionally, both Wilderness models benefit from rugged construction and advanced visibility features, making them ideal choices for drivers who need both adventurous capability and maximum peace of mind.
2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Overall Value
Choosing between the 2025 Forester Wilderness and the 2025 Outback Wilderness ultimately comes down to your adventure priorities. The Forester Wilderness offers nimble dimensions, excellent visibility, and versatile capabilities that excel in tighter trails and urban driving alike. On the other hand, the Outback Wilderness provides more horsepower, greater towing capacity, and slightly more interior room, making it ideal for longer road trips and hauling more gear. Both models offer outstanding Subaru durability, all-weather confidence, and advanced safety features, ensuring that whichever Wilderness SUV you choose, you're investing in a vehicle built to take you wherever your path leads. Explore both models today at Shingle Springs Subaru and let your next great adventure begin.
 | 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Engine | 2,5-Liter BOXER® | 2.4-Liter Turbocharged BOXER® |
| Standard Horsepower | 182 | 260 |
| Standard Torque | 176 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 3,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Passenger Volume | 107.6 Cubic Feet | 109 Cubic Feet |
| Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Standard | Standard |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 28 City / 25 Highway | 21 City / 26 Highway |
| Max Cargo Volume | 69.1 Cubic Feet | 75.6 Cubic Feet |
| LED Steering Responsive Headlights | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Wheels | 17-inch Aluminum-Alloy | 17-inch Aluminum-Alloy |
