Auto NSider | 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness

And I pose that question with the utmost respect.

Here’s why.

While the Wilderness is Subaru’s brand new Off-Road Model, Subarus have routinely been plying the backroads and “almost-roads” of America for decades now…right?

Sand?   Mud?   Snow?   No problem.  In fact, Subaru is the unofficial “official vehicle” of Colorado and Maine…snow capitols of America….and Subaru has been gaining traction ( pun intended ) in the sandy and swampy sections of the Southeast, too.

So what’s this new “off-road” Forrester all about?

In short:   More capability and more user-friendliness for we lovers of the outdoors than ever before.

Oh…and a new, much more serious look.

Here’s the short list of how Subie’s Wilderness differs from their other Foresters:

A half-inch more ground clearance that gives the Wilderness increased approach and departure angles for starters.

Then add an upgraded suspension, Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires, a front-view monitor with a 180 degree viewing angle, redesigned stronger roof rails capable of handling up to 220 lbs while you’re on the move, an increased 3,000 lb towing ability, tweaked AWD, eco-friendly water-resistant upholstery, and a revised transmission tuned for more extreme duty.

And as for that more serious look, the Winderness sports 17” matte black alloys, an anti-glare hood, copper-finish trim accents both inside and out, brushed aluminum pedals, privacy glass, LED lighting and more.

In short, Subaru’s Wilderness package transforms the formerly mild-mannered Forester into a much more potent-looking vehicle that can take you to more distant and difficult locations than ever before.

And in true Subaru fashion, they don’t charge you and arm and a leg to take you there, either.   The $36,015 window sticker on our test Wilderness strikes me as a fair price for this level of capability and Subaru’s expected reliability.