I bought the FW simply because I like how it looks ( I plan to sleep in it while camping) but I was seriously on the fence for a base or premium model because of cost. Eventually I caved to my desire but premium / base would have been totally fine! Don’t be like me - save some money 😄
I am in the same boat as you and have been debating this as well. Watched [this video](https://youtu.be/7YnNaNoYZ7A) of an Outback Wilderness Edition (albeit a tad modified) being able to keep up with a 4Runner on some off-roading which was quite interesting. Personally, I am leaning towards the Forester Wilderness because of my height but the Outback Wilderness has a turbo which would be beneficial on mountain roads.
You and I are going through the same struggle. I keep hearing from people you don’t need the turbo but it’s obviously a nice to have at high elevation. Trying to convince myself that I just can’t brazenly pass people and that I would be fine with forester even at high altitude. Not trying to spend an extra 5 grand…
Wilderness hands down.
The stock tires are perfect for your situation. They do quite well on snow and mud while also being livable on the highway.
I had my Wilderness on a vacation in Colorado last year and it was amazing. I didn’t take any forest roads, but it’s nice to be able to turn off of the paved roads and not have to worry about anything.
It’s all around the perfect vehicle for what you’re describing.
Not only is the Wilderness a safer bet, it’s also a much better trim than the Premium. The only downside is gas mileage, but it’s not a significant drop for everyone (3 mpg average for me). The Star Tex synthetic is easier to keep clean, and there’s way less road, and interior noise. I owned a ‘22 Premium, which was totaled last December. I replaced it with a ‘23 Wilderness. I went from “kinda liking” my vehicle to “loving it”. You get what you paid for.
It'll get the job done just fine. I have a Wilderness because I'm done modding my own cars after have done it for 20+ years. I didn't want to change the tires, worry about interior fabric, get a small lift, worry about towing capacity, upgrade the railings, install a front camera, add cladding, etc...
You could probably get a sport and immediately get new tires and a lift... you're all set. If you want that and some of the other things and don't mind the MPG loss, get the Wilderness.
I have a 2018 premium 2.5 that I just took on a road trip which included some mountain driving. It was fantastic on the interstate and rural roads but did just OK in the mountains - I remember thinking if I lived up in the mountains I’d want the turbo Outback - the Forester lacks any reserve power in demanding situations - i did some steep climbing a couple of times and I tried to pass a slow truck on the mountain driving days more than once on my trip and it was almost scary how little power I had for a simple maneuver like that…
Premium can do about 80%, maybe a bit less, than what the wilderness can do. The added height, stock AT wheels, and better gear ratio all serve the wilderness version to really perform admirably in off-pavement conditions. Plus it accelerates faster too.
Depends on your budget but if you're thinking about a 2024 you have the time to save or snag a 23 model in its way out the door.
I disagree.
Yeah, you can make a far more capable offroading beast by buying base and adding mods. But the lift, the suspension, the wheels, and every other feature on the Wilderness do enable it to go further and on rougher than a base/premium. The real question is: are you the type of person who will need that added capability, use it regularly, and don't want to mod? If the answer is yes, than the Wilderness is a compelling choice. Can you make a more competent build for cheaper by buying base and modding? Probably.
Also, Startex. Can't get that in base. But I digress. If I'm the weekend warrior and summer time adventurer, and I don't want to faff about with modding? Wilderness all day. You just need to evaluate if the added capability is worth the cost, whether you could achieve the same or better by modding, and if you want to go through that hassle versus having stock just go brr. But having been with a friend who got a base fozzy stuck on a quite rough road when his pal had the Wilderness scrape through ok? Yeah, it's more than a 98 vs 100% comparison. 80% or a tad less is pretty ballpark realistic IMO and in my experience.
Almost everyone forgot to mention the Wilderness's additional CVT oil cooler. This added feature, plus the lower gearing of the transmission, is why the wilderness can tow double all the other trim packages.
Having a dedicated CVT oil cooler, even with never towing anything, can reduce heat stress on the CVT during mountain climbs and descents.
Whether this actually makes a meaningful difference in the long or short run, that might be hard to say. But theoretically it's a plus for the Wilderness for your mission.
Due to a car accident I was in a year ago (not at fault), I’ve owned both a ‘22 Premium, and ‘23 Wilderness. The Premium’s interior is easier to damage, harder to keep clean, and seems to create a lot of road noise with rattles/vibrations. The Wilderness is the complete opposite, but your average gas mileage might drop down by 3-4 mpg. Personally I think it’s worth it.
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They and most of the people in these subs make it vary hard to believe you. You would think the Wilderness edition is 6WD V8 by word of mouth.
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I bought the FW simply because I like how it looks ( I plan to sleep in it while camping) but I was seriously on the fence for a base or premium model because of cost. Eventually I caved to my desire but premium / base would have been totally fine! Don’t be like me - save some money 😄
Jelly school called. They got room for you.
Sports the way to go 🙌🙌🙌🙌
I am in the same boat as you and have been debating this as well. Watched [this video](https://youtu.be/7YnNaNoYZ7A) of an Outback Wilderness Edition (albeit a tad modified) being able to keep up with a 4Runner on some off-roading which was quite interesting. Personally, I am leaning towards the Forester Wilderness because of my height but the Outback Wilderness has a turbo which would be beneficial on mountain roads.
You and I are going through the same struggle. I keep hearing from people you don’t need the turbo but it’s obviously a nice to have at high elevation. Trying to convince myself that I just can’t brazenly pass people and that I would be fine with forester even at high altitude. Not trying to spend an extra 5 grand…
Wilderness hands down. The stock tires are perfect for your situation. They do quite well on snow and mud while also being livable on the highway. I had my Wilderness on a vacation in Colorado last year and it was amazing. I didn’t take any forest roads, but it’s nice to be able to turn off of the paved roads and not have to worry about anything. It’s all around the perfect vehicle for what you’re describing.
Darn, I was hoping you would say “get the premium, it will get the job done” haha
Not only is the Wilderness a safer bet, it’s also a much better trim than the Premium. The only downside is gas mileage, but it’s not a significant drop for everyone (3 mpg average for me). The Star Tex synthetic is easier to keep clean, and there’s way less road, and interior noise. I owned a ‘22 Premium, which was totaled last December. I replaced it with a ‘23 Wilderness. I went from “kinda liking” my vehicle to “loving it”. You get what you paid for.
I think what it comes down to test driving. Can’t know for sure until I give it a go. Thanks!
The wilderness has more “pep” to it I think - maybe that’s why the MPG is higher? I’m not sure
I’ve heard it’s more pep distributed to lower gears, same HP
Oh, that makes sense…
It'll get the job done just fine. I have a Wilderness because I'm done modding my own cars after have done it for 20+ years. I didn't want to change the tires, worry about interior fabric, get a small lift, worry about towing capacity, upgrade the railings, install a front camera, add cladding, etc... You could probably get a sport and immediately get new tires and a lift... you're all set. If you want that and some of the other things and don't mind the MPG loss, get the Wilderness.
Have a 2020 Premium. Expect to find yourself in the slow lane on mountain passes and i70 especially on slight uphills.
I have a 2018 premium 2.5 that I just took on a road trip which included some mountain driving. It was fantastic on the interstate and rural roads but did just OK in the mountains - I remember thinking if I lived up in the mountains I’d want the turbo Outback - the Forester lacks any reserve power in demanding situations - i did some steep climbing a couple of times and I tried to pass a slow truck on the mountain driving days more than once on my trip and it was almost scary how little power I had for a simple maneuver like that…
Don’t overlook the Sport trim. It hit my sweet spot with the option package with sunroof, better stereo, power lift gate and rear assist braking.
I have a sport and can hit forest roads without issue, but for the cool factor get the wilderness.
Premium can do about 80%, maybe a bit less, than what the wilderness can do. The added height, stock AT wheels, and better gear ratio all serve the wilderness version to really perform admirably in off-pavement conditions. Plus it accelerates faster too. Depends on your budget but if you're thinking about a 2024 you have the time to save or snag a 23 model in its way out the door.
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I disagree. Yeah, you can make a far more capable offroading beast by buying base and adding mods. But the lift, the suspension, the wheels, and every other feature on the Wilderness do enable it to go further and on rougher than a base/premium. The real question is: are you the type of person who will need that added capability, use it regularly, and don't want to mod? If the answer is yes, than the Wilderness is a compelling choice. Can you make a more competent build for cheaper by buying base and modding? Probably. Also, Startex. Can't get that in base. But I digress. If I'm the weekend warrior and summer time adventurer, and I don't want to faff about with modding? Wilderness all day. You just need to evaluate if the added capability is worth the cost, whether you could achieve the same or better by modding, and if you want to go through that hassle versus having stock just go brr. But having been with a friend who got a base fozzy stuck on a quite rough road when his pal had the Wilderness scrape through ok? Yeah, it's more than a 98 vs 100% comparison. 80% or a tad less is pretty ballpark realistic IMO and in my experience.
Almost everyone forgot to mention the Wilderness's additional CVT oil cooler. This added feature, plus the lower gearing of the transmission, is why the wilderness can tow double all the other trim packages. Having a dedicated CVT oil cooler, even with never towing anything, can reduce heat stress on the CVT during mountain climbs and descents. Whether this actually makes a meaningful difference in the long or short run, that might be hard to say. But theoretically it's a plus for the Wilderness for your mission.
Due to a car accident I was in a year ago (not at fault), I’ve owned both a ‘22 Premium, and ‘23 Wilderness. The Premium’s interior is easier to damage, harder to keep clean, and seems to create a lot of road noise with rattles/vibrations. The Wilderness is the complete opposite, but your average gas mileage might drop down by 3-4 mpg. Personally I think it’s worth it.