The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness offers 26 MPG combined. It’s not hybrid-level efficiency, but this should be understood considering what the Wilderness is: a trail-capable compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and a tough image that appeals to buyers who value adventure more than saving on gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA further breaks down the Forester Wilderness’s fuel efficiency, rating it at 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These numbers show how a vehicle performs in different environments. City driving, with frequent stops, tends to be less efficient, explaining the 1 MPG drop. Highway driving, with consistent speeds and less acceleration, allows the engine to run more efficiently. The difference between city and highway MPG is small, possibly hinting at a tuning favoring low-end torque and quick response. This is helpful for off-road driving, where quick acceleration from low speeds is critical.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness at $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, the EPA’s combined MPG, and national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will change depending on local fuel prices and driving habits, but $1,700 gives a standard to compare the Forester Wilderness to other vehicles. While the Wilderness focuses on off-road driving, you’ll still need to pay for fuel for its 2.5-liter engine.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a start, but actual fuel economy changes. Driving style is a big factor. Quick acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds will hurt fuel economy. The terrain also matters. Hilly areas require more engine power, using more fuel. Heavy loads or towing a trailer will also lower fuel economy. Tire pressure and using air conditioning can also make a difference.

How it compares

Compared to the standard Subaru Forester, the Wilderness has lower fuel economy. The standard Forester gets 29 MPG combined, a benefit. Other compact SUVs offer better fuel efficiency, though often with less off-road ability. The Toyota RAV4, gets up to 30 MPG combined in non-hybrid versions, and the RAV4 Hybrid achieves even better numbers. The Honda CR-V offers 28 MPG combined with standard AWD. However, the RAV4 and CR-V, in non-hybrid forms, do not have the off-road capability of the Forester Wilderness. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk, a similar off-road vehicle, gets around 24 MPG combined, making the Wilderness a slightly better choice. If you are considering a Subaru, look at all Subaru fuel economy data to see the impact of different models. Comparing FORESTER MPG across all years is also helpful.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the fuel economy trade-offs with the Forester Wilderness, good driving habits are important. Avoid fast starts and stops. Slowly accelerating and predicting traffic improves fuel economy. The transmission is programmed for efficiency in normal drive mode and shifts up fast to keep engine speed low. Only override these if you need to for safety or off-road.

Regular maintenance is also important. Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure. Low tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Follow the factory service for oil changes and other maintenance. A well-maintained engine is more efficient.

Minimize using roof racks when not needed. They increase drag, which forces the engine to work harder, especially at high speeds. When carrying cargo, spread the weight and avoid overloading, which reduces fuel economy.

If possible, combine trips. Starting a cold engine uses more fuel, so combining short trips can save fuel. Plan routes to avoid traffic. Stop-and-go traffic uses a lot of fuel.