The official EPA fuel economy for the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness is 26 MPG combined. Buyers looking at this stronger version of the popular compact SUV likely won’t be surprised or disappointed by this number. This vehicle prioritizes off-road capability, and many Wilderness owners gladly accept the tradeoff in fuel efficiency. Capability and durability are the priorities here, not outright efficiency.

City and highway performance

Breaking down the 26 MPG combined figure, the 2022 Forester Wilderness gets an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the impact of the Wilderness trim’s specific modifications. The Wilderness uses the same 2.5-liter engine as the standard Forester, but it has a revised final drive ratio (4.111 vs. 3.70) for enhanced low-end torque and climbing ability. This, along with all-terrain tires and a slight suspension lift, makes it less aerodynamic and less fuel-efficient than other Forester trims.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness at $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the grade of gasoline used. The Forester Wilderness doesn’t require premium fuel, but variations in driving style and terrain can still change the actual cost of ownership considerably.

Real-world expectations

The fuel economy of the Forester Wilderness will vary depending on driving conditions. Drivers who primarily use the vehicle for commuting and light errands will probably get numbers close to the EPA estimates. However, drivers who frequently go off-road or spend time at highway speeds with a loaded vehicle will likely see a decrease in fuel economy. The all-terrain tires, essential for off-road grip, create more rolling resistance, which impacts efficiency, especially on paved surfaces.

How it compares

The Forester Wilderness is less fuel-efficient than some other compact SUVs with all-wheel drive. For example, the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road offers an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, while the Honda CR-V AWD achieves around 29 MPG combined in most model years. The standard Subaru Forester gets 29 MPG combined, according to EPA estimates. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk, another off-road-oriented competitor, also has a similar MPG rating. Ultimately, the Wilderness buyer is more interested in ruggedness, off-road ability, and the confidence that comes with a Subaru designed for more demanding conditions. For all Subaru fuel economy data, click here. And for data on FORESTER MPG across all years, see here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Forester Wilderness is made for adventure, and there are still ways to optimize its fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep the tires inflated to the recommended specifications. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and hurt fuel efficiency. When you aren’t actively off-roading, you might want to switch to a less aggressive all-terrain tire; this could lead to small gains at the pump.

Avoid accelerating and braking aggressively, especially in city driving. Gentle and gradual movements are more fuel-efficient. The 2.5-liter engine responds well to smooth throttle application, and anticipating traffic flow can minimize sudden stops. The Forester Wilderness Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system, including adaptive cruise control, which helps maintain fuel efficiency on open highways.

When you don’t need them, remove roof racks and cargo carriers. These accessories add aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel economy, especially at higher speeds. If you need to transport items on the roof, consider using a low-profile carrier and make sure it is secured to minimize wind resistance.

Follow the scheduled maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Refer to the owner’s manual to know when to complete standard maintenance.

Pay attention to the weight you are carrying in the vehicle, especially on long trips. Unnecessary cargo adds weight and increases fuel consumption. Only take what you need and remove heavy items from the vehicle when they are not in use to help get the best fuel efficiency.