The 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness gets 26 MPG combined. This isn’t a chart-topping figure, but that’s almost beside the point for those drawn to this Forester trim: drivers who want off-pavement capability and rugged looks more than the best possible mileage.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Forester Wilderness achieves 25 MPG in the city, surprisingly close to its 28 MPG highway rating. This similarity reflects the 2.5L four-cylinder engine and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) with its simulated eight-speed manual mode.

The CVT contributes to overall efficiency, but is programmed to mimic traditional gear shifts, especially when accelerating. This can affect fuel consumption in urban environments. On the highway, the Wilderness edition’s increased ride height and all-terrain tires create wind resistance, likely explaining the small difference between its city and highway MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness will cost $1,700 per year for fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using fuel prices reflecting national averages during EPA testing. Actual fuel costs depend on driving habits, local fuel prices which fluctuate, and the amount of city versus highway driving. $1,700 is a benchmark for comparing fuel expenses across different vehicles.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures provide a consistent baseline, but real-world fuel economy for the Forester Wilderness will change. Drivers who frequently engage the X-Mode terrain management system, drive on challenging off-road trails, or load the cargo area with gear will likely see numbers below the official estimates. Alternatively, those who primarily use the Wilderness for commuting and light errands and drive conservatively may slightly exceed the EPA’s projections.

The Wilderness has less aerodynamic styling and heavier, more aggressive tires than other Forester trims. Expect its fuel economy to drop more under similar conditions compared to those models.

How it compares

The Forester Wilderness is in the middle of the pack for fuel economy compared to other compact SUVs with all-wheel drive. A Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, geared towards adventurous drivers, achieves a slightly better 28 MPG combined. The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, an off-road oriented competitor, gets 21 MPG combined. Buyers focused on efficiency might consider the standard Forester, which achieves 29 MPG combined. Consider all Subaru fuel economy data to put this particular model in perspective. The Wilderness buyer accepts a slight fuel economy tradeoff for its enhanced off-road capability and styling.

Search FORESTER MPG across all years for more data from previous models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Forester Wilderness prioritizes capability, owners can still take steps to optimize their MPG. Make sure tires are inflated to the recommended pressure to minimize rolling resistance, which impacts fuel economy, especially with the Wilderness’s all-terrain tires.

Avoid accelerating and braking hard. The Wilderness’s CVT maximizes efficiency when operated smoothly, so anticipate traffic and maintain a steady pace. Avoid frequently using the simulated manual mode unless needed for off-road situations, as it encourages more aggressive engine behavior and uses more fuel.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo strains the engine, reducing fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items.

Consider the terrain. When driving off-road, only engage X-Mode or other specialized driving modes when needed. These modes enhance traction and control, but at the expense of fuel efficiency.