Whether you're commuting through Chicago or you're planning adventures along Lake Michigan and away from the Windy City, the new Subaru Forester is the ideal compact SUV for you. Picking out which Forester trim level is the more challenging shopping decision. The Autobarn Subaru of Countryside can help! By comparing the features and strengths of three popular Subaru Forester models, Chicago customers will have a better idea of how the Subaru Forester, Subaru Forester Sport, and Subaru Forester Wilderness can enhance their driving experience.
Find the Subaru Forester Trim That's Right for You
Which Forester Is Fit For Your Next Adventure Outside of Chicago?
Subaru Forester
Subaru enthusiasts will enjoy the base Subaru Forester model, which comes equipped with standard features like:
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- LED Steering Responsive Headlights
- EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
- 8.7-Inches of Ground Clearance
- SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia System with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration

The base model equips a 2.5-liter DOHC engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet, pairing with a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission for a smooth experience on the road. The Forester Base can tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds but still prioritizes efficiency with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26/33 mpg city/highway. Outfitted with 17-inch steel wheels and with the option for raised roof rails, the Subaru Forester can take you anywhere!

Thanks to Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the roads may getting a little rough, but you won't notice! Handling and turns are a little easier to manage with Active Torque Vectoring, and the Traction Control System is an all-wheel, all-speed traction control system that applies braking force when it senses a loss of traction. From the standard 6.5-inch infotainment system to Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, there's plenty to love about the Subaru Forester Base Model.
Subaru Forester Sport
If Chicago drivers want to add premium features and additional performance capabilities, the Subaru Forester Sport is a solid pick. Symmetrical all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and performance ratings for horsepower, torque, and fuel economy remain the same.

The Subaru Forester Sport has a twist, by including dual-function Subaru X-Mode® with Hill Descent Control for additional traction. It goes hand in hand with the SI-Drive® engine management system and Subaru Intelligent Drive. Some additional standard features Subaru Forester Sport models offer include:
- Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (added onto original Subaru EyeSight® package)
- Subaru STARLINK Safety and Security
- 10-way power adjustable driver's seat
- Keyless Access with a Push-Button Start
- Sliding panoramic roof
- Improved driver's display
- Orange exterior accents and badging
- Interior two-tone cloth upholstery with orange contrast stitching

Subaru Forester Wilderness
If Chicago drivers desire more muscle with a little bit of attitude, the all-new Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition is meant for them. This Forester trim level is specially designed for the outdoors. That's made evident by increased ground clearance at 9.2 inches, an increased max towing rating of 3,000 pounds, and an outdoorsy design. Some Forester Wilderness exterior highlights include:
- Tough exterior cladding
- Extra front skid plate
- Redesigned roof rails with Anodized Copper finish accents
- Dedicated grille treatment
- Anti-glare hood
- 17-inch matte black alloy wheels with Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires
- Available Geyser Blue paint (exclusive to the Subaru Forester Wilderness)
Do you think the Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition's exterior is eye-catching? You'll think the same about this SUV's luxurious cabin, which is lined with Anodized Copper Finish Accents and textured StarTex® water-repellent upholstery. The honeycomb design and copper accent stitching are unique. LED cabin lighting is a bonus, as is protective seat-back material for the Wilderness' 60/40-split fold-down seats.
Chicago drivers can add a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system and a Power Rear Gate to their Subaru Forester Wilderness. This model features the same standard tech setup but boasts a larger 8-inch infotainment touchscreen while adding a 180-Degree Front-View Monitor.
Wilderness models take a slight dip in fuel economy ratings to 25/28 miles per gallon, but the same engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive are paired with Enhanced Dual-Function Subaru X-Mode® that features snow, dirt, deep snow and mud settings for when Chicago drivers are navigating tricky terrain and bad road conditions.

Forester![]() | Forester Sport![]() | Forester Limited![]() | Forester Wilderness![]() | Forester Touring![]() |
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MSRP | $25,195 | $29,765 | $31,875 | $32,820 | $35,295 |
All-Wheel Drive | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE® | Dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control | Dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control | Dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control | Dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control |
Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 8.7 inches | 8.7 inches | 9.5 inches | 8.7 inches |
Engine Size | 2.5L 4-Cylinder | 2.5L 4-Cylinder | 2.5L 4-Cylinder | 2.5L 4-Cylinder | 2.5L 4-Cylinder |
Horsepower | 182hp | 182hp | 182hp | 182hp | 182hp |
Towing Capability | 1,500 lbs. | 1,500 lbs. | 1,500 lbs. | 3,000 lbs. | 1,500 lbs. |
Upholstery | Cloth | Sport Cloth with Orange Stitching | Leather | StarTex® water-repellent upholstery | Leather |
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The Autobarn Subaru of Countryside
6191 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
- Sales: 708-497-3999