2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness - MPG Test | Real-world Highway Fuel Economy

We grew to like the Subaru Forester Wilderness while we had it. However, we did not grow to like getting equivalent fuel economy to many large SUVs and small trucks. The basic version gets much better mpg.
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#subaru #mpg #forester

[@maxolguin4505]

I got my Forester Wilderness in January '22. After 12k miles, it's averaging 32 mpg in suburban traffic in the Houston metro area. I follow the posted speed limits. My work commute, 30 miles per day, has a combination of roadways ranging from 35-50 mph. I don't race to the next stop sign/light; no jack rabbit starts. I use AC when needed, Overall, I'm pleased with the purchase. I went with this trim because of the front view camera, the star tex seats, the static load capacity (800 lbs), and clearance (floods often in Houston). And it looks cooler than the other trims!

[@nabilbudhwani7997]

I’m in Houston and been wanting to get this, you been on any trips yet ?

[@dakotaweigle4776]

How are you getting 32? I can’t get above 25 and I go 30 miles to work and go 65 on the highway just was curious

[@mario.alberto]

I have the same question. Maybe the tire pressure is higher than the suggested tire pressure that’s on the door ?

[@maxolguin4505]

@@dakotaweigle4776 the key is the speed; the optimal fuel efficiency for this vehicle seems to be in the range of 35-50 mph; 60 mph and above reduces the fuel efficiency; also the use of AC will put a big dent on fuel consumption.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Charlie, The final drive ratio is a massive factor in the Highway mpg reduction in 'Wilderness' models.

[@DailyMotor]

Ahh, I didn't realize it's different. Good call.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@DailyMotor 😉

[@JT-fq2bl]

The higher ride height is also a factor too.

[@ricepony33]

What’s the ratio difference?

[@DailyMotor]

@@ricepony33 Normal is 3.7, Wilderness is 4.111

[@eazye619]

So getting 25mp is bad? I drive a 2021 Honda Ridgeline and get 17-19mpg and I’m looking to get the Forester Wilderness because its still capable but fuel efficient compared to my Ridgeline

[@nicholasprice7004]

This was an awesome video and I think something a lot of people really want to know about before purchasing a new one. Keep up the great videos guys

[@DailyMotor]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@anthonyjulson8840]

I went with the wilderness because most of my driving is in town. The in town mileage on the forester wilderness and the Crosstrek wasn't different enough for me to worry.

[@jamesgreen8385]

Thank you for your reviews and honest opinions on the Forester Wilderness! I’ll be putting in an order for one soon, and it’s great to know both the strengths and weaknesses of the vehicle. I have heard fuel efficiency improves after break-in. I wonder how much that is actually the case?

[@ericsisk1]

It is absolutely the case. Two things: engine break in, and you get a better feel for the the engine and “know” how to drive it better.

[@aaronh305]

EPA highway is done as 11 miles on a dyno with an avg. speed of 48 MPH. That is then combined with three tests added in 2008 with a top speed of 80mph. These are combined to calculate a HWY number. Should be no surprise that numbers from your test methodology don't match. Your method is a great test though and very useful information for a buyer like myself.

[@Snafu2346]

Kind of stumbled upon this video while I'm crossing shopping small/mid suv's. I remember that road. I worked in that plaza in Belleville back from 99-2005. Moved to Texas back in 09, Commuted that same route back to my place in Ann Arbor exit 172 from belleville I think it was 187 Rawsonville. It still looks as dreary as I remember. There was a Kmart there before. I wonder what is there now.

[@ErichVonCartmann]

Forester Wilderness is supposed to get about 26 MPG combined between city and hwy. My Forester Wilderness was only getting 20.8 mpg for my first 220 miles and that was straight from the factory with the factory skinny tires, no bike rack, and no roof rack. I now have beefy Falken Wildpeak AT4w 235/65R17 tires, a roof rack, and a bike rack (on the back), and with this set up i am getting 19.8mpg. However, that is only over 150 miles, and my FW still only has UNDER 400 TOTAL miles so far as i write this. I have never driven so gently in my life! Normally I am.about 2-3 mpg under the MPG standards set by the EPA. However, with my FW am a whopping 6 mpg under while driving the mellowist I have ever driven in my life. On another note, everyone complains about the FW's power, but for me, the FW has just the right amount of power for what I want and need it to do. Other than MPGs, i am.very happy with my FW. I plan to keep her forever. Ahe is the best small car I have ever driven when it xomes to comfort, seating position, and practicality.

[@tyalexander9005]

awesome video. thank you charlie!

[@forester333]

That 4.11 gear ratio is exactly why you're losing 2/3mpg compared to regular forester. but...VERY nice to drive and feels to me like a V6 car. i came from a 2016 maxima. i can not feel the different for daily driving in driving power. she gets quick to the speeds i want and has no issue passing anyone on highway.

[@richardkoellner8554]

5hwy/1city

[@ajfam871]

You are correct. The ratio improves acceleration and towing. I bought 2 F150 with the base V6. They had different axle ratios. 3.15 and 3.75. They drove way different. The power and acceleration was much stronger with the 3.75. But I never got eat the same gas mileage.

[@evolowe]

Subaru has four cruise control settings. The eco mode is less aggressive when speeding back up. I actually get better mpg in my subaru by manually driving.

[@charlievella9957]

I have this same model with just over 9k miles. Regular driving I get roughly 28/29 hwy and 25 city.

[@huntstyle]

Where do you live? Elevation makes a difference, too. Better mpg's at higher elevations.

[@huntstyle]

A few mpg's probably makes less of a difference in gas cost for a year than most people think. I did a calculation with 20k miles at the current gas price in my area ($3.64) of 26mpg vs 31mpg. The difference is $450. I take lots of road trips, so 20k miles in a year is not unusual for me. For a lot of people, that'd be 2 years worth of driving, so then a difference of only $225/yr. If you can afford to pay $36k for a vehicle, that shouldn't be too big of a deal, lol!

[@quoththeraven.]

You're absolutely right, Mister Arithmetic. Hahaha! I've been anxious about the mileage. I think I need to just relax.

[@chuckwalla2967]

Besides the lower MPG, the powertrain would wear out faster due to all those extra RPM's.

[@ryanlittleton5615]

It's not that big of a difference really. So no it won't.

[@sampsonlittle7368]

I’ll take 9.2 ground clearance over gas mileage any day.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

My Forester which is the non wilderness version does get about 35 mpg on the highway, but that is effected a great deal by the wind. It can get 40 mpg if the wind is behind the car and 27 mpg if I'm traveling into a head wind.

[@tominch7614]

What year is your Forester?

[@mickeybrumfield764]

@@tominch7614 2016

[@Scybren]

My lifted wrx gets about 21 mpg on highways where I average more than 70. My buddy's sti gets like 17. I'm getting the wilderness for the space and comfort (I offroad a lot too) and not having to use premium fuel will be nice.

[@quoththeraven.]

Oof. I just bought the 2023 model a couple of weeks ago. I got caught up in the good looks, bells, whistles etc. Wish I had paid closer attention. I haven't used a calculator, but mainly the very unscientific method of how many trips I can get back and forth to a town I frequent. Again, oof. I keep telling myself it's because of the air conditioning, but I think I'm just whistling past the graveyard.

[@SyrupCanuck]

How's mpgs?

[@pacattack81]

I have a 2022 Forester Wilderness and I can average 32-33mpg on my 20 mile mostly highway commute to work. I cant stress enough that if you do the speed limit (55mph) you will get much better mpg in this wilderness. I cant remember where I read it but somebody mentioned because of the final drive ratio, this car is meant to be doing 50mph. Anyways, not too long agoi tested just highway miles maybe 18 or so miles from the gas station to the parkingot at work and managed to get 40mpg. Drive 55mph on the highway and you'll get good gas mileage. I wish there was a way to post the pictures because I did take them in case l decided to post on a forum. If you read this post, do 55mph on the highway, set cruise control and don't blast the air at 1 notch less than max like this guy did. He did everything possible to get poor gas mileage.

[@forzaaldi]

He was driving on a highway, the speed limit is 70. Doing 55 there wouldn’t be safe or realistic.

[@tinker1148]

The wilderness also has a different final drive ratio for the transmission making the fuel economy less.

[@maxstachow]

I've got 800 miles on mine with mild driving mostly in "S" mode and I'm averaging 21.5 MPG. not great

[@ghlee2300]

Me too

[@ghlee2300]

Great video. I have this Forester and my fuel economy has been 19 in the city and 21 on the road. I’m taking it into Subaru tomorrow and I’m going to ask, WTF?

[@brailrice]

What did you find out from the dealership?

[@norbertmaron3635]

WHAT ARE THE RPM'S YOU ARE AT 70...😊😊😊😊

[@tah6746]

I would be interested to know what the MPG would be if the AC/Heater was not on Auto.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

To put it into prepestive it is 1 more MPG better than my 2020 Ecoboost Mustang and 11 better then our 2003 suburban... Yeah not great.

[@boredaf9944]

Great test as always Hope you review the rav4 trd offroad

[@legion1630]

I dont care so much for fuel economy especially if i like the car. However as long as a car give me any number above 22mpg am happy. In this case the wilderness looks the part and performs the part

[@richardkoellner8554]

The Wilderness is only rated 28/25 hwy/city.

[@rayjay848]

My ‘24 FW gets 21mpg in mixed driving. Nowhere close to EPA rating.

[@nobodyisprfct]

While this criticism isn't really meant for anyone but is more like a pet peeve. If you're going to buy a wilderness version and not do much off-roading it is pointless to buy a wilderness that is 10k more expensive. It just seems people like to waste money on features they will never use. People then will suggest features the vehicle needs that are unrelated to the off-road reason for buying the vehicle. Complaining about the MPG of a dedicated off-road vehicle is pointless. This vehicle by far gets more MPG than any 4x4. After presenting my pet peeve. Thanks for providing real-time mpg for the wilderness

[@DailyMotor]

Hah, thank you. I said the same thing in my Outback Wilderness video and got lit up by angry Outback enthusiasts.

[@nobodyisprfct]

@@DailyMotor - I am glad you saw my humor. Not many people get my sense of humor. Maybe there might be some improvements in mpg in the future.. Cruise control helps me out a lot and most of the areas I drive is about 55 to 70. Again thanks for taking the time for producing video. Thanks also for suggesting it might be smarter to buy just the regular with some slight mods. I have a 2009 forester and it is like a goat and gets around places indesire to go. It is the plastic paneling that makes it difficult. If I may ask you a question about the wilderness front bumper shell and sides. Do they seem easy to pull off if caught by some bush in your opinion? That is if you still have the vehicle. It might be smarter, if cost effective to have 2 sets of wheels. Once again thank you for your time.

[@DailyMotor]

@@nobodyisprfct Sure thing! We no longer have the vehicle, it was a tester that we only had for a week. But I imagine the bumper shell and sides are pretty solid and wouldn't pull off easily. But yes, two sets of wheels and tires could go a long way.

[@nobodyisprfct]

@@DailyMotor Thank you for your input. My best to you in future clips.

[@georgejesson1944]

It tows 3000lbs vs 1500lbs of other foresters and has more torque

[@BoopSnoot]

I was on the fence on picking up a Wilderness vs a Rogue with the new tiny turbo engine, and glad I went Rogue! I knew the Wilderness would be worse, but not THIS much worse. I'm averaging 33mpg to date mixed driving on the Rogue, highest recorded (trip meter only) was 39.8mpg on a almost pure highway trip at 65mph.

[@anaveragehuman2937]

bleh, subies... I had a 2012 impreza wagon that advertised 36mpg hwy and I got 32mpg ONCE going 70 for a whole tank. Most of the time hwy was 28-30 mpg. I liked the car and it could do the numbers on the government test cycle but not real world.

[@iblongshia]

You will get better gas mileage when the motor is broken in.

[@Eugen-E]

It already has 5500 miles on it.

[@iblongshia]

@@Eugen-E A motor doesn't break in till about 30k miles.

[@Eugen-E]

@@iblongshia No. 5k miles is sufficient.

[@gs98999]

This isn’t the 1970s. There will be no noticeable difference after first few tanks of gas.

[@iblongshia]

@@Eugen-E If you say so.

[@gaivoron]

26 mpg ain't great when it doesn't tow much weight.

[@anthonyjulson8840]

You don't want to tow with this thing. It's going to drink gas like an alcoholic at an all you can drink bar! It's absolutely capable of towing though.

[@norbertmaron3635]

Aaaaaahhhh ever consider the rear axle gear ratio VS a non wilderness trim..lol..lol..😂😂😂😂