Subaru Forester Wilderness revealed on Canadian website

Subaru Canada has inadvertently released photos of the new Forester Wilderness online, before the crossover was due to officially be revealed.

As spotted by Twitter user Jonathan B-Potvin, the off-road oriented Forester appeared on the Canadian Subaru website before being taken down, although not before Carscoops was able to nab some snaps.

Just like the Outback Wilderness – launched in April this year – the beefed-up Forester scores better ground clearance, 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres and wheel arch liners, which protect the bodywork underneath when off the beaten track.

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Other equipment such as roof racks, skid plates and an anti-glare matte black bonnet stripe feature on the Forester's exterior, plus a slightly revised front bumper to aid its ground clearance.

Inside the cabin, not much is changed, as the only hints at this being a special edition are found in the seats – made up of water resistant material with Subaru Wilderness logos embossed in the headrests.

Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre, flat-four petrol engine producing 135kW and 239Nm – which is mated to a low and standard ratio CVT automatic gearbox, sending power to all four wheels.

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Although the Forester Wilderness would be the perfect machine for heading to the Snowy Mountains or through some of Australia's many national parks – much like the Outback, it won't be coming here.

Instead, Australians will have to make do with the regular Forester in all its guises, which has just been refreshed for the first time since 2018, set for a local launch at the back end of 2021.