You bought the Forester Wilderness because you wanted a vehicle that could handle more than just the morning commute. But after a few trips, you might start to notice its limits. Maybe you wished for more ground clearance on a rutted trail or needed better lighting on a late-night return to camp. This is where strategic upgrades make all the difference. By adding the right components, you can systematically eliminate those weak points and build a more confident, capable machine. This article breaks down the essential 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness aftermarket accessories, from skid plates that shield vital parts to performance parts that give you more power when you need it.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize Protection and Capability: Before adding accessories, focus on foundational upgrades. Start with essential armor like skid plates and performance parts like a quality suspension lift to ensure your Forester is genuinely trail-ready.
- Build Strategically in Phases: A great build happens over time. Invest in high-quality components that match your current needs and budget, allowing your vehicle's setup to evolve as your off-road skills and ambitions grow.
- Add Accessories with a Purpose: Select exterior and interior gear that solves specific challenges. Functional additions like roof racks for storage, LED lights for visibility, and organizers for your cabin are what make your rig truly self-sufficient.
Why Upgrade Your 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness?
The Subaru Forester Wilderness is an impressive machine right off the showroom floor. It comes equipped with higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a rugged look that says it’s ready for adventure. So, you might be asking, why mess with a good thing? The answer is simple: to make it your thing. Upgrading your Forester isn't about fixing a flaw; it's about personalizing its capability to match your specific ambitions.
Think of the stock Wilderness as a fantastic starting point. You can take it on most trails and feel confident. But what about that rocky pass you've been eyeing, or the week-long overlanding trip that requires extra gear and fuel? That’s where strategic Subaru Forester upgrades come in. By adding the right components, you can transform your Forester from a capable weekend warrior into a purpose-built exploration vehicle.
Enhancements are about more than just performance; they’re about protection and peace of mind. Adding skid plates and rock sliders protects your vehicle's vital components from damage on rough terrain, ensuring you make it home safely. Upgrading your suspension can handle the extra weight of overlanding solutions like rooftop tents and full-size spares without compromising handling. It’s about building a vehicle that not only gets you out there but also gets you back, no matter what the trail throws at you. Every modification is a step toward creating a rig that’s perfectly suited for your unique adventures.
Protect Your Investment: Essential Armor for Your Forester
The Forester Wilderness is built to explore, but the factory protection can only take you so far. When you venture off the pavement and onto more demanding trails, your vehicle's underbody, rocker panels, and bumpers become vulnerable to rocks, ruts, and stumps. Adding specialized armor is one of the smartest first steps you can take. It’s not just about preventing cosmetic scrapes; it’s about shielding critical components like your engine and differential from damage that could leave you stranded. Think of it as affordable insurance that lets you push your Forester's limits with confidence.
Skid Plates and Underbody Armor
Your Forester’s underside houses its most critical mechanical parts, and the factory splash guards offer minimal defense against serious impacts. Upgrading to heavy-duty skid plates is essential for true off-road readiness. These plates are designed to absorb and deflect hits from rocks and trail debris, protecting your oil pan, transmission, and rear differential. A dedicated rear differential skid plate is one of the most important Forester upgrades you can make, shielding an exposed and expensive component. This protection lets you slide over obstacles that would otherwise cause catastrophic damage, giving you peace of mind on technical terrain.
Rock Sliders and Side Protection
Don't confuse factory side steps with rock sliders. While they may look similar, rock sliders are built from heavy-gauge steel and mount directly to your vehicle's frame. Their purpose is to protect your rocker panels—the area below your doors—from being crushed or dented by rocks and other trail hazards. This is one of the most common and costly types of off-road damage. A solid set of rock sliders provides a durable barrier, allowing your Forester to pivot around or slide along obstacles without damaging the body. They are a must-have for anyone serious about navigating tight, challenging trails.
Bumper and Brush Guards
The front and rear of your Forester are your first lines of defense against trail obstacles. An aftermarket bumper or brush guard provides far more protection than the stock plastic covers. The Crawford Wilderness Brush Guard is designed to shield your grille and headlights from branches and impacts without compromising your vehicle’s approach angle. In the back, the Crawford Performance rear bumper adds robust protection with a rally-inspired look. These additions not only guard against damage but often provide mounting points for lights, recovery gear, and other essential accessories.
Take on Tougher Trails: Top Performance Upgrades
The Forester Wilderness is impressive right off the showroom floor, but its true potential is unlocked with a few key performance upgrades. If you’re planning to venture beyond graded fire roads and into more technical terrain, enhancing your vehicle’s capability is a smart move. These modifications aren't just about looks; they're about improving ground clearance, traction, and engine responsiveness to give you more confidence and control when the trail gets rough. By focusing on suspension, tires, and engine breathing, you can transform your Forester into a more formidable overlanding machine, ready to tackle challenges you might have previously avoided. These foundational upgrades work together to create a more balanced and reliable rig for any adventure.
Suspension and Lift Kits
One of the first things you’ll notice on a challenging trail is the need for more ground clearance. A quality suspension lift kit is the answer. Lifting your Forester gives you the height needed to clear rocks, ruts, and other obstacles without damaging your undercarriage. This modification also improves your approach and departure angles, allowing you to climb steeper inclines and descend without scraping your bumpers. More importantly, a well-designed kit maintains proper suspension geometry, ensuring your vehicle handles safely both on and off the road. Investing in thoughtfully engineered overlanding solutions ensures you get the performance you need without compromising ride quality.
All-Terrain Tires and Wheels
Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the ground, making them one of the most critical upgrades for off-road performance. The stock tires are great for daily driving, but a set of aggressive all-terrain (A/T) tires will completely change how your Forester handles loose surfaces. A/T tires feature deeper tread patterns for superior grip in dirt, mud, and gravel, along with tougher sidewalls that resist punctures from sharp rocks. Pairing them with a durable set of aftermarket wheels can further reduce weight and increase strength. This combination is fundamental for anyone serious about exploring remote areas and is a cornerstone of our recommended Subaru Forester upgrades.
Air Intakes and Exhaust Systems
To get more power for climbing steep grades or navigating difficult sections, you need to help your engine breathe better. An upgraded air intake system allows cooler, denser air to enter the engine, while a high-flow exhaust system helps expel gases more efficiently. Together, these modifications improve throttle response and can add a noticeable amount of horsepower and torque. This isn't just about going faster; it's about having reliable power exactly when you need it. At Crawford Performance, we specialize in creating performance parts that deliver a real-world difference, giving your Forester the extra muscle and satisfying engine note to match its rugged capabilities.
Gear Up for Adventure: Must-Have Exterior Accessories
Once your Forester’s performance and protection are dialed in, it’s time to equip it for the journey ahead. The right exterior accessories don't just add a rugged look; they provide practical solutions for carrying gear, improving visibility, and staying organized on the trail. These upgrades are what truly transform your daily driver into a capable exploration vehicle, ready for whatever the adventure throws your way. Think of your Forester Wilderness as a solid foundation. Now, we're adding the functional components that support your specific hobbies, whether that's kayaking, mountain biking, or multi-day camping. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a serious overlanding expedition, smart exterior mods are essential for a successful and enjoyable trip. Let's look at the key pieces that will prepare your Forester Wilderness for the wild, turning it into a self-sufficient basecamp on wheels.
Roof Racks and Cargo Management
Your Forester has a generous amount of interior space, but for longer trips with bulky gear like tents, recovery equipment, or extra fuel, you’ll need to expand your storage. A quality roof rack is the foundation of any serious adventure build. It allows you to secure cargo up top, freeing up valuable cabin space. You can start with a simple set of crossbars for mounting bikes or a cargo box, or go for a full platform rack for maximum versatility. These systems provide a solid base for all your overlanding solutions, letting you carry everything you need without compromise.
LED Lighting for Better Visibility
Stock headlights are fine for city streets, but they often fall short on unlit backroads and technical trails after dark. Upgrading your lighting is one of the most important safety modifications you can make. High-performance LED light bars, ditch lights, or pod lights dramatically improve your field of vision, helping you spot obstacles and handle challenging terrain with confidence. Look for durable, weather-resistant options from reputable brands that can handle vibrations and impacts. Better lighting not only makes night driving safer but also gives your Subaru Forester a more aggressive, trail-ready appearance.
MOLLE Panels and External Storage
Organization is key when you’re living out of your vehicle. MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) panels are a fantastic way to keep your essential gear secure, organized, and easily accessible. These grid systems can be mounted on rear windows, seat backs, or exterior storage boxes, providing a customizable platform for attaching pouches, tools, first-aid kits, and recovery gear. By moving items out of bags and onto dedicated mounts, you’ll always know exactly where your critical equipment is. It’s a simple but effective way to streamline your setup and keep your rig tidy on the move.
Upgrade Your Cabin for Overlanding Comfort
Long trips off the grid are as much about endurance as they are about adventure. A comfortable and organized cabin makes all the difference when you’re spending days or weeks on the trail. While engine performance gets you over the obstacle, a well-thought-out interior ensures you’re rested and ready for whatever comes next. These upgrades focus on protecting your Forester’s interior from the elements and keeping your essential gear secure and within reach, turning your vehicle into a true home away from home.
Floor Liners and Seat Protection
Overlanding is inherently messy. You’ll be tracking in mud, dust, and water, and the factory floor mats just aren't built for that kind of abuse. Investing in a set of high-quality, all-weather floor liners is one of the smartest first moves you can make. Look for custom-fit liners with deep channels and raised edges that contain spills and debris, protecting your carpet from stains and wear. Don't forget about your seats, either. Durable, water-resistant seat covers will shield your upholstery from dirt, gear snags, and the occasional coffee spill, preserving your Forester's resale value.
Cargo Organizers and Storage Solutions
A cluttered cabin is more than just an annoyance—it can be a safety hazard on uneven terrain. Keeping your gear organized and secured is essential. Start with simple solutions like cargo nets and seat-back organizers for smaller items. For a more serious setup, consider a drawer system in the cargo area to keep recovery gear, tools, and cooking supplies tidy and accessible. Crawford Performance offers a range of overlanding solutions that can help you build a storage system tailored to your specific needs. Properly stowing your equipment means you’ll find what you need quickly and prevent items from becoming projectiles during bumpy ascents.
Communication and Navigation Gear
Once you leave paved roads behind, you can't rely on your phone for directions or emergencies. Reliable off-grid communication and navigation are non-negotiable. A dedicated GPS unit loaded with topographic maps is a must-have for finding your way. For safety, a satellite communicator allows you to send messages and an SOS signal from anywhere in the world. If you travel with a group, a GMRS radio is an excellent tool for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, ensuring everyone stays connected on the trail, even without cell service.
Budgeting for Your Forester Wilderness Build
Planning your Forester Wilderness build is one of the most exciting parts of owning one. Mapping out your budget is the first practical step to bringing that vision to life, but it’s more than just crunching numbers. It’s about creating a roadmap for your vehicle's transformation. A truly great build happens over time, piece by piece, so don’t feel pressured to get everything at once. Instead, think about how you plan to use your Forester. Is it your daily driver that doubles as a weekend warrior for hitting local trails? Or are you gearing up for extended, multi-day overlanding trips deep in the backcountry? Answering that question will help you prioritize your upgrades.
A smart approach is to invest in quality from the start. It’s always better to buy one well-engineered component that will withstand years of abuse than to cycle through three cheaper alternatives that fail when you need them most. Think of your budget in tiers: entry-level essentials to get you started, mid-range upgrades to seriously improve capability, and premium setups for a no-compromise build. This method lets you build momentum, adding parts as your budget allows and as your skills on the trail grow. Each addition should be a deliberate step toward creating the reliable, capable, and fun-to-drive Forester you’ve been dreaming of.
Entry-Level Essentials ($100-$1,500)
This is where you build a solid foundation for all future modifications. For a relatively small investment, you can add accessories that offer a big return in capability and protection. Start with the essentials that make an immediate impact on the trail, like a lift kit to gain crucial ground clearance or ditch light brackets for better visibility on those late-night runs. One of the smartest first moves is installing an Air/Oil Separator to protect your engine during steep climbs and off-camber situations. These initial Forester upgrades are perfect for getting your feet wet and making your vehicle more trail-ready without a massive financial commitment.
Mid-Range Performance Upgrades ($1,500-$5,000)
Once you have the basics covered, the mid-range is where you can start making significant improvements to your Forester’s performance and durability. This is where you move beyond simple spacers to full suspension systems that dramatically improve handling and control, both on and off the road. A quality set of all-terrain tires paired with lightweight wheels will also completely transform how your vehicle grips the trail. Other popular upgrades in this tier include front and rear bumpers for added protection and improved approach angles. These are the parts that prepare your rig for more serious overlanding solutions and give you the confidence to tackle more challenging adventures.
Premium Overlanding Setups ($5,000+)
For the ultimate build, the premium tier is where you invest in specialized, high-performance equipment designed for the most demanding conditions. This budget allows for top-of-the-line, adjustable suspension, heavy-duty bumpers with integrated winch mounts, and advanced lighting systems that turn night into day. It’s also where you can get into serious performance gains with professional engine tuning services that optimize power, torque, and reliability for your specific setup. These are the no-compromise upgrades that turn your Forester Wilderness into a purpose-built machine ready for any adventure you can throw at it, built with the same engineering principles that go into professional race cars.
How to Spot Quality Parts
With so many options on the market, knowing how to identify quality parts is key to a successful build. Look for components made from durable materials like TIG-welded steel or aircraft-grade aluminum. Pay close attention to a brand’s reputation—companies with a proven track record in motorsports and off-roading, like Crawford Performance, build their products to a higher standard because they’ve been tested in the harshest environments. A solid warranty and positive, detailed customer reviews are also great indicators of a trustworthy product. Investing in well-engineered performance parts from the start saves you money and headaches down the road, ensuring your Forester is reliable when you need it most.
Where to Buy the Best Forester Wilderness Accessories
Finding the right accessories for your Forester Wilderness means going to the experts. While general auto parts stores have their place, Subaru specialists offer parts engineered specifically for your vehicle’s capabilities. These companies live and breathe Subaru performance, ensuring you get components that fit perfectly, perform reliably, and withstand the rigors of the trail. Sourcing your gear from reputable manufacturers not only protects your investment but also gives you peace of mind when you’re miles from the nearest paved road.
Crawford Performance and Other Subaru Specialists
When you want parts designed with precision for your Forester, starting with a dedicated Subaru specialist is your best bet. We engineer our products to meet the unique demands of off-road and rally-inspired driving. For example, our front off-road bumper brush guard adds crucial protection without compromising your approach angle. We also developed a matching rear bumper that enhances durability and gives your Forester a more aggressive, rally-ready look. Because these parts are built specifically for 2022–2024 Forester models, you can count on a straightforward installation and a flawless fit.
Top Brands to Look For
Beyond our own offerings, the Subaru community trusts several other brands to deliver high-quality gear. Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF) is well-known for its extensive lineup of parts specifically for the 2022–2024 Forester Wilderness. If you’re looking for lift kits or skid plates, RalliTEK is another excellent source that focuses on improving your vehicle’s off-road prowess. For exterior gear like roof racks and cargo carriers, industry leaders like Thule and Yakima consistently provide reliable solutions that integrate well with the Forester’s factory rails. Exploring these brands can help you round out your build with proven, trail-tested components.
How to Time Your Purchases for Big Savings
Building your dream rig doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan your purchases strategically. Many brands offer significant discounts during major sales events. Keep an eye out for promotions around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holidays, as this is when you’ll often find the best deals of the year. For instance, some retailers offer discounts ranging from 6% to over 50% off during these periods. Signing up for newsletters from your favorite brands, including ours, is a great way to get notified about upcoming sales so you can get the performance parts you want at a lower price.
Related Articles
- Your Guide to a Forester Wilderness Suspension Upgrade
- 2019-2024 Subaru Forester Overland Parts & Upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm on a tight budget. What's the single most important upgrade to start with? That's a great question, and the best answer depends on your biggest priority. If your main concern is protecting your investment, the first thing I'd recommend is a rear differential skid plate. It's a relatively inexpensive part that shields a very exposed and costly component from damage. If you're more focused on immediate capability, a quality 2-inch lift kit will give you the most noticeable improvement in ground clearance, allowing you to tackle more challenging trails right away.
Will adding these performance parts void my Subaru warranty? This is a common and completely valid concern. The short answer is no, not automatically. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer has to prove that your specific aftermarket part directly caused a specific failure. For example, they can't deny a claim for a faulty infotainment screen because you installed a lift kit. The best way to protect yourself is to use high-quality, well-engineered parts from reputable brands and keep detailed records of your installations.
How much of a lift is too much for a Forester Wilderness? While it might be tempting to go for maximum height, a balanced approach is key for the Forester platform. Generally, a 2-inch lift is the sweet spot. This provides a significant improvement in ground clearance and allows for larger tires without drastically altering the vehicle's suspension geometry. Going much higher can put excessive strain on components like your CV joints and negatively impact your Forester's excellent on-road handling and stability.
Do I really need heavy-duty armor like skid plates for casual trail driving? Think of armor as affordable insurance. The factory splash guards offer very little protection against a well-placed rock or stump, even on a trail that seems easy. A single impact on your oil pan or rear differential can end your trip and lead to a very expensive repair bill. If you plan to leave the pavement at all, a set of skid plates provides the peace of mind to explore with confidence, knowing your vehicle's vital organs are protected.
Besides more power, how do an intake and exhaust system actually help on the trail? While the horsepower gains are nice, the real benefit off-road comes from improved throttle response and engine efficiency. When you're navigating a technical, rocky section, you need precise control over your power delivery. An upgraded intake and exhaust can make the engine feel more responsive to small inputs. On long, steep climbs, helping the engine breathe better allows it to maintain power more consistently without working as hard, which is crucial for reliability on extended adventures.