When one says ‘trail-ready vehicle’, one usually thinks of a raised, truck-based vehicle. Subaru wants to defy convention, although the folks from Gunma have been doing so for decades.
This time around, they want to do it with the all-new Subaru Outback Wilderness. The company has even gone as far as saying it’s ready for the trail. Bold words, yes, but there might be some truth to it.
See, the Wilderness isn’t just an appearance package to give the illusion of off-road capability. There’s actual hardware that backs up the claim.
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Obviously, there’s the raised ground clearance. It’s now rated at a whopping 241mm, even higher than some truck-based SUVs out there. The thing is, it goes beyond that as it also comes with electronically-controlled dampers that aid in suspension articulation, a huge deal when it comes to off-roading. It even has adaptive suspension that helps control the softness or firmness of the shocks.
Subaru went as far as adding two more settings for the X-Mode terrain select system. Exclusive to the Wilderness are Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for when the going gets tougher…and stickier. Further aiding grip are a set of Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires. It’s got some serious kit right out of the factory. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard. This is a Subaru after all. But aside from that, the center differential has been given a rework for faster locking action for greater traction.
For the exterior, the Subaru Outback Wilderness gets a unique body cladding design to make it look more imposing. At the same time, there’s added utility in the form of latter roof rails, stronger rope hooks, underbody skid plates, and additional LED driving lights. The interior is then draped in water resistant fabrics and gets a couple of copper-effect trims. It also has a 12.1-inch Multimedia Plus system paired with a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster.
Under the hood is a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that’s good for 260hp and 376Nm. It then shifts with Lineartronic, Subaru’s take on the CVT. The 2.5-liter, naturally-aspirated engine offered on other trim levels is not offered is the Wilderness.
