How the Wilderness Models of The 2023 Subaru Outback and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Stand Out
May 24 2023,
Subaru’s models have long been known for their symmetrical AWD and prowess in off-road conditions. They provide all-wheel-drive (AWD) as standard on almost every model, and it’s one of the most sophisticated and capable AWD systems on the market today. There’s also flat “boxer” engines for a lower centre of gravity – very important on aggressively-cambered terrain on backcountry roads as well as on the highways used to get there.
As strong as those qualities are, there’s always more that can be done. Look no further than the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness and 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to see just how far Subaru is pushing the envelope when it comes to driving in adverse conditions.
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness
We’re starting with this one because it’s what got the Wilderness movement started at Subaru when it debuted in 2021 for the 2022 model year. What was already a very capable full-size wagon became even more so when they raised the suspension to 9.5 inches, gave it some chunky Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires and 17” AT-spec wheels as well as large amounts of plastic cladding. That ensures the parts of the body most frequented by scratchy sticks and rocks – the wheel wells and rocker panels – are well protected. If that wasn’t enough to differentiate this most burly of Outbacks, a smattering of copper accents have been placed in all the areas where something can be attached – the base of the roof rails, for example, or the tow hooks. Put simply, it’s the most aggressive-looking Outback[ ever, and possibly the most aggressive-looking Subaru ever this side of one of their famous World Rally machines.
In addition to that, the Outback Wilderness gets a swathe of darkened interior panels to hide the dirt that will surely accumulate if it’s used like it’s supposed to be used – that is to say in slippery, dusty, muddy conditions (made easier to tackle by the standard dual X-Mode AWD system with multiple terrain modes) – as well as a darkened headliner. The seats are covered in water-resistant material as well and parts of the interior is colour-matched with those copper accents.
Power comes courtesy of a 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four good for 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque to ensure that the Outback Wilderness should be able to clamber over almost anything thrown its way.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
From the pioneer of the Wilderness line we move on to the other end of the spectrum and the latest entry into the line-up: the Subaru Crosstrek compact hatchback.
In its standard form, the Crosstrek already comes with some plastic cladding that’s been increased for the all-new ’24 model, so for the Wilderness edition they had to go even further to differentiate it. As a result, the ultrawide inserts ‘round the wheels and rocker panels look even more present on the Crosstrek than they do on the Outback. Also in tune with the larger car is how the Crosstrek gets standard Yokohama Geolander tires and copper accents both inside and out as well as water-resistant seat material.
Like the Outback, the Crosstrek Wilderness gets more ground clearance to the tune of a half-inch increase for a total of 9.3”. That’s almost as much as a non-Rubicon Jeep Wrangler, so you know Subaru is serious about what the Crosstrek Wilderness is capable of. The departure and approach angles have also been improved and the Wilderness comes standard with the more powerful of the two engines available for the standard Crosstrek: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder good for 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The CVT automatic also gets retuned and there’s a lower final drive ratio, too.
When it comes time for an adventure, you can’t go wrong with a Subaru Wilderness model. Pay us a visit and will give you the high-riding low-down, up close and personal.
