Automotive

Subaru unveils Outback Wilderness model, adding off-road upgrades

Subaru unveils Outback Wilderness model, adding off-road upgrades
The Subaru Outback, already more capable than most would give it credit for, gets a Wilderness edition that adds more off-road upgrades
The Subaru Outback, already more capable than most would give it credit for, gets a Wilderness edition that adds more off-road upgrades
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A one-inch lift and several Outlander Wilderness-specific additions are found on this new model from Subaru
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A one-inch lift and several Outlander Wilderness-specific additions are found on this new model from Subaru
The Outback Wilderness comes equipped with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires
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The Outback Wilderness comes equipped with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires
Subaru says this is the most rugged and capable Outback in history
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Subaru says this is the most rugged and capable Outback in history
The Subaru Wilderness logo makes one wonder if this will become a new badge line throughout the Subaru lineup
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The Subaru Wilderness logo makes one wonder if this will become a new badge line throughout the Subaru lineup
The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and advanced dual-function X-Mode all-wheel drive are standard on the Outback Wilderness model
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The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and advanced dual-function X-Mode all-wheel drive are standard on the Outback Wilderness model
Pricing for the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness is yet to be announced
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Pricing for the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness is yet to be announced
The Outback SUV’s off-road performance and capability is greatly increased with help of exclusive new features
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The Outback SUV’s off-road performance and capability is greatly increased with help of exclusive new features
The new drive modes expand from snow/sand to snow/mud for added off-road adventuring in the Outback Wilderness
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The new drive modes expand from snow/sand to snow/mud for added off-road adventuring in the Outback Wilderness
Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard in the Outback Wilderness model with its copper accenting
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Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard in the Outback Wilderness model with its copper accenting
Subaru's new 11.6-inch tablet-style Starlink Multimedia system is also standard in the Outback Wilderness
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Subaru's new 11.6-inch tablet-style Starlink Multimedia system is also standard in the Outback Wilderness
Headrests in the Outback Wilderness are embossed with the Subaru Wilderness logo
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Headrests in the Outback Wilderness are embossed with the Subaru Wilderness logo
The upgraded Yokohama tires include a matching, full-sized spare with tools in the Outback Wilderness model
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The upgraded Yokohama tires include a matching, full-sized spare with tools in the Outback Wilderness model
The matte black hood strip on the Subaru Outback Wilderness helps reduce sun glare for the driver
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The matte black hood strip on the Subaru Outback Wilderness helps reduce sun glare for the driver
Rubber floor mats and other accessories are also standard and available for the Outback Wilderness
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Rubber floor mats and other accessories are also standard and available for the Outback Wilderness
The increased ground clearance, along with redesigned front and rear bumpers, contribute to the vehicle’s ability to navigate rough or uneven terrain
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The increased ground clearance, along with redesigned front and rear bumpers, contribute to the vehicle’s ability to navigate rough or uneven terrain
Badges on the door, behind the front fender, announce this Outback's Wilderness status
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Badges on the door, behind the front fender, announce this Outback's Wilderness status
Another badge, this one on the tailgate, lets everyone know you're in a Wilderness model of the Outback
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Another badge, this one on the tailgate, lets everyone know you're in a Wilderness model of the Outback
Approach angles on the SUV have been extended from 18.6 degrees to 20.0, ramp breakover angle shifts from 19.4 degrees to 21.2 degrees, and the departure angle increases from 21.7 degrees to 23.6 degrees
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Approach angles on the SUV have been extended from 18.6 degrees to 20.0, ramp breakover angle shifts from 19.4 degrees to 21.2 degrees, and the departure angle increases from 21.7 degrees to 23.6 degrees
The 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder engine
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The 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder engine appeared in the Subaru Outback with this new generation of the SUV
View gallery - 19 images

Subaru has unveiled the 2022 Outback Wilderness model. This upgrade for the Outback takes some cues from the popular Outback Onyx Edition and the larger Ascent while adding a few unique items to give it more off-pavement capability.

The Outback, already very capable on or off the road, sees about an inch of lift to 9.5 in (24.1 cm) of ground clearance. It gets the bumper treatments and hood detail to reduce glare of the Onyx model, and the torquier gearing in the all-wheel drive system found on the Ascent. From there, it's rugged Wilderness-specific add-ons (aside from the copper-finish accents), with things like a more forgiving, off-pavement suspension setup and better tires.

Subaru says that this is the most rugged Outback in history. Remaining are the standard 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer (opposed piston) engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT). Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and the new 11.6-inch tablet-style multimedia system are also features of the Wilderness package.

The 2022 Outback Wilderness upgrades mean a 20-degree approach angle versus 18.6 on the standard Outback models, and a departure angle of 23.6 degrees versus 21.7. Breakover, thanks to the higher ground clearance, improves to 21.2 degrees from 19.4 previously.

The matte black hood strip on the Subaru Outback Wilderness helps reduce sun glare for the driver
The matte black hood strip on the Subaru Outback Wilderness helps reduce sun glare for the driver

The rear differential on the Outback Wilderness has a 4.44:1 final drive ratio, which matches the refit on the Outback Wilderness' CVT up front and enables grade climbing of up to 40 percent on gravel-type surfaces. The final drive ratio, also found in the Ascent, comes with an added X-Mode function for AWD control to include not only a snow/mud but also a snow/dirt modes.

To boost performance further, Subaru has added Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires to the Wilderness model for added off-pavement grip. The 17-inch alloy wheels they mount to are exclusive to the Wilderness and feature a matte black finish. A full-sized spare is also included under the rear deck.

The Outback Wilderness model also sees the addition of an exclusive Geyser Blue color (featured in our gallery) as an option. Standard all-weather floor mats, interior badging and embossments with the Wilderness logo are also a part of the package. Accessories include aluminum or steel skid plates for the engine, transmission and fuel tank, as well as an optional rear differential protector.

Production of the Outback Wilderness is set to begin mid-year, and Subaru says that pricing and other details will be announced later this year.

Source: Subaru

View gallery - 19 images
10 comments
10 comments
Spud Murphy
My last 3 cars had been Subarus, but our new car was an EV. If Subaru had any EV offering, we probably would have bought it. At the rate they are going with this EV denial of theirs, they are going to go bust inside 10 years.
James Roberts
If this car is used anywhere close to its abilities, an EV just wouldn’t cut it. For starters there’s not many charge points in the backcountry.
guzmanchinky
Subies are amazing vehicles, they just can't go the places a Wrangler can, but are much better on road of course...
Daishi
Subaru has a decent AWD system but the design language still lacks testosterone for me.
Mark Hodgson
I wish Subaru would make an AWD van.
Would like to replace my ‘87 Toyota Van with something more modern and with more HP.
CAVUMark
Can it be towed behind my motorhome?
Jinpa
Both front and rear overhang are a problem with the Subaru Legacy. Presumably not so with Outbacks, but that is an assumption definitely to be considered.
Spud Murphy
Aside from charging infrastructure, why would you think an EV can't cut it? EVs have more power, more torque, better control of that torque, they are more stable as they have a lower centre of gravity, all the things you need for off-roading. There are plenty of off-road capable EVs coming or already available, I recommend you don't make such statements until you've actually driven one.
Taos
Only thing these can't do compared to Jeeps, are rock crawling and maybe some major deep mud and snow. But most jeeps need to be modified anyway. Plus with jeep, you're getting Fiat Chrysler junk, so that's something to weigh, too
ljaques
Looks like a nice offering from Subaru. Too bad they didn't lift it the 3" that many offroaders have found to be the sweet spot. Guz, they can go most places that the Wangler can go, but they'll do it in more comfort, style, and reliability. (I'd never own a Yeep.) Check out YT for Jalopnik's review titled "A Lifted Subaru Outback Is The Best SUV You Can Buy"