Right after Subaru announced the Outback's return to Europe, the Japanese automaker took the veils off the Wilderness. The most off-road trim level of the Outback comes equipped with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain rubber, 17-inch alloys, a revised differential for the rear axle with a final drive ratio of 4.44:1, and a ground clearance of 9.5 inches.
That’s 24.1 centimeters if you prefer the metric system, which is a lot for a station wagon in crossover attire. The Wilderness also comes standard with the most powerful version of the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer, tuned to crank out 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet (376 Nm) of torque.
Exclusive to North America for the 2022 model year, the Wilderness is aimed at customers “with an elevated sense of adventure and a desire to discover more of what’s out there.” Overlanding is made easier by the dual-function X-Mode system, which includes Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes.
Subaru modified the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission to achieve a final drive ratio of 4.44:1 up front as well, improving low-end torque at the wheels to climb gravel-ridden grades of up to 40 percent. Matte-black wheels complement the white-letter rubber shoes, and Subaru brings the point home with a front skid plate and large fender flares.
Wilderness models further stand out in the crowd with the help of badges emblazoned on the liftgate and front fenders, hex-designed fog lights with light-emitting diodes, anti-glare hood decal in matte black, and black finish for the window trim. As for the two hooks and tie-down points, Subaru decided on Anodized Copper for maximum visual impact.
The most capable Outback of them all utilizes a fixed ladder-type roof rack system that promises a static load limit of 700 pounds (318 kilograms), allowing the customers to use a roof-top tent wherever the off-road trail may take them. Finally, the Wilderness takes inspiration from National Parks in the U.S. and the automaker’s rally heritage for the Geyser Blue exterior color.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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