Three years ago, amid carmakers adding adventure versions to their line-ups of popular SUVs (Toyota RAV4 TRD Pro, Mazda CX-50 Meridian, Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition), the Subaru Outback Wilderness made its debut. The idea was to make it so a Subaru owner, who typically frequents the roads less traveled, can buy an Outback they wouldn’t have to modify with things like all terrain tires or skid plates before tackling moderate trails.
The Outback Wildnerness sold so well that Subaru expanded this wild child trim, priced from about $32K to about $40K, to the Forester and Crosstrek to give shoppers more trail-ready Subies to choose from. The Outback is large, roomy, and capable, making it an easy choice for families.
Video: We toured and test drove the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and this is what it’s like
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Three Subaru Wilderness Models To Choose From
In addition to the Forester, there are Outback and Crosstrek Wilderness trims available. The Forester, like the Outback, is also roomy but doesn’t come with a heftier turbocharged engine. But it still has a decent lift, and the shorter wheelbase makes it easier to park. The Crosstrek may be the smallest, but there is still a long list of reasons it’s a great option for a variety of buyers – including the best gas mileage.
It’s no wonder you’re stuck between which bachelorette to choose from – they’re all great choices for an outdoorsy driver.
Don’t worry – our handy dandy buying guide will let you bypass that lurking salesman at your local dealership and go right to the trim that best suits your life.
So, What Makes a Subaru Wilderness so “Wild”?
The Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback Wilderness all have factory lifts to give them an edge off-road. The Outback has the highest lift, going from 8.6″ to 9.5″, then the Crosstrek is second at a raised 9.3″, and the Forester has the least added height with 9.2″ of ground clearance.
All three come with factory skid plates to protect the oil pan and gas tank, mudflaps, rugged, black, exterior trimming, exclusive matte black wheels, all-terrain tires from the factory, and gold accenting on the interior and exterior. They also boast anti-glare decals to reduce glare and reinforced roof rails to handle extra weight up top.
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Interior Details Are Designed for the Wild, Too
On the inside, the Wildernesses came with Subaru’s “StarTex” waterproof (but still very comfortable) seat covers, all-weather foot well covers, a weatherproof cargo tray cover for the rear, upgraded X-Mode for off-roading, gold accents and “Wilderness” badging throughout.
Additionally, all three come with an enhanced X-Mode to make ascension, descension, and traversing through snow or mud that much easier. All three have a higher towing rating of 3,000 to 3,500 lbs. in case you’re looking to haul a camper or trailer, too.
The OG Subaru Outback Wilderness Is The Most Capable
The Outback Wilderness is the one that started it all. The Outback, which for many years was Subaru’s best-selling and most luxurious model, is the Wilderness with the largest cargo space and is the only model that comes with the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The engine, also seen in the Ascent, the WRX, Outback XT trims, and the Legacy Sport or Touring XT, generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Given the extra horses and an updated CVT, it’s the peppiest one of the litter.
The updated bumpers in the front and rear give the Outback better approach and departure angles to handle tougher trails, and can reportedly handle deep snow or mud thanks to factory all-terrain tires and an enhanced X-Mode system.
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This Subaru Wilderness Version Is Totally At Home Off Road
Due to it being the largest, having the longest wheelbase, and the highest towing rating of the three, the Outback Wilderness is great for families who carry a lot of gear to their remote campsites.
Since it’s the largest and has the most power of the trio, the Outback is the priciest one – though still reasonably priced compared to other off-road-ready SUVs (or wagons). Starting price is $39,960, and can go up to $46,340 with all factory add-ons.
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The Subaru Forester Wilderness is the Spirited Middle Child
The Forester was the second Subaru to catch the Wilderness bug and is just as tough and campsite-ready as its larger wagon-y sibling. While the Outback has the most cargo space of the three, the Forester has more height in the interior.
Both the Crosstrek and the Forester share the 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant (sans turbo, sadly) that produces 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. They’re not as lively as the Outback, but the improved CVT helps make those figures unimportant.
The shorter wheelbase can be an advantage off-road too, depending on what kind of trails you’re planning on tackling. If you want an off-road SUV that’ll take up less space in the driveway or the garage but still be able to fit the family and all the gear, we suggest putting the Forester under a microscope.
Subaru Forester Wilderness Has an Upgraded Interior
The interior isn’t as “fancy” as the Outback, but it does have excellent visibility, the same waterproof seating, and a comfortable ride despite the lift kit and aggressive tires. The lift isn’t as high as the Outback – since it’s raised to 9.2″ from 8.6″ while the Outback is 9.5″ – but the approach and departure angles are better than the other Forester trim options.
Since it’s quite literally the middle ground between the larger Outback and the smaller Crosstrek, the price is a little friendlier, too. The starting price of the Forester Wilderness is $34,995, and with add-ons, it maxes out at $38,877.
Last But Not Least, the Small but Surprisingly Roomy Crosstrek
If you’re a couple who wants a gas-savvy, roomy, and comfortable drive at a reasonable cost, check out the Crosstrek Wilderness. It’s the smallest of the Wilderness lineup, but it comes with a big personality. The interior is incredibly spacious, though it doesn’t seem like it from the outside.
Unlike the Forester and the Outback, the Wilderness is the cream-of-the-crop trim level. The Forester’s best is the Touring edition, while the top-shelf trim level for the Outback is the Touring XT.
The lift is also a tad higher than the Forester at 9.3″ inches from the standard height of 8.6″. Like its larger counterparts, it has excellent visibility and virtually no blindspots – and is an incredibly safe little car thanks to Subaru’s EyeSight tri-camera system being standard.
As previously mentioned, the Crosstrek comes with Subaru’s 2.5-liter Boxer-four (the same as the Forester). Being the smallest and lightest of the family, all 182 horses are a lot more excitable compared to the Forester.
This Interior is Cute, Compact and Comfy
It’s a tad small for a family, as I experienced during my test drive with my two toddlers, but it worked. The cargo space isn’t as accommodating as the Forester or the Outback, but it could easily be made up with accessories like a cargo box or a basket if you’re not using a rooftop tent.
Most importantly, it’s the most affordable of the three. The starting price is $32,195, which is a bargain considering what comes with it. It has every fancy doo-dad as the Forester and Outback, with just less space, making it a great option for small families or childless couples who love to spend time outdoors.
All three Subaru Wilderness models can make you an extra happy camper – literally. You just have to decide which is more important. If it’s space and power, look at the Outback. If it’s mileage and capability without all the room, look to the Crosstrek. If you’re looking for a happy medium, the Forester is probably for you.
