What is the best Subaru for gravel roads?

The Subaru Outback Wilderness stands out as the best overall choice for gravel roads, thanks to higher ground clearance, rugged tires, and advanced AWD with off-road modes. Other strong options include the Forester Wilderness and the Crosstrek, with the standard Outback or Crosstrek trims able to perform well on light to moderate gravel when equipped with appropriate tires.

Why gravel-road capability matters in a Subaru

Gravel roads demand traction on loose surfaces, protection from rocks and debris, and enough ground clearance to avoid scuffing the underbody. All-wheel drive helps manage slip, while dedicated off-road driving modes and protective gear can improve grip and durability. Tire choice, suspension tuning, and underbody protection often determine how well a vehicle handles long stretches of rough gravel.

Top Subarus for gravel roads

Below is a look at the Subaru lineup that best handles gravel roads, focusing on models with higher ground clearance, rugged standard features, and off-road traction tech. The list highlights capability and how each model tends to perform on loose, rocky surfaces.

• Subaru Outback Wilderness — The most capable Subaru for rough surfaces, with elevated ground clearance and rugged engineering, including standard AWD with X-Mode and built-in underbody protection. Its turbocharged engine provides strong torque for negotiating loose gravel and steep grades.


• Subaru Forester Wilderness — A compact option that gains higher ground clearance and protective features, along with X-Mode and confident AWD for mixed-terrain driving. It’s a practical choice if you want a tall, comfortable daily driver with gravel-capable hardware.


• Subaru Crosstrek — The smaller, lighter Subaru that offers standard AWD and X-Mode across many trims. With about 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it’s best for lighter gravel, tighter trails, and urban-to-rural transitions when paired with suitable all-terrain tires.


• Other practical options — The regular Outback and Forester trims remain solid all-around choices for gravel with aftermarket or factory all-terrain tires, plus good driver assist features. For groups or longer trips, the larger Ascent can handle gravel roads with capacity and AWD, though it’s heavier and less nimble than the Crosstrek or Forester.

In practice, the Outback Wilderness delivers the strongest gravel-road capability thanks to its combination of ground clearance, off-road-tuned chassis, and rugged features. The Forester Wilderness and Crosstrek provide compelling alternatives for different needs—more interior space or better maneuverability, respectively—while still offering AWD and traction aids.

How to compare models for gravel use

When evaluating Subarus for gravel roads, consider these factors to tailor the choice to your needs:

• Ground clearance: Higher clearance reduces the risk of scraping on uneven gravel and steep inclines.


• AWD and traction tech: Look for standard or available X-Mode, hill descent control, and well-suited torque distribution.


• Tire setup: All-terrain or gravel-specific tires significantly improve grip on loose surfaces.


• Protection: Skid plates and reinforced underbody protection help prevent damage from rocks.


• Load and size: For long gravel trips with gear, a larger SUV like the Outback or Ascent provides more space and stability.

For drivers who regularly encounter rough gravel, starting with a Wilderness model (Outback or Forester) and adding properly rated all-terrain tires is a practical path. If you mostly encounter light gravel or prefer a smaller, more agile vehicle, the Crosstrek with capable tires can handle it well.

How to optimize any Subaru for gravel roads

Regardless of model, you can maximize gravel-road performance with targeted upgrades and driving practices. The following list outlines practical steps to improve grip, protection, and confidence on loose surfaces.

• Equip all-terrain tires or gravel-focused tires appropriate for your model and climate.


• Install skid plates or ensure existing underbody protection covers critical components.


• Maintain appropriate tire pressure for gravel—often slightly lower than highway pressures to improve grip, while avoiding pinch flats.


• Consider a temporary or permanent roof rack or gear setup that doesn’t compromise downforce or clearance.


• Use X-Mode (or equivalent traction modes) on loose surfaces to optimize throttle mapping and traction control.


• Carry recovery and safety gear (tow strap, flashlight, first-aid kit) and know your route’s terrain and weather conditions.

With the right tires, protection, and drivetrain settings, any Subaru equipped for off-road use can handle gravel roads more confidently and safely.

Summary

For gravel-road enthusiasts, the Subaru Outback Wilderness is the top pick, thanks to higher ground clearance, off-road-tuned suspension, and robust AWD with X-Mode. The Forester Wilderness and Crosstrek offer excellent alternatives for different needs—space, maneuverability, or budget—especially when paired with proper all-terrain tires. Regardless of model, upgrading tires and adding underbody protection, along with careful driving on loose surfaces, will maximize performance on gravel roads. As always, choose the trim and accessories that match your typical terrain and cargo requirements, and test drive to confirm comfort and capability on your usual gravel routes.

What is the best Subaru for 4WD?

The top Subaru models for off-road adventures include the Subaru Outback Wilderness, Forester Wilderness, and Crosstrek Wilderness, which lead the pack with enhanced ground clearance, X-MODE traction systems, and rugged durability.

Which Subaru has the best ground clearance?

The Subaru with the highest ground clearance is the Outback Wilderness, with 9.5 inches. This is significantly higher than other models like the standard Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent, which have 8.7 inches of clearance. The Outback Wilderness is designed for off-road performance with features like all-terrain tires and enhanced suspension.
 

• Outback Wilderness: 9.5 inches
• Crosstrek Wilderness: 9.3 inches
• Forester Wilderness: 9.2 inches
• Standard models (Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, Ascent): 8.7 inches

What is the best Subaru for rough terrain?

The Subaru Outback offers a variety of features that make it a great off-roading option. X-MODE®, a system that provides enhanced traction and stability beyond Symmetrical AWD, comes standard on all trims and features Hill Descent Control to allow you to easily and safely travel steep slopes.

What is the best vehicle for gravel roads?

The best vehicles for gravel roads are typically those with four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), high ground clearance, and a durable suspension, such as the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, and Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback is a great all-around crossover, while the 4Runner and Wrangler are more dedicated off-road options. Other strong choices include the Ford Bronco and various pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. 
This video discusses the best vehicles for off-roading, including the Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Outback: 58sCarGurusYouTube · Sep 17, 2025
SUV

• Toyota 4Runner: Known for being reliable and having good ground clearance, making it a solid choice for both gravel and other off-road adventures. 
• Jeep Wrangler: A classic and highly capable off-road vehicle that is well-suited for rough terrain. 
• Ford Bronco: A modern vehicle that combines rugged capability with a comfortable ride, ideal for handling diverse driving conditions. 
• Subaru Outback: Often cited as one of the best crossovers for gravel roads due to its standard AWD, high ground clearance, and good suspension. 

You can watch this video to see a comparison of some of the best off-road SUVs: 59sCarExpertYouTube · Aug 8, 2025
Truck

• Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: An excellent off-road focused pickup truck option. 
• Ford F-150: A versatile truck that can be equipped for handling rough roads. 
• Honda Ridgeline: A more comfortable and car-like truck option that can also handle unpaved roads. 

Key features to look for

• Four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD): Provides better traction and stability on loose surfaces. AWD is often sufficient for mild gravel roads, while 4WD offers more capability for more challenging terrain. 
• High ground clearance: Helps the vehicle avoid hitting obstacles on the road. 
• Durable suspension system: A robust suspension is crucial for absorbing impacts and providing a smoother ride over bumps and uneven surfaces.