What is the difference between Subaru Outback Wilderness and regular Outback?
The Subaru Outback has long been a favorite among adventure enthusiasts and families alike, offering a blend of rugged capability and everyday practicality. However, with the introduction of the Subaru Outback Wilderness, Subaru has taken its off-road prowess to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the regular Outback to help you decide which one is right for your needs.
Enhanced Off-Road Capability
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is specifically designed for off-road enthusiasts who want to tackle more challenging terrain. Here’s how it differs from the regular Outback in terms of off-road capability:
- Increased Ground Clearance: The Wilderness model boasts 9.5 inches of ground clearance, compared to the regular Outback’s 8.7 inches. This extra height allows for better navigation over rocks, ruts, and uneven surfaces.
- All-Terrain Tires: The Wilderness comes equipped with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, providing superior grip on dirt, mud, and snow.
- Upgraded Suspension: The Wilderness features a revised suspension system for improved off-road performance and durability.
- Skid Plates: Additional underbody protection is included to shield critical components like the engine and transmission from damage during off-road adventures.
These enhancements make the Wilderness a better choice for those who frequently venture off the beaten path.
Unique Design Features
The Subaru Outback Wilderness also stands out with its distinctive design elements that emphasize its rugged nature. Here are some of the key differences:
- Exterior Styling: The Wilderness features unique matte-black cladding, a more aggressive front bumper, and a bold hexagonal grille. Copper accents and Wilderness badging further set it apart.
- Roof Rails: The roof rails on the Wilderness are reinforced and can support up to 700 pounds when parked, making them ideal for rooftop tents.
- Interior Details: Inside, the Wilderness offers water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and copper stitching to match the exterior accents.
These design upgrades not only enhance the Wilderness’s functionality but also give it a more adventurous aesthetic.
Performance and Powertrain
While both the Wilderness and the regular Outback share the same engine options, the Wilderness is tuned for better off-road performance:
- Engine Options: Both models offer a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. However, the Wilderness’s turbocharged engine is calibrated to handle rugged conditions more effectively.
- Transmission: The Wilderness features a revised continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a lower gear ratio for improved low-speed crawling.
- X-Mode Enhancements: The Wilderness includes an upgraded dual-function X-Mode system with settings for deep snow, mud, and other challenging terrains.
These performance tweaks make the Wilderness better suited for off-road adventures, while the regular Outback remains a more balanced option for daily driving and light off-road use.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the regular Outback ultimately depends on your lifestyle and driving needs:
- Choose the Wilderness: If you’re an avid camper, hiker, or off-road enthusiast who frequently explores rugged trails, the Wilderness is the better option.
- Choose the Regular Outback: If you’re looking for a versatile vehicle for commuting, family trips, and occasional outdoor adventures, the regular Outback offers a more comfortable ride and better fuel efficiency.
Both models are excellent choices, but the Wilderness is purpose-built for those who demand more from their vehicle in off-road environments.
At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help you maintain your Subaru, whether it’s a Wilderness or a regular Outback. Contact us today for expert advice and service to keep your vehicle running smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Outback Wilderness sit higher?
The Subaru Outback Wilderness has special suspension that gives it 9.5 inches of ground clearance, placing it higher than the rest of the Outback lineup and higher than most crossover SUVs could dream of riding.
What makes the Outback Wilderness different?
The Outback Wilderness is optimized for off-road performance with its increased ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive with X-Mode. The suspension is tuned to provide more wheel articulation over uneven ground.
Is Subaru discontinuing the Outback?
Subaru won't discontinue the Outback in America. It's Subaru of America's top-selling model and will be completely remodeled in 2026. In the U.S., customers will get the all-new, next-generation Outback midsize SUV next year.
What is the difference between the 2024 Outback and the Wilderness?
While the styles of the 2024 Subaru Outback and 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness are similar, the Outback trims offer more of a sleek style while the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness has more sporty flair. Both models feature 17-inch wheels, LED steering responsive headlights and a hands-free power rear gate.
What color is exclusive to Outback Wilderness?
Geyser Blue
Note that some colors are only available for specific trims. For example, Geyser Blue is only available in Outback Wilderness.
What kind of gas does the 2024 Outback Wilderness take?
regular 87-octane fuel
For the majority of Subaru models, such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent, regular 87-octane fuel is perfectly adequate. These vehicles are designed to run efficiently on regular fuel, providing a good balance of performance, fuel economy, and cost savings.
What is the biggest issue with a Subaru Outback?
Transmission issues are the most common problem in Subarus, but defective airbags, faulty fuel pumps, weak windshields, and electrical issues are also known to happen. Subarus generally receive high reliability ratings, according to RepairPal. Transmission issues are the most common problem in Subarus.
What is special about Subaru Wilderness?
Subaru's Wilderness Edition lineup includes special all-terrain upgrades, like nine or more inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, updated gear ratios, a new bumper style, water-resistant upholstery, and roof rails to store additional cargo.
What is the average lifespan of a Subaru Outback?
200,000 to 300,000 miles
So, how long do Subaru Outbacks last? With regular maintenance and responsible driving, Subaru Outbacks typically last 200,000 to 300,000 miles.
What are the weaknesses of a Subaru Outback?
Some top Subaru Outback problems include weak windshields, poor cooling systems, oxygen sensor failure, excessive oil consumption due to oil leaks, and faulty airbags.
