What is the ride height of the Subaru Outback?
The ride height, or ground clearance, is the distance between the lowest point of the vehicle and the road surface. For the Subaru Outback, most trims sit at about 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the off-road–focused Wilderness variant raises that height to about 9.5 inches. This article outlines the current figures and what they mean for on-road and off-road performance.
Understanding ride height and why it matters
Ground clearance affects how well a vehicle can clear obstacles, tackle rough terrain, and protect the underbody from scrapes. It also influences approach and departure angles, ramp travel, and suspension travel. In the Outback lineup, a higher ride height generally means better off-road capability, while a lower height can offer improved on-road stability and handling.
Ride height by trim
Below are the key ride-height figures for the main Outback trims. The figures reflect the latest available model-year specifications and can vary slightly by market due to tires or optional equipment.
- Standard Subaru Outback (base and most trims): 8.7 inches (22 cm).
- Outback Wilderness (off-road variant): 9.5 inches (24 cm).
In practice, the vast majority of Outback models share the standard 8.7-inch clearance, with the Wilderness offering a notable increase to handle rougher terrain and steeper approach angles.
Other notes on ride height and setup
Ride height is designed to be fixed for a given trim, though tire choice and wheel size can have minor effects on the measured clearance. Subaru does not offer an adjustable ride-height system on the Outback as part of its mainstream configurations; the Wilderness trim achieves its higher clearance through a combination of suspension tuning, skid plates, and larger-diameter tires.
Additional context: how height translates to capability
Higher clearance generally improves off-road capability by reducing the risk of underbody contact on rocks, logs, or uneven trails. However, it can slightly raise the vehicle’s center of gravity, which may affect on-road handling and ramp angles. For many buyers, the 8.7-inch baseline provides a balanced mix of everyday practicality and light off-road readiness, while the 9.5-inch Wilderness setup is aimed at enthusiasts who expect to encounter rougher terrain more frequently.
Summary
The Subaru Outback typically offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the notable exception of the Wilderness trim, which raises clearance to about 9.5 inches. For most buyers, this means standard models are well-suited for routine driving and light exploration, while the Wilderness is better equipped for tougher off-road conditions. As always, exact figures can vary slightly by market, tire choice, and model year, so checking the latest specs from Subaru for your specific vehicle is recommended.
Are Subaru outbacks low to the ground?
Our Outback Wilderness, Forester Wilderness, and Crosstrek Wilderness all boast a ground clearance of at least 9 inches and come standard with all-terrain tires to handle the rockiest, most challenging landscapes.
Which has more ground clearance, RAV4 or Outback?
Exterior. The rugged off-road design of the 2023 Outback isn't just for show. This SUV lets you set your inner adventure-seeker free . Choose the Outback Wilderness and get up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, which is more than the RAV4's 8.6 inches of ground clearance.
Which Subaru is higher off the ground?
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 ride height of a Subaru Outback?
66.1 inches
The rest of the 2022 Subaru Outback exterior dimensions are as follows: Width: 73 inches. Height: 66.1 inches (with roof rails)
