Eric's Autos: 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness
There are two versions of the Wilderness edition of two Subaru models -- the Forester and the Outback.
Each are similar in that they both come standard with additional features that make them more capable of operating in rough conditions, both on- and off-road, than the other versions of these models. These upgrades include a raised suspension and more ground clearance as well as water-wicking interior materials, skid plates and a higher maximum tow-rating (3,500 pounds).
But there are a number of important distinctions that make each of them very different things, too.
What It Is
The Outback is a midsize wagon with more ground clearance (8.7 inches) than most cars have -- and more room for stuff than most cars have.
The Wilderness version of the Outback wagon comes with the most clearance -- 9.5 inches -- as well as a different version of Subaru's all-wheel-drive system that features a low-ratio crawl mode for additional leverage in rough conditions, an upgraded roof rack that can handle heavier loads and unique-to-this-trim exterior and interior trim.
The Wilderness version of the Forester is almost identically equipped but is very different in that it isn't a wagon and doesn't offer the much stronger turbocharged version of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that comes standard in the Wilderness version of the Outback.
No surprise the Outback costs more, too -- $37,695 versus $33,520 for the similar thing in a crossover-shaped package.
You pay more -- or less -- to get more (or less).
What's New
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