2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Review

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2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Review

Posted on April 26, 2021

 

The Subaru lineup spans the whole range from compact economy hatches to high-end track demons. The trail-friendly niche is already nicely covered by the Subaru Outback, but now off-road enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate with the announcement of the Subaru Outback Wilderness concept, described as the company's most rugged and capable vehicle yet.

 

Does the model live up to this billing? Read our 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness review to find out.

 

First Impressions

 

The Outback is already a rugged and spacious vehicle that leans toward the wagon end of the SUV spectrum, but the Wilderness ups the ante with an expanded front grille, reworked front and rear bumpers with extra heft, and a wide variety of standard and optional skid plates. From first impressions onward, it's clear that this new model has the chops to handle whatever treacherous terrain you push it across.

 

Under the Hood

 

The Wilderness is powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo Boxer engine making 260 horsepower and 277lb-ft of torque. As you'd expect, the Wilderness boasts the standard Subaru full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive, but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been tweaked to give ratios more suited to off-road challenges than highway cruising.

 

What's more, the Wilderness also includes an enhanced X-Mode system that dynamically alters torque distribution, throttle response, and more to make the most of the available power in any conditions. Combine this with the selectable drive modes and the paddle-shifted transmission ratio control, and the Wilderness is both smoothly versatile and pleasingly hands-on to drive.

 

Off-Road Enhancements

 

In keeping with the off-road focus of the Wilderness, the model is fitted with several enhancements compared to the highway-oriented versions. A 20mm suspension lift takes the ground clearance up to 24cm, while the wheels are reduced by 2.5cm in size to accommodate hefty Yokohama Geolandar tires for greater all-terrain traction.

 

The approach angle is increased from 18.6 to 20.0 degrees, with the departure angle likewise pushed from 21.7 to 23.6 degrees. Lastly, the body width has been increased by 40mm to enhance stability.

 

All these tweaks mean the Wilderness is capable of climbing a 40 percent grade, making short work of even the toughest of trails.

 

Experience the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness

 

Ready for more? Be first in line to experience the Outback Wilderness by booking a test drive from our Edmonton dealership. With its combination of off-road prowess and highway-friendly comfort, the Wilderness is set to revolutionize off-roading for everyday drivers.