Subaru claims it is the most rugged Outback.
Regular Subaru Outback is quite tough. It has excellent ground clearance and an optional turbocharged engine. The wagon also features smart off-road technology called X-Mode, which allows it to easily navigate rough terrain. There’s always room to improve, as is with everything. That’s why the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition is here.
The Wilderness Edition is designed to be the “most powerful Outback ever,” and includes a variety of unique off-road features you won’t find anywhere else in the range. Subaru claims that the suspension is stronger than ever, but the company did not specify how. The dual-function X-Mode of the Onyx XT model, which offers Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud options, also carries over.
The Wilderness Edition is also higher than the standard Outback. It has 9.5 inches of ground clearance, compared to the base model’s 8.7. The Outback’s approach angle is now 20.0 degrees. Breakover angle is 21.2 degrees. And departure angle is 23.6 degrees.
Outback Wilderness Edition |
Outback |
|
Ride Height |
9.5 Inches | 8.7 Inches |
Approach Angle |
20.0 Degrees | 18.6 Degrees |
Breakover Angle |
21.1 Degrees | 19.4 Degrees |
Departure angle |
23.6 Degrees | 21.7 Degrees |
You may have noticed that this Outback version also features a redesigned exterior. It includes new front and rear bumpers to improve clearance, a standard front skidplate, Yokohama Geolandar all terrain tires wrapped around 17-inch wheels and Wilderness badges inside and outside. The Outback Wilderness Edition also gets a special trim-exclusive Geyser Blue inspired by the brand’s rally heritage.
The Wilderness Edition’s interior is distinctive, featuring StarTex faux leather seats in black and unique copper-colored contrast stitching. Unique Anodized Copper accents are used on the steering wheel, gear shifter and door panels. The base model also features the 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen as well as Subaru EyeSight active safety technology.
The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, also found in the Onyx Limited XT and Limited XT trims, is unchanged for those who are looking for a more powerful powertrain. The unit produces 260 horsepower (194 Kilowatts) as well as 277 pound-feet (376 Newton-meters) under the control of a continuously variable transmission. Subaru claims it has increased the CVT’s final drive ratio from 4.11 to 4.44 to give the Wilderness Edition more torque at the wheels. This gives it enough power to climb 40 percent of a gravel road surface.
What will all of these upgrades cost? Good question. Subaru has not yet listed the price of the Outback Wilderness Edition, but it says it will soon. The Wilderness Edition should be priced at around $40,000.