Subaru is set to unveil a new Wilderness variant at the New York Auto Show on April 5th, and the automaker has dropped a new image of the upcoming model, featuring a black plastic bumper with “SUBARU” debossing and contrasting yellow accents. Although it is not clear which model is being shown, it is expected to be a rugged Crosstrek Wilderness, offering a “new level of untamed Subaru capability” with off-road upgrades, trail-climbing power, and adventure-ready technology.

Outback Wilderness: Rugged and Adventure-Ready

The Outback Wilderness has a rugged body kit, all-terrain tires, and an off-road focused suspension that gives the wagon nearly an inch (25 mm) of additional ground clearance. A possible Crosstrek Wilderness could have a 2.5-liter Boxer engine developing 182 hp (136 kW / 185 PS) and 178 lb-ft (241 Nm) of torque, connected to a continuously variable transmission and a symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: A New Addition to the Wilderness Family

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is a new addition to the Subaru Wilderness family, boasting the most ground clearance of any Wilderness model yet. The Crosstrek Wilderness has a bigger engine than the Sport and Limited trim grades, Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires with raised white letters, and a lifted suspension with longer springs and longer dampers. Additionally, it features 4.1:1 gears in the front and rear differential for slow crawling and steep slopes, a stronger new rear differential, a new CVT cooler, and a larger radiator and radiator fan.

Comparing the Wilderness to Other Off-Road Vehicles

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek is a midsize SUV designed for families interested in off-road adventures. It features 18-inch all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension, and a beefy roof rack. The Rock Creek stands 2.8 inches taller than other Pathfinders and has a tow-hitch receiver and LED fog lights. The interior has “Rock Creek” embroidery on the front seats and a 360-degree view camera system. The Rock Creek comes standard with all-wheel-drive and has more horsepower and torque than any other Pathfinder.

Subaru Outback Wilderness: Versatile and Capable

In a review of the Subaru Outback Wilderness, the vehicle is described as versatile and capable of handling unexpected situations. The author borrowed the Outback Wilderness for a family vacation to the Oregon coast and found the vehicle’s cargo area to be spacious and easy to load, with intuitive latches and wide rear doors and hatch. The author compares the Outback Wilderness to the Toyota Tacoma, noting that the Subaru’s wide doors allow for easier loading of large items. The Wilderness is described as fit for weekend adventures and capable of carrying ski bags, golf clubs, and even plywood. However, the article mentions some annoyances with the infotainment system, particularly the HVAC controls.