We have previously tested this more rugged Subaru Outback model in the red dirt of our favorite off-road park, Barnwell Mountain, but we wanted to take another look at what makes this 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness such a great SUV replacement.
First, is the ground clearance. At 9.5 inches of total clearance, it is just shy of the legendary Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. Taking a look at a Wilderness model next to an "ordinary" Outback makes this one look as though it is standing on its toes. Add in underbody protection, better off-road tires with blacked-out wheels, and a much more rugged appearance, and this Wilderness model fits in with the new craze of buying an off-road vehicle (even if you never plan to leave the pavement).
While we did test out its chops off-road in our previous video, this time we wanted to highlight just how livable this model is and how much more you would appreciate something like this versus a big, heavy, and thirsty SUV if your wheeling adventures are few and far between. The StarTex seats are very comfortable, soft, and heated at all 4 outboard positions. Rear seats recline for more comfort and fold flat for more cargo. Rear cargo space is ample at over 32 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and over 75 cubic feet with the rears folded flat.
Technology is updated inside with cameras for backing up or traversing off-road, USB-C charge ports, and a color touchscreen infotainment system.
The ride is very comfortable no matter the surface underneath you, and our time with this on-road had us convinced this would be the better buy versus a lumbering SUV if you plan on spending more time in shopping malls than in the wilderness. Venture off-road and the suspension does its best to soak up tough and treacherous terrain with ease.
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness Specs:
2.4-liter Turbocharged Subaru Boxer® 4-cylinder Engine
260 Horsepower
277 lb-ft of Torque
Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
X-MODE®
Hill Descent Control
Active Torque Vectoring
17-inch Aluminum-alloy Wheels with Matte Black Finish
225/65 R17 102T Yokohama Geolandar All-terrain Tires
Full-sized Spare Tire
Front Strut-type Suspension with Lower L-arm and Stabilizer Bar
Rear Double-wishbone Suspension with Stabilizer Bar
Black Cladding with Anodized Copper-finish Accents
Seating for 5
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
20 Degree Approach Angle
21.2 Degree Breakover Angle
23.6 Degree Departure Angle
9.5 Inches of Ground Clearance
32.6 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind the Second Row
75.6 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind the Front Row
11.6-inch STARLINK® Color Touchscreen Infotainment with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Proximity Key with Push Button Start
EPA Fuel Economy 21/26/23 (city/hwy/combined)
Starting MSRP $38,495 (Wilderness)
Price as tested: $41,515
If you are in the East Texas area and in the market for a new or pre-owned Subaru, check out our friends at Peltier Subaru: https://www.peltiersubaru.com