2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Ready for Adventure

Nov 24

Nov 24 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Ready for Adventure

New Wilderness sub-brand seems like an obvious move for Subaru’s all-wheel drive family haulers.

A brand built on all-wheel drive utility, Subaru is leaning on that image and expanding it with the introduction of the Wilderness trim, a more off-road and trail-ready package, and the 2022 Outback is the first to receive the Wilderness treatment.

The hardware changes will immediately resonate with Subaru fans who like to tinker on their rides before hitting the trails. A 20-mm (0.8”) suspension lift is paired to 17-inch Wilderness-specific wheels that are shod in 225/65R17 Yokohama all-terrain tires, which gives the Outback 9.5-inches of ground clearance. Though, if that’s not enough, an engine skidplate should protect against busted oil pans and revised bumpers improve approach and departure angles through the steep stuff.

Subaru Outback Wilderness review — 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness DriveBreakFixRepeat.com review Jake Stumph

On the dusty trails outside of Los Angeles, the Outback Wilderness proved to be a capable trail-runner. Comfortable and unperturbed thanks to the retuned shock absorbers, the Subaru plowed through ruts and uneven terrain with aplomb. And when there was any wheel slip from the chunky all-terrains the ABS and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) systems, which can be adjusted via the X-Mode drive selector, stepped in quickly, grabbing individual wheels as needed to optimize traction.

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It may not have locking diffs like some off-road-inspired pick-ups, but for how the Wilderness will mostly be used — roaming between trails — it will absolutely be the king of the campground. If the toughened up exterior and increased off-road ability prove as much, then its last party trick will.

While the Outback is massive inside — six-footers will be stretching out in the climate-controlled and heated back seat, and the trunk is cavernous — it has all the open-air space in the world with the addition of the Wilderness roof rail system, which can support up to 700 pounds, which is perfect for a roof-top tent setup. Late night stargazers that line the roads at Joshua Tree will be envious.

The off-road utility does little to hamper Outback’s on-road charms. Comfortable and quiet, it’s perfectly suited for tackling Los Angeles’ crumbing infrastructure. It’s also quick, much more so than the off-road-ready exterior suggests.

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A 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four kicks out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which comes in at just 2,000 rpm. The ‘high-torque’ Lineartronic CVT does an adequate job of modulating the Subi’s immense grunt, though things occasionally get lost in translation between the accelerator, the transmission and the engine, resulting in slingshot-like acceleration once all three components start talking the same language.

Subaru Outback Wilderness Turbo Engine — 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness DriveBreakFixRepeat.com review Jake Stumph

Additionally, and unsurprisingly, the Outback Wilderness’ higher ride, chunkier tires and slightly more aggressive transmission final drive do knock a few mpgs off the trip computer compared to a regular Outback XT. Still, EPA fuel economy figures of 22 city, 26 freeway and 24 combined are commendable given the factors at play.

Subaru has priced the Outback Wilderness from $38,120, and this test vehicle has the optional moonroof, reverse automatic braking safety system and the enormous 11.6” Starlink infotainment setup for an extra $1,845. ringing in at $39,965 all-in, the Outback Wilderness manages to be both charming, and sensible, which is less common than one would think, making it an easy recommendation for the outdoorsy and adventurous amongst us.