A 2024 Subaru Outback midsize SUV/station wagon model in a desert with its body caked in dirt, dust, and grime

2 Subaru Outback Trims Cost More Than the Wilderness Edition

The Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition is a popular choice for many reasons. What do the more expensive trims get you though?

by Sam Hines

Published on July 5, 2023 11:16 am

3 min read

What makes the Subaru Outback Wilderness trim so popular?

The Subaru Outback Wilderness was introduced for the 2022 model year and like other high-level trims, it is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that releases 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. But the Wilderness was designed to give drivers more off-road flexibility than the other eight Outback trims and does so with a few specific alterations.

The chassis is 9.5 inches off the ground (all other trims have 8.7 inches of ground clearance) to make heavy snow or gravel less of an obstacle. A front skid plate and front and back bumpers provide better approach and departure angles.

The Wilderness Edition also has off-road wheels, all-terrain tires, and re-tuned gear ratios to improve low-speed climbing. Other notable Wilderness features are reinforced roof rails that can support a rooftop tent and matte-black hood detailing to reduce glare. You can go to Subaru’s website to read the full specs and features of the Wilderness and other trims.

Pricing for the Wilderness begins at $38,445, making it the third-most expensive trim Subaru currently offers for the Outback.

The Limited XT and Touring XT add a few features for a higher price

The two trims that cost more than the Wilderness are the Limited XT and the Touring XT. Both models aren’t built for off-road experiences in the same way that the Wilderness is, but they are still impressive vehicles.

The Limited XT has 18-inch wheels (one inch bigger than you’ll find on the Wilderness), keyless entry with push-button start and PIN code access, a hands-free power liftgate, and automatic power windows. It also includes driver-assisting technology such as a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and automatic emergency steering.

The interior features a 12-way power driver’s seat with an extendable thigh cushion for lower leg support and memory settings for the seat and mirrors. The seats are covered with perforated leather upholstery, and the rear seats and steering wheel are both heated. Other details include a power moonroof and an 8-way power passenger seat.

The Limited XT is priced at $39,695.

The Touring XT includes all of the same equipment as the Limited XT, but also includes a front camera monitor, a digital rearview camera mirror, automatic power-folding exterior mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, Black or Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, and boasts the same powerful turbocharged engine as the Limited XT and the Wilderness. The trim is the most expensive version of the Outback, starting at $42,295.

Two other Subaru models have a Wilderness edition as well

A Wilderness trim is also available for the 2023 Subaru Forester. The second-highest of six trim levels, the Forester Wilderness has the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque as the other models, but doubles the towing capacity of other models (3,000 pounds) and has a higher ground clearance (9.2 inches compared to 8.7) than them as well.

The SUV does lose some fuel economy as a result, but it is still a reasonable option for buyers to consider. Pricing starts at about $34,000.

Subaru debuted the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness trim during the 2023 Chicago Auto Show. It has the same engine specs as the Forester, offers 9.3 inches of ground clearance, and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Its Yokohama GEOLANDAR tires are designed to maximize performance on tougher terrain. The Crosstrek Wilderness also comes with dual-function X-Mode, a system that allows the SUV to adapt and gain traction in difficult environments.

The SUV costs about $31,995 and will be released in the fall.