Which Subaru Wilderness Model is Best? I Explain
I've been asked, "Which Wilderness model is the best?" Too many times to count, and it's a complicated question to answer. Instead of shrugging and saying, "It depends," I'll break down the subtle differences between each one to help you make a more informed decision before you head to your local dealership and the commission-chasing Subaru salesmen start circling like sharks.
Right now, there are only three Subaru Wilderness models available: the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback. Each one is equipped with Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires, glossy black model-exclusive wheels, bronze accenting, rugged exterior cladding, and a matte black glare-diffusing patch on the hood. Each one comes with Subaru's award-winning tri-camera EyeSight setup, making them just as safe as the standard models.
Subaru reinforced the roofs on all three models to carry an additional 70 pounds, and raised roof rails make it easier to install those Yakima or Thule crossbars you've got in your garage and get yourself a nice rooftop tent, cargo box, bike rack, or basket. The optional OEM ladder-style crossbars are a great option too, over the fold-away bars that can be added onto the standard models. That beautiful Geyser Blue exterior color is trim-specific, too. And it looks smashing when it's decorated with mud.
On the inside, more bronze complements the otherwise black interior. All three Subies come with all-weather cargo and floor mats, and Subaru's StarTex waterproof (but still very comfortable) seating in the front and rear. Of course, it wouldn't be a fancy trim level if it didn't have "Wilderness" badging throughout. They're all ready to hit the trails with preinstalled mudflaps and underbody protection for the oil pan and gas tank, too. Subaru says the dual-function X-MODE is more effective in the Wilderness, thanks to an updated CVT for all three models.
Then there's the biggest change: the factory lift. The Outback boasts the most lift of the trio, going from 8.6" to 9.5". Which, if you're a nerd about ground clearance like I am, is only 0.2" lower than the stock height of a Jeep Wrangler. The Crosstrek comes in second with an upgrade to 9.3", and then the Forester has the mildest increase to 9.2". This means you can buy a Wilderness model and show up to an Off-Road Subaru meet within the same hour. That's why Subaru developed the Wilderness models, to give those who frequent the roads less traveled without having to modify them.
The Outback was the brand's most luxurious one of the lot. It was one of the first to come with a CVT, and had leather seats, a large sunroof, and an upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system, even in the early 2000s. So, it's shocking to literally no one that the Outback is the largest, roomiest, and most comfortable Wilderness. It comes with all the add-ons that come exclusively with the Wilderness trim, but having the taller lift, additional cargo space thanks to a longer wheelbase, and the reinforced roof make the Outback the best choice for families, though even single drivers can still enjoy the Outback. The waterproof seating and all-weather mats make it ideal for dog owners and campers.
Plus, it's the only Wilderness model that comes with a turbocharger. Under the hood is Subaru's newest 2.4-liter turbo Boxer four, which makes 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It has the highest towing rating of the trio, too, at 3,500 lbs-though I don't know that I'd trust a CVT mated to a four-cylinder engine with that much weight. Especially since the brakes haven't been upgraded from the standard model, but take that as you may. The Wilderness, XT, Touring XT, and Onyx editions are the only versions of the Outback that have the added turbo boost. Off-road, that additional power most certainly comes in handy. Trust me.
With all those extra ponies and cubic inches of space comes a steeper price tag, though. Though the price range of $37,648 to $47,070 MSRP is actually quite a bargain for what you get, especially when you compare it to the SUVs it competes against, like the Honda Passport TrailSport, Mazda CX-50 Meridian, or the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, which all have a higher base MSRP over the Outback.
When it came to loading my two toddlers in the car, I found the Outback to be easy because of the wide entry point, visible and accessible lower anchors and upper tether points on the back of the seat, but the lower roof line made it slightly annoying to load and unload them. However, once my oldest discovered she could easily climb in and out of it, I only had to worry about bending over to grab my youngest. The trunk was the easiest to get things in and out of, too, and it fit their double stroller, diaper bag, and a Costco haul without breaking a sweat
The Forester is the second roomiest, with cargo space figures just slightly lower than the Outback. A shorter wheelbase is to thank for that, but passenger comfort isn't compromised with the loss of inches. While it seems disappointing, the benefit of the Forester over the Outback is the higher roof line. You can stack more vertically, making that dorm room move or camping trip a little easier to pack for. I also appreciated the higher roof line when it came to loading and unloading my toddlers, since I didn't have to bend over as low. My oldest loved the sunroof (which is standard on the Forester, while it's optional on the Outback) and taller windows, too.
Sadly, the Forester Wilderness does not come with a turbo, even as an option. Yes, I'm still mourning the death of the Forester XT, and while the Forester would greatly benefit from a turbocharger, Subaru won't budge. Americans don't get the 2.4-liter. Instead, the Forester comes with a 2.5-liter (sadly) naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It's no race car, but the improved CVT definitely helps put some pep in its step. Not having a turbo helps keep the mileage numbers fairly high, though, with averages of 25 in the city and 28 on the highway compared to the Outback's averages of 21 and 26 mpg. So, if you're more concerned about mileage than you are about cargo space, the Forester might be the one for you.
In my opinion, the shorter wheelbase made it easier to park in a garage and felt a lot more nimble off-road, thanks to better approach and departure angles. The cargo space was plenty for my toddler's needs and my own, though I imagine it would be a little tight for a larger family and all their luggage. But that's when you employ those reinforced roof rails and get a cargo box or basket.
Like its larger and more stout sibling, it's fairly priced. You get all that and a bag of chips at a price range of $34,995 to $38,877, depending on how many add-ons you opt for.
Looks are very deceiving when it comes to the Crosstrek Wilderness, and after putting my kids in one, I understand why they're becoming a common sight in my home of Bend, Oregon. The Crosstrek has the smallest lift of the three, but it's still a feisty little thing. The Crosstrek Wilderness doesn't come with a sunroof, but the interior felt plenty open with large windows. I felt that the corners of the roof were easy to see out of the windshield, and despite a lift and knobby tires, it rode and handled a lot better than I assumed it would.
My toddlers were definitely a lot more cramped in the Crosstrek compared to the Forester or the Outback, though, so I wouldn't recommend the Crosstrek for families like I would the other two. However, if you're looking for something capable, reliable, remarkably efficient, and you're on a budget, the Crosstrek is a very respectable choice. It comes with the same engine as the Forester, but since it's the smallest, it feels a lot more poised on and off-road. It has the shortest wheelbase and the best approach and departure angle of the Wilderness models, too.
What I found strange was the trunk design. The trunk itself isn't small, but the entry into it is very narrow, which made loading everyday things more difficult and ate up valuable space. Otherwise, the rear seats were still plenty cozy, but felt very closed from a lack of sunroof and smaller windows compared to the Forester or Outback. I'm a very outdoorsy person, and if I didn't have kids in car seats that require a lot of items, the Crosstrek would be perfect for single drivers or couples without kids.
Unlike the Forester and the Outback, the Wilderness is the top-shelf trim of the Crosstrek. Even then, the Crosstrek Wilderness has a more-than-fair base price of $32,195 and a max price of $33,360 with all the add-ons, which is remarkable for what you get.
Deciding which one is best is like trying to pick the best dessert option. Each one is delicious, and you truly can't go wrong with either one, but each one has a unique strength that may make it a better buy for you and your lifestyle. The Outback has two: power and space. The turbocharger adds a lot of value to it because it not only makes it more capable off-road but also adds a lot of character. There's nothing worse than having to pass a truck or SUV towing a trailer and putting the pedal to the metal only to hear the engine roaring, but the car doesn't move. You wouldn't have to worry about that with the Outback. The cargo space is unmatched, and it does have the highest towing rating. So if you're on the hunt for a very capable off-roader right off the lot, the Outback is worth the extra dough. Especially for families or couples who take camping and softroading very seriously. I'd buy the Outback Wilderness to accommodate my family and outdoorsy lifestyle in a heartbeat.
The Forester is another excellent choice for families, as it has similar cargo space numbers to the Outback, but it's easier to park in a garage and easier to load things in and out of (there's a reason why grannies love them so much!). It doesn't have the punch of the turbocharger, but it does earn better mileage than the Outback. It's also incredibly fairly priced and comes with a large panoramic sunroof as standard equipment, which my toddlers absolutely adored, as it opened up the backseats and eased car sickness. I have a 2011 Forester, and the newest generation still carries what made the Forester so successful in the first place. It's just a little bigger and a lot safer. If not for families, this is great for couples with dogs, too.
The little Crosstrek has a lot of personality, and that's why I recommended one to my best friend. She bought one and loves it, due to its amazingly high average mileage rates, plentiful space for a single person, unmatched off-road capabilities, and safety ratings. It's also the most affordable of the three, even at the fancier Limited Wilderness level, making it ideal for families on a budget (though the cargo space was an issue for me, but it will work with a cargo basket or box), single campers, or families without children. If I didn't have children, this would be the Subaru Wilderness I'd buy. The 2.5-liter engine is a happy medium for the Crosstrek, so it's not shocking that it gets the best mileage of the trio.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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