2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness: The ULTIMATE SUV Replacement
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.
NEED TO KNOW
- The Wilderness variant rides taller than the standard Outback thanks to a lifted suspension.
- Writer argues it outperforms a full-size SUV for buyers who rarely need serious off-road capability.
- The vehicle was previously tested off-road at Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area.
- Despite rugged underpinnings, the ride quality remains comfortable for daily driving.
- Starts at $38,495 with the tested vehicle at $41,515.
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:
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2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness
PROS
- 9.5 inches of ground clearance puts it near the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro in off-road capability
- All-terrain tires with blacked-out wheels give it an assertive, purposeful appearance
- StarTex heated seats at all four outboard positions provide comfort for every passenger
- Generous cargo capacity — 32.6 cu ft behind rear seats and 75.6 cu ft with seats folded
- Comfortable ride on-road despite the rugged off-road suspension setup
CONS
- Fuel economy of 21/26/23 mpg is modest for a wagon, which the writer expected to do better