The Subaru Wilderness brand is like Jeep’s “Rubicon” or “Trailhawk” brand in that it’s meant to represent the most off-road capable version of a Subaru. “A Subaru that can take you farther, loaded with rugged features so you can take on your wildest adventures,” Subaru says about Wilderness. The brand’s latest offering is the 2024 […]
I would argue most buyers in the market for an off roader are far better served with a Subaru than a more dedicated off road rig. My current vehicle is a triple locked, solid front axle, lifted Land Cruiser on 33s with rock armor all around. I previously had a Subaru built with upsized all terrain tires and a 2” lift.
The Land Cruiser is undoubtedly more capable, but my Subaru went 90% of the places the LC80 goes, including severe/difficult trails that most Jeep people avoid for fear of body damage. The Subaru in the hands of a skilled driver is already far more capable than most people need, and is 10x more livable day to day than any body on frame SUV.
For someone that simply likes exploring easy/moderate trails with their daily driver, the Subaru is the ticket. This describes almost every 4x4 buyer. A more “serious” 4x4 only makes sense if it’s your second car or your primary hobby is rock crawling on difficult terrain.
I own a 21 outback XT Touring and have owned an STI in the past. I agree it’s far more livable than others. Wilderness is dumb. You lose some of the touring options for better roof rack (which should be an option, it’s bolt on), and a dumb 1" lift.
If Subaru is going to waste money on dumb trims give me an outback sport with the wrx CVT, lowered, and a decent set of tires.
Regardless of your ownership history, many Subaru buyers buy them over alternatives because of an actual desire for capability in snow and dirt roads. Come out to Colorado, you will see tons of Subarus at “high clearance 4x4 access” trailheads. Many of them have small lifts just like the wilderness trim.
A 1” lift is very useful if you actually go in the dirt. If you just want a crossover for the street there are far better options than the outback IMO.
give me an outback sport with the wrx CVT, lowered, and a decent set of tires
If you ask me, this sounds terrible. To each their own. We all like different things, and just because you don’t see the value in a lift doesn’t mean it’s not useful to others.
How do I know you’re not a Subaru guy?
I would argue most buyers in the market for an off roader are far better served with a Subaru than a more dedicated off road rig. My current vehicle is a triple locked, solid front axle, lifted Land Cruiser on 33s with rock armor all around. I previously had a Subaru built with upsized all terrain tires and a 2” lift.
The Land Cruiser is undoubtedly more capable, but my Subaru went 90% of the places the LC80 goes, including severe/difficult trails that most Jeep people avoid for fear of body damage. The Subaru in the hands of a skilled driver is already far more capable than most people need, and is 10x more livable day to day than any body on frame SUV.
For someone that simply likes exploring easy/moderate trails with their daily driver, the Subaru is the ticket. This describes almost every 4x4 buyer. A more “serious” 4x4 only makes sense if it’s your second car or your primary hobby is rock crawling on difficult terrain.
I own a 21 outback XT Touring and have owned an STI in the past. I agree it’s far more livable than others. Wilderness is dumb. You lose some of the touring options for better roof rack (which should be an option, it’s bolt on), and a dumb 1" lift.
If Subaru is going to waste money on dumb trims give me an outback sport with the wrx CVT, lowered, and a decent set of tires.
Regardless of your ownership history, many Subaru buyers buy them over alternatives because of an actual desire for capability in snow and dirt roads. Come out to Colorado, you will see tons of Subarus at “high clearance 4x4 access” trailheads. Many of them have small lifts just like the wilderness trim.
A 1” lift is very useful if you actually go in the dirt. If you just want a crossover for the street there are far better options than the outback IMO.
If you ask me, this sounds terrible. To each their own. We all like different things, and just because you don’t see the value in a lift doesn’t mean it’s not useful to others.