Canadian Subaru Outback Wilderness Gets A Key Feature - U.S. Is Left Out

The all-new rugged 2022 Outback Wilderness trim is built in Lafayette, Indiana, for North American customers. Subaru of America announced its new outdoor model, and Subaru Canada gave the specifications on its Outback Wilderness with one extra feature not found on U.S. models.

The two rugged models are identical, except for the Canadian Outback Wilderness comes standard with a heated steering wheel. The 2022 Outback Wilderness sold in the U.S. comes with only one option package that offers a power moonroof, Starlink 11.6-inch multimedia with navigation, and reverse automatic braking for $1,845. A heated steering wheel is not an option.

We know it gets cold in Canada, and customers up north will appreciate the added warmth of having the heat on their hands. Customers in the U.S. will have to wear gloves when the temperature drops below freezing in the Northeast, Rocky Mountains, and the Northwest.

Subaru pulled a similar stunt when they launched the refreshed 2021 Crosstrek Sport and Limited with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine. The two Canadian Crosstrek models come standard with a heated steering wheel, and U.S. customers were left out.

The Outback Wilderness was inspired by customers who are already modifying their vehicles. But customers who want a heated wheel will have to modify their new outdoor model if they live in the U.S. market.

We are surprised that U.S. customers get left out again. Subaru of America sells around ten times more vehicles than Subaru Canada, and Subaru Corporation priorities its U.S. customers. Yasushi Enami, chairman, president, and CEO of Subaru Canada, must have extra influence in Japan to get the additional feature on his Outback Wilderness models.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness?

The U.S. Outback Wilderness is priced at $38,120 including destination and delivery fees. Subaru of Indiana Automotive builds the new 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness for North America but has to keep the U.S. and Canadian models separate on the assembly line.

We wonder if a few models will slip by the assembly workers and the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness with a heated steering wheel and find their way to U.S. retailers?

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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