Subaru Can't Build New Forester And Outback Wilderness Fast Enough

Should you buy a 2022 Forester Wilderness or 2022 Outback Wilderness instead of the standard model? If you ask Subaru's active customers, the Forester and Outback Wilderness are better than the standard models, and they are willing to wait to get one. A new report from Automotive News (by subscription) reveals an interesting fact about the two new rugged Wilderness SUVs.

Subaru Corporation C.E.O. Tomomi Nakamura told AN, because of the microchip shortage, Subaru can't build the Forester and Outback Wilderness fast enough to meet the demand for the new models. Customers are ordering new models and waiting to get the exact color and trim level they want.

Customers are willing to wait for the Outback, and Forester Wilderness trim levels longer than other customers who might cancel their new vehicle orders if they cannot get their new car quickly.

"When you look into the sold orders, they aren't for the basic models but the unique or high-end models. Like the Wilderness editions of the Forester and Outback that we launched this year. The customers putting in orders for these vehicles are willing to wait," Nakamura told AN.

photo credit: North Fort Lauderdale Subaru - An Instagram post says, "As fast as they come, they go, that's how we roll here at N.F.L. Subaru."

How long are customers waiting for a new Wilderness model?

A source close to Subaru told us customers are waiting two to three months to get a new 2022 Forester and Outback with the Wilderness upgrades. The Forester compact SUV. is made in Japan, and orders take longer than the Outback midsize SUV made in Lafayette, Indiana.

What sets the Wilderness models apart?

The Outback and Forester Wilderness have revised CVT automatic transmission gear ratios, an oil cooler, and a revised final drive ratio for active customers who want to get further away from civilization. The upgrades allow the Wilderness models to trek further and tow more. Both Wilderness models feature an off-road-tuned suspension, increased ride height (Outback 9.5-inches, Forester 9.2-inches), Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, an aluminum engine skid plate, and a steel rear differential skid plate. Check out a complete report of the upgrades here.

What is the price of the Wilderness?

The Outback Wilderness is priced from $38,120, including destination and delivery fees. The Forester Wilderness has a lower price than the Outback Wilderness, starting at $33,945, including destination and delivery fees.

What's next for the Wilderness sub-brand?

Subaru will wait for the next-generation Crosstrek coming in 2023 to launch the all-new Wilderness trim. Subaru of America will be the first to get the rugged 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. The Camden, N.J. automaker will likely launch the off-pavement model in the summer of 2023. Get more details here.

The all-new 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness and 2022 Outback Wilderness trim levels offer additional off-road capability over the standard models and the competition. The Wilderness sub-brand is more than an appearance package designed for active customers who want to get further away from civilization, and customers are willing to wait months to get one.

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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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