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Going off-road with the all-new 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness trim will cost a lot more to get there. The EPA released the Outback Wilderness fuel economy numbers. The more rugged model with bigger all-terrain tires and raised suspension will be considerably less fuel-efficient than the standard XT trim with the 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine.
The EPA says the new Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 22/26 city/highway mpg and 24 combined mpg. The 2021 Outback XT with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA estimated 23/30 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg. That’s a four mile per gallon difference on the highway and two less combined mpg.
The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness has a lot more wind drag, and the bigger wheels, all-terrain tires, and full-size spare all add to the extra weight of the vehicle.
When outdoor enthusiasts load up their new Outback Wilderness with camping gear and put on a rooftop carrier or rooftop tent, the lifted wagon will be even heavier and less fuel-efficient. When you factor in the off-pavement use, the amount of fuel used will be even more.
Subaru offers the all-new Outback and Wilderness trim for those with active lifestyles who will use the new wagon/SUV for outdoor adventures. The lifted vehicle is built in Lafayette, Indiana, and will only be sold in North America.
Subaru of America and its retailers asked for the more rugged Outback wilderness, and Subaru Corporation delivered. WardsAuto says retailers saw that owners were modifying their vehicles for off-road use and asked the Camden, N.J. automaker to offer a more rugged model from the factory. Subaru Corporation delivered.
Part of the problem was the new Subaru warranty was voided by the aftermarket parts and do-it-yourself Overlanding projects customers were adding themselves to their all-wheel-drive Subaru vehicles. Now, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness will have factory-backed modifications that include full warranty coverage and won’t ruin the vehicles’ EyeSight driving assistance technology calibration.
There is a market for the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness trim. Outdoor enthusiasts and those with active lifestyles will pay more to get further away from civilization.
You Might Also Like: New Subaru Outback Wilderness Production Could Be Delayed Because Of A Recent Plant Shutdown
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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Comments
Not sure how is this such bad
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Not sure how is this such bad news. I get just under 24 combined on my 3.6R outback. I specifically wanted that motor for the 6cyl performance, nevermind the 2-4mpg. People buying off-road trims are likely not going to look at gas mileage.
If this was 10 years ago,
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In reply to Not sure how is this such bad by Lukasz (not verified)
If this was 10 years ago, fuel economy/range wouldn't matter. Aftermarket companies would find a way to install larger or and extra fuel tank.
But more hybrid and electric cars are being built. Range matters and there's no reason why this model isn't offered as a hybrid.
Subaru does not have a
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In reply to If this was 10 years ago, by Roby Thomas (not verified)
Subaru does not have a different engine that will fit. Nothing Toyota makes will fit in a Subaru either.
I like what Subaru did with
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I like what Subaru did with the Outback Wilderness but the drop in mileage reinforces to me that they should not put the 2.4 turbo in the Forester Wilderness. The 1.8 T would be a better choice, or even stick with the 2.5 if the 1.8 is too challenging to prepare for the North American market. Those more interested in power with less concern with mileage could get the Outback but those concerned with both could get the Forester Wilderness.
The article compares the 2.4
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In reply to I like what Subaru did with by Tim Whynot (not verified)
The article compares the 2.4 Turbo Outback with the 2.4 Turbo Wilderness. So the milage drop isn't from the new engine it's mainly from the change in the final drive ratio with the added weight, off road tires, and wind resistance contributing. If make those changes to the 2.5 or a 1.8 forester you may see an even larger drop in MPG since they will have to work a lot harder.
I agree Michael Csonka. The 2
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In reply to The article compares the 2.4 by Michael Csonka (not verified)
I agree Michael Csonka. The 2.4 turbo is where it loses most of the mileage; then you add the gearing, height and tires. I do not think that the 1.8 would have to work hard enough to hurt mileage,, unless perhaps if it is towing. That was true years ago when engines were much less powerful than today.
and I am driving 2017 outback
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In reply to I like what Subaru did with by Tim Whynot (not verified)
and I am driving 2017 outback touring packages and I love my outback with 2.5 box engine with 6 speed cvt but my mom bought 2019 Subaru Ascent touring package with new 2.4 turbo boxer engine with 8 speeds cvt transmission, I love new 2.4 turbo engine with 8 speeds cvt and it’s more horsepower than old 3.6 engine. 2.4 turbo is new technology engine with less carbon oxide on valves and gas is better plus 8 speeds
Subaru changed the final
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Subaru changed the final drive ratio (numerically higher) on the Wilderness edition. This has the largest impact on lower fuel economy. The Wilderness has 4.44 gears vs. 4.11 on the standard Outback.
Yeah, I've only seen one
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In reply to Subaru changed the final by Mike (not verified)
Yeah, I've only seen one article mention the changes in the final drive ratio. You're right; that's the biggest contributor to decreased fuel economy, which still is only 2mpg. I'm guessing, though, that the new 0-60 time will be decreased too.
This guy is making TWO miles
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This guy is making TWO miles to the gallon less seem like this car will live at a gas station. 22 mpg is totally fine for a vehicle like this. And how hard would it be strap a Jerry can to the roof rack, it can take 700lbs.
Correct.
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In reply to This guy is making TWO miles by tsklitzka (not verified)
Correct.
I don’t understand the fuss it was totally expected. For what vehicle you’re getting it’s totally justified and fine by me. Subaru nail it I’m queuing up to get me one.
I cannot understand the
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I cannot understand the negative comments about the new Outback, especially as I assume the bulk coming from US based writers. In Australia, where distances between refuelling stations are vastly greater, one might be tempted to put an extra jerrycan with fuel in the back, but in the US? Come on, live a little and enjoy the additional capacity this baby gives you in your wilderness. I know, Subaru lovers in this country will want two jerrycans to see our wilderness.
Subaru is so far behind the
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Subaru is so far behind the times it's time they try to catch up and start thinking EV the ICE engines are in the pass
Is torque news just another
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Is torque news just another mainstream media company without any type of real journalism? Your readers know more than the writer of this article.
The drop in mileage could be
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The drop in mileage could be as simple as the change in tires. I saw about that much difference when I put light truck all terrain tires on my Limited. Tires make a huge difference in mileage, but it's a trade off for off road conditions.
What do you expect? Either
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What do you expect? Either you want a capable off road vehicle or not? The fuel mileage numbers this is putting up are not that bad at all.... The only way you might do better is if you go the diesel route.....
When a car company advertises
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In reply to What do you expect? Either by Ryan Napientek (not verified)
When a car company advertises 32 MPG Highway you expect it to be close it's 10 gal a mile HIGHWAY off and i'm talking flat lands driving
My 2021 forrester is
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In reply to When a car company advertises by Steven A. Randolph (not verified)
My 2021 forrester is advertised as 26/29mpg. At 9000mi, the car says I get 29.0mpg. I haven't hand calculated it, because it's definitely good on gas. If your is eating fuel, maybe it's your driving habits.
Full-sized spare for the win!
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Full-sized spare for the win!
And...an electric option would be nice- if you could find a charging station in the middle of a place where this vehicle is designed be operated.
What if I don’t want a turbo
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What if I don’t want a turbo model?! I’m on my 2nd Forrester and neither of them have been a turbo model and I definitely prefer that. I’m also not sure that the bigger engine is worth the fuel reduction. I overland and choose the 2021 Forrester as our newest model for our adventures and I wish they would have offered this last year now just on a non-turbo
I wouldn't buy a car that
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In reply to What if I don’t want a turbo by Kyle (not verified)
I wouldn't buy a car that DIDN'T have a turbocharger! They are amazing in the mountains!
Someone above said it best:
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Someone above said it best: this mileage wouldn't be a big deal at all even 3 years ago, but with car companies launching all EV SUVs and trucks next year the car seems a bit outdated. Looks beautiful though.