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Are the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness, 2023 Forester Wilderness, and 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness family considerably better than the standard models? Check the report before you spend the extra money.
Aren't the standard models with the automaker's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode all-terrain technology off-road ready? A recent report from Automotive News (by subscription) says Subaru designed the Wilderness family because some customers want to get further off the grid.
"We build these vehicles for our adventure-seeking customers," Garrick Goh, planning manager for the Crosstrek, said of the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness and its prospects.
Standard AWD Vs. Wilderness upgrades
Dual-Function X-Mode in the Outback outdoor XT is the evolution of Subaru's X-Mode feature and has two settings for increased control in challenging terrain. You will feel more confident with its increased capability and performance in more extreme weather conditions. The touchscreen controls allow selection between two settings tailored to specific driving conditions; "Snow/Dirt" and "Deep Snow/Mud."
If you are off-road, it's a must-have, but you don't need to be off-pavement to use it. If you live in a cold climate or travel to a ski resort for recreation, you will want this feature. It works when driving in snow, dirt, deep snow, and muddy conditions. The system controls the power sent to each wheel depending on the conditions.
The "Snow/Dirt" mode improves traction on slippery surfaces and uneven roads. The "Deep Snow/Mud" mode reconfigures the traction control to allow some wheel spin on surfaces the vehicle will likely sink into, like deep snow, mud, and sand.
Are the Wilderness upgrades worth the extra cost?
The Crosstrek Sport has 8.7 inches of ground clearance versus 9.3 inches for the Crosstrek Wilderness. Outback has 8.7 inches vs. 9.4 for Outback Wilderness. Forester has 8.7 vs. Forester Wilderness, 9.2 inches of rock clearing ground clearance.
Subaru says they engineered the Wilderness drivetrain for better off-road performance by installing a revised differential gear ratio and retuned Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission.
Like Outback and Forester Wilderness, Crosstrek Wilderness has an upgraded suspension, additional body cladding, a metal front skid plate, hex-design LED fog lights, an anti-glare hood decal in a matte-black finish, and all-terrain tires.
What is the Wilderness trims pricing?
The 2024 Outback Wilderness is priced at $41,255. The 2023 Forester Wilderness starts at $35,245. The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290. Pricing includes dealer destination and delivery fees.
The standard Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system with the X-Mode technology is adequate for urban dwellers who use their vehicle on the weekends for recreation.
For more active adventure-seeking new model shoppers, the Subaru Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek Wilderness SUV trims will get customers further from civilization and off the grid.
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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 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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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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