Subaru Canada Outback Wilderness: Review & Adventure

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the rugged world of the Subaru Canada Outback Wilderness? This isn't your average family wagon; it's a beast designed to tackle the toughest terrains while keeping you comfy and connected. Let's explore what makes this car so special and why it might just be your next adventure buddy. Buckle up, because we're going off-road!

What Makes the Outback Wilderness Stand Out?

The Subaru Outback Wilderness distinguishes itself with a host of features tailored for off-road adventures. Its elevated ground clearance is the most noticeable, providing a significant advantage when navigating uneven terrain. The standard Outback offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, but the Wilderness kicks it up a notch to an impressive 9.5 inches. This seemingly small increase makes a huge difference in preventing undercarriage scrapes and bumps, allowing you to confidently tackle rocky paths and rutted trails. Complementing this enhanced ground clearance is a revised suspension system, fine-tuned to absorb shocks and vibrations more effectively. This translates to a smoother and more controlled ride, even when the going gets tough. Subaru has also equipped the Wilderness with all-terrain tires, featuring a more aggressive tread pattern than standard tires. These tires offer superior grip on loose surfaces like gravel, mud, and sand, ensuring optimal traction and stability. The Outback Wilderness also boasts enhanced X-MODE with specific settings for snow, dirt, and mud, optimizing the vehicle's systems for maximum traction in various conditions. Durable StarTex upholstery is designed to resist water and stains, making it easy to clean up after a day of outdoor adventures. Copper-colored accents on the exterior and interior give the Wilderness a distinctive and rugged appearance, setting it apart from other Outback models. These thoughtful features combine to create a vehicle that's not just capable but also comfortable and stylish, making the Outback Wilderness a standout choice for anyone seeking adventure.

Design and Interior: Rugged Meets Refined

When you first clap eyes on the Outback Wilderness, you'll immediately notice its aggressive and purposeful design. It's not just about looking tough; every element serves a function. The front fascia is more pronounced, with a bolder grille and hexagonal fog lights that enhance visibility in challenging conditions. Skid plates protect the underbody from rocks and debris, while the matte black hood decal reduces glare, crucial for maintaining clear vision on bright, sunny days. Inside, the Wilderness blends rugged durability with modern comfort. The StarTex upholstery is not only water-resistant but also incredibly comfortable, ensuring a pleasant ride even after a long day on the trails. Copper-colored accents add a touch of sophistication, and the Subaru's intuitive infotainment system keeps you connected and entertained. The spacious cabin offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for family adventures. The rear seats fold down easily, expanding the cargo area to accommodate camping gear, sports equipment, or anything else you need to bring along. Details like rubber floor mats and a water-resistant rear cargo tray further enhance the practicality of the Outback Wilderness, making it easy to clean up after messy adventures. Overall, the interior is thoughtfully designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use while providing a comfortable and stylish environment for both driver and passengers.

Performance and Handling: Ready for Anything

Under the hood, the Subaru Outback Wilderness packs a punch with its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for tackling steep inclines, navigating challenging trails, and merging onto highways with confidence. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is tuned specifically for off-road performance, offering smooth and responsive shifts. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is standard, providing exceptional traction in all types of conditions. The enhanced X-MODE system takes this capability even further, with specialized settings for snow, dirt, and mud, optimizing the vehicle's systems for maximum grip. On the road, the Outback Wilderness handles surprisingly well for an off-road-focused vehicle. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease. Steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver through tight spaces. Off-road, the Wilderness truly shines. The combination of increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction control systems allows it to tackle challenging trails with confidence. Whether you're navigating rocky terrain, crossing streams, or climbing steep hills, the Outback Wilderness is up to the task. The turbo engine provides plenty of low-end torque, ensuring you always have the power you need. Overall, the performance and handling of the Outback Wilderness make it a versatile and capable vehicle, equally at home on the pavement and off the beaten path.

Technology and Safety: Staying Connected and Protected

In terms of technology, the Outback Wilderness doesn't skimp. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system comes standard, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies enhance safety and provide peace of mind on long drives. The infotainment system features an 11.6-inch touchscreen display, offering intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone. The Outback Wilderness also includes a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, keeping you connected even in remote locations. A rearview camera with dynamic guidelines makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. On the safety front, the Outback Wilderness earns top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition to the EyeSight system, the Wilderness includes a suite of airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The strong and rigid chassis provides excellent protection in the event of a collision. Overall, the Outback Wilderness is equipped with a comprehensive array of technology and safety features, ensuring you stay connected, protected, and informed on every adventure.

Is the Outback Wilderness Right for You?

So, who should consider the Subaru Outback Wilderness? If you're an outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring off the beaten path, this vehicle is tailor-made for you. It offers the perfect blend of rugged capability, comfort, and practicality. Whether you're planning weekend camping trips, tackling challenging trails, or simply need a vehicle that can handle rough roads, the Outback Wilderness is up to the task. It's also a great choice for families who need a versatile and spacious vehicle with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Outback Wilderness offers a comfortable and refined ride, making it ideal for long road trips. If you value safety and reliability, the Outback Wilderness is a top contender. It earns top marks in crash tests and comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, if you primarily drive in urban environments and rarely venture off-road, you might find the Outback Wilderness to be overkill. In that case, a standard Outback or another crossover SUV might be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a capable and versatile vehicle that can handle anything you throw at it, the Subaru Outback Wilderness is definitely worth considering. It's a true adventure companion that's ready to take you wherever you want to go. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!