Hey guys! Ever found yourself daydreaming about escaping the city and diving headfirst into nature? If you're nodding along, you've probably heard whispers about the Subaru Wilderness models. These aren't your everyday SUVs; they're beefed-up, adventure-ready machines designed to tackle the toughest terrains. But with a couple of Wilderness options to choose from, how do you pick the right one for your adventurous spirit? Let's break it down and compare the Subaru Wilderness models, so you can make an informed decision and hit those trails with confidence!

What Makes a Subaru a "Wilderness"?

Before we dive into specific models, let's quickly cover what exactly transforms a regular Subaru into a Wilderness edition. It's more than just a fancy badge, trust me. Subaru takes their already capable SUVs and injects them with a healthy dose of off-road enhancements. Think of it as giving them a shot of pure adventure adrenaline!

Here's a taste of what you can expect:

• Increased Ground Clearance: This is crucial for clearing obstacles like rocks and logs. The extra height lets you glide over things that would leave other SUVs stranded. It’s like giving your car a pair of stilts, but way cooler.
• Revised Suspension: Wilderness models get special suspension tuning that improves articulation and soaks up bumps and ruts like a champ. This means a smoother, more controlled ride, even when the going gets rough.
• All-Terrain Tires: Forget those wimpy all-season tires. Wilderness models sport aggressive all-terrain tires that provide superior grip on dirt, mud, and snow. They're like having shoes with superpowers for your car.
• Enhanced Drivetrain: Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gets even better with optimized gear ratios for improved low-speed crawling. This gives you more control and torque when you need it most, like when you're climbing a steep, rocky hill. Imagine your car transforming into a mountain goat!
• Beefier Body Cladding: Wilderness models feature rugged body cladding that protects the paint from scratches and dings. It's like giving your car a suit of armor, ready to face the wilderness head-on.
• Unique Styling: Last but not least, Wilderness models get unique styling cues that set them apart from the regular versions. Think exclusive badging, distinctive wheels, and eye-catching accents. It's like giving your car a makeover that screams "adventure!"

The Current Wilderness Lineup

Okay, now that we know what makes a Wilderness a Wilderness, let's take a look at the current models available. As of right now, Subaru offers the Wilderness trim on two of its most popular SUVs: the Outback and the Forester. Each offers a unique blend of practicality and off-road capability, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.

Subaru Outback Wilderness

The Outback Wilderness is the bigger, more spacious of the two. It's based on the already popular Outback wagon, but with a serious off-road makeover. This is the one you want if you need extra cargo space for gear, or if you frequently carry passengers in the back. Think of it as the ultimate adventure mobile for families or groups of friends.

Let's delve into what makes the Outback Wilderness a compelling choice:

• Engine: The Outback Wilderness comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine that cranks out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This gives it plenty of grunt for tackling steep hills and towing trailers. It's like having a rocket booster under the hood!
• Space: The Outback boasts a generous 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. That's enough room for camping gear, bikes, kayaks, and just about anything else you can think of. You could practically live in there!
• Off-Road Chops: The Outback Wilderness has 9.5 inches of ground clearance, which is significantly more than the standard Outback. It also features a dual-function X-MODE system with settings for snow, dirt, and mud. This allows you to fine-tune the drivetrain for optimal traction in various conditions. It's like having a personal off-road driving coach built into your car.
• Interior: The Outback Wilderness gets unique interior touches like water-resistant StarTex upholstery and copper-colored accents. These not only look great but are also practical for dealing with muddy boots and wet gear. It's like having an interior that's both stylish and adventure-proof.
• Towing Capacity: For those who need to haul extra gear, the Outback Wilderness offers a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This is enough to tow a small camper, boat, or trailer. It's like having a pickup truck hidden inside a wagon!

Subaru Forester Wilderness

The Forester Wilderness is the smaller, more nimble of the two. It's based on the popular Forester SUV, known for its excellent visibility and fuel efficiency. This is the one you want if you prioritize maneuverability and fuel economy, or if you simply prefer a smaller vehicle. Think of it as the agile explorer, ready to zip through tight trails and conquer challenging terrain.

Here's what sets the Forester Wilderness apart:

• Engine: The Forester Wilderness comes with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated BOXER engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it's not as powerful as the Outback's turbo engine, it still provides plenty of pep for most off-road situations. It's like having a reliable and efficient workhorse under the hood.
• Space: The Forester offers a respectable 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While it's not as spacious as the Outback, it's still plenty of room for gear and groceries. It's like having a well-organized backpack on wheels.
• Off-Road Chops: The Forester Wilderness also boasts 9.2 inches of ground clearance, which is a significant improvement over the standard Forester. It also features a dual-function X-MODE system with settings for snow, dirt, and mud. This gives it impressive off-road capability for its size. It's like having a secret weapon for conquering trails.
• Interior: Like the Outback, the Forester Wilderness gets unique interior touches like water-resistant StarTex upholstery and copper-colored accents. These add a touch of style and practicality to the cabin. It's like having an interior that's both comfortable and durable.
• Fuel Economy: The Forester Wilderness excels in fuel economy, offering an estimated 25 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. This makes it a great choice for those who want to explore without breaking the bank at the gas pump. It's like having a car that sips fuel instead of guzzling it.

Key Differences: Outback Wilderness vs. Forester Wilderness

Okay, so we've covered the basics of each model. But let's get down to the nitty-gritty and highlight the key differences between the Outback Wilderness and the Forester Wilderness:

• Size: The Outback Wilderness is significantly larger than the Forester Wilderness, offering more cargo space and rear passenger room.
• Engine: The Outback Wilderness has a more powerful turbocharged engine, while the Forester Wilderness has a less powerful but more fuel-efficient naturally aspirated engine.
• Towing Capacity: The Outback Wilderness has a higher towing capacity than the Forester Wilderness.
• Price: The Forester Wilderness generally has a lower starting price than the Outback Wilderness.

Here's a handy table summarizing the key differences:

Which Wilderness is Right for You?

So, which Subaru Wilderness model is the perfect fit for your adventurous lifestyle? Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

• Choose the Outback Wilderness if:
  • You need maximum cargo space for gear and passengers.
  • You want a more powerful engine for towing and climbing steep hills.
  • You don't mind a larger vehicle.
• Choose the Forester Wilderness if:
  • You prioritize fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
  • You prefer a smaller, more nimble vehicle.
  • You don't need as much cargo space or towing capacity.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to test drive both models and see which one feels right for you. Get behind the wheel, hit some trails, and experience the Wilderness difference firsthand!

Final Thoughts

Both the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the Forester Wilderness are incredibly capable and versatile SUVs that are ready for adventure. They offer a unique blend of off-road prowess, practicality, and Subaru's legendary reliability. Whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or a cross-country expedition, a Wilderness model will help you get there in style and comfort. So get out there, explore the great outdoors, and create some unforgettable memories!