All-New Subaru Forester And Outback Wilderness Model Update

It's no secret Subaru of America will launch an all-new 2022 Subaru Forester and Outback Wilderness edition models this year. Torque News reported on the new models last November. Subaru retailers found out more information on the new Wilderness editions this week at the National Automobile Dealers Association's virtual show, February 9-11.

According to a new report from Automotive News (by subscription), Subaru officially told retailers about the new Wilderness branding that will launch with the 2022 Forester and Outback models.

Photo credit: LP Aventure

Subaru has been the all-wheel-drive and off-road brand for decades, but with the launch of the Bronco Sport and other rugged models from the competition, Subaru is stepping up its game with the new 2022 Forester and Outback Wilderness Edition.

Patrick Wergin, chairman of the Subaru National Retailer Advisory Board, told Automotive News recently, the new Wilderness models will feature a "rugged appearance package and better tires for off-road pursuits."

Photo credit: LP Aventure

The new Wilderness trim will be more than an appearance package. "The Wilderness is going to give additional capabilities in those car lines, additional style, and the look of off-roading to a greater degree than we have right now," said Wally Sommer, president of Sommer's Subaru in Mequon, Wisconsin. "It does fit the Subaru character perfectly."

Subaru Corporation is prioritizing the U.S. market, and customers in North America will get the new Wilderness models this summer. Sommer says the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness will be revealed first this spring, and the 2022 Forester Wilderness will follow.

Retailers have asked Subaru Corporation for more rugged models for younger active customers, and the Japanese automaker is delivering. The refreshed Subaru Crosstrek Sport is proving to be a hot model with a younger demographic, and retailers are hoping Forester and Outback Wilderness trims will also attract younger buyers.

Wergin says, "We're hoping the Wilderness edition will attract consumers that are active lifestyle families and that do like to go out and maybe do a little bit more off-roading. We're excited about the opportunity to have this vehicle capture new clients in the segment."

Sommer says, "People are going to be very pleased with the product when they see it." The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness will be built at the Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana, and the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness at Subaru's Yajima plant in Japan. The new Outback will be introduced this spring. Stay tuned.

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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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Photo credit: Competition Subaru, LP Aventure