Head To Head The 3 Hot Subaru Wilderness Models And A Look Ahead

Subaru has three Wilderness trim level SUVs, but which one is the best? Check out the report; one is still at the top, and two new models are coming.

Subaru has a hat trick, which is not easy to accomplish. A hat trick is a hockey term (three consecutive goals in one game by the same player). With Subaru, its hat trick is producing three new outdoor-themed Wilderness models: The 2024 Outback Wilderness, the 2024 Forester Wilderness, and the new 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness trim. 

They are significantly different, and if you are ready to get away from civilization and further off the grid, is there one model that is the best for you?

According to a recent Automotive News report (by subscription), the Wilderness package has been an undeniable success for Subaru. The Outback and Forester Wilderness account for just under 20 percent of the 2024 Outback and 2024 Forester sales volumes.

The 2024 Crosstrek had a record December and an all-time best year ever. It's partly due to the all-new Crosstrek Wilderness that made its dealer launch late last year. 

As I have reported, the Outback Wilderness was the first, one of the hottest models in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup. The outdoor-themed Outback was the first Wilderness trim level introduced in 2020, followed by Forester Wilderness two years later in 2022. New for the 2024 model year is the new Crosstrek Wilderness trim level for outdoor enthusiasts.

Which Wilderness model is the best for you?

The Outback Wilderness will handle more challenging trails with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a nearly one-inch increase over the standard model's 8.7 inches. In addition, the Outback has an almost half-inch advantage over the Forester's 9.2-inch. The Crosstrek Wilderness has 9.3 inches of rock-clearing ground clearance.

They offer additional body cladding and under-armor protection with front skid plates, an anti-glare hood decal, and hex-design LED fog lights. In addition, they are available in Geyser Blue exterior paint. They also have Yokohama Geoplander all-terrain tires for optimal mud, gravel, or snow performance, and they come wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels in a matte-black finish.

They all feature the advanced dual-function X-Mode that allows the outdoor-themed SUVs to switch automatically from low-speed managed driving to speeds over 25 mph without interruption of power or performance. The X-Mode display also features a new roll-angle indicator to help drivers navigate off-road terrain.

The big difference is in the powertrains.

A significant difference between Outback Wilderness and Forester and Crosstrek Wilderness trims is their engines. Outback Wilderness is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.

Forester Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated Boxer engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pounds of torque. The Crosstrek Wilderness gets the re-tuned 2.5-liter normally-aspirated Boxer engine, producing 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Wilderness towing capacity

The Outback Wilderness will tow up to 3,500 lbs. vs. 2,700 lbs for the Outback with the 2.5-liter engine.

The 2023 Forester Wilderness comes with a 3,000-lb. towing capacity and features standard trailer stability assist.

Maximum towing capacity for the Crosstrek Wilderness more than doubles from the standard model to 3,500 lb. "thanks to the addition of a transmission oil cooler," says Subaru.

Do you want a heated steering wheel?

If you want a 360-degree heated steering wheel, there's only one choice: buy the 2024 Outback Wilderness. The Forester and Crosstrek Wilderness trims do not offer a heated steering wheel option.

What is the price of the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness?

The 2024 Outback Wilderness costs $41,255, including destination and delivery fees. That's $5,240 more than Forester Wilderness and $7,965 more than Crosstrek Wilderness, but its upgrades are worth the extra cost if you need more power and cargo space.

What is the price of the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness?

The 2024 Forester Wilderness has a lower starting price than the 2024 Outback Wilderness, starting at $36,015, including destination and delivery fees.

What is the price of the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness?

The all-new 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees.

Which Subaru Wilderness is the best?

All three Wilderness trim levels are capable all-terrain vehicles for getting further off the grid. The 2024 Outback Wilderness offers more power but comes with a cost premium.

2024 Forester Vs. 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness

The 2024 Forester and 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness are closer in price, but the Crosstrek will tow more, has a bit more ground clearance, and it's $2,725 less in cost. I would pick the Crosstrek Wilderness over the Forester for its excellent value proposition.

Something to consider before you buy a 2024 Subaru Wilderness model.

Subaru of America has yet to announce the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness, but it will have significant upgrades over the 2024 Forester Wilderness. I hope it gets a new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine upgrade, but Subaru has not confirmed it. The 2025 Forester Wilderness is delayed and will arrive late this year. Stay tuned. 

Subaru of America has yet to announce the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness, but it will also be an all-new next-generation model. The 2025 Outback Wilderness has yet to be announced. Stay tuned.

If you are buying a Wilderness this year, Which rugged 2024 Subaru Wilderness model would you choose?

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Wilderness story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• The Most And Least Satisfying Subaru Models From New Subaru Owners
• The Discontinued Subaru Model You Won’t Miss In 2024
• The Subaru Outback Is Best In Versatility, Off-Road Ability Says New Global Award

Watch the BEST Subaru to BUY! 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness Review

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

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photo credit: Subaru USA