Subaru Owner Says, “My Outback Wilderness Isn’t A Pavement Princess, Every Dirt Road, Snowy Path, and Hidden Trail Is Unrestricted Freedom”

"Sometimes, the best moments come when you take the road no one else does."

This quote from Anandha Krishnan talking about his 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness reminds me of the poem by Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken." The last line is the best. "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."

Subaru of America designed the Outback Wilderness, an outdoor-themed vehicle, specifically for individuals like Anandha who crave the thrill of the untrodden path. With its unique features, the Wilderness isn't for everyone, it's the perfect match for those with the most active lifestyles. 

Anandha says, 

"Some roads are paved, but the best ones are covered in snow. With my Subaru Outback Wilderness, every journey feels limitless. This moment, captured through my GoPro lens, isn't just about the road—it's about the feeling of freedom, the crisp winter air, and the golden sunset reflecting off my adventure-ready machine."

Imagine having a car, SUV, or truck that was made just for you. Picture yourself asking a car manufacturer to build a one-off vehicle to your exact specifications. When the car finally arrives, you are speechless. 

You would have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars because most of a car's cost comes from the vehicle's expensive design and tooling. You pay $1.5 million for your new custom car and drive off with a smile. 

Now, Anandha didn't have to break the bank for his 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. It was a far cry from that. The MSRP was $36,995. Quite a difference to drive your dream car without the hefty price tag. 

However, that's how Anandha feels whenever he gets behind the wheel, as if it was specially designed for him. 

Here is Anandha's story. 

Chasing the Wild with My Subaru Wilderness

"The Subaru Outback Wilderness isn't just a car," Anandha says;— "It's not a pavement princess; it's a ticket to freedom. Every dirt road, snowy path, and hidden trail becomes an open invitation to explore. It's unrestricted freedom. From the quiet forests to the rugged backroads, every drive is a new chapter waiting to be written." 

"Snow, dirt, and horsepower. Just another perfect day."

"With each journey, the Outback Wilderness proves that adventure isn't just about the destination—it's about the thrill of the drive and the stories created along the way."

Chasing Wilderness

"It was a cold winter morning. The ground was covered with a little snow. I stood next to my car, ready for a new adventure. The dirt road was quiet and empty. I didn't know where it would lead, which made it exciting. I started driving, hearing the soft sound of the tires on the road." 

"There was no plan, no rush—just me, the car, and nature all around me. As I held the steering wheel, everything else disappeared."

Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" explores the theme of making choices and the potential for regret, with the speaker ultimately choosing the "less traveled" path, which, in retrospect, seems to have made a significant difference. 

Like the poem, Anandha emphasizes the importance of making choices and their impact on one's life.

Anandha is a nonconformist: His story can be interpreted as a symbol of nonconformity and taking a unique path. 

Regret and Reflection: The poem also explores the possibility of regret and the human tendency to look back on choices with a sense of "what could have been."

However, unlike the poem, Anandha has no regrets. He made a great choice when he purchased the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. 

In 2019, I wrote this about the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness.

While most SUV owners never take their vehicles off-road, Subaru's active customers use their all-wheel-drive Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek to go further into the high country.

It's why Subaru of America asked Subaru Corporation for a Wilderness sub-brand for adventure seekers looking for SUVs to get further away from civilization. Customers use the Outback Wilderness to go hiking, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, and snowboarding.

What sets the Outback Wilderness apart from other SUVs, crossovers, and wagons?

Don't be fooled when you see one. The Wilderness trim level doesn't look all that different from the standard Outback. The Wilderness sits a little higher off the ground, has all-terrain tires, and has a flat black decal on the hood. However, the best is under the added body cladding.  

The 2022 Outback Wilderness all-wheel-drive system is set apart from the pack and will get you deep off-road.

The new rugged Outback Wilderness has a new advanced X-Mode that allows the SUV/wagon 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.

Why does the Outback Wilderness do so many things well? 

During the week, the Outback Wilderness makes a good commuter with its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. It's fuel-efficient, has the utility of an SUV, has 9.4 inches of ground clearance, and handles like a car in the city.

It's Not a Pavement Princess

However, on the weekends, the outdoor-themed Outback Wilderness turns into a different animal. Subaru of America introduced the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, taking it to another level of off-road ability.

Anandha concludes, "Sometimes, the best moments come when you take the road no one else does." And I would add that it's made all the difference." 

Do you own a Subaru Outback Wilderness? 

I want to hear about your off-pavement adventures. If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and share your story with us. 

Check out my Subaru Outback Wilderness story: Is Subaru's Wilderness AWD The Best? Here's Why It Stands Out From The Pack

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Subaru and Anandha Krishnan