What Is The Next Subaru To Join The Wilderness Family? One Model Tops A Short List

The next-generation 2024 Crosstrek is the third rugged outdoor-themed Wilderness trim level. The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness is not expected to arrive until later this year after the all-new third-generation Crosstrek launch. But what is the next Subaru to join the Wilderness Family?

At a recent Subaru dealer meeting, Tom Doll hinted that Subaru of America might launch more Wilderness trim levels soon. Doll said Subaru's present lineup is particularly tailored for U.S. consumer tastes, citing the 3-row Subaru Ascent and top-of-the-line Wilderness trim and equipment packages for the Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester.

According to Wards Auto, Doll says additional Wilderness packages may be in the works, "possibly hinting at a new Ascent SUV Wilderness edition." Because there is a market for it, aftermarket Ascent kits are now available for outdoor enthusiasts.

LP Aventure has a Subaru Ascent project vehicle (pictured here) with a lift kit, bumper guard, skid plates, Emotion CR Kiwami wheels wrapped in Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV 9 Studded all-terrain tires, and a 20" TrailFX light bar.

photo credit: 2023 Subaru Ascent with LP Aventure lift kit and LP6 wheels, built by Austin Subaru 

Subaru of America recently announced the more rugged Crosstrek Wilderness trim level, and will the Ascent 3-Row SUV be next? The Ascent already has a new trim level for outdoor enthusiasts. It's the new 2023 Ascent Onyx Limited Edition for U.S. customers.

Its newly added dual-function X-Mode with Hill Descent Control significantly upgrades the Ascent Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trim levels. Dual-function X-Mode capabilities include Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings to optimize all-wheel-drive performance for the enhanced all-weather, off-pavement trail, and beach-going ability.

All 2023 Ascent trim levels come with Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged engine mated to a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission, X-Mode, and a new dual-function X-Mode on some trim levels, and 5,000-lb. towing capacity with standard trailer stability assist.

The Ascent Wilderness is the next logical addition to the outdoor-themed Subaru Wilderness family. However, Subaru will likely wait until the Ascent gets a complete remodel for the 2025 model year to offer the more rugged Ascent trim level. Stay tuned.

Which Subaru model would you pick to be the next Wilderness Edition? Maybe the Solterra EV? Let us know in the comments below.

You Might Also Like: Subaru Says Only North American Customers Will Get the All-New Crosstrek Wilderness Trim Level

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: Subaru