Description
Subaru refreshed the sixth generation of the Outback lineup in the spring of 2022, and along with the rest of the range, it also updated the Wilderness version of its crossover.
Subaru tried to do something different with the Wilderness version than just a trim level. While the car was based on the same refreshed 2024 Outback, it had many different features and exclusive details that made some customers wonder if these two vehicles were closely related. Moreover, regardless of its trim level, the regular Outback couldn’t chase its Wilderness sibling everywhere.
With its specific front bumper, the Wilderness version was clearly aimed at customers different from those looking for a daily-driving sporty station wagon on stilts. At the front, Subaru added bright orange trims in the bumper’s mid-section. At the same time, the lower side featured multi-LED fog lamps that flanked a lower air intake adorned by a hexagonal pattern mesh. Furthermore, the entire lower side was black and unpainted to better withstand scratches from stones and roots.
While the Outback looked like a station wagon on stilts, the Wilderness version looked more like an Outback with army boots. The extended plastic cladding around wheel arches and side sills emphasized its 9.5-inch (24 cm) ground clearance, up from 8.7-inch (22 cm) of its sibling. Since Subaru made this version for those craving sleeping in the woods, it added a reinforced roof rack that could withstand a 700-lbs (318 kg) static load, built to support roof-camping gear. At the back, the Outback Wilderness featured a black bumper adorned by two bright orange trims that echoed those from the front of the car.
Inside, Subaru added a specific upholstery to the car, adorned by bright orange tags on the door cards. Furthermore, the automaker added copper-gold trims on the lower spoke of the steering wheel and the gear selector housed by the center console. The front high bolstered bucket seats were upholstered with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and provided excellent side support. Fronting the driver was a mixed instrument panel that featured large dials for the analog speedometer and tachometer that flanked a TFT screen that showed data from the car’s onboard computer. In the back, the automaker added standard vents for the rear-seated passengers.
Subaru offered the Outback Wilderness with one engine option, a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four powerplant, which sent its power in all corners via the same Lineartronic (CVT) gearbox. The 18” alloy wheels wrapped in AT tire were specific for this car version. The revised suspension and transmission programs could help the vehicle reach remote areas deep into the forest. It wasn’t afraid to have its wheels or bodywork dirty. Last but not least, the metallic shields under the bodywork offered improved protection for the car against stones, branches, or roots.
Press Release
The 2024 Outback delivers the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Active Torque Vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.5 inches for Wilderness) is greater than that of many SUVs, yet the Outback maintains a comfortably low step-in height for both front and rear passenger entry.
For 2024 model year, Outback will be available in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Wilderness, Limited, Touring, and XT trim levels.
The Outback Base starts at a competitive price of $28,895 and comes with an extensive list of standard features including EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; LED Steering Responsive Headlights with High Beam Assist; LED fog lights; Rear Vision Camera with Adaptive Guidelines; X-MODE with Hill Descent Control.
The SUV is also equipped with power windows, door locks, fuel door, and mirrors as well as a USB-A input/charge port and 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack in the front center console. The standard security system includes remote keyless entry and the dome and cargo area lights have been upgraded to LED.
The entry-level trim is powered by a 2.5-liter BOXER engine that produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. The naturally aspirated engine is paired with a standard Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with 8-speed manual shift mode and steering wheel paddle shift control switches.
In addition, the Outback Base is equipped with the STARLINK dual 7.0-inch center information display with improved on-screen controls. The upper 7-inch touchscreen operates audio controls while the lower 7-inch touchscreen operates controls for climate, EyeSight, X-MODE, and other vehicle systems. The multimedia system also offers AM/FM/HD Radio; Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; rear vision camera; and SiriusXM® and SiriusXM Travel Link®.(1)
The Outback Premium, with a starting price of $31,195, includes all the standard equipment from the Base and adds an All-Weather Package; leather-wrapped steering wheel; dual-zone automatic climate control system; 10-way power driver seat; and rear gate LED light.
The Premium comes standard with the STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto with full screen display.
The front center console features USB-A and USB-C input/charge and 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack. All three input locations are illuminated. The rear section of the center console is equipped with USB-A and UBS-C charge ports and rear ventilation.
There are two option packages available for the Premium. The first includes Hands-Free Power Rear Gate; Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; and Automatic Emergency Steering for an MSRP of $1,400.
The second package includes all the features of the first package and adds a Power Moonroof and the STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation powered by TomTom® for an MSRP of $2,995.
Priced at $36,105, the Onyx Edition builds on the Premium trim and adds Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; Automatic Emergency Steering; Hands-Free Power Gate and dual-function X-MODE. The standard 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system is now paired with a Harman Kardon® speaker system with 576-watt equivalent amplifier.
The Onyx Edition now comes standard with a Power Moonroof and Reverse Automatic Braking. The youthful trim level also features black-finish exterior elements and badging, 18-inch alloy wheels in black finish, and an exclusive gray two-tone interior. Further, the seats are wrapped in a water-repellant durable StarTex® material and the leather-wrapped heated steering wheel is now complemented with green stitching.
Priced at $39,360, the Outback Onyx Edition XT upgrades to the powerful 2.4-liter turbo BOXER engine as well as 180-Degree Front View Monitor, 8-way power front passenger seat, heated rear seats (outboard seat position), and a full-size spare tire.
For 2024, the Subaru Outback Wilderness receives a more rugged look thanks to a new front fascia featuring a redesigned bumper and LED fog lights paired with a more prominent front grille.
The refreshed Subaru Outback Wilderness has a starting price of $39,960. The rugged trim level builds off the Onyx Edition XT including the 2.4-liter turbo BOXER engine; Hands-Free Power Gate; 180-Degree Front View Monitor; and a full-size matching spare tire. In addition, the Outback Wilderness is equipped with dual-function X-MODE with exclusive low speed/low gradient control; Yokohama GEOLANDAR® all-terrain tires; and unique exterior and interior accents.
The tuned suspension gives Subaru Outback Wilderness outstanding stability on rough terrain while retaining ride comfort and handling performance on the open road. The front and rear shock absorbers and springs have increased length to provide more suspension travel with 9.5 inches of ground clearance.
An option package with a Power Moonroof; STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system; and Reverse Automatic Braking is available for an MSRP of $1,845.
The well-appointed Outback Limited starts at $35,795. The Limited comes standard with 12-way power driver's seat with two position memory with power lumbar support. Built on Premium, the Limited adds perforated leather-trimmed upholstery; heated rear seat backs; hands-free power rear gate; and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start to its list of standard features. Standard driver assist technologies include Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Automatic Emergency Steering.
An option package includes a Power Moonroof; 360-degree heated steering wheel; STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system; Harman Kardon speaker system with 576-watt equivalent amplifier; and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System for an MSRP of $2,060.
At $40,195, the turbocharged 2024 Outback Limited XT upgrades to the 2.4-liter turbo BOXER engine. The Limited XT adds a Power Moonroof; 360-degree heated steering wheel; STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system; Harman Kardon speaker system with 576-watt equivalent amplifier, and DriverFocus.
The top-of-the-line Touring is priced at $40,345 and includes all the standard equipment of the Limited, plus a 180-Degree Front View Monitor, automatic power-folding mirrors, 360-degree heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats.
The Touring trim includes a Wide-Angle Mono Camera that works together with the dual-camera EyeSight system. Also standard on Touring is a full LCD Smart Rear-View Mirror with auto-dimming, compass and Homelink®. The top trim is also adorned with exclusive exterior and interior accents and genuine Black or Java Brown Nappa Leather upholstery throughout the interior.
The Outback Touring XT is priced at $42,795 and comes with all the standard equipment of the Touring and upgrades to the 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine.
