Ground clearance is becoming more important as a greater number of people decide to head off-road. It’s also nice for anyone who is tired of feeling as if they’re sitting on the ground, and automakers like Subaru are increasing the ground clearance on their more popular models. The Subaru Outback is one of these that is seeing a growth spurt, and the Wilderness trim is getting the greatest boost in height of all.

The 2022 Subaru Outback is better than ever

The Subaru Outback has long been a favorite due to the fact that it is both an SUV and a station wagon. Its tough looks are hard to miss, and yet it makes the perfect family vehicle. Now it appears that the 2022 model may just be the best one yet.

According to Subaru, the base model comes equipped with a 2.5-liter DOHC engine that produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 2,700 lbs, which isn’t class-leading by any means, but it’s enough to tow a lightweight camper or boat.

Other features that make the Subaru stand out include AWD, EyeSight Driver Assist, LED headlights, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and raised roof rails with integrated crossbars and tie-down points. 

Things only get better from there. Higher trim levels like the Touring and the Limited XT offer features like a moonroof, leather-trimmed upholstery, a hands-free power rear gate, heated seats, and a rear-vision camera to name just a few. Most of these trim levels come with a ground clearance height of 8.7 inches, which is very respectable, but the Wilderness trim is getting a boost.

The Subaru Outback is growing taller

According to Ground Clearance, Subaru has been slowly raising the height over the years. The second generation Outback, which lasted from 2000 through 2004, started out with a height of 7.3 inches. 

The third generation (2005 through 2009), got quite the boost. The height increased from 7.3 inches across all trim levels to 8.4 inches. Some trims like the XT Limited got a boost to 8.7 inches.

A height of 8.7 inches became the norm for the fourth generation, which lasted from 2010 to 2014. This remains true for the fifth generation, which ended in 2019.

Now in its sixth generation, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness trim is getting another growth spurt. While the other trim levels come with the same 8.7-inch ground clearance that has defined the Outback for three generations, the 2022 Wilderness trim gets 9.5 inches of ground clearance. This isn’t the highest ground clearance on the market, but it’s enough to make off-road enthusiasts give the 2022 Outback Wilderness a serious look. 

Is sitting higher really a good thing?

When looking at ground clearance, and trying to decide what the best height is for you, there are a few things you should take into consideration before deciding to buy. The biggest question is what you’re going to use your vehicle for.

If you’re going off-roading, the height determines just how far off the beaten trail you can go. Blazing over rocks and powering through streams is going to require greater height than just going over steep hills.

Greater ground clearance is also nice for when driving on the highway. Sitting above other vehicles gives you a superior view of the road. It also gives a sense of safety when a much larger vehicle pulls up next to you.

The major reason to avoid greater ground clearance is the increased risk of rollover. The higher a vehicle is from the ground, the easier it is for it to flip in an accident. It’s also a bit of a pain getting in and out if you’re on the shorter side. 

These are all factors to consider when taking a look at the new 2022 Subaru Outback.