The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness and 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness are Subaru’s two new off-road models of their best-selling SUVs. Each SUV offers something for off-roaders, but they’re still different. Which one can handle the trails better?

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness has more ground clearance

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness has more ground clearance than the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness. While the Outback has 9.5-inches of ground clearance, the Forester has 9.2-inches. However, those are both better than the standard Subaru Outback and Forester, which get just 8.7-inches of ground clearance. According to Torque News, the Outback can handle a more challenging terrain. The Forester, however, does offer longer coil springs and shock absorbers. In addition, it’s tuned for “ride and handling performance.”

Apparently, the Forester’s smaller ground clearance is due to its height. With a shorter wheelbase, it has a shorter ground clearance, while the Outback’s longer wheelbase allows for a taller ground clearance. Torque News also points out that the Outback’s setup allows for an extended approach, going from 18.6 to 20-inches for its approach angle and 19,4 to 21.2-inches for its ramp break-over angle shifts. In addition, the departure angle has increased from 21.7 to 23.6-inches.

The Outback comes with advanced X-Mode

Both the 2022 Subaru Outback and 2022 Subaru Forester come with X-Mode. The difference is that the Outback’s X-Mode is advanced, while the Forester’s X-Mode is standard. The Outback’s X-Mode allows for the Outback to switch easily from low-speed to faster speeds without a disruption in performance. It also has a roll-angle indicator for navigating off-road terrain. On the other hand, the Forester’s X-Mode is just a regular old system, and not even as upgraded as the Forester Sport.

The Forester isn’t as powerful as the Outback

The 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness only wishes that it was as powerful as the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Unfortunately, it isn’t. The 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness comes with a 2.5-liter engine that makes 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, has a 2.4-liter turbocharged that makes 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Can the Outback or Forester tow more?

You’re noticing a trend, right? The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness can tow more than the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness. It can handle up to 3,500 pounds, while the Forester can only tow 3,000 pounds. That 500 pounds may be a big deal to you, or it may not, depending on if you plan on using the tow feature (and what you’d be towing).

The Forester has better fuel economy

Fuel economy is one area where the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness does better. It gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway, making for a combined 26 mpg. The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway. It has a combined mpg of 24.

The Forester Wilderness is also cheaper than the Outback Wilderness

The 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness price starts at $33,945, while the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness price is $38,120. Both of these prices include the destination fee as well as the delivery fees. Although the Forester is cheaper, that may not be enough to compel people to choose it over the Outback.

So is the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness or 2022 Subaru Forester Outback Wilderness better for off-roading? The Outback Wilderness is clearly the better choice It combines more ground clearance, a more powerful engine, and the ability to tow more. However, if fuel economy or price are your priorities, you’ll still be happy with the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness.