The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness finally got to play where it belongs, in the wild. The new Subaru Outback Wilderness incorporates a few improvements from the 2020 Onyx XT, and the upgrades clearly make a difference. 

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness finally went off-roading 

First, we need to shout out to the team at Roadshow and Driving Sports TV for putting the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness in the dirt! They were able to truly test its new capabilities in various conditions and rugged terrain. 

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness begins around $38,120 but may include enough upgrades to be worth the price. For example, it has an 0.8-inch factory-installed suspension lift to increase its ground clearance from 8.7 inches to 9.5 inches. Plus, the Outback Wilderness has redesigned bumpers to improve the approach angle to 20 degrees, the departure angle to 23.6 degrees, and the break-over angle to 21.2 degrees. 

How does the Subaru Outback Wilderness perform? 

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness has specially designed Yokohama Geolander All-Terrain tires with a chunkier lug design without being too aggressive. They help improve the grip in off-roading situations without sacrificing comfort on the road. A spare tire can be found under the cargo floor to provide room for extra underbody protection. 

Roadshow notes the Outback Wilderness probably can’t keep up with Jeep Wranglers in Moab, but still provides an adventurous experience. The 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 3,500 lbs and climb a 40 percent grade on a gravel road. 

The Wilderness is easy to control and reassuring thanks to its ground clearance and low-end torque, making it easy to control without too much throttle input. Also, the dual-function X Mode system no longer cuts off at speeds above 25 mph and has been reprogrammed for the new tires and suspension setup. 

There are a few different driving modes for sand, snow, and deep snow. The deep snow mode allows for more wheel spin. The hill climb mode is effective for steep inclines, and there is excellent visibility over the hood. 

X Mode applies individual braking power to the rear wheels to reduce power loss. More torque is provided to the wheels with grip, and it functions similarly to an e-locker would during uneven climbs. The hill descent control also does well at keeping you at a comfortable speed.  

What are the Subaru Outback Wilderness features like? 

The 2022 Subaru Wilderness Outback features Anodized Copper accents to make the tow hooks and roof rail mount points pop. The roof rails are for Wilderness Duty and can hold up to 700 lbs. 

The interior features vegan faux leather upholstery and StarTrex water-repellent material. There are no additional power sources in the rear, but there are 12-volt outlets in the glovebox and center console. 

You’ll find the Subaru Starlink infotainment system on an 11.6-inch display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure warning, EyeSight driver assistance, and lane-centering assistance. You can opt for a power moonroof and reverse automatic braking. 

It seems like the Subaru Outback Wilderness performs as one of the most capable Subaru models ever, with the ability to climb over steep obstacles without sacrificing comfort or convenience.