The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Challenges Rivals
The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness just made its debut, and it looks pretty darn rugged. But can this Subaru Outback model keep up with rivals such as the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, Toyota 4Runner TRd Pro, and other off-roading SUVs?
How capable is the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
The Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner might need to feel nervous. The brand new 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness just made its debut as the latest Outback off-roading trim. It has a new rugged look and possibly the capabilities to match.
But first, we have a bummer for you. The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness cost hasn’t been revealed yet, according to Motor Authority. So, we will have to wait to learn more. The price will be revealed closer to the market launch later in the year.
For a little context, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk begins at about $35,800, while the base model starts at around $26,760. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner has an MSRP of about $36,765, and the TRD PRO raises the bar to $50,745. The 2021 Subaru Outback starts at about $26,795, so hopefully, the 2022 Outback Wilderness will be under $35,000.
What comes with the 2022 Outback Wilderness?
The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness comes with the same 2.4-liter turbo flat-four engine as other Subaru Outback models. It pumps out 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. According to CNET, the engine is paired with an increased finally drive ratio with 4:44:1 instead of 4:11:1 to increase the low-end torque.
Subaru says the Outback Wilderness can climb a 40% grade on a gravel road. The X-Mode all-wheel-drive system has beefed up the off-road settings for Snow, Dirt, and Deep Snow/Mud settings. Plus, it can tow up to 3,500 lb.
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has a 3.2-liter V6 engine with 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 4,500 lb when properly equipped. The 4×4 system has five modes, including Auto, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock.
The Outback Wilderness has longer shock absorbers and springs to create a 9.5-inch ground clearance, a front skid plate, roof rails that support up to 700 lbs, and 17-inch black wheels wrapped in 255.65-series Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires.
The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has a locking limited-slip differential, 8.7-inch ground clearance, skid plates, 18-inch off-road aluminum wheels with All-Terrain tires, a gloss black roof rack, and more.
How is the 2022 Outback Wilderness interior?
Get ready for comfort. The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness has StarTrec water-repellant seat material on all seats and the seatbacks. So, even if the seats are folded flat, the waterproof material still protects them.
Other than that, the interior is pretty much the same as other Subaru Outback models. It comes with a standard 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities.
It comes standard with the Subaru EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology. It includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more.
