Subaru of America has introduced the new 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, which features a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, advanced dual-function X-MODE, elevated 9.5-inch ground clearance, standard front skid plate, all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension and Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive.
The Outback Wilderness also features EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, and a tablet-style 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia system with an integrated center information display.
The 2022 Outback Wilderness boasts a 9.5-inch ground clearance, a nearly one-inch increase over the standard model. The suspension has been tuned for improved stability on rough terrain while retaining ride comfort and handling performance on the open road, Subaru said. The front and rear shock absorbers and springs were increased in length to provide more ground clearance and suspension travel.
The increased ground clearance, along with redesigned front and rear bumpers, contribute to the vehicle’s ability to navigate rough or uneven terrain. Approach angles on the SUV have been extended from 18.6 degrees to 20.0, ramp breakover angle shifts from 19.4 degrees to 21.2 degrees, and the departure angle soars from 21.7 degrees to an impressive 23.6 degrees.
A revised rear differential with a final drive ratio of 4.44:1 was fitted, and the Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) was modified to achieve an equivalent final drive ratio at the front wheels. This combination improves available low-end torque at the wheels, resulting in a superior ability to climb grades up to 40 percent on a gravel surface, the automaker said. The addition of a pressure sensor improves control accuracy at low speeds. Standard dual-function X-MODE includes Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. Exclusive to Outback Wilderness, a new advanced feature for X-MODE allows the vehicle to switch automatically from low-speed managed driving to speeds over 25 mph without interruption of power or performance.
The Outback Wilderness comes equipped with Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires mounted on exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels in matte black finish. The tires are embossed with raised white letters: an homage to the original Outback.
In addition to the increased off-road capability, the Outback Wilderness is equipped with standard features including Active Torque Vectoring and Vehicle Dynamics Control, as well as a Front View Monitor, LED Rear Gate Light and Hands-Free Power Rear Gate.
The Outback Wilderness is paired with a Lineartronic CVT featuring an 8-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters. The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine delivers 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. The 2.4-liter turbo achieves an EPA-rated 22 city/26 highway and has a 3,500-lb. towing capacity.
The Outback Wilderness adds exclusive styling with all-new front and rear bumpers, hexagonal front grille, larger wheel arch cladding, front skid plate, hex-designed LED fog lights and an anti-glare hood decal in matte-black finish. Window trim and exterior badges have a black finish and new Subaru Wilderness badges are emblazoned on the front fenders and rear gate.
High contrast accents in an Anodized Copper-finish throughout the exterior signal contact points such as tow hook anchor points and roof rail tie-down points. The Outback Wilderness also utilizes a fixed ladder-type roof rack system, with a static load limit of 700 lbs., allowing adventurers to use a roof-top tent on the trail. The new Outback trim also debuts its exclusive exterior color: Geyser Blue.
On the inside, the Outback Wilderness features seats wrapped in Subaru StarTe® water-repellant material that includes the Subaru Wilderness logo embossed in the headrests. A copper-colored contrast stitch weaves its way throughout the interior, complementing the Anodized Copper-finish accents on the steering wheel, shifter assembly and meter rings. The headliner utilizes a darker color and Gunmetal Grey replaces the standard chrome touchpoints such as ventilation grilles and cupholders. Brushed aluminum pedals also give a sporty look. Standard all-weather floor mats also display the Subaru Wilderness logo. In the cargo area, the rear seatback is wrapped in a waterproof material, and a waterproof rear cargo tray protects the load floor. The Subaru Wilderness logo also appears in the meter display during vehicle start-up.
Outback Wilderness comes standard with the STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system offering direct touch controls for multimedia, HVAC, X-MODE and vehicle settings. The multimedia system includes smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto; Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity. The system also comes standard with AM/FM stereo; rear vision camera; SiriusXM All Access Radio (4-month free subscription) and SiriusXM Travel Link (3-year free subscription); HD Radio and over-the-air updates. The 11.6-inch multimedia with navigation is available as part of an option package that also includes a power moonroof and reverse automatic braking. Exclusive to Outback Wilderness, the X-MODE display features a new Roll-Angle Indicator to help the driver navigate off-road terrain.
