The automotive market is awash in crossovers masquerading as off-road vehicles. Most add plastic trim and aggressive tires, but deliver little actual capability. The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness stands apart: it’s a genuinely capable machine, despite the fact that the standard Outback is already quite competent. This raises a key question: is the Wilderness worth the extra expense?
A Rugged Makeover with Substance
Subaru didn’t just slap on cladding. The Wilderness boasts a redesigned front bumper with a bold “SUBARU” script instead of the usual cluster of stars. Bronze accents, black plastic cladding, and rocker panels reinforce the rugged aesthetic. A clever detail: the rear trim features a plastic strip designed to prevent ski or snowboard scratches—a practical touch that exemplifies Subaru’s attention to detail.
Inside: Comfort and Practicality Meet Wilderness Branding
The interior receives significant upgrades. The Wilderness now offers a full leather interior with heated and ventilated front seats, alongside Wilderness-specific badging. A new 12.1-inch touchscreen replaces the clunky tablet of previous generations, while physical buttons for climate control and other functions make a welcome return. The trunk even features measurement markings…in dog sizes, a nod to Subaru’s devoted canine-loving customer base.
Performance: A Step Up in Power and Ride Quality
The Wilderness is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque—a significant improvement over the base Outback’s sluggish engine. The added ground clearance (9.5 inches vs. 8.7 inches) doesn’t compromise handling thanks to improved electronic dampers and chunkier tires. Off-road performance feels genuinely smoother and more capable than in standard Outback trims.
X-Mode: Effective, But Not Without Flaws
Subaru’s X-Mode off-road management system handles challenging terrain with ease, intelligently adjusting torque distribution for optimal grip. However, it can restrict power output at times, requiring extra effort to accelerate once clear of obstacles. Despite this quirk, X-Mode proves effective when used correctly.
Price and Value: A Premium Cost for Added Capability
The 2026 Outback Wilderness starts at $46,445, with fully loaded models exceeding $50,000. While capable, the price difference versus a well-equipped standard Outback is significant. For hardcore off-roading, competitors like the Toyota 4Runner offer more focused capability at a similar price point.
Ultimately, the Outback Wilderness isn’t a bad vehicle; it simply overdelivers where most crossovers underperform. Unless you frequently push it to its off-road limits, the standard Outback provides comparable practicality at a lower cost. That said, 3% of Subaru owners use their vehicles to transport chickens, and that alone might make the Wilderness worthwhile.
