Jeep has long held domination over the off-road segment across nearly every vehicle category. It’s a well-known fact: if your adventures veer off the beaten path into the unknown, the off-road prowess of a Jeep is akin to the surefootedness of a mountain goat. However, Subaru, keenly aware of owners’ tendency for pushing their vehicles to their adventurous limit, has birthed a new off-road Wilderness trim.  

A Pretty Face 

It is not new news that Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system is superb for everyday escapades, as evidenced in northern regions with their trifecta of snow and picturesque landscapes. Yet, when confronted with sketchy off-road situations, Subaru can navigate weathered terrain, though not without its challenges and limitations. Enter the Wilderness package, designed to conquer rugged obstacles.  

PROS: Better than expected off-road capabilities, reasonably priced, comfortable driving on & off the road 

Like any new trim, the Wilderness badge brings a plethora of aesthetic upgrades, elevating its allure above other models on the sales floor. With copper exterior accents, enhanced body cladding, and upgraded LED fog lights, its appeal is undeniable. And some of these upgrades are actually useful like the upgraded roof rails that allow for a 700-pound static load capacity for those that like sleeping on top of their car.   

Interior enhancements include additional copper accents and stitching in the faux leather StarTek seats. However, the most significant upgrades lie in the revised suspension, featuring taller springs that grant the Crosstrek a 0.6-inch lift and 9.3 inches of ground clearance. For perspective, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk boasts 8.6 inches of ground clearance, while the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands offers 8.8 inches. This increased ground clearance enhances approach and departure angles for tackling rugged terrain with ease.  

Challenge Accepted 

The Wilderness package also boasts a re-tuned version of Subaru’s X-Mode all-wheel-drive system, which adjusts transmission, throttle, and torque distribution based on varying terrains. Functioning similar to a torque-vectoring system, power is continuously shifted to the wheels with the most traction, aided by the beefier all-terrain Yokohama tires it comes equipped with.  

On the road, the Crosstrek exudes a spirited performance. While not directly compared to the Limited, the Wilderness seems to possess a livelier demeanor, despite being notably slower. Powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, it takes a solid half-second longer to reach 60 mph due to its extra weight and chunkier tires at 8.5-seonds.  

CONS: Could do with more power, plain interior 

What sets the Wilderness apart is its enhanced performance features, including a modified drive ratio, a robust cooling fan, and an upgraded oil cooler system. These advancements elevate its towing capacity from an estimated 1500 pounds to an impressive 3500 pounds enabling it to effortlessly haul various recreational vehicles. This blend of power and capability ensures that drivers can tackle a wide range of adventures with ease and confidence. 

These off-road upgrades take a mild hit on fuel-economy, whereas the Limited is estimated to receive 33-mpg’s on the highway, the Wilderness is estimated at 29-mpg’s. However, after driving both the Limited and Wilderness models roughly the same 350-miles, the combined average difference wasn’t nearly as dramatic as the Wilderness only averaged 1-mpg less combined than the Limited, returning 26.1-mpgs.   

The Crosstrek Wilderness just doesn’t show its upper hand on the back trails that can keep pace with a Jeep Wrangler, but in its pricing. The Wilderness starts at $32,195 and should you opt for the Harmon Kardon Sound system, that adds a banging good stereo, a power sunroof and power driver seat, the Wilderness will set you back $35,810. To put that pricing into perspective, a Jeep Compass Trailhawk start at $34,000 and can rise to nearly $41,000 while the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands starts at just north of $38,000 and can see well over $43,000 in its heritage edition.  

Encouraging its adventurous consumers to embark on daring journeys beyond the confines of conventional roads, the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness fearlessly tackles any terrain or obstacle that comes its way. With its rugged capabilities and unwavering performance, it stands ready to conquer even the most daunting challenges, inviting drivers to push the boundaries of exploration and venture into the unknown with confidence.