The Subaru Outback and Outback Wilderness are two of the most popular SUV models from Subaru. Both offer the capability, safety, and reliability that Subaru owners have come to expect. However, there are some key differences between these two models that prospective buyers should understand before making a purchase decision.

Exterior Styling

The standard Outback has a more conservative, refined look while the Wilderness edition has a more rugged, adventurous exterior styling. The Wilderness sits higher off the ground and includes additional cladding and skid plates to protect the underbody on rough terrain. Large wheel arches and chunky all-terrain tires give the Wilderness a bold, capable stance.

Off-Road Capability

The Outback Wilderness is optimized for off-road performance with its increased ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive with X-Mode. The suspension is tuned to provide more wheel articulation over uneven ground. This makes the Wilderness edition more capable over rough trails and in deep snow or mud than the standard Outback.

Interior Comfort

Both the standard Outback and Wilderness edition provide a comfortable, upscale interior environment. However, the Wilderness prioritizes ruggedness and utility with water-resistant StarTex upholstery instead of leather. The standard Outback offers a bit more luxury and refinement for everyday driving.

Standard Features

The Outback Wilderness includes several features as standard that are optional upgrades on the base Outback. These include the more advanced X-Mode system, front view monitor, full-size spare tire, and LED fog lights. However, the standard Outback still comes well equipped with the latest tech and safety features.

Performance

Under the hood, both models utilize the same reliable 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and advanced symmetrical all-wheel drive system. The Wilderness tuning provides a bit more low-end torque for off-road driving but acceleration and power delivery are similar.

In summary, the Subaru Outback Wilderness provides increased capability for buyers who frequently go off-road or drive in harsh weather conditions. Drivers wanting a more refined on-road SUV with light off-road ability are better served by the standard Subaru Outback. Be sure to visit Cascade Subaru in Cuyahoga Falls, Akron, Hudson or Stow to take both models for a test drive!

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