Bachman Subaru Blog

The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness has officially hit the market, and for those who were hoping for a significant overhaul, the news might be a bit underwhelming. Despite previous speculation and hopes for new features, the Outback Wilderness remains largely unchanged from its 2024 predecessor. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Let’s delve into what’s new, what remains the same, and whether the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness is worth your consideration.

What’s New for 2025?

While the overall design and many features of the Outback Wilderness remain consistent with the 2024 model, there are a few updates, primarily focused on the Limited trim:

1. Limited Trim Upgrades:
   • Power Sunroof: The Limited trim now comes with a power sunroof, enhancing the driving experience with more natural light.
   • Heated Steering Wheel: This feature is a welcome addition for those cold winter mornings.
   • Driver Attention Monitoring: This new safety feature helps ensure the driver remains alert.
   • 11.6-inch Infotainment Screen with Navigation: The larger screen includes built-in navigation, offering a more modern infotainment experience.

For the Wilderness trim specifically, the changes are minimal. The features and capabilities that made it popular in 2024 carry over into 2025, maintaining its rugged charm and off-road prowess.

The Wilderness Trim: A Closer Look

The Wilderness trim is designed for those who love adventure and off-road driving. Here are some of the key features that remain unchanged:

• Ground Clearance: One of the most significant advantages of the Wilderness trim is its increased ground clearance, which is 9.5 inches, up from the standard 8.7 inches. This provides better off-road capability and a more commanding view of the road.
• Exterior Design: The Wilderness trim continues to feature robust, rugged styling with extensive cladding, hexagonal LED fog lights, and a prominent front skid plate. Copper accents add a touch of style to its rugged appearance.
• Engine Options: Under the hood, the Wilderness trim comes with a 2.4L turbocharged Boxer engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for both on-road and off-road driving. There’s also a 2.5L non-turbo engine option, but for those seeking better performance, the turbocharged engine is highly recommended.

Interior Comfort and Features

The interior of the Outback Wilderness is designed for durability and comfort. While there are no significant changes for 2025, the existing features continue to impress:

• Seating: The Wilderness trim features Subaru’s StarTex water-repellent seating surfaces, which are comfortable and easy to clean. Both front seats are power-adjustable and heated.
• Infotainment System: The 11.6-inch Subaru Starlink infotainment system remains a highlight, offering navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, it’s worth noting that the system can be laggy and unresponsive at times.
• Cargo Space: The Outback Wilderness provides ample cargo space, with 33 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The power liftgate and additional underfloor storage add to its practicality.

Driving Experience

Driving the Outback Wilderness is a unique experience, especially if you’re used to sedans or lower SUVs. The increased ground clearance provides a commanding view of the road, and the suspension is tuned to handle both on-road and off-road conditions comfortably. Here are some highlights from a test drive:

• Acceleration: The 2.4L turbo engine delivers strong performance, though there is a noticeable delay when accelerating from a stop due to the combination of the turbo and CVT.
• Handling: While the increased ground clearance can make the vehicle feel a bit less connected to the road, it handles bumps and rough terrain with ease.
• Visibility: The Outback Wilderness offers excellent visibility, with a large front windshield and minimal blind spots.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Rugged Design: The Wilderness trim’s aesthetic and functional design elements make it stand out.
2. Comfortable Seating: The StarTex seats are both comfortable and durable, ideal for long drives and off-road adventures.
3. Cargo Space: With its generous cargo capacity, the Outback Wilderness is perfect for those who need to carry a lot of gear.

Cons:

1. Infotainment System: The Starlink infotainment system can be laggy and frustrating to use.
2. Camera Quality: The quality of the front and rear cameras is subpar compared to competitors.
3. Analog Gauges: The lack of a fully digital display might be a downside for those who prefer modern instrument clusters.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness?

If you’re in the market for a rugged, off-road capable SUV with a blend of practicality and comfort, the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness remains a solid choice. While it may not have received the significant updates some were hoping for, its proven features and capabilities continue to make it a reliable and appealing option.

For those who prioritize advanced technology and modern design, the Outback Wilderness might feel a bit dated. However, its off-road prowess, comfortable interior, and practical cargo space make it a compelling option for adventure enthusiasts.

In summary, the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness is worth considering if you value its unique combination of features and are willing to overlook some of its technological shortcomings. It remains a capable and reliable SUV that’s ready for whatever adventures lie ahead.