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Don't Buy a 4WD Until You See This Subaru Outback Wilderness

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The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness has 240mm of ground clearance. That's more than a Toyota Prado. We took it off-road to find out what that clearance actually buys you, and why the Prado can't match it on this stuff.

The Wilderness isn't just a lifted Outback. Subaru has stiffened the springs, re-tuned the dampers and bolted on the all-terrain rubber to make the extra height work, not just exist. Here's where the extra clearance earns its keep, where the adaptive suspension pays off, and the one place the spec sheet lies to you.

We also answer the question on every buyer's mind: does 240mm of clearance and a real off-road setup make this the best 4WD that isn't a 4WD? Or are you still better off in a Prado?

Read the full article: http://carsales.com.au/editorial/deta...

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20 Comments

@markpronger1009 1 month ago

Had mine for a week, so far very happy. As a 64 yr old nature photographer who didn't want a hardcore 4 wheel drive this ticked all the boxes. Of the 30 cars i have owned this is my first Subaru. I know that a lot of people are hating on the look but i don't mind it and have already tested the front nudge bar/plastics. Loving the engine and with the seats flat it gives 1.8 metres for a matress for the overnight in the bush.

@gtg555u 1 month ago

I got mine based on the looks! I think it is so cool and it is such a great vehicle!

@JuliusZimmer-b5t 1 month ago (edited)

I love the boxy look of this new generation. Finally looks rugged and agressive.
I bought a Premium a few months ago. First thing was changing the tyres for Pirelli Scorpion A/Ts. Agressive look, strong grip, low noise.
The car is top quality engineering, better than the previous gens and most rivals on the market

@camperdown68 1 month ago

31min mark says it all.
I can't buy Touring XT, so it's a no thanks for me.

@MarkBondfield 1 month ago

It looks great. Its an SUV. It looks rugged and as an all-rounder family car it certainly ticks a lot of boxes.

@dreameater8432 1 month ago (edited)

We have had the Apex wilderness for 3 weeks, paid 71k all up honestly best car I have ever owned, we were tossing up between this and the Toyota prado only 3 of us so went with the wilderness, looks are subject as well ours looks awesome got it in black so the cladding doesn't clash as much

@Ellipsis141 1 month ago

I think there's potential to the styling. Like I can see through the busy details. But that's the issue; all those unnecessary, overly fussy details spoil it for me.

@thebiffster4217 1 month ago

Hi Feann, glad you commented on the adaptive dampers on higher speed gravel/corrugations. Ryan from Driving Sports TV felt it was a little harsh on faster dirt, without manual control you can't switch it to a softer setting, and the cushier X Mode ride cuts out at 40 kmh. Fast gravel and unsealed roads is the natural environment for this vehicle. Also, while a more efficient hybrid would be welcome, it would almost certainly mean the deletion of the full size spare wheel, they don't seem able to package both. For many people that would buy a Subaru, having a FSSW is one of the main attractions in a world where most cars now do without them. Great review.

@LeeOz-h8l 3 weeks ago

I'm from the state's, my wilderness came with multi view camera angles, and I wish it came with the Yokohamas like my crosstrek wilderness had. Good review

@AusEnduroChannel 11 days ago

Chummy spot to test... Good vid 👌

@shelbyfanman 1 month ago

Smashing 🥸

@lewisjohnson7260 3 weeks ago

That music was dramatic at the start 😂

@Nudibranch007 1 month ago

My 2018 Outback is still perfect for my needs and I love the cloth seats and analogue gauges. I get 6.3 litres per 100ks on the highway so fantastic fuel economy. I see no benefit from upgrading to the new model. If you want to tow something heavy or go off road, just get a Pajero Sport for less money.

@weingrape332 1 month ago

CASIOのG-SHOCKみたいなフロントデザインだ。

@MrApplesaucestuff 1 month ago

very impressive on pavement tyres

@deganellis 1 month ago

Ugly tree. Every branch. Drinks more than its parents. Has manners, but isn't afraid to get down and dirty when in the mood. Lots of head room on the inside and only one spare tyre. Sounds like my kind of......car. 😊
Great review, Feann! 😊

One question though. Did you find the steering wheel super cheap feeling? Sat in one and just couldn't see myself holding that thing day in, day out. Felt like Temu leather.

Also, that fuel economy is bloody awful in 2026. Even for a non hybrid. You're spot on. A hybrid Apex would be the go...

@du3223 1 month ago

Those are some odd engine choices for you guys. In Canada we get 4 trim levels: Touring, Limited XT, Wilderness and Premier XT. Only the lowest level Touring model gets the non-turbo engine.