The Subaru Outback Wilderness is barely more than a month old. Subaru fans and car critics have been pleased with the car, a more off-road-oriented version of Subaru’s best-selling wagon. Before the end of the year, we may see the second installment in the Forester Wilderness.
According to Automotive News, Subaru told its dealers in February that it would bring out Wilderness editions of the Outback and Forester. Now that the Outback is out, we’re waiting for the second installment in the Forester.
As a sub-brand of Subaru, however, don’t expect a Wilderness version for every model in the company’s lineup. But its rugged Forester SUV will get the treatment next. The tough little Crosstrek wagon is also a strong candidate to join the lineup.
Wilderness models will not be sold at separate dealerships. However, it’s likely that many dealerships will have a separate, outdoor-themed area for the cars.
The Outback Wilderness has higher ground clearance than the standard Outback. New front and rear bumpers allow it to tackle rock crawling at more aggressive angles. It has skid plates to protect the undercarriage from debris, a matte panel down the front of the hood to reduce glare, and similar tweaks to make it more useful on the trail.
Other Wilderness models would be in line for the same treatment. We expect them to be available in an exclusive color – Geyser Blue – created by blending the signature blue of Subaru’s rally racers with more subdued earth tones. StarTex water-repelling interior fabrics and brighter interior lighting will be standard on Wilderness models.
