Subaru Australia has all-but-confirmed the introduction of the more off-road capable Wilderness editions of the Outback, Forester and Crosstrek.
Currently these more rugged versions of the popular SUVs have only been available in the US market, but the local operation has never hidden its desire to introduce them locally. First launched in 2021 with the Outback, the Wilderness editions add more ground clearance, a more off-road friendly wheel and tyre package, as well as underbody protection and some other trim highlights.
They aren’t just style packages, with the changes designed to provide genuinely improved off-road prowess. For example, thanks to specific bumpers and front skid plate, the Outback Wilderness has improved approach, breakover and departure angles; 20.0, 21.2 and 23.6 degrees, which are 1.4, 1.6 and 1.9 degrees better than that of the standard Outback, respectively.
They sit at the top of the respective ranges, so adding all three would give Subaru Australia a new trio of flagship models.
Speaking at the recent launch of the XV-replacing Crosstrek, Blair Read, Subaru Australia Managing Director, implied it was more a case of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ the Wilderness models arrive in Australia.
“We’re working really, really closely with the factory on the Wilderness,” Read told CarsGuide. “We think it would be a really good fit for Australian buyers. We’re getting much closer to getting something to market, so it’s definitely in the pipeline.”
He made it clear that he is interested in all three examples, but couldn’t provide a clear timeframe on when they will be available to local buyers.
“We’ve got interest in all three,” he said. “It’s just working through timings on what we can achieve and when.”
Keyword: Subaru Outback, Forester and Crosstrek Wilderness 'in the pipeline' for Australian launch: More rugged off-roaders coming Down Under