New Subaru Outback includes new Wilderness off-road models
More kit and off-road capability, including rugged new Wilderness variants, but higher prices across the range for all-new seventh-generation Subaru Outback.
Subaru has taken its all-new seventh-generation Outback wagon further down the off-road path, repositioning its versatile all-wheel drive wagon as more of a purpose-built SUV, with a taller, tougher and more purposeful appearance and adding a rugged new Wilderness variant.
Arriving almost five years after the launch of the well-regarded sixth-generation model, the new Outback features a redesigned SUV profile and major interior upgrades but retains Subaru’s trademark ‘boxer’ engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive underpinnings.
Prices are up across the board, with the entry-level Outback AWD now costing $48,990 (MRLP), and the range-topping Outback Wilderness Apex costing $62,690 (MRLP).
To give this some perspective, when the sixth-generation Outback launched in February 2021 prices ranged from $39,990 to $47,790.
You can see the full pricing table for the new Outback range at the bottom of our story.
New Wilderness variants
Leading the Outback’s charge down rougher roads and tracks are two new Wilderness variants, which Subaru is pitching as the most adventure-ready and capable models the brand has ever produced.Available in two distinctive trim levels, Outback AWD Wilderness and Outback AWD Wilderness Apex, the new range-topping variants are slightly heavier than their predecessors, weighing 1,781kg and 1,802kg respectively, versus 1,736kg for the outgoing AWD Sport XT and 1,770kg for the Touring XT.
Featuring a LandCruiser 300-Series rivalling 240mm of ground clearance, plus improved approach and departure angles, the distinctively-styled Wilderness variants are powered exclusively by Subaru’s 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine.
Producing 194kW/382Nm and driving all-four wheels via a Lineartronic CVT with eight-speed manual mode and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, the updated turbo powerplant makes an extra 11kW and 32Nm over the outgoing MY25 Outback.
Subaru’s X-Mode enhanced traction control system remains standard on both turbocharged Wilderness and other variants, giving drivers the option to choose specific modes for different driving conditions, and the all-wheel drive system has an improved torque split control for enhanced performance in low-traction conditions.
Over and above this, the Wilderness variants adopt a revised final reduction ratio which Subaru says is calibrated to maximise off-road capability by making the most of the increased low-rev output.
Other notable technical upgrades to the Wilderness include the fitment of electronically controlled dampers which are linked with the X-Mode traction control system to provide greater control over vehicle ride and handling in different conditions.
Claimed combined cycle fuel consumption for the Wilderness variants is 9.7L/100km, 0.7L/100km higher than the previous Outback turbo, possibly attributable to the revised gearing and increased kerb weight.
Non-turbo variants also upgraded
It’s not just the turbocharged Wilderness variants that benefit from the enhancements to off-road ability, either, with the three naturally aspirated variants also benefiting from 7mm more ground clearance versus the previous generation, with the new models now clearing 220mm).
Those other variants comprise the Outback AWD, Outback AWD Premium and Outback AWD Touring, all powered by an updated version of the Subaru’s 2.5-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine, paired with the same Lineartronic CVT as the Wilderness.
Subaru claims revisions to the non-turbo boxer four-cylinder deliver more useable torque, reduced noise and smoother performance than its predecessor, with combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.1L/100km.
The unbraked towing capacity of both turbo and non-turbo models is 750kg, with the braked towing capacity of the non-turbo variants rated at 2,000kg and the turbocharged variants at 2,100kg.
Stronger and quieter, with upgraded interiors
Both turbo and non-turbo variants adopt a new fuel-saving dual-pinion electric power steering system aimed at improving steering precision, with other notable technical changes including a stronger body structure courtesy of increased use of high-tensile steel, and structural enhancements aimed at reducing wind, road and vibration noise.
That should allow occupants to better appreciate the relative calm and quiet of the new Outback interior, with all variants featuring a new 12.1-inch horizontal infotainment touchscreen in place of the previous vertical display.
The infotainment system boasts a new operating system with up to 2.5 times faster processing speed than before, plus enhanced usability, widget layout and customisation.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard on all variants, with the higher-grade Outback Touring and Wilderness Apex variants also featuring an upgraded Harman Kardon 12-speaker premium sound system .
Also standard on all variants is a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with selectable Classic, Calm and Eyesight viewing modes, along with map and projection modes on variants with in-built satellite navigation.
Elsewhere, the interior of the new Outback features redesigned seats that are claimed to better support the lumbar and pelvis areas, with the AWD Touring featuring premium Nappa leather-accented trim, and Wilderness variants adopting a hard-wearing, synthetic leather with Anodised Yellow accents on stitching and key touchpoints and ‘Wilderness’ branded embossed headrest and backrest logos.
There’s increased headroom for occupants of both rows, an extra eight litres of cargo space (530 litres VDA), enlarged front and rear door trim bottle holders, a new multi-use cargo cover, a squarer and taller cargo opening designed to make loading and unloading easier, and new high-strength ladder-style roof rails with increased static load capacity of 363kg, up from the old model’s 318kg.
Safety improvements across the range include a new Panoramic 360° View Monitor with Side View Monitor (SVM), delivering extra visibility with more camera angles and improved low-light performance. Every variant is also equipped with the latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist system, with the ADAS system now incorporating Emergency Driving Stop and Acceleration Override Assist, together with Active Lane Change Assist on higher grades.
The new Outback is available to order now and all variants come with Subaru’s five-year unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty, and 12 months’ complimentary roadside assistance.
Subaru Outback manufacturer's list price
| Outback AWD | $48,990 |
| Outback AWD Premium | $53,490 |
| Outback AWD Touring | $56,990 |
| Outback AWD Wilderness | $59,690 |
| Outback AWD Wilderness Apex | $62,690 |
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