- after releasing the outback wilderness earlier this year, subaru is expanding the all-terrain trim to a new model, showing two teaser images.
- the images don’t show which model it will be, but we expect it to be the ascent three-row suv.
- expect a minor suspension lift, all-terrain tires, and lots of wilderness-specific trim when subaru reveals the new model in the near future.
earlier this year, subaru showed off the outback wilderness, a new trim level that took the already rugged wagon-turned-crossover and prepped it for more serious off-road duties. now subaru is applying the wilderness badge to a new member of their lineup, with two teasers hinting that it might be the ascent three-row crossover.
though the tightly cropped teaser images don’t reveal much, the first photo shows the wilderness badge adorning the door next to chunky plastic wheel arch cladding while the second image features most of the front door and fender. we think it is the ascent judging by the shape of the front end and the fact that, as subaru’s largest crossover, it is already well-suited vehicle for camping and other excursions. the forester or the crosstrek are likely candidates for the wilderness treatment, too, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see subaru’s entire crossover lineup gain this trim at some point.
regardless of the model, subaru’s next wilderness model will likely have similar modifications as the outback. we can already see that it sports the same geyser blue paint, and we expect a suspension lift—the outback gains 0.8 inches for 9.5 inches of total ground clearance. redesigned bumpers should create better approach and departure angles and model-specific wheels will come wrapped in all-terrain rubber. other visual changes could include a front skid plate, roof rack, and a unique grille, and while the engine should remain unchanged, there might be some retuning of the transmission. like the outback wilderness, the interior will probably feature startex, a water-repelling fabric.
we expect to hear more about this mysterious wilderness model soon, although subaru didn’t say when more information would be released.