Subaru Wilderness models: Outback, Forester and Crosstrek Wilderness by year

Subaru Wilderness models history

Subaru introduced the Wilderness line in March 2021 with the 2022 Outback Wilderness, which it called the most rugged and capable Outback ever. It paired the 2.4-liter turbo engine with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, longer springs and shocks, all-terrain tires, a front skid plate and a shorter final drive. Pricing started at $36,995.

The Forester Wilderness followed in September 2021 as part of the 2022 Forester refresh, starting at $32,820 with 9.2 inches of ground clearance, half an inch more than other Foresters. The 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness debuted at the New York auto show in April 2023 with 9.3 inches of clearance, a 4.111 final drive and a $31,995 starting price.

The Forester and Outback Wilderness have since been redesigned with their parent models: the 2026 Forester Wilderness rides 9.3 inches high, the 2026 Outback Wilderness keeps 9.5 inches and adds electronically controlled dampers, and the 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid is the first hybrid to wear the badge.[1],[2],[3],[4],[6],[7],[9]

Years and production numbers

Generations and key variants

Engine and drivetrain facts

• The 2022 Outback Wilderness uses the 2.4-liter turbo BOXER with 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm, a Lineartronic CVT with an 8-speed manual mode, and was EPA-rated 22 city/26 highway mpg.
• The 2026 Outback Wilderness keeps the 260-hp turbo and 3,500-lb towing rating and adds electronically controlled dampers.
• The 2026 Forester Wilderness uses a 180-hp, 178 lb-ft 2.5-liter BOXER with a shorter final drive and an uprated transmission cooler for up to 3,500 lb of towing.
• The 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses an Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter BOXER with electric motors for 194 hp, up from 180 hp in the gasoline Forester Wilderness.

Sources:[1],[6],[7],[9]

What changed over the years

1. March 30, 20212022 Outback Wilderness revealed, the first Wilderness model.
2. April 19, 2021Outback Wilderness priced from $36,995.
3. September 2, 20212022 Forester Wilderness priced from $32,820.
4. April 5, 20232024 Crosstrek Wilderness debuts in New York from $31,995.
5. November 22, 20242025 Forester Wilderness, based on the previous-generation Forester and built in Gunma, Japan, priced from $34,995.
6. February 6, 2025Sixth-generation 2026 Forester Wilderness revealed with 9.3 inches of clearance and 3,500-lb towing.
7. April 16, 2025Seventh-generation 2026 Outback Wilderness revealed with electronically controlled dampers and an 800-lb static roof load rating.
8. April 1, 20262027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid revealed, the first Wilderness hybrid.
9. Fall 20262027 pricing: Forester Wilderness $39,495, Forester Wilderness Hybrid $40,495, Outback Wilderness $43,995.

Sources:[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[9],[10],[11]

What to check before you buy one

• Confirm the Wilderness trim with a VIN decode rather than badges or copper-colored trim, which can be added later.
• A 2025 Forester Wilderness is based on the previous-generation Forester; the redesigned sixth-generation Wilderness starts with the 2026 model year.
• Check towing needs by year: the 2022–2025 Forester Wilderness is rated at 3,000 lb, while the Outback Wilderness, Crosstrek Wilderness and 2026 Forester Wilderness are rated at 3,500 lb.
• Inspect the all-terrain tires and skid plate for trail damage, and confirm the full-size spare is present on models Subaru equipped with one.
• If you plan to use a roof-top tent, check the static roof-rail rating for that model and year.

Model-specific problems by generation are tracked on our Subaru Outback known issues page. Engine guides: 2.4L FA24 BOXER (turbo and BRZ naturally aspirated), 2.5L FB25 BOXER, Lineartronic CVT.

Subaru Wilderness models prices and values

Medians of asking prices, not transaction prices; every trim is blended, so performance variants usually sit well above these medians. "Below new median" compares each model year's median used listing with the median listing price of a new 2026 Outback today. More in our Subaru Outback depreciation study.

Mileage: across 22,258 used Subaru Outback listings in our November 2026 study (all model years), the median odometer reading was 62,755 miles and 2.1% showed 200,000 miles or more. See how long a Subaru Outback lasts.

How to verify a Subaru Wilderness models's factory options

A Subaru’s engine, transmission and drive type are fixed at the factory. CarWhere decodes the 17-character VIN and, where licensed factory build data exists, lists the equipment the car was built with. It does not promise a complete option list for every VIN.