The Outback Wilderness boasts of a 241-mm ground clearance—higher than the Ford Ranger Wildtrak’s 232-mm. This was done by increasing the length of the front and rear shock absorbers, and springs. Tuning was done for improved stability over rough terrain while retaining ride comfort and handling performance on road.

A revised rear differential with a final drive ratio of 4.44:1 was fitted, and the Lineartronic CVT was modified to achieve an equivalent final drive ratio at the front wheels. This combination improves available low-end torque at the wheels, enabling it to climb 40 percent grades on a gravel surface.

Exclusive to Outback Wilderness is a new advanced feature for X-Mode which allows the vehicle to switch automatically from low speed driving to speeds over 40 km/h without interruption of power or performance.

The increased ground clearance, along with redesigned front and rear bumpers, contribute to the vehicle’s ability to navigate rough or uneven terrain. Approach angles on the Outback Wilderness have been extended from 18.6 degrees to 20.0, ramp breakover angle shifts from 19.4 degrees to 21.2 degrees, and the departure angle soars from 21.7 degrees to 23.6 degrees.

Apart from the redesigned bumpers, the Outback Wilderness communicates its off-road performance with its larger wheel arch cladding, front skid plate, hexagonal-designed LED fog lights, and an anti-glare hood decal finished in matte black. Anodized Copper finishes are found throughout the exterior such as on the tow hook points and roof rail tie-down points. The more utilitarian fixed ladder-type roof rack can also hold up to 317 kilograms.

At each corner, are Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires for better performance on muddy or gravel roads. Mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels in matte black, the tires are embossed with raised white letters—an homage to the original Outback. A standard full-size tire is stored under the cargo the area.

It also debuts a brand-new color: Geyser Blue.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness features seats covered in water-repellant material, gunmetal gray accents replacing the chrome touch points, standard all-weather floor mats, a waterproof rear cargo tray, and the same Anodized Copper finish on the steering wheel and shifter. It retains the Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, as well as a tablet-style 11.6-inch Subaru Starlink Multimedia system with integrated center information display. It does add thoughtful off-road features though such as a front view monitor, LED rear tailgate light, and a hands-free power tailgate.

Powering the Outback Wilderness is a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer engine with 260 horsepower and 375 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm.

It’s currently unknown whether Subaru will be offering the Outback Wilderness outside of the U.S (it is understood that more Subaru models will receive the Wilderness trim in the near future, including the Forester). Having said that, the Philippines is slated to receive the all-new Outback in the next few months.