2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness: The ULTIMATE SUV Replacement

We have previously tested this more rugged Subaru Outback model in the red dirt of our favorite off-road park, Barnwell Mountain, but we wanted to take another look at what makes this 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness such a great SUV replacement.
First, is the ground clearance. At 9.5 inches of total clearance, it is just shy of the legendary Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. Taking a look at a Wilderness model next to an "ordinary" Outback makes this one look as though it is standing on its toes. Add in underbody protection, better off-road tires with blacked-out wheels, and a much more rugged appearance, and this Wilderness model fits in with the new craze of buying an off-road vehicle (even if you never plan to leave the pavement).
While we did test out its chops off-road in our previous video, this time we wanted to highlight just how livable this model is and how much more you would appreciate something like this versus a big, heavy, and thirsty SUV if your wheeling adventures are few and far between. The StarTex seats are very comfortable, soft, and heated at all 4 outboard positions. Rear seats recline for more comfort and fold flat for more cargo. Rear cargo space is ample at over 32 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and over 75 cubic feet with the rears folded flat.
Technology is updated inside with cameras for backing up or traversing off-road, USB-C charge ports, and a color touchscreen infotainment system.
The ride is very comfortable no matter the surface underneath you, and our time with this on-road had us convinced this would be the better buy versus a lumbering SUV if you plan on spending more time in shopping malls than in the wilderness. Venture off-road and the suspension does its best to soak up tough and treacherous terrain with ease.
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness Specs:
• 2.4-liter Turbocharged Subaru Boxer® 4-cylinder Engine
• 260 Horsepower
• 277 lb-ft of Torque
• Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
• Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• X-MODE®
• Hill Descent Control
• Active Torque Vectoring
• 17-inch Aluminum-alloy Wheels with Matte Black Finish
• 225/65 R17 102T Yokohama Geolandar All-terrain Tires
• Full-sized Spare Tire
• Front Strut-type Suspension with Lower L-arm and Stabilizer Bar
• Rear Double-wishbone Suspension with Stabilizer Bar
• Black Cladding with Anodized Copper-finish Accents
• Seating for 5
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• 20 Degree Approach Angle
• 21.2 Degree Breakover Angle
• 23.6 Degree Departure Angle
• 9.5 Inches of Ground Clearance
• 32.6 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind the Second Row
• 75.6 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind the Front Row
• 11.6-inch STARLINK® Color Touchscreen Infotainment with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Proximity Key with Push Button Start
• EPA Fuel Economy 21/26/23 (city/hwy/combined)
• Starting MSRP $38,495 (Wilderness)
• Price as tested: $41,515
If you are in the East Texas area and in the market for a new or pre-owned Subaru, check out our friends at Peltier Subaru:
www.peltiersubaru.com
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#GTGarageTalk #Subaru #OutbackWilderness #SubaruOutback #SubaruOutbackWilderness #WagonsAreCool #OffRoad #OffRoadWagon #GroundClearance #Articulation #Wheeling #2023Subaru #2023SubaruOutbackWilderness #Luggage #TXautowriters

[@bobforpples]

Love the throwback Houston Oilers hat!

[@GTGarageTalk]

👍🏼

[@professorx4588]

I got my 22 from Jimmy McConaghey at Chatham Subaru in GA, near Savannah for 41k. Best vehicle I've ever owned. fast, nimble, AWD, light off road ability, turbo, and 9.5 inches of clearance

[@GTGarageTalk]

We just got back from Savanah. Beautiful area.

[@professorx4588]

@@GTGarageTalk yes it is

[@Bluegreenred]

At first I thought you are reviewing the Forester Wilderness but this is the Outback Wilderness.

[@GTGarageTalk]

We have done the forester wilderness too

[@vehiclenanny]

Oh my, no panoramic sunroof? Dated backup camera? Whatever will you do? Maybe you needed to test the BASE CAMP version. 😁 Just messin' with you, Cory Nice review, as always.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Lol. Thanks Bill

[@Totosubie]

It is a real letter but on the rough texture

[@GTGarageTalk]

From the website: “StarTex® water-repellent upholstery and Anodized Copper-finish interior accents”

[@QuiNguyen-bn7hn]

Can this car have a heated steering wheel?

[@GTGarageTalk]

Yes

[@bearswinful]

No heated steering wheel in the United States for the 2023 outback wilderness model. In the United States you cannot add the heated steering wheel to the outback wilderness trim. The Canada Outback Wilderness does/can have a heated steering wheel. Heated steering wheel is only available in the United States on the Limited trim.

[@dreamkast0r]

Coming 2024 model year!

[@marcozuniga8008]

love the oilers and I am second! Jesus is King!

[@HonWong2012]

Is this car made in Japan?

[@GTGarageTalk]

FINAL ASSEMBLY POINT: Lafayette, IN. COUNTRY OF ORIGiN: CONTENT: U.S./CANADIAN PARTS CONTENT: 50% JAPAN: 30% ENGINE:JAPAN TRANSMISSION:JAPAN

[@matt.coignard]

I'm super torn! I have a 2018 Toyota Rav4 FWD and want to trade it in for the 2023 Outback Wilderness. I want the off-road ability and power of the Subaru, but I've never owned a new Subaru and am worried about its reliability. I don't want to trade in my car that has no issues other than its not powerful/capable enough for the occasional trip and trade it in for a car that I really want, but potentially just gives me a headache. My toyota is less powerful and not off-road capable but very reliable. The subaru is more powerful and off-road capable but equally reliable? Less reliable? More reliable? (all contingent upon me keeping up with the regularly scheduled maintenance). Can any Subaru owners touch on the reliability/car issue factors?

[@garynaylor7247]

Subaru’s are equally as reliable as Toyota.

[@matt.coignard]

@@garynaylor7247 thank you!

[@GTGarageTalk]

Good luck. It’s always difficult leaving something you know for an unknown.

[@tommy516]

Subbies are fine, remember the brz and 86 are Subaru Toyota joint cars. Anyway, number one reason to get an Outback, break hold!! You can take your foot off the break when stopped!

[@tommy516]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5rRo6xrZdCUppI

[@nomadawhereva]

Definitely don't see a 2023 wilderness off-road video anywhere as stated in this video.

[@GTGarageTalk]

2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness | Who Needs an SUV? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX_JhaeEdrRknJI

[@nomadawhereva]

@@GTGarageTalk thanks was under the impression it was a 2023 off-road review.

[@deanc.5984]

$50,000!?

[@GTGarageTalk]

$41,515

[@SouthSwellin]

how TF does this car not come with a heated steering wheel for US? It's 2023. Base model sedans come with it at this point. No excuse Subaru.

[@GTGarageTalk]

🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Jakesmusings]

It does; at least mine came with one, though it is a 2024, so maybe something it added for the new year.