The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness again shows why it's among the top in its segment when it comes to merging off-road capability with everyday comfort. If you need an outdoor excursion partner or an everyday driver that pays no attention to rough roads, this raised wagon is your vehicle. In this Subaru Outback Wilderness review, we’ll break down what makes the 2025 model stand out, how it compares to rivals like the RAV4 TRD, and whether it’s truly the best Subaru adventure vehicle yet.
Subaru never attempted to polish what was already great. Instead, the 2025 Outback Wilderness has intelligent enhancements matching its tough looks and capabilities. It retains the signature cladding, increased ground clearance, and matte-black wheels, but this time with finer LED lighting and a new front bumper.
The Wilderness trim is simple to spot. Its copper-colored badging and signature trim distinguish it from its family of Outbacks. Underneath the body, suspension is raised and tuned for the rough road, with a whopping over 9.5 inches of ground clearance. This off-road wagon, 2025, is up for gravel, mud, snow, and all else.
Under the bonnet, the Subaru Outback Wilderness maintains the same 2.4-liter turbo Boxer engine that churns out 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It is saddled with a CVT (continuously variable transmission), which some may wish were an actual automatic. That said, the CVT does a great job when climbing up steep inclines or crossing snowy roads.
The symmetrical all-wheel drive system is still an industry leader. Subaru's AWD is among the best in the industry, and Wilderness trim adds additional off-road technology in the shape of dual-function X-Mode and hill descent control. Those technologies have you feeling secure on slippery hill slides or loose-gravel slopes.
Compared to base Outback models, the Wilderness is more aggressive and sure-footed. This is really a Subaru adventure vehicle that does what it promises to do.
On the inside, the 2025 Outback Wilderness strikes a balance between rough-and-tumble materials and contemporary comfort. Seats are dressed in water-resistant StarTex upholstery—perfect for dirty shoes or wet dogs. Copper stitching and Wilderness badges add some panache without being overly flashy.
The dashboard is dominated by the 11.6-inch touchscreen, which operates most of the car's functions. It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the system is refined and responsive compared to last year. The system also has physical knobs for volume and temperature, a relief to drivers who like having tactile control instead of menu-navigating on a screen.
Passenger space remains one of Outback's best features. The two rows of seating have generous leg space, and the seats are firm to provide comfort during long road trips. With the rear seats folded, cargo space is more than 75 cubic feet—perfect for camping gear, skis, or bikes.
On the road, the Outback Wilderness drives better than you might expect. The ride is more refined than you'd assume from an off-road-capable vehicle. Subaru mastered the suspension, so it doesn't jar your bones on potholes and rough pavement.
When it's time to abandon the blacktop, this off-road wagon in 2025 truly comes into its own. The all-terrain tires hold tight, and the AWD system distributes power where you need it most. Whether navigating a shallow stream or climbing a forest road, the Outback Wilderness never gets out of its league.
Fuel economy takes a slight hit compared to the rest of the Outback lineup, with the added tires and higher ride height. Town mileage should be about 21 mpg, with highway mileage at 26 mpg. It's a compromise, but most will agree it's worth the extra off-road potential.
One of the big questions in most customers' minds is how the Subaru Outback Wilderness stacks up against the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Both cars are aimed at adventure-seekers but take different approaches.
The Outback is a raised wagon, while the RAV4 is a small SUV. That lowers the Subaru's center of gravity, making it more stable on highways and curvy back roads. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road has a tougher appearance with more aggressive styling and beefier tires, but it lags in the department of interior room and ground clearance.
The Outback's turbo engine also puts out more torque than the naturally aspirated RAV4. That's good for towing or climbing a steep hill. Conversely, the RAV4 TRD is slightly more gas efficient, with approximately 25 city and 32 highway mpg.
Let’s see some key differences between Outback vs RAV4 TRD:
If you’re choosing between Outback vs RAV4 TRD and want more interior room, better ground clearance, and more power, the Outback Wilderness is the better pick.
The 2025 Outback Wilderness comes with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency braking. It comes with blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.
A front-view camera helps with easier driving on a narrow trail or in parking, and LED fog lights provide improved low-visibility driving. There is a power liftgate, roof rails with tie-down points, and various USB ports for front and rear occupants.
One small downside: the touchscreen is distracting to use on the road, particularly when changing menus. Subaru's voice assistance is offered, but not always flawlessly.
Here are some pros and cons:
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is perfect for drivers who desire a single vehicle to do everything. It's for national park enthusiasts, weekend warriors, and families seeking to explore outside of city limits. If you require a daily commuter that turns into a weekend mountain goat, this Subaru adventure car is perfect for you.
Ideal For:
If you're a car camper, road tripper, or just someone who likes to get lost on back roads, this Outback Wilderness review makes it obvious—the Outback Wilderness is something you should know about.
The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness begins at around $41,000. It's a bit more than a base Outback, but you're getting a lot of additional value: all-terrain tires, a suspension system lifted up, enhanced AWD capabilities, and more.
Against competitors, it's similarly priced. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road is similarly priced, but less powerful and lower ride. Other wagons raised like the Audi A4 Allroad or Volvo V60 Cross Country are a couple of thousands of dollars more expensive and not anywhere close to as trail-capable.
Because of its combination of amenities, toughness, and off-road capability, Wilderness is among the segment's greatest values.
The 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness is a testament that rough doesn't necessarily mean rugged. It's tough enough for the mountain roads and refined enough for everyday use. With its raised ride height, sophisticated AWD, and clever interior features, it's the king of the expanding class of raised wagons.
If you are after an outdoor vehicle test that delivers real-world capability without sacrificing comfort or technology, this Subaru Outback Wilderness review should put your mind at rest. It is undoubtedly one of the best-balanced and capable adventure cars on the market.
This content was created by AI