Subaru will launch its first Wilderness sub-brand model in Australia with the 2026 generation of the Outback, offering a more capable and distinctive variant of the popular SUV. The move signals a broader push by Subaru to cater to buyers prioritizing off-road performance and adventure, mirroring a trend among automakers to create premium, rugged trims.
Wilderness: Beyond Just a Badge
Subaru Australia’s general manager, Scott Lawrence, emphasized that the Wilderness line is not merely cosmetic. It represents a deliberate branding strategy, similar in positioning to the STI badge for performance models. The Outback Wilderness will come in two grades: the standard Wilderness and the higher-spec Wilderness Apex.
Performance and Pricing
The Wilderness models will replace the XT Sport and Touring variants as the only turbocharged options available in Australia, but with a significant price increase of at least $6,000. The base Wilderness will start at $59,690, while the Apex will cost $62,690 before on-road costs. The standard seventh-generation Outback will begin at $48,990.
Mechanical Upgrades
Under the hood, the Wilderness will feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 194kW and 382Nm—an increase of 11kW and 32Nm over the standard Outback’s 2.5-liter engine. The transmission is a CVT, tuned to simulate eight gear shifts for a more engaging driving experience. Additional improvements include a shorter final drive for better off-road traction and potentially a transmission oil cooler and recalibrated all-wheel-drive system (though these are not yet confirmed for the Australian market).
Enhanced Off-Road Capability
The Wilderness gains 20mm of extra ground clearance (240mm total) and adaptive suspension with ZF dampers, offering two unique X-Mode settings tailored for varied terrain. While US models have BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, Australian versions will initially ship with Bridgestone road tires on 18-inch wheels.
Interior and Tech Updates
Inside, the Wilderness features water-repellent synthetic leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a heated steering wheel, and a new 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen display. The Wilderness Apex adds sat-nav, a sunroof, surround-view cameras, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Implications and Future Models
The Outback is Subaru’s third best-selling model in Australia, behind the Forester and Crosstrek. This move to introduce the Wilderness sub-brand suggests that other Subaru models, such as the Forester and Crosstrek, may also receive similar rugged upgrades in the future. The broader automotive industry trend towards more capable off-road vehicles is growing, with even Ford president Jim Farley indicating a desire to position the brand as a leader in this segment.
The launch of the Outback Wilderness reflects a growing consumer demand for vehicles that balance practicality with genuine off-road capability, signaling a shift in Subaru’s strategy to compete in this expanding market.
