Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition: An Adventure Review
The Subaru Crosstrek has long been a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of practicality, reliability, and go-anywhere capability. With the introduction of the Wilderness Edition, Subaru has taken the Crosstrek’s off-road prowess to new heights. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the Crosstrek Wilderness Edition, exploring its unique features, performance, and overall suitability for adventure seekers.
What’s New in the Wilderness Edition?
The Crosstrek Wilderness Edition is not just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a carefully engineered package designed to tackle more challenging terrain. Here are the key enhancements:
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Increased Ground Clearance: The Wilderness Edition boasts a higher ground clearance of 9.3 inches, compared to the standard Crosstrek’s 8.7 inches. This extra clearance allows the vehicle to clear larger obstacles and navigate uneven surfaces with ease.
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Revised Suspension: The suspension has been retuned with longer coil springs and optimized dampers, providing improved articulation and stability on rough roads.
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All-Terrain Tires: The Wilderness Edition comes standard with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, offering enhanced grip and durability on various surfaces, including mud, gravel, and snow.
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Enhanced X-Mode: Subaru’s X-Mode system, which optimizes the vehicle’s drivetrain for off-road conditions, has been further enhanced with a Snow/Dirt mode and a Deep Snow/Mud mode. These modes adjust the throttle response, traction control, and stability control to maximize traction in slippery conditions.
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Revised Gear Ratio: The final drive ratio has been shortened to improve low-end torque, making it easier to crawl over obstacles and climb steep inclines.
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Unique Exterior Styling: The Wilderness Edition features distinctive exterior styling cues, including a unique front grille, hexagonal LED fog lights, matte black hood decal, and Wilderness badging.
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Water-Repellent Interior: The seats are wrapped in water-repellent StarTex material, which is both durable and easy to clean, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
On-Road Performance
While the Crosstrek Wilderness Edition is designed for off-road adventures, it remains a comfortable and capable daily driver. On paved roads, the ride is smooth and composed, with minimal body roll in corners. The steering is precise and responsive, providing a good feel for the road.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, which is adequate for most driving situations. However, some drivers may find the engine to be a bit underpowered, especially when fully loaded with gear or climbing steep hills. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is smooth and efficient, but it can occasionally exhibit some drone under hard acceleration.
Off-Road Performance
The Crosstrek Wilderness Edition truly shines when taken off the beaten path. The increased ground clearance, revised suspension, and all-terrain tires work together to provide exceptional off-road capability. The vehicle can confidently tackle rocky trails, muddy paths, and snowy roads.
The enhanced X-Mode system is a valuable asset in challenging conditions. The Snow/Dirt mode optimizes traction on loose surfaces, while the Deep Snow/Mud mode allows the wheels to spin slightly, helping to maintain momentum in deep snow or mud.
The shorter final drive ratio provides ample low-end torque, making it easy to crawl over obstacles and climb steep inclines. The all-terrain tires offer excellent grip on a variety of surfaces, providing confidence-inspiring traction in slippery conditions.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the Crosstrek Wilderness Edition is both functional and comfortable. The water-repellent StarTex seats are durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for outdoor adventures. The cabin is spacious enough to accommodate four adults comfortably, and the rear cargo area offers ample room for gear.
The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system is user-friendly and responsive, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. A suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, is also included.
Fuel Economy
The Crosstrek Wilderness Edition is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which is slightly lower than the standard Crosstrek due to the all-terrain tires and revised gear ratio. However, these figures are still respectable for a vehicle with its off-road capability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional off-road capability
- Increased ground clearance
- Revised suspension
- All-terrain tires
- Enhanced X-Mode system
- Water-repellent interior
- Unique exterior styling
- Standard all-wheel drive
Cons:
- Engine can feel underpowered
- CVT can exhibit some drone
- Fuel economy is slightly lower than the standard Crosstrek
Overall Impression
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a compelling blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. It’s an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want a versatile vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures. While the engine could use a bit more power, the Crosstrek Wilderness Edition’s off-road prowess and unique features make it a standout in its class.
Who Should Buy the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition?
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition is ideal for:
- Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
- Drivers who live in areas with harsh weather conditions, such as snow or ice.
- Anyone who wants a versatile vehicle that can handle both on-road and off-road driving.
- Those who prioritize safety and reliability.
Alternatives to the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition
If you’re considering the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition, you might also want to check out these alternatives:
- Jeep Compass Trailhawk: Offers similar off-road capability with a more rugged design.
- Ford Bronco Sport Badlands: A more off-road-focused option with a more powerful engine.
- Toyota RAV4 Adventure: A practical and reliable option with decent off-road capability.
Conclusion
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition is a testament to Subaru’s commitment to providing capable and reliable vehicles for outdoor enthusiasts. With its increased ground clearance, revised suspension, all-terrain tires, and enhanced X-Mode system, the Wilderness Edition is ready to tackle almost any adventure you throw its way. If you’re looking for a versatile and capable vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures, the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition is definitely worth considering.
