2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Tested
First glance: Is this really a "crossover vehicle"? Looks like Outback on protein powder.
To be honest, when I first saw the 2026 Outback Wilderness car, I was stunned for two seconds. This product is at least an inch taller than a regular Outback. The wheel arches are surrounded by rough black plastic, and metal guards are hidden underneath-it looks like a "fitness trainer's version" station wagon. You may think it's a little too hard, but I'm sorry, I just like this "don't mess with me" stance. Especially the new "Geyser Blue" paint will give off a cold metallic feeling in the sun. Parking in front of the cafe attracts more attention than the Jeep Wrangler next door.
Drive it up: CVT? I believe your evil! This powertrain has character
I know that many people want to roll their eyes at the mention of continuously variable transmissions. But Subaru made special adjustments to the 2.4T engine and CVT on Wilderness this time. Guess what? At the beginning, I actually had the "poof" feeling of pushing back like traditional AT! Of course, the acceleration in the middle and rear stages will still reveal the "rubber band elongation" nature of the CVT, but when combined with the slightly rough horizontal facing roar of the engine, it is a bit charming. I'd say this car is enough to overtake in the city, but if you have to compete with the Model Y for acceleration, save it-it's more willing to play with you in the mud on the bad road.
Cross-country: When X-Mode is turned on, I feel like I can cross the Sahara (illusion, but the cool is over)
Here's the point-on the day of the test drive, we found a wild road full of gravel and shallow streams. After hanging up X-Mode, the middle shift immediately locked, and the electronic slip limit intervened very decisively. What surprised me the most was the suspension stroke. When crossing the cross axle, one wheel shrank in so much, but the other side could still support the car body without any "crunching" screams. Moreover, the protective plate under the car was really thick. I deliberately pressed over a sharp stone. With a "clang", I got off the car and saw only a scratch-this sense of security was well worth the money. But then again, the approach angle of this car is still not as good as a real hard-core off-road. If you encounter a large rock, you have to go around in advance and not hit it.
Interior: Subaru finally remembered how to write the word "comfort"?
The first thing I felt when I sat in the car-Oh, this large-area waterproof fabric seat is more comfortable than I imagined, and it can be cleaned with a damp cloth when it is dirty. It is simply a blessing for dog owners. The response speed of the 11.6-inch vertical screen in the central control is twice as fast as the previous generation, and the wireless CarPlay connection is also very stable. But if you have to ask me: The plastic steering wheel feels average, and the positions of the pile of physical buttons are a bit awkward. I often accidentally touch the heated seat when adjusting the air conditioner. The space in the back row is spacious. I am 1.8 meters tall and have no pressure to cross my legs, and I still have two punches on the top of my head-but don't sit in the middle one. It's hard and narrow. I curse "Designer" for the passenger in the middle. Are you polite?
Summary: I love and hate it, but I will still choose it when I pay for it
After a round trip, the 2026 Outback Wilderness is not a perfect car-it has a low fuel consumption (measured comprehensive 11.2L/100km), a bit loud at high speed, and the price is close to US$45,000. But you know what? When driving it to camping, you can put a double air cushion in the back row when you put it down, and you can also hang kayaks on the roof rack. You don't have to worry about supporting the bottom if you want to take a bad road on weekends. This feeling of "worrying less, taking more risks" is what strikes me the most. If you commute in the city every day, just buy a regular Outback; but if you have a "wild child" in your heart, Wilderness will definitely accompany you to go crazy and have more fun.
