• by Tanya Gazdik , Staff Writer, 3 hours ago

Most people don’t go off-road in their SUVs -- a point that's been made time and time again in studies.

But for those who do, capability is really important. And if you are planning to road trip to get to that off-road destination, it would be nice to have some comfort while you do so. 

Subaru has always been the near-perfect vehicle for those two objectives. And with the new 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness, the automaker is taking it up a notch. 

I recently had the opportunity to test drive the model in some seriously rugged terrain, which it handled with minimal effort. The newly redesigned vehicle is much quieter and stylish than the previous generation.

Buyers can rejoice in the return of actual knobs and levers to control the HVAC system — no more scrolling through screens to get to that option, because when you are too cold or too hot, who really wants to deal with that? 

Wilderness is offered as a sub-brand of three Subaru models: Outback, Crosstrek and Forester. It offers customers a more rugged option with even more capability than standard Subaru models. The take rate of the sub-brand is about 13%-15% sure of mix within each carline. 

For Wilderness customers, capability isn’t just an image play—off-road performance and towing are primary purchase drivers, not secondary to style. Wilderness attracts environmentally conscious, pet-friendly buyers who use the vehicle as a tool for their outdoor lifestyle, rather than just everyday transportation.

About 25% of Outback Wilderness buyers are under 40, which is much younger than the typical Outback demographic. Almost 50% of Wilderness buyers are under 55, compared to about 33% for the standard Outback.

Wilderness buyers are more hardcore outdoor users with a higher participation in camping, fishing, paddling, biking, and snow sports than standard Outback buyers. They’re using the vehicle as a tool for outdoor life (getting to trailheads, campsites, road trips), rather than just transportation.

They show a stronger environmental orientation, with greater concern for wildlife and nature than typical Outback customers.

And those Barkleys commercials are on target: Wilderness owners have higher rates of pet ownership and pet travel, with almost 60% owning dogs. The interior is full of cleanable surfaces. Even the back of 2nd row seats is covered in a durable surface. Subaru really does think of everything. 

In redesigning the Outback Wilderness, Subaru wanted to maintain the mission of previous Wilderness models while offering upgraded off-road capability, utility and design. The automaker also aimed to deliver a more refined, comfortable on-road driving experience. 

I would say Subaru has done all that and more -- and I’ll bet my two dogs would agree.