If the 2000s and 2010s were all about the WRX, the STI and performance for Subaru fans, the 2020s has brought a new focus, and a new hero name: Wilderness. In recent years we’ve been introduced to the Outback Wilderness and Forster Wilderness, and now it’s the Crosstrek’s turn to get the back-to-nature makeover.
Subaru launched the the $33,290 Crosstrek Wilderness today at the 2023 NYIAS (New York International Auto Show), and it pushes all the same buttons the Wilderness versions of the Outback and Forrester do. Most obviously the rugged-looking newcomer gains even more black plastic cladding for the arches, plus chunky front and rear bumpers, the rear getting the word ‘Subaru’ embossed in huge letters.
There’s also a metal skid plate to help protect the boxer engine, hex-design LED fog lights, an anti-glare, matte-black hood decal, Wilderness badges on the doors and rear hatch, and a ladder-type roof rack rate at 176 lbs (80 kg) on the road, but 700 lbs (318 kg) static, meaning it’s suitable for large roof tents.
Related: Subaru Forester Wilderness Comes Out Of The Wild And Into The Limelight
And to prove that all that off-road equipment isn’t just about posing, the Crosstrek Wilderness augments its standard all-wheel drive with a superior 9.3-inch (240 mm) ground clearance courtesy of longer springs and shocks, Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels and improved approach, departure and brake-over angles.
The 2.5-liter boxer engine makes the same 182 hp (185 PS) and 176 lb-ft (239 Nm) of torque, but the shorter (4.111:1 versus 3.7) final drive Subaru says improves the crossover’s climbing ability should also make it feel a little perkier than a stock Crosstrek on the road, while the addition of an oil cooler more than doubles its towing capacity to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg).
Things are just as functional on the inside, where you’ll find water-resistant StarTex upholstery, standard all-weather floor mats and a removable, waterproof rear cargo tray. But that doesn’t mean Subaru has left out the luxuries. Keyless access, heated seats and windshield and LED lights are standard, while spending an extra $2,270 brings an option package comprising a power moonroof, power driver’s seat and Harmon Kardon sounds.
The Crosstrek Wilderness sounds like a great package, but we’re not sure it looks like one. What do you think of the ‘distinctive’ design?
Live images: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops