It seems that a couple of automakers (Subaru, Honda too) have gotten in over their heads recently with wanting a piece of this 'adventure vehicle' pie without investing any real dollars into earning it, and instead have to rely on the consumer being as ignorant as possible. The marketing for the Outback Wilderness depicts it on Imogene Pass, while the ad roll for the 2021 Ridgeline shows it on Engineer Pass, both of which are difficult-rated off-road trails high up in the remote San Juan Mountains of Colorado. I've been in both of the exact spots shown in the footage. These companies had to ignore numerous 'High Clearance Four Wheel Drive' signs just to get to these areas for filming. Between their lack of low-range, minimal clearance, inappropriate tires and space-saver spares, neither of these vehicles has any business being in these locations. Same goes for the Passport - when it launched in 2019, Honda's ads showed it barreling across the Southern UT/Northern AZ desert. Once again though - mpg-oriented tires, no full-size spare, and no real design considerations made in the interest of being able to safely venture into this type of remote area.
It looks like there's a lack of understanding internally among the marketing, PR, and advertising personnel at these companies regarding what makes a vehicle capable off-road, coupled with a reckless, misguided desire to prove that their product is just as good as one actually designed for off-road travel, when by definition it isn't. The ads and press materials for these vehicles may not outright lie, but they invite the reader to believe things about the vehicle that are simply not true.
You don't get to prioritize CAFE numbers and then advertise your vehicle as an off-roader.
Interesting article. For me, staying safe in a vehicle is not about what you’re vehicle can/can’t do. It’s about the driver knowing what the vehicle is capable of and knowing how to operate it accordingly. Sounds like Subaru needs to stop muddying the water and clarify some things.
What I don’t understand is why Subaru leaving this information out? What do they have to gain?
1. The new Canadian Subaru website page for the Wilderness clearly indicates on the specifications page that the roof's static load is 100 kg. That's pretty good. It is not clear whether the necessary cross-bars come with the car or must be purchased separately from Subaru or a third party.
2. The accessories page hints at the hitch being 2", but it is not stated clearly, which is annoying. For now, assume a third party install of a Class III hitch will be required.
3. The four spots on front/rear are indicated as "tow points". There is a lack of clarity on the extent to which these can be relied on as recovery points. There is a lack of clarity on availability of alternative recovery points.
So, in terms of recovery, this is the best we can say right now:
1. Try not to get stuck. Appreciate the limits of the vehicle. It's not a jeep or truck.
2. Carry maxxtrax boards and a shovel, and a tire repair kit (and various other recovery equipment that Wes has helpfully specified in various articles).
3. Get a Class III hitch and a 2" hitch recovery attachment.
4. Bridle the tow points if the Class III hitch option is not available.
Thanks for posting info like this, Wes. I've got an Outback, and I love it as my daily driver and for long road trips. I don't have a lot of off-road experience, so I pretty much just take the thing on mild Forest Service roads to get to trailheads or for camping. Reading your articles on Outside has helped me get a better understanding of the actual capability it's reasonable to expect from this vehicle, and what I would want out of a dedicated "adventure-mobile" in the future when my abilities outgrow what the Outback can do. Keep up the good work, even though it's probably not making you many friends in the Subaru community!
I live in the Sierras at 6,000 feet and my moon roof glass bent because of the snow load. Outback Wilderness brand new ( under 5,000 mileage). Subaru will not cover damage.
I'm not a Subaru owner, but this article now has me thinking about the preparedness of my own vehicle (Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk). I'm sure you've written about it before, so could you point me toward an ideal load-out for a recovery kit? I know specs will vary based on specific vehicle weights and such, but at least a list of items to have to get me started?
Wes you've struck a nerve.
It seems that a couple of automakers (Subaru, Honda too) have gotten in over their heads recently with wanting a piece of this 'adventure vehicle' pie without investing any real dollars into earning it, and instead have to rely on the consumer being as ignorant as possible. The marketing for the Outback Wilderness depicts it on Imogene Pass, while the ad roll for the 2021 Ridgeline shows it on Engineer Pass, both of which are difficult-rated off-road trails high up in the remote San Juan Mountains of Colorado. I've been in both of the exact spots shown in the footage. These companies had to ignore numerous 'High Clearance Four Wheel Drive' signs just to get to these areas for filming. Between their lack of low-range, minimal clearance, inappropriate tires and space-saver spares, neither of these vehicles has any business being in these locations. Same goes for the Passport - when it launched in 2019, Honda's ads showed it barreling across the Southern UT/Northern AZ desert. Once again though - mpg-oriented tires, no full-size spare, and no real design considerations made in the interest of being able to safely venture into this type of remote area.
It looks like there's a lack of understanding internally among the marketing, PR, and advertising personnel at these companies regarding what makes a vehicle capable off-road, coupled with a reckless, misguided desire to prove that their product is just as good as one actually designed for off-road travel, when by definition it isn't. The ads and press materials for these vehicles may not outright lie, but they invite the reader to believe things about the vehicle that are simply not true.
You don't get to prioritize CAFE numbers and then advertise your vehicle as an off-roader.
Interesting article. For me, staying safe in a vehicle is not about what you’re vehicle can/can’t do. It’s about the driver knowing what the vehicle is capable of and knowing how to operate it accordingly. Sounds like Subaru needs to stop muddying the water and clarify some things.
What I don’t understand is why Subaru leaving this information out? What do they have to gain?
1. The new Canadian Subaru website page for the Wilderness clearly indicates on the specifications page that the roof's static load is 100 kg. That's pretty good. It is not clear whether the necessary cross-bars come with the car or must be purchased separately from Subaru or a third party.
2. The accessories page hints at the hitch being 2", but it is not stated clearly, which is annoying. For now, assume a third party install of a Class III hitch will be required.
3. The four spots on front/rear are indicated as "tow points". There is a lack of clarity on the extent to which these can be relied on as recovery points. There is a lack of clarity on availability of alternative recovery points.
So, in terms of recovery, this is the best we can say right now:
1. Try not to get stuck. Appreciate the limits of the vehicle. It's not a jeep or truck.
2. Carry maxxtrax boards and a shovel, and a tire repair kit (and various other recovery equipment that Wes has helpfully specified in various articles).
3. Get a Class III hitch and a 2" hitch recovery attachment.
4. Bridle the tow points if the Class III hitch option is not available.
Thanks for posting info like this, Wes. I've got an Outback, and I love it as my daily driver and for long road trips. I don't have a lot of off-road experience, so I pretty much just take the thing on mild Forest Service roads to get to trailheads or for camping. Reading your articles on Outside has helped me get a better understanding of the actual capability it's reasonable to expect from this vehicle, and what I would want out of a dedicated "adventure-mobile" in the future when my abilities outgrow what the Outback can do. Keep up the good work, even though it's probably not making you many friends in the Subaru community!
Trailing in a subaru makes every trail more challenging:)
whats easy in a jeep has to be careful tire placement in a subaru.
I live in the Sierras at 6,000 feet and my moon roof glass bent because of the snow load. Outback Wilderness brand new ( under 5,000 mileage). Subaru will not cover damage.
I'm not a Subaru owner, but this article now has me thinking about the preparedness of my own vehicle (Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk). I'm sure you've written about it before, so could you point me toward an ideal load-out for a recovery kit? I know specs will vary based on specific vehicle weights and such, but at least a list of items to have to get me started?