Buzz Awards: Subaru Outback Wilderness Named Best Off-Road Warrior For 2027
I grew up in rural Vermont, the heart of Subaru country. Many outdoor adventures began in an old Outback, whether we were pointing a wagon full of camping gear up a logging road or changing into ski boots beneath the open hatch, the cargo compartment smelling vaguely of the family dog. I’ve since been lucky enough to test some wildly advanced off-roaders. But I still review them based on how well they navigate the trails everyday drivers actually explore, how thoughtfully they’re engineered for outdoor adventures, and everyday usability.
Our 2027 Off-Road Warrior winner for this year’s Buzz Awards excels at all three: the Subaru Outback Wilderness. With its latest redesign, Subaru isn’t imitating the competition. It’s doubling down on what’s made the Outback a perennial favorite for three decades.
Why We Picked The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
“Wilderness” is a top-trim Subaru badge shared across the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback models. This latest Wilderness isn’t your Grandma’s Outback. The headline-grabbing figure is its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, up from 8.7. It beats the Toyota 4Runner SR5 and the Ford Bronco Big Bend. Pair that lift with the car’s 108.1-inch wheelbase, and it’s an absolute mountain goat. Subaru advertises a 21.2-degree ramp breakover angle. The short wheelbase also gives it a 36.5-foot turning circle. It can navigate trails that would trap a full-size 4WD truck or SUV.
To really embarrass those big 4WDs, select the Subaru’s dual-function X-Mode, which toggles between Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. For 2026, Subaru moved X-Mode controls to the steering wheel and added automatic re-engagement after the system shuts off at higher speeds. It’s a true “set it and forget it” off-road driver aid.
The Outback Wilderness uses Subaru’s familiar turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four, good for 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. It can even tow 3,500 pounds.
Subaru introduced the Outback as the world’s first “sport utility wagon” in 1995. The 2026 redesign looks chunkier, but the Outback is only 1.4 inches taller and 50 pounds heavier than the previous generation. Don’t let its timeless, blocky styling fool you: The Wilderness is still spiritually a station wagon with a lift kit.
“no other crossover comes close to the Outback Wilderness’ impressive ground clearance and off-road geometry, and its simple, baked-in terrain prowess makes it a confidence-inspiring option for those who spend a lot of time outside. Some clever functionality additions and a massively improved infotainment interface seal the deal. After all, Subaru practically invented rugged, go-anywhere station wagons, and the 2026 Outback Wilderness is just another notch in the belt” —Brett T. Evans, Carbuzz
That blocky shape serves a purpose: The new Outback boasts 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, more than a two-door Wrangler’s 31.7 cubic feet of total cargo space. With the seats folded down, the Outback has 80.5 cubic feet. Impressively, that’s just 10 cubic feet less than the heavy, full-frame 4Runner (90.2 cubic feet with the rear seat down). Those raw numbers don’t communicate how easy it is to slide items up to 75.9 inches long onto the Outback’s low loading deck.
Up top, the Outback Wilderness’ redesigned roof rack is rated for an 800-pound static load. Other well-sorted details include integrated roof rack tie-down hooks, standard water- and stain-resistant StarTex upholstery, a hatch lean-stop for skis or snowboards, an integrated LED cargo area light, and the optional 360-degree camera to make off-roading even easier.
I was glad to see Subaru bring back physical HVAC controls for 2026. After a long day skiing, an old-school toggle button you can operate while wearing mittens is critical. The redesigned cabin also features a faster 12.1-inch horizontal infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Add in 23 mpg combined fuel efficiency, and a long road trip to the trailhead will be as comfortable as in most other Japanese cars.
What Almost Made The Cut?
2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT
2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX in the sand
The revived Ram 1500 TRX remains a spectacular desert racer, now with 777 hp and an upgraded adaptive Bilstein damper system. Few factory vehicles are this capable at jumping dunes. But its 48.4-foot turning circle, 12-mpg combined fuel economy, and $99,995 MSRP make it far less appealing for the tight trails and during the long weekend road trips most outdoor enthusiasts actually need a 4WD for.
2026 Jeep Recon
Jeep’s Recon EV is the closer rival. Its 670-hp dual-motor AWD powertrain, 33-inch all-terrain tires, locking rear differential, and trail hardware make it a serious off-roader. But the Moab’s 222-mile range and just-under-30-minute fast charge to 80 percent limit remote adventures, while its $66,995 delivered starting price still puts it well above the Subaru.
The Subaru Outback Wilderness starts at $44,995 ($46,445 including destination fee), takes regular gas, and gets 23 mpg. The best off-roader puts you in the outdoors, but doesn’t come between you and the outdoors.
When Subaru surpassed Toyota to claim Consumer Reports’ “most reliable vehicle brand” in 2024, CR applauded the automaker for sticking with designs that work. Luckily for the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, Subaru recognizes the Outback formula works. The 2026 Outback Wilderness may be the perfect Subaru, and it is our 2027 off-road warrior of the year.
Related posts
Latest Post
No Comments