Why the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Has More Ground Clearance Than Most Full-Size SUVs
October 09 2025,
The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness will bring 241 millimetres of ground clearance to Ontario roads and trails when it arrives in the coming months. That measurement exceeds many full-size SUVs and makes this the most rugged and capable Outback ever built. A turbocharged 2.4-litre SUBARU BOXER engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque pairs with an X-MODE Dual Mode System featuring Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings to handle Ontario's challenging winter conditions and rough cottage country access roads.
New electronically controlled dampers work with all-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires on 17-inch matte black wheels to maintain stability on rough trails without sacrificing comfort during highway drives. Water-resistant all-weather upholstery, an integrated 12.1-inch multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera help Ontario adventurers explore beyond paved roads with confidence.
What Makes 241 mm of Ground Clearance Significant?
Ground clearance measures the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle and the ground. The Outback Wilderness maintains 241 millimetres—enough to clear most obstacles you'll encounter on Ontario trails, including rocks, deep snow, and rutted cottage access roads.
This clearance advantage shows up in real-world Ontario driving situations:
- Navigating unplowed cottage driveways after heavy snowfall
- Crossing washed-out sections of gravel roads in spring
- Clearing stumps and rocks on forest service roads
- Handling deep ruts on muddy trails in Haliburton or Algonquin
The high clearance works alongside the Outback Wilderness's improved approach angle (20 degrees), breakover angle (21.2 degrees), and departure angle (22.5 degrees) to prevent the front bumper, undercarriage, or rear from scraping when climbing over obstacles or navigating steep terrain.
Turbocharged Power for Ontario Conditions
The turbocharged 2.4-litre SUBARU BOXER engine delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provides strong low-end response for climbing steep hills or pulling away in deep snow—common scenarios on Ontario's rural roads and trails.
The engine connects to a Lineartronic CVT with an 8-speed manual shift mode and steering wheel paddle shift controls. This setup offers the efficiency of a CVT for highway driving combined with the control of manual shifting when navigating technical terrain.
Subaru's Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive system receives updates for the 2026 model year, including faster centre differential lockup to reduce wheelspin when off-roading and integration of steering angle data for better stability during cornering on higher-speed roads like Highway 400 or Highway 404.
X-MODE Dual Mode System: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud
The X-MODE Dual Mode System gives drivers two distinct settings optimized for different Ontario terrain types.
Snow/Dirt Mode works best for:
- Packed snow on rural roads
- Gravel cottage access roads
- Light mud or slippery surfaces
- Mixed conditions during spring thaw
Deep Snow/Mud Mode handles:
- Deep, unpacked snow in unplowed areas
- Heavy mud on forest trails
- Soft sand on lakeside tracks
- Extreme low-traction conditions
X-MODE can now be toggled via a steering wheel-mounted switch, letting you change modes without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the trail. The system manages engine output, transmission response, all-wheel drive torque distribution, and braking to help maintain traction when conditions deteriorate.
Electronically Controlled Dampers for On and Off-Road Performance
The 2026 Outback Wilderness introduces electronically controlled dampers that adjust in real time based on road and vehicle conditions. Acceleration sensors in the electronic control unit and front suspension detect bumps, dips, and body movement, then modify damping force to maintain stability.
Off-road, the dampers work with X-MODE to provide security on uneven ground by absorbing impacts from rocks and ruts while keeping all four wheels in contact with the terrain. On paved roads, the system reduces body roll during cornering and minimizes bounce for a more comfortable ride.
This adaptive suspension means you don't need to compromise between off-road capability and highway comfort. The system automatically adjusts based on what you're driving on.
Key Takeaways
|
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Ground Clearance |
241 mm |
|
Engine |
Turbocharged 2.4L SUBARU BOXER |
|
Horsepower |
260 hp |
|
Torque |
277 lb-ft |
|
X-MODE |
Dual Mode (Snow/Dirt, Deep Snow/Mud) |
|
Suspension |
Electronically controlled dampers |
|
Tires |
All-terrain Bridgestone Dueler |
|
Wheels |
17-inch matte black |
|
Upholstery |
Water-resistant all-weather |
|
Infotainment |
12.1-inch with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
|
Camera System |
360-degree |
All-Terrain Tires and Matte Black Wheels
All-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires come standard on the Outback Wilderness, mounted on 17-inch matte black wheels. These tires feature deeper tread patterns and reinforced sidewalls designed for better grip on gravel, mud, and snow compared to highway tires.
The tire and wheel combination balances off-road traction with acceptable road noise and ride quality for daily driving. Ontario drivers who frequently switch between paved highways and unpaved trails benefit from this versatility.
The Wilderness also includes upgraded approach, departure, and breakover angles compared to other Outback models. These angles determine how steep an incline you can climb or descend without the front or rear bumpers contacting the ground.
Water-Resistant Interior Built for Outdoor Adventures
Water-resistant all-weather upholstery throughout the cabin makes cleanup easier after hiking, camping, or paddling trips. Mud, snow, and wet gear won't damage these surfaces the way they might with traditional cloth or leather.
Anodized copper-finish interior accents exclusive to the Outback Wilderness trim distinguish this model from other Outback versions. The cabin includes utility hooks rated for up to 2.7 kilograms each, with eight mounting locations in the cargo area for hanging gear, clothing, or the included multipurpose cargo cover.
The cargo cover itself serves multiple functions:
- Traditional cargo cover to conceal items
- Gear storage hammock
- Step cover to protect against scratches from pets or cargo
Made from 100 per cent recycled materials, the cargo cover stores compactly in the apron trim pocket when not needed.
Technology and Connectivity
The 12.1-inch Subaru Multimedia Plus system pairs with a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster. The high-resolution touchscreen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with full-screen display capability.
The multimedia system integrates with the instrument cluster to provide navigation, audio controls, climate settings, and vehicle information without requiring multiple screens or interfaces. Additional features include:
- Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming
- AM/FM stereo and HD Radio
- Rearview camera
- SiriusXM Radio with a three-month trial subscription
- SiriusXM Travel Link trial subscription
- Over-the-air updates
The 360-degree camera system helps spot obstacles when exploring off-road or parking in tight spaces. Multiple camera angles provide clear views around the entire vehicle.
Towing Capacity and Utility Features
The Outback Wilderness includes an upgraded accessory trailer hitch with a combined 7-pin and 4-pin connector. A reconfigured rear bumper improves the hitch installation experience. The SUV offers a 3,500-pound towing capacity for hauling boats, utility trailers, or campers.
Standard ladder roof rails feature measurement markers and a 363-kilogram static load capacity rating (100 kilograms dynamic). Improved rope hooks make securing cargo easier. The roof rails also support a lateral load capacity of up to 100 kilograms from the sides, allowing for creative uses like hanging a hammock or clothesline at the campsite.
Learn More at Subaru of Maple
The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness combines serious off-road capability with everyday practicality for Ontario drivers who explore beyond paved roads. With 241 millimetres of ground clearance, electronically controlled dampers, and X-MODE Dual Mode settings, this SUV handles challenging terrain while remaining comfortable for highway driving.
Visit Subaru of Maple in Vaughan to learn more about the Outback Wilderness and how its features match your Ontario adventures. Our team can answer your questions about capability, technology, and arrival timing. Stop by our Vaughan dealership to explore what makes this the most rugged Outback ever built.
