The Subaru Outback Wilderness has a whopping clearance of 9 inches—the highest on an Outback yet!
Subaru Outback ground clearance has increased over the years
The Outback has heightened its ground clearance with every generation, their highest being found in the newest group of vehicles.
Here’s how the Outback’s ground clearance has grown over the years:
1st generation (1994-1999): 4.5–7.3 inches
2nd generation (2000-2003): 7.3–7.9 inches
3rd generation (2004-2009): 7.3–8.7 inches
4th generation (2010-2014): 8.7 inches
5th generation (2015-2019): 8.7 inches
6th generation (2020-present): 8.7–9 inches
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What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?
Ground clearance, sometimes called ride height, is a fancy term for the measurement between your car’s lowest point and the road.
Knowing the size of the gap under your car is useful if you’re going to be off-roading. If you’re an adventurer, you need to care about it as much as handling and powertrain!
How much ground clearance do I need?
Experts recommend at least 6.6 inches of ground clearance for moderate rocky roads. This number hikes up to at least 9 inches if you’re overlanding.
But keep in mind that as ground clearance increases, the center of gravity does too.
How does ground clearance compare for different cars?
Cars that have their weight concentrated on the bottom, like sedans, have a low center of gravity, making them more stable and less likely to tip over.
Bulkier cars like SUVs are the opposite. They have a higher center of gravity because their weight is concentrated above the wheels, leading to easier rollovers and spinouts—something you want to avoid while off-roading!
Which Subaru Outback is best for off-roading?
Your best bet from the 2022 lineup is the Outback Wilderness model. Its 9 inches of ground clearance will allow you to tackle those bumpy roads and overlanding journeys with ease.
This trim of the Outback features Subaru’s Full-Time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the Wilderness will give you complete and confident control of your ride to balance your ride height.
Add to that their handy X-MODE® system that’s equipped with off-roading modes for Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud, and you’re set to face any obstacle!
What it costs: Starting at $41,995 MSRP, the Wilderness may be one of the more premium trims of the bunch, but you won’t be compromising your vehicle’s exterior or limiting your off-road activities.
Still keep in mind that you may want to add some upgrades if you’re getting into heavy off-roading, including all-terrain tires.
If you want to save money: opt for a used Outback model. Check out the 2010, 2013, 2017, and 2019 models, all of which have 8.7 inches of ground clearance.