Subaru is a brand known for making capable, rugged, and reliable vehicles, and the Outback lineup is a perfect example.
In this article, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison of two popular variants – the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the Outback Touring XT.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | Subaru Outback Wilderness | Subaru Outback Touring XT |
| Engine | 2.4L Turbocharged | 2.4L Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Ground Clearance | 9.5 inches | 8.7 inches |
| Interior Upholstery | StarTex water-repellent | Nappa Leather |
| Infotainment Screen | 11.6-inch | 11.6-inch |
| Premium Sound System | Standard | Harman Kardon |
| Off-Road Features | Enhanced | Standard |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
The Thrilling Outback Wilderness
The Wilderness model is the more adventurous variant in the Outback lineup. It’s tailored to cater to the off-road enthusiasts who want to venture onto trails and uncharted terrains, allowing the Outback to showcase its full potential.
Pros
- Enhanced Off-Road Ability: The Outback Wilderness features increased ground clearance (9.5 inches) for improved off-road ability. Its unique suspension and tire setup provide better traction and control on challenging terrains.
- Powerful Performance: Powered by a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower, it offers plenty of power for both city and off-road drives.
- Distinctive Styling: The Wilderness variant stands out with unique aesthetic elements such as blacked-out trim, Anodized Copper-finish accents, and exclusive Wilderness badges.
Cons
- Increased Fuel Consumption: The Wilderness, due to its off-road emphasis, consumes more fuel than other Outback models.
- Higher Price Tag: The extensive off-road enhancements and features come at a higher cost.
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The Luxurious Outback Touring XT
The Touring XT is the luxury-focused model, offering advanced features and creature comforts that make every ride an experience to cherish.
Pros
- Luxurious Interior: The Touring XT variant has a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof.
- Advanced Tech Features: It features a Harman Kardon audio system, a large 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and built-in navigation, ensuring an entertaining journey.
- Powerful Performance: Like the Wilderness, it comes with the same turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower.
Cons
- Higher Cost: The high-end features and luxurious interior make the Touring XT one of the most expensive models in the Outback range.
- Limited Off-Road Capabilities: The Touring XT does not have the specialized off-road features of the Wilderness, limiting its capabilities on tough terrains.
Key Differences Between the Subaru Outback Wilderness and Touring XT
When comparing Subaru Outback Wilderness and Touring XT, several key differences highlight their unique selling points and cater to different consumer needs.
- Engine and Performance
Both models feature the same powerful 2.4L four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing a respectable 260 horsepower.
However, the tuning and performance are slightly different, reflecting their different specializations.
The Outback Wilderness has been geared for off-road prowess.
Its X-MODE feature comes with an advanced dual-function version that offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes to ensure optimal traction in various conditions.
Subaru has also upgraded the suspension in the Wilderness for better handling and stability on rough terrains.
On the other hand, the Outback Touring XT, while having the same engine and all-wheel-drive system, focuses more on delivering a smooth and comfortable ride for on-road conditions, ensuring the luxury and comfort expected from this high-end model.
- Design and Aesthetics
The Wilderness has a robust, rugged aesthetic to underline its outdoor capabilities. It features exclusive decals, matte-black alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and anodized copper-finish accents.
The cabin is also wilderness-inspired, with StarTex water-repellent upholstery and Wilderness logo embossed on the headrests.
The Touring XT exudes a sense of sophistication and luxury, offering a more refined appearance. The exterior gets chrome trim and high-gloss black and silver alloy wheels.
Inside, it boasts plush Nappa leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and woodgrain-patterned matte-finish accent trim, presenting an upscale and polished look.
- Luxury and Comfort Features
The Outback Touring XT is the top-of-the-line variant and therefore, it comes loaded with luxury features. There are ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. It also gets a Harman Kardon premium audio system for an immersive sound experience.
The Wilderness, while comfortable, does not offer the same level of opulence. The emphasis here is on durability and practicality, hence the StarTex water-repellent upholstery and durable floor liners.
- Pricing
With the added luxury features and sophisticated design, the Touring XT is positioned at a higher price point compared to the Wilderness. The Wilderness, while less luxurious, offers a value proposition with its specialized off-road features at a relatively lower price.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The key difference lies in their intended uses. The Wilderness, with its increased ground clearance and rugged features, is built for off-road adventures. On the other hand, the Touring is a more luxury-focused variant, offering advanced features and superior comfort.
The Outback Wilderness and Outback XT (Touring XT and Limited XT) both share the same powerful engine. However, the Wilderness is equipped with off-road-specific features, while the XT trims prioritize luxury and advanced technology.
The Outback Touring XT is a trim level under the XT line, which represents the high-end, luxury versions of the Outback, with the ‘XT’ indicating the presence of a turbocharged engine. The Outback Touring, on the other hand, comes with a naturally aspirated engine and fewer luxury features compared to the Touring XT.
The Limited XT and Touring XT both have the turbocharged engine. However, the Touring XT offers more high-end features, like Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated seats, which are absent in the Limited XT.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the choice between the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the Outback Touring XT boils down to personal preference and intended use. If you seek adventure and off-road thrills, the Wilderness will be an exciting choice.
But if luxury and advanced technology are more your style, the Touring XT will prove a worthy companion. Both models adhere to Subaru’s principles of reliability, safety, and capable performance, ensuring you can’t go wrong with either choice.
