Edmunds.com Takes the Crosstrek Wilderness Off-Road with a Ford Bronco

Subaru didn’t invent the term “crossover,” but it invented the concept, having made 4-wheel-drive versions of its passenger cars long before crossovers became a thing. Eventually, they truly committed themselves to the concept by giving standard all-wheel drive to every vehicle it sells, with the exception of the BRZ sports car.  However, Subaru knew they could go further for those who genuinely want to take their vehicles off the pavement with the Wilderness line of models.  In the case of the Crosstrek, everything the Crosstrek is to the Impreza hatchback, the Wilderness model is to the Crosstrek.  How tough is the Crosstrek Wilderness?  Edmunds.com set out to find out, and Subaru of Rochester is along for the bumpy ride.

Several crossover models have off-road-focused trim levels now, and Edmunds decided to test the Crosstrek and another example of the genre, the Santa Fe XRT, to see what they could do.  As a standard of reference, they also brought their Ford Bronco long-term tester, designed from scratch to be every bit as off-road capable as a Jeep Wrangler. None of these three models directly compete with one another. The Santa Fe is the largest of the three as a 3-row mid-size model. The Crosstrek is about two sizes smaller. In terms of size, the Bronco is in the middle as a midsize 2-row SUV.

The Crosstrek Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter direct-injection horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder engine with 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Wilderness enhancements include a revised differential gear ratio of 4.111 final drive ratio (vs. 3.700) to improve the Wilderness’s climbing ability and a retuned Lineartronic CVT to optimize traction at low speeds and on slippery surfaces. The suspension is upgraded for off-road use, and all-terrain tires are standard. The Crosstrek’s already class-leading 8.7-inch ground clearance is raised to 9.3 inches.  Additionally, the maximum towing capacity more than doubles to 3,500 lb. thanks to the addition of a transmission oil cooler.  It all adds up to the most rugged and trail-capable Crosstrek ever. But what are its limits?

The Hill Climb

The Edmunds testing included a hill climb on a rough, uneven trail. Unlike the Bronco, the Crosstrek Wilderness does not have a 2-speed transfer case for 4WD Low, but,  as mentioned, the final drive ratio was revised just for this purpose.  With X-Mode set to its Dirt setting, the Wilderness model made its way up the hill despite the unevenness of the surface, occasionally lifting a tire off the ground.  While the traction control had to be turned off for the Santa Fe, it was left on for the Crosstrek, where it was quite busy, according to the tester, who subsequently stated that Subaru’s traction control was among the best in the business.

Trail Running

Another test was an example of what those who take their Crosstrek Wilderness models off-road can probably expect to do: running over a trail at speed. With the X-mode turned to normal, the tester appreciated the adjustment of the final drive ratio, which made the throttle more responsive. The paddle shifters, which can set specific ratios from the CVT, proved to be quite effective and enjoyable on the trail. He was particularly impressed that the ratios would hold fast up to redline.

Rock Crawling Test

This was the most challenging test, going beyond trail running and testing actual rock crawling. The challenge was to climb a pile of rocks, each about a foot and a half in diameter. Neither the Santa Fe nor the Crosstrek passed this test as they had too much front overhang to avoid hitting the rock before the tires could reach it. This was essentially an approach angle test, and the 20-degree approach angle of the Crosstrek was not enough. By contrast, with a 35.5-inch approach angle, the Bronco had no problem clearing the rock. Longer front overhangs are typical on crossovers, so rock-hopping is likely out for all of them.

Summary

While neither of these models can take on a dedicated off-roader like the Bronco, the Crosstrek Wilderness impressed its testers with its capability on the hill and trails. It certainly does more than look the part when the surface gets rough, but crawling over big rocks and fallen logs should be left to the off-road specialists.x

Fortunately, the Crosstrek Wilderness can do this while still being a capable and comfortable daily driver that is affordable to buy and operate. If trails and hills but not big rocks are your idea of off-roading, you should pay a visit to Subaru of Rochester and look at the Crosstrek Wilderness models and possibly all the Wilderness models while you are there.