Subaru ‘Wilderness’ off-road line to launch this month to target Jeep and Bronco
Subaru is preparing to add new 'Wilderness' models to its range, aimed squarely at buyers who want more off-road capability.
Overnight, Subaru hinted the launch of "something wild" will happen at the end of March 2021. Only last month, North American Subaru dealers were told about the upcoming Wilderness launch, according to industry outlet Automotive News.
At this stage it's unclear whether Subaru will pitch Wilderness as a proper sub-brand, or merely a new 'Wilderness Edition' variant for some of its models.
While details have yet to be confirmed, a Forester Wilderness and Outback Wilderness are rumoured to be coming, while a Wilderness version of the XV may also be on the cards (known as a Crosstrek in North American markets).
Above: A teaser image of the upcoming Wilderness brand released by Subaru. Top of story: The standard 2021 Subaru Outback.
In February 2021, a statement issued to Drive by Subaru Australia said the company was "watching progress in the US with interest," suggesting the new off-roaders were still being evaluated for local release.
It's expected the Wilderness models will offer raised ride heights, underbody armour, chunkier all-terrain tyres, and potentially black plastic cladding on the quarter panels – similar to design cues expected on the upcoming all-electric Subaru Evoltis SUV.
Subaru appears to be going after the growing off-road segment in the US, targeting Jeep and Ford's new Bronco sub-brand, launched in mid-2020.
Stay tuned to Drive for more details once details on the Subaru Wilderness nameplate is made official on 31 March 2021, at 3am AEDT (2am QLD time).