Hicks Family Subaru
Explore the best off-road Subaru models at Hicks Family Subaru, including Wilderness editions of the Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek. Find yours today.
Not every off-road adventure demands a lifted truck or oversized SUV. Sometimes, the most capable trail companion is a Subaru. With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard across the SUV lineup, available dual-function X-MODE, and ground clearance that rivals the competition, Subaru vehicles—especially the Wilderness editions—are ready to get dirty.
So, what’s the best Subaru for off-roading? Let’s take a closer look at the 2025 lineup and explore which models are built for unpaved roads, rugged terrain, and off-grid exploring.
As the name suggests, the Wilderness lineup is primed to take on your outdoor adventures–whether that’s winding trails or accessing some off-grid spots that require some tricky traversing. Here’s what to know:
The 2025 Outback Wilderness is a bold evolution of Subaru’s flagship SUV. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and standard dual-function X-MODE (including Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes), it’s engineered to handle deep ruts, steep climbs, and loose surfaces with ease.
This trim also includes standard all-terrain Yokohama GEOLANDAR® tires, front skid plates, and high-clearance front and rear bumpers for better approach and departure angles. Inside, you’ll find durable StarTex® water-repellent upholstery and rugged copper-accented details. It also features roof rails rated for up to 700 pounds of static load (perfect for a rooftop tent!) and a standard towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Compact and agile, the 2025 Forester Wilderness stands tall with 9.2 inches of ground clearance and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Like its Outback sibling, it features standard dual-function X-MODE and is factory-equipped with all-terrain tires and StarTex upholstery.
A retuned suspension, protective body cladding, and enhanced towing capabilities (up to 3,000 pounds) make this Forester ideal for rough roads and light-duty overlanding. It also comes with a standard 180-degree front-view monitor, making it easier to navigate tricky trails and tight trailheads.
For adventurers who value nimbleness, the 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness delivers. It boasts 9.3 inches of ground clearance, standard Symmetrical AWD, and a standard dual-function X-MODE system optimized with a revised final drive ratio and transmission cooler for serious off-road performance.
The Wilderness Crosstrek also includes standard all-terrain tires, reinforced roof rails, and a ruggedized exterior. Its 3,500-pound towing capacity (higher than other Crosstrek trims) makes it surprisingly mighty for its size.
Even if you don’t go for the Wilderness trim, every Subaru SUV offers real-world trail capability. Here’s what makes the broader Subaru lineup off-road friendly:
So, when you need the best car for off-roading, it’s hard to go wrong with any model in the Subaru lineup.
If you’re looking to build a true overlanding rig, look to the Wilderness line. The Outback Wilderness is the top pick thanks to its roomy cabin, strong roof load rating, and high towing capacity. For tighter trails, the Crosstrek Wilderness offers surprising capability in a smaller footprint. Want all-around balance and better visibility? The Forester Wilderness delivers.
And if you need three rows, the Subaru Ascent offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance and AWD, making it a solid road-to-campsite SUV, even without a Wilderness badge.
Adventure doesn’t wait for perfect weather or smooth roads—and neither should your vehicle. With rugged Wilderness trims, available X-MODE traction technology, and standard AWD across the lineup, Subaru is built to explore farther and with more confidence.
Visit Hicks Family Subaru today to test drive the best Subaru for off-roading and find the one that’s ready for your next trail, campsite, or mountain pass. Browse our available inventory online now or work with one of our Subaru experts to find the right ride for your road trip style–whether new, used, or Certified Pre-Owned.
