Are you exploring rugged terrains around Huntington, Barboursville, or Poca and wondering what makes the Subaru Wilderness package stand out? Whether you’re tackling muddy trails near Ashland or cruising through the backroads of Fayette Township, the Wilderness edition offers a unique blend of power, durability, and style designed for outdoor enthusiasts. At River City Subaru, located at 3506 US, Huntington, WV 25705, our team is ready to guide you through everything that the Wilderness package brings to your adventure.
If you want to explore our extensive inventory or have questions, call us at (304) 736-7777 today.
Table of Contents
- Subaru Wilderness Package Overview: An in-depth look at the off-road performance, exterior and interior enhancements, and tech upgrades that make the Wilderness package unique.
- How Wilderness Differs from the Subaru Limited Trim: Detailed comparison focusing on design, capability, comfort, and performance for Huntington and nearby drivers.
- Leather Seats and Interior Comfort in the Outback Wilderness: Exploring the premium materials and water-resistant upholstery options for rugged lifestyles in Van and Chapmanville.
- Fuel Needs for the Outback Wilderness: What fuel grades work best for this capable SUV, especially in high-load situations common around South Point and Fayette Township.
- Colors Exclusive to the Subaru Wilderness: Highlighting the unique Geyser Blue and other standout paint options.
- Towing Capacity and Hitch Availability: What you can tow in Hurricane and Barboursville and hitch options for your outdoor gear.
- Skid Plate Protection and Roof Crossbars: How the Wilderness package is built tough to protect vital components and carry your gear.
- Comparing the Outback Wilderness to the Outback XT Trim: Performance and feature distinctions for drivers curious about their best fit.
- Trusted Service, Parts, and Trade-In Options at River City Subaru: How to keep your Wilderness in top shape and trade up for your next adventure-ready Subaru.
Subaru Wilderness Package Overview
The Subaru Wilderness package is engineered to elevate your vehicle’s off-road prowess and durability, making it ideal for those who live for adventure. Especially for residents of Huntington, Neibert, or Russell, the Wilderness edition offers enhancements that are not just cosmetic but functional for rugged terrain.
Performance and Capability Features
- Raised Suspension and Ground Clearance: The Outback Wilderness boasts a ground clearance of 9.5 inches, up 0.8 inches from other trims, allowing superior navigation over rocks and uneven surfaces found in areas like Chesapeake or Van.
- All-Terrain Tires: Equipped with Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires, these provide aggressive tread and durability to handle dirt, mud, and gravel roads commonly encountered near Perry Township or Chapmanville.
- Enhanced X-MODE: With settings tailored for deep snow, mud, and dirt, this system allows some wheel slip to maintain traction when needed, a vital feature for unpredictable West Hamlin or Flatwoods conditions.
- Revised Gear Ratios: The drivetrain features a shortened final drive ratio, boosting climbing ability on steep grades up to 40%, perfect for the hills around Hurricane or Ashland.
- Turbocharged Engine: Many Wilderness models come with a 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing both power and efficiency for demanding drives.
- Towing Capacity: The Outback Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Forester Wilderness offers a 3,000-pound towing limit—ideal for hauling trailers or outdoor gear from Huntington to Poca.
Exterior and Rugged Styling
- Protective Off-Road Cladding: Black cladding guards body panels against scratches and dents from branches or rocks, a must-have for frequent travelers through Berkshire Township or Hurricane.
- Matte Black Wheels: Durable 17-inch alloy wheels with a rugged matte finish resist scuffs and add to the vehicle’s aggressive stance.
- Anti-Glare Hood Decal: Reduces sun glare when driving trails in the early morning or late afternoon, enhancing visibility in places like South Point or Fayette Township.
- Anodized Copper Accents: These unique trims highlight the Wilderness’s exclusive badging and roof rails, adding a distinct look admired in communities like Barboursville or Huntington.
Interior and Technology
- Water-Resistant StarTex® Upholstery: This easy-to-clean, breathable, and durable material stands up to mud, spills, and moisture, perfectly suited for active lifestyles in Van or Neibert.
- Upgraded Roof Rails: Reinforced to carry heavier loads such as roof tents or cargo boxes, these rails are essential for camping trips near Crown City or Ranger.
- Enhanced Safety Features: Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is recalibrated for the Wilderness, ensuring safety while managing the vehicle’s elevated stance and off-road dynamics.
- Advanced Infotainment: The 11.6-inch STARLINK touchscreen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you connected whether navigating through Charleston or Nitro.
How Wilderness Differs from the Subaru Limited Trim
Understanding the difference between the Wilderness and Limited trims helps drivers in Huntington, Chapmanville, or Barboursville decide which model suits their needs best.
Wilderness: Rugged Outdoor Performance
- Focuses on off-road capability with a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and enhanced X-MODE.
- Features durable StarTex® upholstery instead of leather to resist wear from outdoor activities.
- Includes a turbocharged 2.4L engine standard, delivering strong torque for towing and hill climbs.
- Offers an elevated ground clearance of 9.5 inches compared to 8.7 inches on the Limited.
- Exterior styling emphasizes toughness with black cladding and copper accents.
Limited: Refined Comfort and Luxury
- Prioritizes on-road comfort with leather-trimmed seats and quieter ride quality.
- Offers better fuel efficiency and slightly longer highway range.
- Comes with more traditional luxury features such as dual-zone climate control and premium audio.
- Equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and power tilt/sliding moonroof as standard.
- Best suited for drivers focused on daily commuting and highway driving around Ashland or Huntington.
Choosing Between Wilderness and Limited
If your lifestyle includes frequent trips to rugged locations like Poca or Russell and you need capability above all else, the Wilderness is your best choice. For those seeking refined comfort with occasional light off-roading, the Limited offers an excellent balance of luxury and capability.
Explore our full lineup of the Subaru Outback Wilderness and Subaru Outback Limited trims at River City Subaru.
Leather Seats and Interior Comfort in the Outback Wilderness
Contrary to some expectations, the Subaru Outback Wilderness does come with premium leather seats, offering both comfort and durability for long journeys.
- The driver and front passenger enjoy heated leather seats with power adjustments, ensuring ergonomic support on trips across Huntington or Chesapeake.
- Rear seats are heated to keep passengers comfortable during colder months in Perry Township or Flatwoods.
- The interior features Anodized Copper accents that complement the leather upholstery and enhance the rugged aesthetic.
- StarTex® material is used on parts of the interior, such as door panels and rear seatbacks, combining durability with style.
This combination ensures that while the Wilderness is built for tough conditions, it does not compromise on passenger comfort or premium feel. For a closer look at interior options, schedule a visit or browse our New Vehicle Inventory.
Fuel Needs for the Outback Wilderness
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is engineered to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel but benefits from premium fuel under specific conditions.
- For everyday driving around Huntington, Van, or Russell, 87 octane regular gasoline is recommended and sufficient.
- When towing heavy loads up to 3,500 pounds or driving in high-load scenarios such as steep grades near Hurricane or Chesapeake, 91+ octane premium fuel is advised to optimize engine performance and prevent knocking.
- Using premium fuel in normal conditions does not improve fuel economy or power output.
This flexibility makes the Wilderness suitable for both daily driving and demanding adventures.
Colors Exclusive to the Subaru Wilderness
The Subaru Wilderness models stand out with exclusive paint colors designed to highlight their adventurous personality.
- The most notable exclusive color is Geyser Blue, a vibrant hue inspired by Subaru’s motorsport heritage, perfect for drivers in Huntington or Barboursville who want to turn heads.
- Other available colors include Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and Autumn Green Metallic, all accented with Anodized Copper trim.
- These unique color choices emphasize the Wilderness’s distinct identity compared to standard Outback models.
Consider this exclusive palette when customizing your next Subaru Wilderness at River City Subaru.
Towing Capacity and Hitch Availability
If your adventures require hauling trailers, boats, or other gear in the Huntington or Poca region, the Wilderness package provides robust towing capabilities but typically does not include a factory-installed hitch.
- The Outback Wilderness supports towing up to 3,500 pounds, while the Forester Wilderness is rated for up to 3,000 pounds.
- A trailer hitch is not standard but is available as an accessory through Subaru dealers or aftermarket sources.
- Newer models, including the 2026 Outback Wilderness, may come with a 7-pin connector and a reconfigured rear bumper for easier hitch installation.
- For towing trailers requiring electric brakes, a 7-pin connector is essential; owners may need to install a wiring harness or conversion kit accordingly.
For expert installation, genuine parts, and advice, visit our Parts Department and schedule an appointment to Schedule Service.
Skid Plate Protection and Roof Crossbars
Protection and utility are cornerstones of the Wilderness package, designed for those exploring rough terrain around Huntington, Ashland, or Chesapeake.
- The Outback Wilderness comes with a standard front skid plate reinforcing the undercarriage against rocks and debris, contributing to its elevated ground clearance and approach angles.
- Roof rails equipped with built-in crossbars swing out for easy use with lighter gear, rated for a 150-pound dynamic load and 700-pound static load, ideal for carrying kayaks, bikes, or rooftop cargo boxes.
- For heavier or bulkier loads, aftermarket crossbars and platform racks can be installed to increase load capacity and accessory compatibility.
This setup ensures your Subaru is ready for outdoor gear hauling, from weekend camping trips in Fayette Township to extended explorations near Barboursville.
Comparing the Outback Wilderness to the Outback XT Trim
Drivers in Huntington and surrounding areas often ask how the Wilderness compares to the Outback XT trim.
- Both trims share the 2.4L turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive with CVT transmission.
- The Wilderness trim focuses on off-road enhancements such as increased ground clearance (9.5 inches vs. 8.7 inches), all-terrain tires, lifted suspension, and a front skid plate.
- The XT trim leans more toward on-road comfort with 18-inch alloy wheels, a power tilt/sliding moonroof, and built-in navigation standard.
- The Wilderness offers specialized low-range gearing and more aggressive styling, while the XT is designed for refined driving and luxury features.
Choosing between them depends on your priority: rugged off-road capability or premium on-road comfort. Explore both options in our New Vehicle Inventory.
Trusted Service, Parts, and Trade-In Options at River City Subaru
Owning a Subaru Wilderness means trusting your vehicle to perform in all conditions. At River City Subaru, Huntington’s trusted Subaru dealer, we provide comprehensive support to keep your Wilderness ready for adventure.
- Use our trade-in tool to discover the value of your current vehicle and upgrade with confidence.
- Our certified technicians specialize in Subaru maintenance and repairs. Easily Schedule Service online for oil changes, brake work, or warranty repairs.
- Genuine Subaru parts are available through our Parts Department, ensuring your Wilderness maintains peak performance.
- Take advantage of programs like the Subaru Love Promise and Subaru Eco Friendly Retailer Program, reflecting our commitment to community and sustainability.
Visit River City Subaru at 3506 US, Huntington, WV 25705 to experience the Subaru Wilderness package firsthand or call us at (304) 736-7777 for personalized assistance.
The Subaru Wilderness package elevates your driving experience by combining rugged performance, unique styling, and advanced technology tailored for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re navigating through the hills of Huntington, exploring trails near Barboursville, or towing equipment around Poca, this package is designed to meet the needs of drivers who demand capability without sacrificing comfort. Start your next journey with River City Subaru today.

