Subaru teases another rugged Wilderness model

Subaru of America has teased yet another rugged Wilderness model ahead of its reveal at the 2023 New York motor show on April 5.

In the lead up to the reveal the company has uploaded a single teaser image to its social media, and also created a landing page on its website.

At this stage it’s unclear what this new Subaru Wilderness model will be based on. It has said it’s an SUV, which rules out the BRZ, and leaves the large Ascent and small Crosstrek as potential options.

The Ascent is a left-hand drive-only, three-row crossover built in the US, which slots above the Outback.

This upcoming Wilderness model will join the existing Outback Wilderness and Forester Wilderness in the lineup.

As recently reported, both of these existing Wilderness models are for North America for the moment, but Subaru Australia hasn’t ruled out doing something similar Down Under.

“No secrets, we are in discussions with the factory on it,” said Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read.

“And those are fairly advanced. And we look forward to be able to sharing more one when everything’s confirmed, but it’s definitely in progress.”

The Outback Wilderness was revealed back in April 2021, and the Forester Wilderness in September 2021. Subaru said at the time it was “watching” the vehicles, but didn’t comment on any plans to bring them Down Under.

While plenty of time has passed since their reveals, the turbocharged Outback XT was launched in the US back in 2020 before finally coming here this year so the Wilderness models aren’t necessarily a lost cause.

These Wilderness models can be distinguished by their more rugged look, suspension tweaks, a raised ride height and all-terrain tyres. They also both use a new rear differential with a different final-drive ratio.

For now we’re going to have to wait and see what this upcoming Subaru Wilderness model could be. There’ll likely be more teasers in the lead up to its April 5 reveal.

MORE: Subaru Forester, Outback Wilderness closer to Australian launch