MODEL
Subaru Outback Wilderness
NHTSA safety across every Subaru Outback Wilderness model year we cover.
Across the 4 model years of the Subaru Outback Wilderness we cover (2023 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 97 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2023 at 92. 2 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is a rugged, trail-ready variant of Subaru's long-running Outback wagon, positioned squarely at outdoor enthusiasts who want genuine off-road capability without stepping into a full-size SUV. With raised ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and a more aggressive stance than the standard Outback, it competes in the adventure-wagon niche and appeals to buyers who want to go further than the pavement ends.
At MotorCaliber, we evaluate safety through crash-test performance, recall history, and owner complaint patterns, and the 2023 to 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness presents a genuinely strong picture on most of those fronts. The 2025 model earns a 97 out of 100 on our NHTSA Safety Index, landing it firmly in the Exceptional band, which is a meaningful achievement for a vehicle designed to handle demanding terrain as much as daily commutes. Crash-test results back that up: the best-year scores show a perfect 5 out of 5 in both frontal and side impact categories. The rollover rating, however, is listed as not rated, which is a notable gap for a taller-riding wagon that shoppers should acknowledge, particularly given the model's off-road orientation and elevated center of gravity. Across the 2023 to 2025 model years, NHTSA records show just 2 recalls, which is a restrained count for a three-year window. The 229 owner complaints carry more weight for scrutiny: among those unverified allegations, 16 involve reported crashes and 7 involve reported injuries. No deaths have been alleged. That complaint volume is worth monitoring, though it does not by itself indicate a systemic defect. On balance, the Outback Wilderness earns its strong safety index, but the absent rollover rating and injury-related complaints mean shoppers should stay informed.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Outback Wilderness as one of the more credible adventure-wagon options in its segment, praising its off-road capability and practical all-weather usability. Most acknowledge it as a well-rounded choice for buyers who want ruggedness without sacrificing everyday comfort, though some note that its performance compromises slightly compared to dedicated off-road SUVs.
- The 2025 Outback Wilderness earns a 97 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score in the Exceptional band, supported by perfect 5-out-of-5 ratings in both frontal and side crash tests for the best-tested model year.
- The rollover rating is listed as not rated across covered model years, which is a meaningful gap for a raised-ride-height wagon frequently used on uneven terrain where rollover risk is more relevant.
- Two recalls have been issued across the 2023 to 2025 model years, a relatively low count that suggests Subaru has kept post-sale safety interventions limited during this generation.
- Owner complaints total 229 across covered years, with 16 alleged crashes and 7 alleged injuries among the unverified filings. Shoppers should check the NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year they are considering before purchasing.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness with 2 recalls.