MODEL
Subaru Outback Wilderness Safety
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, a variant of Subaru's long-running Outback wagon, is positioned at outdoor enthusiasts who want 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.
For the 2023-2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness, the most notable data point is the absence of a rollover rating from NHTSA. This is a significant omission for a vehicle with an elevated center of gravity, particularly one marketed for off-road use. Despite this, the 2025 model achieves an Exceptional 97 out of 100 on our NHTSA Safety Index. This high score is supported by strong crash-test performance; the best-year results show a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact categories. The recall record for the 2023 through 2025 model years is commendably low, with only 2 recalls issued by NHTSA. However, the 229 owner complaints across these years warrant closer attention. These complaints include 16 reported crashes and 7 reported injuries, though no fatalities have been alleged. While the volume of complaints does not automatically indicate a systemic safety flaw, it does highlight areas owners have flagged. The Outback Wilderness demonstrates strong safety performance in tested areas, but the unrated rollover risk and documented owner injury complaints remain points of concern for prospective buyers.
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.