As a brand, Subaru is famed worldwide for the rugged dependability of its cars and the ubiquitousness of its AWD system across the range (with few exceptions – learn more here about which Subaru cars do and don’t have AWD).
You can walk into any Subaru showroom and drive home with a car that has genuine ability to deal with inclement weather, snow and ice, and just about anything else that Mother Nature can throw your way.
In fact, just about the only car in the current Subaru lineup without good off-road capabilities is the BRZ sports car.
There’s a reason why Subarus are so popular with a loyal cadre of buyers – because the brand has established itself as the pre-eminent option in a certain niche (with only Audi and its Quattro system offering much competition but at far higher price points). You can learn more here in my recent article about why Subarus are so popular with certain buyers, but long story short it’s the off-road capabilities and ubiquitousness of the ‘Symmetrical AWD’ system across the range that helps. This video does a good job at explaining the basics of Subaru’s legendary AWD system:
Come to New Zealand – particularly the South Island where I live – and every second car is a Subaru Outback, Forester or Legacy because people value the blend of safety, practicality and go-anywhere dependability. Count me and my family as part of that community; my dad always had Subaru cars growing up when I was a kid, and I’ve now got a Subaru Legacy of my own.
And while just about all Subarus (with the exception of the BR-Z from the modern era) are better than their class competitors at dealing with challenging road no conditions, not all Subarus are created equal when it comes to off-road driving.
While just about any AWD-equipped Subaru will do a better job at driving on gravel, dirt or mud than the average Toyota, Honda, Nissan or any other brand, some Subarus are better than others at working hard when the tarmac runs out.
In this edition of Car Facts we are going to look at 5 of the best off-road Subaru cars ever built.
I welcome your feedback, input and suggestions – feel free to leave a comment below!
Table of Contents
Subaru Outback
In the Lord of the Rings there was ‘one ring to rule them all’.
When it comes to conquering the road and most inclement conditions, then perhaps the Subaru Outback is the ‘one car to rule them all’.
One of brand’s most cherished and popular models strangely enough happens to be one of the best Subarus for off road driving (funny that … it’s almost as if people really want a car that can do it all – I just can’t work out why these cars sell like hot cakes /Sarc).
Originally a jacked-up, plastic body kit-wearing variant of the Subaru Legacy (hence the original “Subaru Legacy Outback” badging) the Legacy Outback was popular enough to become its own standalone model, and eventually become one of the brand’s most famous and desirable drawcards.
In fact, while Subaru discontinued the Legacy in 2019 in many markets outside of the United States – including Japan – the Outback lives on to this day, and is arguably the brand’s flagship ‘mainstream’ car (with the WRX being the performance drawcard)
From day one, the Outback offered a compelling blend of competent and composed on-road driving manners, better-than-average safety equipment, practicality and comfort and the trusted capability of Subaru’s AWD system plus the added utility of extra ground clearance.
Even though I’m an owner of a Legacy wagon, which is our main family car (the fifth generation Legacy to be precise – read my review here) I’m the first to admit that the Outback is the better vehicle unless you really care about having the best handling possible. On more than one occasion I’ve wished for the extra ground clearance of the Outback over the standard Legacy.
The classic Top Gear presenter lineup of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May were all in agreement that the Outback (I believe fourth generation based on when they made these comments) was one of the best cars ever built, and one of the only cars they could all agree on in terms of actually liking.
Modern Outbacks are more luxurious and well-appointed than ever before, even in base specification. I recently took a look at one of the top-trim models at my local Subaru dealer and was blown away with just how luxurious and comfortable it was. If I had to pick between the new Outback in luxury trim or an older European car for the same money like an Audi or Range Rover, I’d pick the Outback every time.
When it comes to getting the best off-road Subaru for your money, just about any Outback (provided it has been well cared for if buying used) will be a good bet as there are models to suit all budgets.
If money were no object, I’d go out and buy the new 2.4 ‘XT’ model with the turbo engine – I believe this is called something like the ‘Wilderness’ in the United States, but feel free to correct me in the comment section.
In particular, look out for Outback models with ‘X-Mode’ that offers an electronically-modulated hill descent control – immensely helpful technology that allows you to maintain a constant speed when going down a gradient so you can focus more on steering – as well as the ability to control throttle response, power/torque delivery and the AWD system below certain speeds in order to make it easier to drive in challenging conditions such as mud and snow (some higher spec models even come with a ‘Dual X Mode’ technology that can be switched from snow to mud mode as desired)
On a more modest budget, I’d probably look for a fifth generation 3.6L H6 Outback.
My fifth generation Legacy has the standard 2.5 4 cylinder engine and CVT gearbox, but it is a little anaemic when climbing steep access roads and I’d probably take the extra power over the fuel savings if I had the opportunity to re-do my purchase.
The fifth generation 3.6 also has a conventional five speed automatic transmission that is considered to be more robust and reliable than the CVT, and have a superior version of Subaru’s AWD system (I’ll do a more detailed article on the differences between Subaru AWD systems in future).
Subaru Forester
If you want an SUV that looks more like an SUV, then the Subaru Forester is another great choice for off-road capabilities.
The clue, once again, is in the car’s name with the Forester the ideal companion for those who enjoy outdoors activities such as hiking or camping or driving through forest ‘fire roads’.
Whereas the Outback was derived from the Legacy, the Forester comes from the Impreza and still offers Subaru’s leading AWD system, better-than-average ground clearance and ample space and practicality.
When it comes to current models, there realistically isn’t too much between the Forester and Outback in terms of off-tarmac capability.
It was explained to me by a Subaru salesperson that the Outback is effectively Subaru’s luxury vehicle, and the Forester is the more mainstream model. Which you prefer comes down to the driving experience (the Outback being a bit more refined on the road), features and luxury touches, and then whether you prefer a wagon shape or a more conventional SUV shape.
As with the Outback, you can get some new Forester models with X-Mode/Dual-X mode that assists with driving in mud, snow and other tough conditions. If you care about having the best Subaru for off-road driving, then you’ll want to look at one with X/Dual-X mode for sure.
One other consideration is that the current generation Outback can be specified with a turbo charged engine for substantially more power and performance, whereas the Forester can be purchased with a mild hybrid engine that offers some additional fuel economy (this is market dependent, however, so consult your local Subaru website – the hybrid is also not fantastically more frugal than the regular car)
As with the Outback, because the Forester has been around for the best part of 30 years now, you can pick up examples from the various generations to suit just about any budget.
Some off-road enthusiasts prefer the earlier cars as their substantially lighter weight makes for a more manageable and capable drive when the going gets tough.
From a cheap ‘winter beater’ in the form of an early generation car (such as the legendary SG Forester – read our buyer’s guide here) through to a brand new daily driver, there is a Forester for everybody. Depending on your market and budget you’ve also got options from economy-focused models through to higher performance Foresters with turbocharging or larger engines.
WRX Gravel Express
The WRX is famed for its rough-and-ready rally pedigree. I can distinctly recall an old episode of Top Gear where Jeremy Clarkson said a WRX (and its arch-nemesis, the Evo) would be faster in the ‘real world’ than any Ferrari or Lamborghini.
The WRX is a genuine icon, and has long been the ace in Subaru’s sleeve and one of its most desirable models.
You really can take a WRX just about anywhere – although with current prices of used examples you might not necessarily want to.
But wouldn’t it be great if there was a WRX that was specifically designed for driving off road e.g. on gravel access roads for ski-fields, mountain bike parks and the like?
As luck would have it, if you were a Japanese car buyer in the mid 1990s, Subaru had a trick up its sleeve.
The WRX “Gravel Express” was a special edition, first generation (GC8) WRX hatchback that was factory modified to be a better off-road performer.
The formula was simple:
- Take the excellent first-gen WRX hatch
- Include a full-size, rear-mounted spare (4×4/truck style) for if you do pop a tire
- Add tough and functional bull bars with headlight guards
- Include roof rails for roof racks
- Most importantly, lift the car to provide additional ground clearance
The WRX Gravel Express isn’t as good on the road as the regular WRX hatch of the era (and it isn’t a patch on the STI version). Power was slightly reduced, and the taller suspension adds unwanted wallow to the cornering if pushing on around tarmac bends.
However, these cars are weapons when it comes to doing what they were built to do – tearing up the ski field access road on a winter’s morning, or allowing you to go off the beaten track while road tripping. My understanding is this was an exclusively JDM car when sold new, which strikes me as a strange decision on Subaru’s part as I suspect it could have sold well in markets such as New Zealand and Australia where road conditions are inferior to Japan.
A friend of mine used to have one of these because he went snowboarding lots during the winter, and it was the perfect companion. He could pass all the slow 4x4s and tourist buses on the way to the ski field on the road, and then rip up the gravel access road to the field without needing to stop to fit chains or worry about potholes.
The WRX Gravel Express is a bit of a JDM ‘forgotten hero’ and if you’d like to learn more you can click the previous link to read my full write up.
Subaru GL/Leone (3rd Generation)
If you feel like stepping back in time to the 1980s (where we’re going Marty, we don’t need roads – literally) then a ‘blast from the past’ Subaru is also one of the best off-roaders the company has ever produced.
The Subaru Leone – more commonly referred to in some markets such as the United States as the ‘GL’ owing to one of the more common trim level designations – was built over three generations.
However, it is the third generation Leone/GL which ran from 1984-1994 that represents the best off roading Subaru for the true classic buyer or the purchaser who sees age as no barrier.
The Leone’s off-road capabilities are thanks to its equipment, including:
- Selectable four wheel drive as opposed to permanent AWD (meaning you can drive on the road in 2WD but then select a proper 4WD mode as you find on many older 4x4s such as the Isuzu Trooper)
- Dual range transmission with a ‘granny gear’ that lets you easily crawl along in first.
- Better ground clearance than most modern Subarus.
- Pneumatic suspension with selectable height, allowing the driver to effectively jack the car up to clear more challenging terrain
- The small size relative to modern Subarus makes for a more agile and nimble car
Realistically the Leone/GL isn’t a great choice if you want a single ‘daily driver’ car (unless you don’t car for modern creature comforts and safety equipment).
However, if you are reasonably handy and fancy a true classic Subaru that eats most of the modern lineup for breakfast in terms of off-road ability, or you are a 1980s fetishist, then the Leone/GL could be just the ticket.
Subaru Tribeca
The Tribeca is the ‘black sheep’ of Subaru’s lineup.
Considered now to be a commercial failure, the Tribeca was the company’s attempt to leverage the Legacy platform into a more conventional SUV (versus the Outback which most people consider to be a wagon despite the fact that the manufacturer claims it’s an SUV).
Interestingly enough, it was also meant to be sold as the Saab 9-6X in the way that the WRX of the era was sold as the 9-2X Aero (perhaps most famously driven by Jim from The Office in whatever season he and Pam get together) but this never came to fruition as General Motors sold its stake in Subaru’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries
On paper, the Tribeca should have worked out. Take the time-tested Legacy platform, raise it up and make it even more practical, give it a powerful and smooth H6 engine and even add the option for seven seats if so desired.
However, ugly looks and reports of reliability issues on early cars did nothing to make the Tribeca a sales success.
Most Subaru enthusiasts agree that the Tribeca is to be avoided unless you score a total bargain, simply because it isn’t as good as the Outback or the Forester and you’ll pay more in parts.
That being said, if you want seven seats and the ability to do much the same off-road work as the Outback or Forester (and the equally-ugly but mechanically-superior Subaru Exiga) isn’t available in your market then the Tribeca might appeal.
The car was facelifted in 2007 and received the 3.6L H6 engine that thereafter became available in the Outback. Second generation cars are sharper looking and meant to be more dependable, so consider one of these if your budget allows.
Subaru Off Roading Tips
Whichever Subaru you wind up buying for off road duties, here are some general tips and considerations that will help make the experience as positive as possible.
Invest In Good Tires If Doing More Serious Off-Road Work
While Subaru’s AWD system is good (particularly on the more rugged cars like the Outback and Forester) at the end of the day there is a weak point you need to consider – where the rubber meets the road, or the lack thereof! If you are frequently going to be taking your Subaru into more challenging conditions, consider investing in tires that are better suited to driving off tarmac.
For example, you might want to have at least all-weather tires, if not all-terrains (but bear in mind this will have a detrimental effect on road noise, on-road driving manners and fuel economy).
My fifth generation Legacy wagon – which has been up and down many gravel access roads and driven through fields and so on – runs on standard street tires but I know the limits, which brings me to my next point:
Know The Limits Of Your Car – And Your Own Driving Abilities
In researching for this article, I found the following image on Reddit of a poster who had tried taking his Outback into a proper 4×4 trail, with the outcome being exactly what you might have expected.
Don’t get me wrong – Subarus are better than most cars at dealing with light mud, gravel, snow and ice and other inclement road conditions … basically where a “normal” car would struggle due to FWD/RWD and potentially lower ground clearance.
However, no amount of tough plastic cladding and badging can mask the fact that a Subaru isn’t a Toyota Land Cruiser, or a Nissan Patrol, or a Land Rover Defender or any other “proper” 4×4 with more capability that was built first and foremost with going off-road in mind, as opposed to using an AWD system just to enhance grip in poor traction conditions. If you actually want to do proper off roading, then buy a car built for the purpose. Be sensible in what you are trying to do with your car! For example, if I had to pick between my Legacy or my Touareg with permanent 4WD, hi and Lo-ratio, far greater suspension travel and a locking differential, for tackling properly challenging off-road conditions, I would take the Touareg every time.
I love Subarus and will continue to buy their products for many years to come, but it’s important to be realistic about what you are looking to do with your vehicle. Sometimes the best Subaru for off roading might be none at all if you need a proper 4×4/truck.
Consider Raising Ground Clearance
With a Subaru, you are really buying a road-going car (in sedan, wagon, SUV or hatch form) that has the ability to deal more easily and effectively with snow, ice, grit, gravel and a certain amount of mud. This is not the same as a 4×4 that was built from the ground-up to go off road in more challenging conditions.
One thing that all the best off road Subaru cars have in common is greater ground clearance. For example, the Outback is better than the Legacy because it is higher off the ground. The Forester is better than the Impreza upon which it is based for the same reasons.
Basically any AWD-equipped Subaru is going to have decent off road chops for the type of activity described above (driving in winter in ice/snow, going on gravel roads, heading off to the camping ground etc) but if you want to do anything more serious you need to consider ground clearance.
Newer Subarus aren’t so good in terms of being modifiable to increase ground clearance, but earlier models of the Forester, Outback and Legacy have spawned a ‘cottage industry’ of enthusiasts dedicated to improving the capabilities of their Subarus by jacking them up and performing other modifications.
I wouldn’t consider this for a nanosecond in a daily driver car, but if you’ve got an early Subaru Forester for example as a trail hack and winter beater, then you might wish to consider modification.
Recapping The Best Subarus For Off-Roading
As mentioned in the intro to this article, and at various points throughout, Subaru has for many years now been right at the top of the pack when it comes to ‘go to’ brands offering cars with a great blend of on-road driving manners with better-than-average off-road capabilities.
Although no Subaru (without serious modification) can square up to a proper 4×4/truck for genuine off-roading, when it comes to conquering icy streets, gravel access roads or slippery camp site fields and then being a vastly superior on-road car to all but the most expensive SUVs such as the Range Rover, you can depend on just about any Subaru to help you get the job done better than most cars.
However, some Subarus definitely better than others if a motivation behind your purchase is to have the best possible off road experience, then the cars in this list are worthy of your consideration.
Feel free to leave a comment below with your suggestions as to the best off-roading Subarus, as well as any other input such as corrections to the article.
