We spent two icy weeks with the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness during a Midwestern cold snap to see how it handles real winter. From unplowed back roads to subzero overnight soaks, we evaluated snow traction, cabin heating/defogging, and cold-weather reliability using both the factory all-terrain tires and a set of dedicated winter tires.
Our tester is the Wilderness trim with Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbo flat-four (260 hp, 277 lb-ft), Lineartronic CVT, and Symmetrical AWD with dual-mode X-Mode. Ground clearance is a generous 9.5 inches, and the suspension gets unique tuning and skid plate protection. Curb weight is just under 4,000 lb. Temperatures ranged from 28°F down to −7°F with fresh snowfalls of 2–10 inches.
We ran mixed routes—city, highway, and unmaintained gravel—and swapped between the OEM all-terrain tires and a set of studless winters (Bridgestone Blizzak). Controls are straightforward in gloves, and the X-Mode Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud profiles make a meaningful difference by softening throttle, locking lower CVT ratios, and aggressively managing wheelspin. Hill Descent Control is well calibrated for icy declines. Remote preconditioning via the Subaru app worked reliably; a block heater is available in colder markets, though we didn’t use one.
EyeSight driver-assist remained active unless lenses were covered by slush. Snow traction is excellent for the class. On OEM A/Ts, the Outback churns through 6–8 inches of powder without plowing its nose, and it can push through a plow berm if you keep momentum. On packed snow and glazed intersections, the Blizzaks were a clear upgrade—launches were cleaner and the AWD could meter torque without triggering stability control.
A steep residential climb (~12% grade) with 4 inches of churned snow was drama-free in X-Mode, and cross-slope stability inspired confidence thanks to the low boxer engine and wide track. Braking and stability on slick surfaces are predictable. ABS pulses gently and retains steering authority; there’s some push at the limit on the A/Ts, while the winters shorten stopping distances appreciably. Steering is light but communicates surface changes well, and the suspension keeps the body calm over ruts without crashing.
Deep ruts will pack the wheel wells, but the 9.5-inch clearance and short overhangs keep the belly off the snow more often than not. Cabin heat is strong. At 10°F, we felt warm air in about 2 minutes and reached a comfortable 72°F in roughly 8–10 minutes while driving. Our car had heated front seats and a heated steering wheel that warmed quickly; rear-seat heaters and heated mirrors were effective.
The windshield wiper de-icer clears parked blades within a few minutes, and defogging the glass is quick if you start with max HVAC. Expect a winter fuel-economy penalty of roughly 15–20% versus mild weather, especially on short trips. Cold-weather reliability impressed. After overnight soaks at −7°F, starts were immediate with no rough idle, and the CVT engaged smoothly after a short warm-up.
No warning lights surfaced, and doors/seals didn’t freeze, though the power tailgate did stick once after an icy rain. The only consistent limitation was sensor occlusion in slush, which briefly disabled some assists. Overall, the Outback Wilderness is winter-ready out of the box; fit true winter tires for ice-heavy regions, keep -30°F washer fluid on hand, and use remote preheat for the most comfortable, confident cold-weather driving.
