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The best Subaru models for off-road driving: top 5

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Discover the top 5 Subaru vehicles for off-road adventures. Compare ground clearance, X-Mode, and Wilderness trims on Ascent, Outback, Crosstrek, Forester.
Michael Powers, Editor

Subaru vehicles are known for their durability and for staying composed when the pavement ends. Those traits make the brand a natural choice for adventure seekers and for anyone who regularly faces harsh conditions. Here are the top five Subaru models that feel most at home off the beaten path.

Ascent

This large model stands out with its considerable weight, which helps its stability and keeps it manageable even away from smooth roads. A purpose-built X-Mode drive program offers two settings for the driveline and electronic assists, tailored for demanding scenarios such as deep mud, snow, or loose dirt.

Outback

The Outback handles a wide range of surfaces with ease, from gravel to snowy stretches. Its standard ground clearance is a confident 220 mm, which helps it clear obstacles without drama. For even greater poise on tougher sections, the Wilderness specification raises clearance to 241 mm, allowing assured travel across uneven ground.

Crosstrek

This compact model pairs tidy dimensions with capability reminiscent of the Outback. It also offers 220 mm of standard ground clearance, while the available Wilderness version adds extra underbody protection and a reinforced suspension to better withstand harsh use.

Solterra EV

Subaru’s first electric vehicle was designed with owners who like to get far from civilization in mind. Despite its electric nature, the Solterra copes well with light off-road use thanks to 210 mm of clearance. All-wheel drive and an optional X-Mode setting make it useful not only in the city but also for escapes into nature.

Forester

The wide, spacious Forester suits family trips and longer journeys. Its tall body profile gives the driver a clearer view of the road ahead, helping spot obstacles early and pick better lines. The Wilderness version raises the standard ground clearance to 233 mm, making it a strong choice for ruts, bumps, and rough tracks.