2024 SUBARU XV WILDERNESS DEBUTS
Subaru of America made a significant debut today by introducing the latest addition to its Wilderness lineup – the 2024 Subaru XV and the 2024 Subaru XV Wilderness – at the New York International Auto Show. Unveiling a harmonious fusion of Subaru’s acclaimed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a revamped drivetrain, standard X-MODE, heightened 9.3-inch ground clearance, and exclusive body cladding, the 2024 XV Wilderness emerges as the most robust and off-road-ready XV to date, and raises the standards ever higher in the highly competitive Compact SUV segment.
Building upon an already impressive array of standard features, the XV Wilderness integrates distinctive mechanical, design, and functional enhancements tailored for superior performance on less-traveled roads and trails. Importantly, this rugged newcomer maintains the XV’s renowned balance between SUV capability and a car-like ride and handling. A plethora of exterior and interior details further accentuate the XV Wilderness’s suitability for transporting outdoor gear, even in adverse conditions like wet or muddy terrain.
Powering the XV Wilderness is a 2.5-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine, generating 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Subaru has meticulously engineered the XV Wilderness drivetrain, incorporating a revised differential gear ratio and fine-tuned Lineartronic CVT for enhanced off-road performance. The 4.111 final drive ratio (compared to 3.700) amplifies the SUV’s climbing prowess, and the CVT’s new tuning optimizes traction at low speeds and on slippery surfaces. Notably, the maximum towing capacity sees a substantial increase to 3,500 pounds, courtesy of the newly added transmission oil cooler.
In line with all 2024 XV models, the Wilderness comes equipped with Subaru’s acclaimed EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, featuring Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Additionally, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are standard features on the new model.
The XV Wilderness also boasts Automatic Emergency Steering as a standard feature, working seamlessly with EyeSight and Blind-Spot Detection to aid steering control and prevent collisions at speeds below 50 mph. Standard Reverse Automatic Braking provides an additional layer of safety in confined trail situations and during parking maneuvers.
DESIGN + FUNCTION = UNIQUE WILDERNESS STYLE
Similar to its Wilderness counterparts, the design of the XV Wilderness seamlessly integrates trail-enhanced functionality with a head-turning style. With a deliberate effort to visually convey its heightened off-road prowess, the XV Wilderness introduces exclusive styling elements, including all-new front and rear bumpers, a commanding hexagonal front grille, expanded wheel arch cladding, a robust metal front skid plate, distinctive hex-design LED fog lights, and a matte-black finish anti-glare hood decal.
Proudly displaying Subaru Wilderness badges on both the front doors and rear gate, the XV Wilderness exhibits a cohesive aesthetic. The SUV’s rugged appearance is further accentuated by a body-color roof spoiler and black side mirrors featuring integrated turn signals. Among the available exterior colors, the Geyser Blue option stands out as an exclusive offering within the Wilderness family.
Adding to its versatility, the XV Wilderness showcases a ladder-type roof rack system with a dynamic load capacity of 176 lbs. and a static load limit of 700 lbs., enabling secure use of larger roof-top tents. The thoughtfully designed roof rail system allows for adaptability, accommodating a diverse range of carrying accessories, including Genuine Subaru Accessories accessible from Subaru retailers.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY
The 2024 XV Wilderness distinguishes itself with exclusive suspension components, providing an impressive 9.3-inch ground clearance—an increase of over half an inch compared to other XV models, which already held a notable position in their segment for elevated clearance. This enhancement is achieved through the incorporation of longer coil springs and shock absorbers, meticulously tuned to preserve dynamic performance.
The extended travel strokes of the front and rear shock absorbers play a crucial role in keeping the tires firmly in contact with uneven surfaces, thereby enhancing vehicle stability. Furthermore, a lengthened dampening compression stroke contributes to improved absorption on rugged road terrains, ensuring a smoother ride. Despite the heightened ground clearance, the XV Wilderness maintains a conveniently low step-in height for easy entry.
Specifically tailored for off-road prowess, the approach angle of the XV Wilderness increases from 18.0 degrees in other XV models to an impressive 20.0 degrees. Similarly, the departure angle sees an elevation from 30.1 to 33.0 degrees, while the ramp breakover angle moves up from 19.7 to 21.1 degrees.
Equipped with Yokohama GEOLANDAR® all-terrain tires, the XV Wilderness delivers optimal performance in diverse terrains, including mud, gravel, or snow. These rugged tires are mounted on exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels featuring a matte-black finish, and they proudly display raised white letters, adding a distinctive touch to the overall aesthetic.
X-MODE FOR MAXIMUM CONTROL
The XV Wilderness comes equipped with Subaru’s versatile driver-selectable dual-function X-MODE, featuring Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. Designed to optimize traction across diverse conditions, each mode tailors the engine output and CVT ratio positions, intensifies the engagement of the Active All-Wheel Drive, and enhances the control logic of the Vehicle Dynamics Control with Traction Control System. The X-MODE display incorporates a Roll-Angle Indicator, assisting the driver in assessing potentially challenging situations.
This technology not only enhances the XV Wilderness’s capability but also elevates its climbing prowess. With the X-MODE system activated, the Low Speed/Low Ratio Gradient Control is automatically on standby, sensing when the vehicle is navigating a steep incline at low speeds. Upon detection, the system shifts the CVT to its lowest ratio (4.066:1). Coupled with the Wilderness model’s lower differential ratios, this feature improves off-pavement, low-speed drivability over challenging terrains such as rocks, where repeated on/off accelerator usage is required.
The inclusion of Standard Hill Descent Control adds an extra layer of control on downhill slopes. Automatically engaging individual wheel braking control when the vehicle is driven under 12 mph with the accelerator pedal pressed less than approximately 10 percent, this feature assists in managing vehicle speed during descents. Furthermore, Active Torque Vectoring, a standard feature on all 2024 XV models, enhances handling stability whether on the road or navigating challenging trails.
AN INTERIOR DESIGNED FOR THE OUTDOORS
Subaru has meticulously designed the interior of the XV Wilderness to prioritize both comfort and durability. The seats are upholstered in the plush and water-resistant Subaru StarTex® material, featuring the distinctive Subaru Wilderness logo embossed on the front headrests. Adding a touch of boldness, copper-colored contrast stitching elegantly accents the interior, complementing the anodized copper-finish details on the shifter, gauge meter rings, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Upon starting the vehicle, the driver is welcomed with the Wilderness logo displayed on the meter.
Aesthetically pleasing black pillar trim, assist grips, an overhead console, and a headliner harmonize with Gunmetal Grey trim on the dash, doors, and shifter plate. The standard all-weather floor mats boast a unique Wilderness design. In the cargo area, a removable water-resistant rear cargo tray ensures protection for the load floor against wet and muddy gear. Additionally, the rear gate is equipped with an LED light, enhancing visibility during nighttime activities.
The XV Wilderness comes standard with the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system. The high-resolution 11.6-inch touchscreen features wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ with a full-screen display. Other features include Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity, AM/FM stereo, rear vision camera, SiriusXM® All-Access Radio, SiriusXM Travel Link® (4-month free Platinum Plan), HD Radio®, and over-the-air updates.
Functioning as a central information hub, the multimedia system integrates with the combination meter and provides on-screen controls for audio, climate, and vehicle functions. The Wilderness is also equipped with a wireless phone charger conveniently located in the center console, adding a modern touch to the overall interior experience.