One area where the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness excels is its off-road capabilities. The overall size, higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, Symmetrical all-wheel drive, and dual-function X-MODE create an advantage that other crossovers in its size class cannot match.
Some people want more out of their Crosstrek Wilderness. Owners know that it can do a good number of trails. Not just up in the Sierras, but beyond. The OffRoad Xtreme wondered if this adventurous Crosstrek Wilderness could handle one of the most grueling pathways on this continent.
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is already equipped with a strong 180-horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the aforementioned dual-function X-MODE with a Deep Snow/Mud setting, and all-terrain tires. With a ground clearance of 9.3 inches, it can maneuver over the most challenging terrain.
Although that may be enough for some exploring types, OffRoad Extreme took the 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness a few steps further. The goal was to transform this small SUV into an overlanding rig capable of tackling the TransAmerica Trail. They added tougher tires with specific 17-inch wheels and skid plates to protect the front, mid-chassis and differential, made of 1/16-inch-thick aluminum. A rally light bar with LED lights, a spare tire mount, a fuel can holder, and a fold-down table were also added.
The suspension setup was also modified. Up front, Bilstein B6 struts were mounted, while a beefier set of rear springs was also installed to lift the rear end and offset the extra weight the Crosstrek Wilderness would carry on this trek. To top it off, a rooftop tent with an awning was added for overnight rest. That extra equipment would include an air compressor, an alternator charger, a refrigerator/freezer, and an 800-watt power station.
Once everything was installed, the modified 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness was put to the test on the 7,163-mile TransAmerica Trail. It stretches from Nag’s Head, North Carolina, to Port Orford, Oregon. Nearly half of this route is off-highway trails originally designed for motorcycles to traverse.
How did this modified overlanding Crosstrek Wilderness fare? The OffRoad Xtreme team encountered plenty of weather on the way from hailstorms to hot conditions – even a foot of snow in the Rocky Mountains.
At the end of their trek, OffRoad Xtreme concluded that “while the TransAmerica Trail isn’t the best-known route for four-wheeled 4x4s or AWD vehicles, it should be on your bucket list of overland trips. You’ll see the USA from a new viewpoint and likely have an adventure of a lifetime, without even having to get a passport. And yes, you can even do it in a Subaru.”
The 2025 and 2026 Crosstrek Wilderness could be your next adventure vehicle. It served as a great canvas to equip for overlanding adventures. If you agree, contact us at Michael Hohl Subaru to check out this wonderful, compact, and capable vehicle. The Sierras and all of Nevada wait for you to take on your next trek.
