Subaru Launched a Wilderness Edition in Japan That Overlooked Its Adventurous Features | Carscoops

      Japan's newest "rugged" crossover appears to prioritize aesthetics over functionality, opting for stylish features and exclusivity instead of off-road enhancements.

      The Crosstrek Wilderness Edition is limited to just 500 units in Japan.

      It includes rugged exterior features and new wheels fitted with Toyo A/T tires.

      However, it lacks the lift kit, body kit, and powertrain found in the US version.

      While Subaru is attracting attention at the Japan Mobility Show with its STI concepts and rugged Wilderness crossovers, one model is notably absent from the Tokyo showcase. As those prototypes capture the limelight, a production version has quietly made its way into showrooms in Japan.

      The Crosstrek is the first Subaru to bear the Wilderness name in Japan, but this variant significantly differs from its North American counterpart, presenting a contrasting take on the adventurous theme.

      A Milder Wilderness

      The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition incorporates a few outdoor-themed elements for its limited production run of 500 units. Its most notable feature is the Deco-Boco Black paint finish applied to the mirrors, side moldings, and cargo step protector, designed with a textured surface to enhance scratch resistance.

      Other visual distinctions include a matte black grille, a protective front shield, a hood decal, and darkened embellishments on the headlights and taillights. Mud flaps and a Wilderness badge on the tailgate complete the aesthetic updates.

      The special edition is mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels in matte black with yellow highlights and fitted with Toyo Tires Open Country A/T III tires, which boast eye-catching white lettering on the sidewalls. Regrettably, this is the extent of its upgrades.

      Interestingly, the Japanese model omits the raised suspension, enhanced dampers, and bulkier body cladding seen in the US-spec Crosstrek Wilderness.

      Inside, the interior remains the same as the standard Crosstrek, with features that include full LED lighting, roof rails, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and integrated navigation.

      In another drawback when compared to the full-spec Wilderness available in America, the engine is less powerful. The Wilderness Edition is equipped with the standard 2.0-liter e-Boxer hybrid powertrain, generating 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS) from the internal combustion engine and an additional 13 hp (10 kW / 14 PS) from the electric motor.

      These figures fall short of the 182 hp (136 kW / 185 PS) provided by the 2.5-liter boxer engine in the US. At least power is distributed to all four wheels through Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system.

      The Japanese-spec Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition will be limited to 500 units, sold through a lottery system. Applications at local dealerships are open until November 30.

      This rugged special starts at ¥4,055,920 ($26,400) for the Touring version and ¥4,099,920 ($26,700) for the Limited edition, which makes it ¥508,420 ($3,300) pricier than the standard Crosstrek.

      In comparison, the US-spec Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, featuring an exclusive body kit, upgraded suspension, and a more powerful engine, begins at $33,795.