[Critter]

I’ve been experimenting with trailhead vehicles for the last 15 years. In that time I’ve built up a Tahoe, a Yukon, and a Jeep Wrangler, all specifically for trailheads. I have also used a stock 4x4 suburban with much success. Even my wife’s car, but some places we had to get the car on three wheels. Almost any car will do, unless you’re trying to reach every trail or in adverse conditions. I access remote areas in extreme conditions so I use locking hubs and chains on all tires or limited slip(Yukon) and chains. In the winter, I keep old gear, food, and water like I would for backpacking. I get trapped sometimes but I always have what I need until I can get out. My family of three can camp in the Yukons and Tahoes without anyone knowing we’re there. Right now, I’m using a Yukon with big tires for trailheads and a Jeep Wrangler with four locking hubs for places the Yukon can’t go.

[Cyclopath]

[iron]

yeah, the wilderness version of the forester and outback do seem very appealing. i have seen similar feedback to opus' comment on multiple sites. critter: you must have a lot more money than i do to play around with so many vehicles. i don't have that option and also don't want to f### around in a ditch while i'm getting a winch set up to try to get my kids back home. basic safety precautions, sure. full on ORing, nope.

[Chief Joseph]

I agree Iron, for full on off roading I am taking my dirt bike, much easier to get unstuck and will fit in tight spots. So, the Subaru has that "X-mode" gearing that does work really well on rough stuff. As I said my friend has had his Sport Trek for about 4 years with no issues at all. He talked me into changing out his spark plus, there are only 4 so how hard could it be? Hard. Watched a Youtube video, didn't look terribly bad, 3 of them were pretty easy, but the back one took me about 2 hours. Apparently you are supposed to loosen the motor mount and jack up the engine in order to clear the frame rail. I was able to change it out without doing that but it was a major PITA. I personally would go with a Toyota 4-runner or Highlander, or as I said a Tundra or Tacoma X-tra cab...my only issue with those is the 5 1/2' bed. It all depends upon how you will typically use it. Living in WWA I actually preferred my Suburban over a truck since it rains so much. If I am going to have a truck with a canopy, I might as well have a built in one that I can access through the cab. I would probably go with a Tahoe though over a Suburban as it's shorter wheelbase makes it more nimble. If by chance you do go with a Chevy, be advised that the older ones, prior to about 2008, the transmission typically fails between 150 and 200k mileage, mine blew at around 207k, about 3500 for a shop fix.

[Damian]

Was considering a Rav4 a few years ago vs yet another Subaru. The exhaust routing around/beneath the rear axle bothered me as it was exposed and appeared vulnerable to damage from rocks & terrain. This concern was verified after talking to owners that used them on rough roads. Perhaps they have changed the design since.

[Opus]

Another plus for the Forester and Outback Wilderness is a full-sized matching spare tire. Much better than limping out a long dirt road on a temporary donut spare. Crosstrek Wilderness doesn't have the full sized tire though. And you can get factory installed skid plates over the oil pan and differential. I had ordered these with my car but they were apparently made in Russia and when the Ukraine war started weren't available. I think they're back now. I also liked this version still has physical controls for everything. Not a fan of the giant touch-screens in the latest Subaru models.

[Bosterson]

[Kim Brown]

[Opus]

The new 2025 Forester also gets the giant screen unfortunately.

[Cyclopath]

[Chief Joseph]

Another thing about the touch screens is you can ruin them if you use the wrong product to clean them. I should really go back to driving a 70's truck, so much easier to work on and less to go wrong, but they are really expensive now days.