Subaru Boost Gear Crosstrek concept whets Wilderness appetite

Subaru Australia has previewed the overlanding and touring potential of its new-generation Subaru Crosstrek small SUV with the local debut of the 2023 Subaru Boost Gear Crosstrek concept.

Shown for the first time at the Subinats owners’ festival on the weekend, the Boost Gear Crosstrek concept is decked-out with a range of off-road and adventure-specific modifications including a suspension lift, all-terrain tyres, wider wheel tracks, scratch-resistant paint and wrap, extra fog lights, alloy side steps, rubber bonnet protector, multi-purpose side cladding and extended front wheel-arches.

Also fitted is an awning, storage platform, LED light bar, mud flaps and turquoise exterior badging to help showcase its identity as something a bit different.

Die-hard Subi fans will probably be aware the Boost Gear concept was first revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon as a showcase of what’s possible with Subaru’s smallest SUV – a segment not usually renowned for its off-road capabilities apart from the Suzuki Jimny.

Given the Crosstrek is a traditional monocoque (car-based) model and lacks a low-range transfer case – unlike the ladder-frame Jimny – a hard-core off-road version might seem a bit strange, but the picture becomes clearer when a few extra dots are added.

It’s no secret Subaru Australia is advocating hard for the local release of the toughened-up Wilderness range of SUVs already on offer in the US (including the Crosstrek Wilderness flagship) and so the presence of the Boost Gear Crosstrek concept Down Under is probably marketing move to help wet appetites for the upcoming Wilderness variant.

“We are sharing the Subaru Boost Gear Crosstrek concept with our owners as we look at extending our offerings in this space,” Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read said.

For the record, the Boost Gear concept rides almost an inch (21mm) higher than the standard Crosstrek, while cosmetic upgrades also help to improve its approach and departure angles.

The upgraded chassis and rolling stock are paired with a bigger 2.5-litre petrol engine (136kW/239Nm), lower final drive ratio and carryover X-Mode terrain management system.

Subaru is yet to officially confirm the Crosstrek Wilderness for Australia, but has long said it hopes to release the model here alongside the bigger Forester and Outback Wilderness variants.

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