Top 5 Subaru Models for Outdoor Adventures in the Poconos

Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains are your ticket to outdoor fun. With 2,400 square miles and sections of the Appalachian Trail, you're sure to find adventure. This rugged terrain demands a Subaru with off-road capabilities, and that's where our dealership comes in. Our team at Ertle Subaru in Stroudsburg breaks down the best Subarus for tackling the Pennsylvania outdoors.

Subaru Outback Wilderness: A Rugged Adventurer's Dream

With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, 0.8 inches more than the standard Outback, the Wilderness trim is built for tricky terrain. Dual-function X-MODE enhances stability and handling in difficult conditions with settings that include Deep Snow/Mud and Snow/Dirt. Under the hood, the 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine cranks out 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque while achieving 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which means more money for camping gear instead of gas.

If you need ample storage space or hauling capacity, the Outback Wilderness has up to 75.6 cubic feet of room for sports and camping equipment with the rear seats folded and 32.6 cubic feet with the seats up. The roof rails can hold up to 220 pounds of gear while driving and up to 700 pounds while parked. If you have a boat or trailer, the Outback Wilderness has up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped.

Subaru Forester Wilderness: Versatility Meets Durability

The Subaru Forester Wilderness has 9.2 inches of ground clearance, more than competitors such as the Toyota RAV4. Like the Outback, X-MODE is standard, allowing it to go over uneven ground and muddy trails with ease. Deep Snow/Mud and Extreme Terrain settings handle Pennsylvania winters effortlessly.

Subaru EyeSight driver-assist technology comes standard and includes advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, precollision braking, lane departure and sway warning, plus automatic emergency steering. Blind-spot detection with lane-change assist and reverse automatic braking keep you out of trouble at busy trailheads, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor means you won't scrape your bumper during campsite maneuvers. Even with all its adventure-ready modifications, the 2025 Forester Wilderness still offers 26 mpg combined, down from 29 mpg combined on the standard model.

Subaru Crosstrek: Compact With Big Capabilities

Size matters when you're traversing narrow mountain roads or squeezing into tight trailhead parking spots where the big rigs can't fit. The 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness packs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine making 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque with a continuously variable transmission. It features 9.3 inches of ground clearance, Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires, and impressive fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

An 11.6-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps you connected without fumbling with cables, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system makes mountain drives more enjoyable, while USB-A, USB-C, and wireless charging keep everyone's devices ready. With up to 54.9 cubic feet of cargo room, there's space for all your gear. The Crosstrek also earned a five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rating to give you peace of mind while you travel.

Subaru Ascent: The Spacious Trailblazer

The Ascent seats up to eight adults. Second-row captain's chairs reduce seating to seven but make third-row access easier. It's powered by that same 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. With up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, you can bring your boat to the lake or go camping with your family, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance lets you navigate back roads and access campgrounds safely.

Trizone automatic climate control keeps everyone happy regardless of the weather. Heated and ventilated front seats plus heated second-row seats make chilly mountain mornings easier. With 153.2 cubic feet of passenger space, 19 cupholders, and smart cargo solutions, your vacation just got more relaxing.

Family tech includes an 11.6-inch touch screen with wireless connectivity, USB ports in every row, available rear sunshades for the kids, and a rear seat reminder so you don't forget anyone. An optional 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system will upgrade your road trip soundtrack. Fuel economy sits at 19-20 mpg in the city and 25-26 mpg on the highway.

Subaru Solterra: Exploring Electrified Adventures

Electric vehicles (EVs) and adventure don't usually go together, but the Solterra changes that. Starting at $38,495 with 8.3 inches of ground clearance plus Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE, it offers genuine off-road capability while running quietly to let you enjoy the sounds of nature and the great outdoors. Pennsylvania offers over 1,900 charging stations with more than 5,100 total charging ports.

Picking the right Subaru comes down to the specific adventures you have in mind. All Wilderness models share an upgraded suspension, increased clearance, all-terrain tires, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and X-MODE. Any Wilderness will handle Poconos terrain, but your specific needs — whether you prioritize towing capacity, seating, or fuel economy — should drive your final choice.

Find Your Perfect Adventure Companion at Ertle Subaru

Our team at Ertle Subaru in Stroudsburg understands what you need for an adventure in the Poconos. We can match you with the best Subaru model, whether you're planning solo excursions that need compact agility, family camping trips that require serious space, or group adventures on demanding terrain. You'll see how the right Subaru can transform your outdoor experiences.