Overview
- The Wilderness packs a turbo 2.4-liter flat-four with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, a CVT with all-wheel drive, and a shorter 4.44 final drive, though the standard all-terrain tires blunt straight-line punch.
- Electronically controlled dampers mark the biggest change, keeping body motions tidy and noise levels low despite the knobbier rubber.
- Ground clearance rises to 9.5 inches with 20° approach, 23.6° departure, and 21.2° breakover angles, while X Mode’s deep snow/mud setting holds low ratios up to 25 mph and adds hill descent control.
- A muddy, hilly course at Cooley Ranch in Sonoma County produced confident traction and controlled descents, validating the upgrades beyond prior dry fire-road tests.
- Pricing lands at $46,445 base and $48,885 as tested, with options nearing $50,000, positioning it against Honda Passport Trailsport and Ford Bronco Sport; The Drive rated it 9/10 as the lineup’s most complete version.