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Time to read 9 min
Once the thought of taking their first off road adventure crosses the mind of a Subaru enthusiast, a lot of things race through their heads. It's logical to assume that they battle with questions about how to attain the ultimate in Off Road Performance - namely, proper clearance, having the appropriate tires, and being able to clear all those big obstacles. Most importantly, to those willing to admit they have an ego, they mainly get wrapped up with looking like a serious, aggressive competitor out on the trail while trying their best not to wreck their precious vehicle while attempting to clear a large hole or scale a boulder. In past articles, we have discussed some reasonable aftermarket preparations an enthusiast should investigate to make sure they enjoy their new outdoor adventurers without coming home with their vehicle on the end of a tow hook or a flatbed truck. There are many levels of sweet dreams when the outdoor spirit comes calling. Some are to the extreme and somewhat unrealistic when you look closely and then chat with experienced off road experts, overland vehicle builders, and trail worn drivers. Others are outlined boldly with concerns for safety while ensuring their vehicle can perform efficiently while getting them to a destination a little bit off the grid but close enough to get help if needed. We find that lots of responsible enthusiasts at this level ask some very telling questions about specific modifications that might not tick all the boxes for an extreme risk taker, but focus on the safety, stability and the longevity of their vehicle - so it can serve them both on the weekend trail and get them through the weekday commute. Obviously, modifications that enhance road and track performance are very different from those that are related to the off road world, but, believe it or not, can parallel since there is the same risk of danger if the upgrades are not executed properly or taken to an extreme that does more harm than good. The Subaru enthusiast that dreams of his daily driver showing a lower, but wilder side at the track on the weekends is really no different than the off roader craving some height and clearance while substituting hot tar for dirt, mud, and trails.
Before the Subaru enthusiast turns their day dreams of barreling down the trail over "hill and dale" into reality, they should seriously consider and ponder some important questions to make sure a dramatic modification involving a lift kit or large tires is really necessary for the level of performance they would like to experience. Remember something that any experienced Subaru-driving off roader will confirm: Investing in an upgrade to bring your vehicle into the world of off road adventure is a great way to intensify the love of driving the beloved Subaru platform, boosting its stature, and increasing the performance profile of a vehicle that already has some impressive built-in capabilities. But first, we need to examine both the positive and negative sides of the argument to outline what benefits or disappointments could result in an overblown and unnecessary upgrade. Before they walk into any purchases with an aim to make their joyride into a monster, the first question that an enthusiast needs to ask should involve the frequency of their off-road adventures. Will the Subaru be taken overland every weekend or would the goal align with low-level, medium challenges, periodic back road vacations, or special events on well worn trails during seasonal camping getaways? In addition, what are the drivers expectations for the vehicle's off road performance? How difficult are these trails they imagine in their dreams? What obstacles does the driver expect to face during this experience? The smart, responsible enthusiast will realize that an installation of a lift kit and some large tires does not automatically morph your all-wheel-drive Subaru Crosstrek or Forester into a rock crawling, mud-slinging dual range four wheel drive beast that will eat up any earth, water, and granite it encounters. It is important to note that increasing the height and clearance of a Subaru correctly and accurately with a proper aftermarket kit while also equipping the vehicle with an appropriate set of wheels and tires will obviously improve its off-road capability and amplify the driving experience.
Whether we all agree or not, with all things we modify, there is a limit to the vehicle's engineered capability, stability, durability and level of safety when dreams are followed unrealistically. If the enthusiast goes into this with realistic goals, reasonable expectations, and with preparations in order, their experiences will be memorable and their appreciation for the Subaru brand will grow as each off road adventure takes its first step into the unknown all the way to the car wash at the end of the weekend. We all know that the factory-provided clearance height and the impressive symmetrical all-wheel-drive system woven into the Subaru SUV design will give any enthusiast with dirt under their fingernails a very good foundation to build their house of trailblazing dreams. The brand offers a driver a blank slate to express themselves as they think about the wilderness. In addition, newer Subaru models are configured with X-Mode, an offering that has proven to further amplify the off road performance of these outdoor craving platforms. Also, we know that Subaru platforms like the Crosstrek, the Outback, and the Forester are all practical and easily maintained with replacement parts being available from a number of sources making any damage caused on the trail less challenging and more recoverable to the concerned enthusiast. Again, considering the cards the Subie tribe is currently holding, the introduction of lift kit modifications and upgrades of tire sizes are all acceptable considerations for the Subaru owner who wants to breathe in some off-grid dust and dirt. The experienced trail boss within the Subaru community knows quite well that a wide selection of lift kits, specifically designed wheels and tires, as well as more robust suspension parts are all readily available from aftermarket manufacturers like LP Aventure, Pedders, RalliTEK, and others. Off the showroom floor, Subaru's off road models are already designed with enough clearance to upgrade to larger tires to help start the adventure slowly and with more confidence. Adding a lift kit to the vehicle will help ensure an installation of larger, wider tires will avoid any contact with the inside of the wheel well and maintain proper and safe clearance. An appropriate lift kit and a choice of larger tires will improve the Subaru's ability to conquer challenging obstacles on the trail and gain better traction with deeper and more aggressive treads.
To say we haven't seen a few Subarus out in the wild with some outrageously dramatic and questionable modifications to their height would be a lie bigger than any greasy politician could sling. If an off road enthusiast is seriously considering a lift kit modification promising any significant height or clearance increase or any other type of upgrade that could possibly alter the stability or affect the overall capabilities of their Subaru, they must also confront the list of disadvantages which could negatively disrupt their enjoyment, long term performance, and safety while out on the beaten path. The most obvious disadvantage when lifting a Subaru beyond a reasonable height is the change in the vehicle's center of gravity. Again, the choice of a specific lift upgrade depends on the overall goals of the driver, their expectations of performance within the off road environment they need to confront. First, an enthusiast who uses their vehicle as a daily driver, commutes back and forth to work, sees both normal and extreme road conditions throughout their average usage, but, also likes to venture out on most weekends for a bit of light to medium trail running, will find a lift kit option within 1 to 2 inches more than adequate for your Subaru. This means that at the lower end of the upgrade, a 1 inch increase, is for a driver who drives their Crosstrek every day but might take it out on a camping trip without bringing it out on challenging trails. A higher end lift upgrade, possibly between 1.5 to 2 inches, would be ideal for the daily driver who needs the vehicle to handle well and be a reliable mode of transportation each day, but also provides some extra ground clearance to conquer the obstacles and challenging terrain that were too dangerous to approach with the stock setup. Installing a 2 inch lift on the vehicle keeps it low enough to avoid being top heavy, while it can still maintain proper handling on the road, and also it keeps the CV Joint (constant velocity joint) angles comfortable without causing any issues in any driving situation. Now, for someone who wants to push the boundaries and possibly tackle more difficult obstacles, travel inside more challenging tracks on harsher trails, and achieve maximum clearance without dropping the subframe, upgrading to a 2.5 inch lift kit may be something worth investigating, but not without expert consultation and research. Careful consideration of this upgrade option is important primarily because this height increase brings the CV’s angle and the differential clearance to the maximum bringing the Subaru off roader's overall clearance higher than most factory standard designed 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Even though height and maximum clearance is tempting, it is wise to never exceed 2.5 inches in lift on your Subaru or serious trouble may be the result of your efforts to achieve extreme off road performance.
Obviously, adding a lift kit to a Subaru off roader does not only affect the height, which, depending on the extremes a driver may pursue, can be either beneficial or cause a negative outcome. Outside of affecting the vehicle's center of gravity, a height modification for off road performance can seriously degrade the vehicle's handling on the road, which is important since a large percentage of those who enjoy the weekend trails also need to get to work safely each day. Handling and braking are two of the most important considerations for an enthusiast when investigating this type of upgrade for their Subaru. As we mentioned, a lift kit upgrade changes the center of gravity. A higher center of gravity increases the chance of a rollover accident which is concerning both on and off the road. Also, an important factor to consider is the negative effect on crash safety in the event of an accident. A vehicle that has been lifted will collide with a smaller vehicle differently than with most vehicles. Raising the height of any vehicle raises the height of the frame rail and the vehicle's secondary energy absorbing structure. The standard safe design and height of the Subaru is altered significantly with an extreme lift kit making the vehicle more dangerous when a collision with a small vehicle occurs. Outside handling, braking, and collision safety, a number of other issues including increased wear and tear, fuel economy, life of the vehicle, and the resale value must also be considered before deciding to lift your Subaru to enhance off road performance and take the journey of excitement outdoors. Remember again that a Subaru SUV is not a four-wheel-drive vehicle and was not designed specifically for the most extreme performance challenges, but, with the appropriate knowledge, understanding of the vehicles limitations and capabilities, the Crosstrek, the Forester, or the Outback can be responsibly upgraded to provide some additional off road performance and offer an unparalleled level of enjoyment compared to any other vehicle in its class. Subimods can offer some expert consultation regarding appropriate lift kit configurations while connecting an interested enthusiast with a number of options to upgrade the height, suspension, and handling on their favorite Subaru SUV platform. As we have mentioned, lifting an all-wheel-drive Subaru can definitely provide some off road performance enhancements for the excited enthusiast wanting to have both a dependable vehicle with a dual personality and reliable design, and a rugged overlander with an adventurous profile which will provide years of outdoor motoring and enjoyment. Simply, the Subaru driver wants a vehicle that can get them where they need to be each day whether on the highway or the high trails. With the correct knowledge, quality aftermarket parts, and expertise, your Subaru can be transformed safely and affordably into the vehicle of your off roading dreams.
We would be very interested in your thoughts regarding this article and would encourage your feedback and comments regarding your off-roading experiences.
Write your comments below and continue this conversation. We are always thrilled to hear about your off-roading life.
For more information regarding aftermarket parts for your off-road loving Subaru, please visit our website and explore the section dedicated to your platform. We would be happy to serve you!
Bryon Turcotte - Marketing Writer/Analyst
Turcotte has worked as a writer, journalist, and digital content developer for 30 years. He began his career in music journalism in 1995 then worked for several years as both a staff writer, managing editor, and a freelancer for both regional and national music publications. Over the next three decades his contributions extended beyond the music industry as he served within the realms of higher education, science and technology, manufacturing, and finance. He has been serving as a content developer and writer on the Subimods Marketing team since August 2023.
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