200K-Mile Subaru Outback and Crosstrek Conquer Moab Trails

The Subaru Outback and Crosstrek have proven time and time again to be two of the most effective vehicles anyone can buy. When it comes to safety, reliability, and usability, no other crossovers or SUVs outside the Subaru brand come close to checking all of those boxes.  

An Off-Road Story by The Drive 

A story written by The Drive’s Caleb Jacobs details how an Outback and Crosstrek tackled the Moab trails with owners Milton Salguero and Carey Lando at the helm and over 200,000 miles on the clock.  

A Tale of An Outback and Crosstrek Tackling Moab 

No one would be surprised to learn that Subaru owners are adventurous and outdoorsy types of people. In traveling to Moab to run trails like Hell’s Revenge, Fins and Things, and Top of the World, both vehicles drove more than 18 hours round-trip. To get an understanding of why this is a big deal, on these trails, you will typically see dedicated off-road vehicles. And while the Outback and Crosstrek in this story have both been modified, it’s the fact that they aren’t your typical Jeeps or factory-built off-roaders that makes it amazing.  

A Word from the Crosstrek Owner 

“I think the Crosstrek rolled over 206,000 or 207,000 [miles] on the trip,” Salguero told Jacobs over the phone. “I got it when it had 49,000 miles in the summer of 2019. Within the first year, I lifted it and put tires on it. And here we are, four or five years later, and she’s definitely a little bit of a different beast than she used to be. But still kicking, still rocking, you know, having a lot of fun with it.” 

Hell’s Revenge 

The first trail they went on was Hell’s Revenge, which is 6.5 miles and is “recommended for only very experienced drivers with advanced equipment,” according to the Bureau of Land Management. However, Salguero said both the Outback and Crosstrek had no problems, even going as far as to say he drove it in his Crosstrek years ago when it was more stock and still had no problems. That’s a big deal for a Crosstrek, whether modified or not.  

Fins and Things and Top of the World 

After that was the 10-mile trail called Fins and Things that looks over the La Sal Mountains. On a scale of 1-10, this trail gets a 6, according to OnX Offroad. However, once again, both vehicles had no problems. Beyond that was Top of the World, one of the most difficult, with a rating of 7 out of 10. The Outback was able to make it about 80% up to the top, but Carey Lando, the owner, said that due to her having a special U-brace, it makes her approach angle a bit worse than Salguero’s Crosstrek. The Crosstrek did indeed make it to the top, and, although not able to be independently verified, it is suspected that this is the first CVT-equipped Subaru that has ever made it to the top. There is a photo of a 1988 Subaru Leone GL wagon at Top of the World.  

Two Awesome Vehicles 

“It’s obvious that these two love wheeling anytime they get the chance. Salguero said they just got back from a trip to Johnson Valley in Southern California not too long ago, another long-distance trip from Washington state. “They’re just awesome, awesome vehicles to road trip with and then experience what nature has to offer, and all these awesome trails,” he said.” 

Both Vehicles Are Available at Ewing Subaru of Plano 

If you are interested in buying one of the most capable vehicles on sale today, there is no better place to look than Ewing Subaru of Plano. Both the Outback and Crosstrek are Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Picks. Consumer Reports also ranks both vehicles as two of the most reliable SUVs on the market.  

Why Choose Ewing Subaru of Plano 

At Ewing Subaru of Plano, we have some of the best deals on new and used vehicles. With hundreds of vehicles to choose from, our sales team and finance department will work hard to get you the best price. Our service department will work tirelessly to ensure your vehicle is in the best possible shape to keep your travels safe and enjoyable.  

We look forward to serving you soon!