just got my first ever subaru wilderness yesterday and its way nicer than my old junker. im taking it camping this weekend near lake tahoe and im panicking about getting mud everywhere inside. sorry if this is a stupid question but what do i actually need to buy to protect it? like do i need seat covers or specific mats?
^ This. Also, huge congrats on the Wilderness! You are going to have an amazing time because those things are absolute beasts in the dirt! I remember my first trip to the Sierras right after I got mine... I was so terrified of ruining the new car smell that I almost didn't want to get out of the driver's seat! I have to respectfully disagree with just focusing on the floors though. While mats are great, the real danger when you're camping is actually the cargo area. I learned this the hard way when a messy cooler leaked everywhere on my first trip... it was a total disaster and took forever to clean. You absolutely need to grab the Subaru OEM Cargo Tray J131SFN000 before you head out. It has a high lip around the edges that saves your carpet from mud or spilled drinks. It is fantastic for reliability because it just wipes clean! Also, since you're worried about mud, definitely look at protecting the tech. Dust and grit from the lake can scratch that big screen so fast. I installed the ScreenProTech Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Screen Protector Kit and it's been a lifesaver. It keeps the center console looking brand new even when my hands are covered in trail dust! One last tip... the stock lights are kinda dim for finding gear at night. The Diode Dynamics LED Interior Map Light Cool White is a total game changer for visibility when you're packing up in the dark. Have a blast at Tahoe!
Stumbled upon this while looking for something else but honestly, I spent way too much on the fancy official stuff and was kinda let down. Most of the Subaru gear should be bulletproof for Tahoe trips, but the center console lid in these cars is basically a magnet for grime and sunscreen stains. It is super annoying and it sucks how easily that material holds onto oils from your skin... you will see what I mean after a few days in the sun. A cheap fleece cover I tried first just slid around constantly and looked like trash. Finally grabbed the Autoclover Center Console Armrest Cover for Subaru Crosstrek and it actually stays put, tho it looks a bit plain compared to the rest of the Wilderness interior. One thing everyone forgets is the door sills. My own got scratched up the very first week loading heavy camping gear. The plastic is unfortunately super soft and gets marked up by hiking boots so fast. Eventually I got the Subaru Door Sill Protector Part J131SFL101 but only after the damage was already done. Wish I had done it day one. Also, dont bother with those tiny cup holder trash cans. They are basically useless. Most of them just tip over whenever you take a turn too fast or hit a bump. The EPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Can with Lid and Storage Pockets stays hung behind the passenger seat now and keeps the mud-caked snack wrappers off the floor. Tahoe mud is basically like glue once it dries. If you are really panicking about the seats and dont want to drop $200 on custom ones yet, just throw some heavy towels over the bolsters. Not fancy, but better than crying over a stain on your second day of ownership.
Congrats on the Wilderness. Honestly, the StarTex seats are already pretty water resistant, but Tahoe mud is a different beast entirely. You might want to consider some heavy-duty protection before you hit the trails this weekend. Make sure to look for something with high walls so the melted snow or mud doesnt spill over onto the actual carpet. I would suggest checking these out: