How to Optimize Your Subaru Outback for Beach Days at Malibu

The Subaru Outback Wilderness is a rugged, adventure-ready SUV built for versatility and performance. Whether you’re cruising along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway or tackling the sandy trails to some of Malibu’s most secluded beaches, the Outback Wilderness offers the capability and comfort to make your beach day unforgettable. But to make the most of your trip, you’ll want to ensure your vehicle is fully equipped for the unique challenges that beach driving and beachside adventures can bring.

Here’s how you can optimize your Subaru Outback Wilderness for a perfect day at Malibu’s stunning beaches.

1. Equip All-Terrain Tires for Sand and Gravel

Beach driving comes with its own set of challenges, especially when navigating soft sand, pebbly shorelines, or gravel-filled beach parking lots. One of the most important upgrades you can make to your Subaru Outback Wilderness is switching to a high-quality set of all-terrain tires. The Subaru Outback Wilderness already comes standard with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, but upgrading to a more aggressive tread pattern could give you even more control on loose sand or rocky terrain.

Consider the following tire features when selecting an all-terrain option:

• Wide tread blocks to offer better grip on sandy surfaces
• Deeper grooves to channel sand and water away from the tire
• Durable sidewalls for protection against sharp rocks or debris

Some popular options include the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure. Both are known for excellent off-road performance while maintaining solid on-road drivability.

2. Install a Roof Rack for Extra Gear

A day at the beach often means bringing along a variety of gear—surfboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers. While the Subaru Outback Wilderness offers ample cargo space, installing a roof rack will free up valuable interior room and allow you to transport oversized items with ease. Fortunately, the Outback Wilderness comes equipped with raised roof rails that support a variety of accessories, making it easier to customize your vehicle.

Some roof rack accessories you might want to consider include:

• Surfboard or paddleboard carriers: These specialized racks secure your board on top of your car, keeping it safe and out of the way.
• Cargo boxes: Ideal for storing additional gear, especially bulky items that don’t fit in your trunk.
• Bike racks: If you’re into biking on beachside trails, a hitch-mounted bike rack is perfect for carrying your bicycles without compromising storage space inside your vehicle.

3. Protect Your Interior with All-Weather Mats and Seat Covers

After a day at the beach, your car’s interior can quickly become covered in sand, salt, and water. To keep your Subaru Outback Wilderness in pristine condition, investing in high-quality, all-weather floor mats and waterproof seat covers is a must.

• All-weather floor mats: These mats are designed to trap sand, water, and dirt, protecting your carpet from damage. Subaru offers branded all-weather floor mats that are tailored to fit the Outback Wilderness, but you can also find third-party options from brands like WeatherTech and Husky Liners.
• Waterproof seat covers: If you’re planning on hopping into your car right after swimming or surfing, waterproof seat covers will keep your seats dry and sand-free. Look for covers that are easy to install and clean, such as those made from neoprene or polyester.

4. Upgrade to a Portable Awning for Shade

Malibu’s beaches are known for their stunning views and sunny skies, but spending hours in direct sunlight can get uncomfortable. A portable awning attached to your Subaru Outback Wilderness provides much-needed shade, allowing you to relax by your vehicle without constantly seeking shelter under beach umbrellas.

Subaru offers several awning options that can be easily attached to the roof rails of your Outback Wilderness. Some models can extend over 6 feet, giving you plenty of shade for lounging, eating, or taking a break from the sun.

5. Install a Portable Refrigerator for Cold Drinks and Snacks

Beach trips can be thirsty work, and while coolers are great for short-term storage, they can be bulky and difficult to carry when loaded with ice. For a more convenient solution, consider installing a portable refrigerator in your Subaru Outback Wilderness. These compact fridges plug into the vehicle’s power outlet, keeping your drinks and snacks chilled throughout the day without the need for constant ice replenishment.

Brands like Dometic and ARB offer a variety of portable fridges that are perfect for off-road adventures and beach days. Look for models that fit easily in your trunk, offer temperature control, and are durable enough for outdoor use.

6. Use a Cargo Organizer to Keep Everything Neat

A well-organized cargo space can make all the difference when you’re packing for a beach day in Malibu. The Subaru Outback Wilderness offers 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, but this can quickly become cluttered with towels, toys, and other beach essentials. Investing in a cargo organizer will help you keep everything in place, so you can quickly grab what you need without rummaging through piles of gear.

Look for a trunk organizer with compartments, adjustable dividers, and mesh pockets for smaller items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and snacks. Many organizers are collapsible, allowing you to store them easily when not in use.

7. Add a Hitch for Towing Extra Gear

If your beach day plans include bringing larger equipment like jet skis, small boats, or trailers filled with beach gear, you’ll need to equip your Subaru Outback Wilderness with a hitch. The Outback Wilderness comes with a standard tow hitch receiver, allowing you to easily attach a trailer for extra hauling capacity.

With a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the Subaru Outback Wilderness is more than capable of pulling watercraft, small trailers, or other recreational equipment. Just make sure your trailer is properly balanced and secured before hitting the road.

8. Keep a Recovery Kit for Emergencies

Although the Subaru Outback Wilderness is equipped with advanced all-wheel drive and excellent ground clearance, getting stuck in soft sand can still happen. That’s why having a recovery kit on hand is essential for beach trips.

Some key recovery tools to keep in your car include:

• Traction mats: These are designed to give your tires extra grip in soft sand or mud, helping you drive out of tricky spots.
• Tow straps: In case you need help from another vehicle, a tow strap will allow you to get pulled out of soft sand or uneven terrain.
• Portable air compressor: Lowering your tire pressure can help you drive over soft sand. A portable air compressor will allow you to deflate your tires before hitting the beach and inflate them when you’re ready to drive back on the road.

9. Use Window Tinting or Sunshades for Comfort

Malibu’s sunny weather can be intense, especially when your vehicle is parked at the beach for hours. To keep your Subaru Outback Wilderness cool, consider window tinting or installing sunshades. Window tinting helps reduce the amount of heat that enters the vehicle, making it more comfortable for you and your passengers. It also provides additional privacy and helps protect your interior from sun damage.

Alternatively, pop-up sunshades can be placed on your windshield and windows when parked, blocking UV rays and keeping the inside of your car cooler.

10. Upgrade Your Suspension for Off-Road Performance

If you frequently drive on the rugged beach trails of Malibu or venture off the beaten path, you may want to consider upgrading the suspension of your Subaru Outback Wilderness. While the vehicle’s stock suspension is more than capable for most off-road adventures, an aftermarket suspension system can offer better articulation, improved handling, and increased durability when tackling rough terrain.

Some popular suspension upgrades for the Outback Wilderness include:

• Lift kits: A lift kit will raise the vehicle’s ride height, giving you more ground clearance and improving your ability to navigate uneven surfaces.
• Upgraded shocks and struts: Heavy-duty shocks and struts can provide better handling and a smoother ride on bumpy beach trails.

Conclusion

The Subaru Outback Wilderness is an exceptional vehicle for beach day adventures in Malibu, offering the versatility, power, and comfort to handle a wide range of terrains and activities. By optimizing your Outback with the right gear and accessories—such as all-terrain tires, roof racks, and a portable refrigerator—you’ll be ready to enjoy the ultimate beach experience.

Whether you’re surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the shore, preparing your Subaru Outback Wilderness for a beach day ensures you’ll have everything you need for a smooth, enjoyable adventure in one of California’s most beautiful coastal regions.