Subaru Outback, Forester and Crosstrek Winch and Bumper Guards

Our Top Subaru Bumper Guard Picks

Image of 2018+ Subaru Cross Trek Warn Semi Hidden Winch ► Best Winch Mount for the Subaru Cross Trek 2018+ Subaru Cross Trek Warn Semi Hidden Winch
Image of 2019+ Subaru Forester Warn Semi Hidden Winch ► Best Forester Winch Mount 2019+ Subaru Forester Warn Semi Hidden Winch
Image of 2020+ Subaru Outback Warn Semi Hidden Winch ► Best Outback Winch Mount 2020+ Subaru Outback Warn Semi Hidden Winch
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If you own an overlanding Subaru vehicle and often drive it to camp or off-road trails, there are ample chances to damage the front part of your vehicle. Why?

The front-end portion of your vehicle is frequently its weakest link. So aside from the usual road trash, you have to worry about wildlife, debris, and, of course, other vehicles.

One of your primary objectives should be to protect your bumper, grille, and headlights from damage, and there’s no better way to do it than with a complete and attractive bull bar or grille guard.

If you drive in remote areas with a high chance of encountering wildlife on the road, then a grille guard is a must-have item. But, don’t know which one is great for you? In this guide, we’ll go through this topic in detail.

We’ll discuss what grille guards are! If they’re legal, how much they cost, and whether they’re worth the money. As a prime example, we will present the Warn series of Subaru Winch Mounts and Grill Guards, for Subaru Cross Trek, Forester, and Outback models, which are all well suited for overlanding.

What is a Bumper Grille Guard? | Is It Really Worth?

As previously stated, the word grille guard has expanded to cover various items such as bull bars, brush guards, bumper guards, and push bars. However, everyone has their style and application, so here’s a broad summary.

Complete grille guards, also known as brush guards, frequently span the whole width of your vehicle’s front end. It protects the grille, bumper, headlamps, and other components.

They are also custom-made to suit your vehicle’s front end, allowing your headlights and cooling components to operate correctly. Grille guards may contribute to the design of a car, giving it a more dynamic & aesthetic look without being overly aggressive.

This is why winch mounts and bumper guards are some of the more popular Subaru Overland subaru overland Accessories.

Buying Guide: What to Watch for in a Bumper Grille Guard?

Compatibility

At first, make sure of the adaptability before buying bumper grille guards or bull bars. Then you want to examine what kind of material and the diameter of the tube it is composed of!

Most bullbars generally employ a three-inch tube, whereas grille guards are designed to fit your front end in various sizes.

Get the Bolt-On with No Drilling Based Guard

Look for an ideal grille guard that requires minor modification. Some guards are free from drilling stuff, and you should pick them at the first point. Also, consider adding other equipment, like lighting or an off-road winch.

Front-End Coverage

How much shielding do you require from front-end debris while overlanding? If your driving habits are limited to traveling about the neighborhood, you could be satisfied without protection.

If you are an overlander and like to travel off-road, then buy a robust Bumper Grille to protect the front end of your Subaru.

Accessories

Keep in mind any other equipment you’d like to utilize on your vehicle while searching for a bumper Guard or Bull Bar. Do you require a solid location to attach your winch? If this is the case, get a strong winch plate-based bumper guard. Looking for increase lighting, consider a bumper guard with build in provisions for various offroad lights.

Our Favorite Subaru Bumper Guards of 2024!

2018+ Subaru Cross Trek Warn Semi Hidden Winch Image

2018+ Subaru Cross Trek Warn Semi Hidden Winch

★★★★★ (4.3)

Compatible:

  • 2018+ Subaru Cross Trek

Price Tested: $746.99 USD

This WARN winch mount is perfect for an Overland Subaru Cross Tek. The bolt-on installation is fairly quick and easy and will protect your Cross Trek while overlanding back-country forest roads.

Features:

  • Semi-Hidden Winch Mount
  • Improve Approach Angles
  • Easy to Install – Minimal Plastic Trimming
  • Provision for 1/2″ D-Rings and License Plate
  • Tested with Axon 45, Axon 55, VRX 45 Winches
2019+ Subaru Forester Warn Semi Hidden Winch Image

2019+ Subaru Forester Warn Semi Hidden Winch

★★★★★ (4.3)

Compatible:

  • 2019+ Subaru Forester

Price Tested: $747.30 USD

Overlanding a Subaru Forester requires the right gear to protect the front-end while traversing forest roads. The Warn Subaru Forester winch integrates seamlessly into from bumper and complements the Subaru existing style with an aggressive look.

Features:

  • Semi-Hidden Winch Mount
  • Easy to Install – Minimal Plastic Trimming
  • Provision for 1/2″ D-Rings and License Plate
  • Tested with Axon 45, Axon 55, VRX 45 Winches
2020+ Subaru Outback Warn Semi Hidden Winch Image

2020+ Subaru Outback Warn Semi Hidden Winch

★★★★★ (4.3)

Compatible:

  • 2020+ Subaru Outback

Price Tested: $746.99 USD

Overland Subaru Outbacks are some of the more popular overlanding vehicles on the market. The Warn Subaru Outback winch mount is the perfect accessory for the more aggressive Overland Outback owners that need a little piece of mind with recovery gear.

Features:

  • Semi-Hidden Winch Mount
  • Easy to Install – Minimal Plastic Trimming
  • Provision for 1/2″ D-Rings and License Plate
  • Tested with Axon 45, Axon 55, VRX 45 Winches
  • Weighs: 80 lbs
WARN Crosstrek and Forester Bumper Guard Image

WARN Crosstrek and Forester Bumper Guard

★★★★★ (4.3)

Compatible:

  • 2018+ Subaru Cross trek
  • 2019+ Subaru Forester

Price Tested: $170.99 USD

Features:

  • Bolts on to Semi Hidden Winch Mount Kit (listed above)
  • Includes mounts for lights
WARN Subaru Outback Bumper Guard Image

WARN Subaru Outback Bumper Guard

★★★★★ (4.3)

Compatible:

  • 2020+ Subaru Outback

Price Tested: $172.25 USD

Features:

  • Bolts on to Semi Hidden Winch Mount Kit (listed above)
  • Includes mounts for lights

Our Subaru Bumper Guard Recommendation

Subaru’s Bumper Grille Guards are required to increase the appearance and longevity of your Crosstrek car or Forester. We hope you can make the proper selection while purchasing a Grille Guard by reading this detailed research guide.

There are lots of products of this genre by Warn company. It is encouraging to see Warn, a company well known for its truck and SUV accessories, focusing on smaller crossover vehicles such as the Subaru Outback, Foresters, and Cross Trek.

Types of Guards & Their Use

Brush Guard

A brush guard is a way to go if you want to protect the front end of your Subaru, whether it’s from an animal or a construction site accident.

They are also helpful for off-roading, but you should get one with a cutout or mounting points for a winch and any auxiliary lighting you may wish to install.

Push Bars/Center Grille Guards

Center grille guards, often known as push bars, are less popular among the general public.

Grille Guards

Bumper Guard is designed to protect the bottom of the front bumper and the center face are more appealing to sure Subaru owners since they do not take up the entire front end. If you want to travel off-road, look for a bull bar with a skid plate, as well as mounting tabs or places for lights or a winch.

Rear Bumper Guards

Don’t forget to protect the back of your Subaru as well. Your back bumper is subjected to much abuse from other drivers. The parallel parking maneuvers are another reason. Rather than spending money on replacing the bumper, protect it with a Rear Bumper Guard.

Frequently Asked Questions About Subaru Bumper Guards

Is a Subaru Bumper Grille Worth The Investment?

Yes, in our view, you need a bumper grille in any situation. Whether you are driving your Subaru in an urban area or off-road, it will ensure the ultimate car protection.

Will my car be protected by a bull bar or a grille bar in a crash?

A grille guard or bull bar can slightly protect your bumpers, lights, and grid details from harm in a low-speed, low-impact collapse.

Is it hard to install lights on a grille bumper guard?

Almost every bumper guard has pre-drilled holes or tabs to use fog, driving, and off-road auxiliary lighting. Check the product descriptions of each product to confirm that it has the necessary characteristics. It’s straightforward to install indeed!

How much does a Warn Winch Mount and Grill Guard Weigh?

The Warn winch mounts for Subaru Outback, Subaru Foresters and Subaru Cross Trek all weigh around 80 lbs and the Grill Guard tube weighs 10.5 lbs.

This does not include the weight of any accessories like lights or d-rings.  The compatible winches all weigh around 29 lbs.

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