7,100 Miles of American Backroads in a Subaru Crosstrek

Ever wondered what it would be like to cross America primarily on dirt roads? Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal let us ride shotgun on their extraordinary Transamerica Trail adventure – a jaw-dropping 7,100-mile journey with over 3,100 miles on unpaved terrain, all completed in just 29 days.

The couple's modified 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness proved remarkably capable, conquering elevations approaching 13,000 feet in Colorado and withstanding temperatures ranging from freezing to a sweltering 111°F in Moab. Their detailed walkthrough of the vehicle's modifications reveals the thoughtful preparation behind such an ambitious journey – from the Thule rooftop tent and ARB awning to the critical Primitive Racing skid plates that protected vital components on rough terrain.

What makes their story particularly compelling isn't just the vehicle specs or challenging routes – it's how this journey provided them a completely different perspective on America. Despite both having previously visited all 50 states, experiencing the country from rural backroads allowed them to discover unfamiliar wildlife, connect with locals in remote areas, and witness aspects of American life rarely seen from interstate highways. Perhaps most fittingly, they completed this epic adventure on their 21st wedding anniversary, proving their relationship is as durable as their remarkably capable Subaru.

We also feature Don Armstrong's comprehensive review of the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV, a sleek electric SUV with limousine-like comfort and impressive 615 horsepower performance. Don highlights its sharp exterior design, user-friendly 17-inch infotainment system, and competitive positioning in the premium electric SUV market at $44,600 for base models with the high-performance SS trim testing at $64,180.

Subscribe to In Wheel Time for more fascinating automotive adventures, detailed vehicle reviews, and conversations with passionate car enthusiasts who push the boundaries of what's possible on four wheels.

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Chapters

• 0:00 The Lilienthals' Transamerica Adventure
• 8:21 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Modifications
• 16:09 Life on the Transamerica Trail
• 21:18 Chevy Blazer EV Review
• 27:40 Podcast Closing and Credits