@@AndresK5Blazer Yeah, I don't like that Ko2 has become the go-to tires.. they're Okay but NOT the end all be all. To me, it's more of a popularity contest at this point.
I have Yokohama GO15's on my 2018 outback and I love them. Very quiet and perform great on and off road. I do a lot of deep sand beach driving on long island and they are great.
I may have said it before but ill say it again cause i was so impressed: I rented a subaru forester, 2018 model. It had all the features. And i took it through some deep mud. Stuff most 4x4s would have problems with. And i didnt realise it at the time but it was really deep too. I got instantly stuck. Backing out? Nah just wheel spin. Going forward? Nah not happening. I was kinda freaked out because I didnt know what to do. I was all alone in this rental along a pipeline trail, how do i get a tow truck back here? And there was no one else that i saw. Then i realised the vehicle had X mode. so i gave it a shot. Turned it on, applied gas. WHOA WHAT. DUDE IT CRAWLED STRAIGHT OUT. DIDNT EVEN SKIP A BEAT. holy crap. It detected the wheel slip, applied brake throttle where it needed to and crawled out. I was really impressed.
Love your videos. Always honest and they're fun to watch. Also, I'm a 2020 Onyx XT owner and 100% stock as well. I've taken my car through every offroad test I could do safely and am shocked how it's passed with flying colors. I look forward to the future videos. Seriously a great car so far.
I am considering the limited - but tempted to go for the Onyx XT. In normal conditions - say heavy snow/ice do you find yourself using regular or dual mode? I live on the East Coast and we experience rough winters, many reason wanting a Subaru. In terms of the seats (Startex does the feel seem extremely different then the leather). Same cushion type feel or different?
We are Long time Subaru owners. My wife and kids currently drive a Forester and an Outback.(#6 and #7) I just feel alot better, knowing they are driving one of the safest and capable AWD vehicles out there.
When there’s an issue, as long as there’s at least one wheel with traction, the issue isn’t with the tires, it’s the AWD system not properly sending power to the wheel with traction. Gaining momentum helps achieve the goal, but devalues the test.
Yes but it can also be attributed to power and gear ratio. The AWD might be doing everything correctly but if the power isn't there to overcome weight of the vehicle your screwed.
Such a good testing method of off-road performance. Your informed insight, slowmotion comparison of identical lines and other aspects make this is probably the best informative off-road review I've seen. Bravo and thank you
In Quebec, Canada we enough snow and my forester with only x-mode does a great job. Nice to see the dual x-mode works well. Great video and commentary.
Jamie M all open diffs. Everything is being done by the computer wheel locking individual wheels to shift power around. - So no, it’s not a new concept, but it usually fails in a test like this.
The places my 2013 2.5i goes blows my mind, and it doesn't even have X-Mode! Great review my dude! I'd love to get one of these, but I'm not getting rid of mine until 300,000 miles!
AWESOME!! I know exactly where that is I have a pic of my 2018 Crosstrek sitting at the top of that climb. It is no joke, the cameras don't show the off camber and just how steep it is. Great job Ryan! I've been going to that road for 20+ years to get away. That little spot is a great place to play.
what is REALLY the ONLY important thing with me, since I am NOT a slow rock crawler, is the vectoring and HOW FAST this vectoring happens. I want the AWD, 4 wheel drive to really HELP ME AS A DAILY DRIVER. that means the system working quickly on a highway making me a better driver, not hill climber. there are far, far, superior vehicles for rock and hill climbing. making a daily, family, and highway car a partial hill crawler, is only marketing.
Awesome job, once again Ryan!! Dual X-Mode is definitely a game changer for Subaru. It's what the latter 2 years of the Forester XT should have come with. I have been battling with my choice of next vehicle and interestingly enough, I have been cross shopping this Onyx with the likes of TRD OR, and GX460. I know, different beasts all together, but at the end of the day, the capability of the Subie, is Incredible. Especially as others have mentioned, a lift and AT tires.
I watched this vid for the 5TH time ?? and first of all I really enjoy your vids but mainly after watching your vids on the 2020 Outback and other vids on the Outback, and Forester, and Cross Trek...........I am really, really glad I purchased my 2020 Outback Touring XT. Aside from the testing vids I referred to and how well the Subaru does, way over ALL the competition, my impression of my 2020 Outback is..........it is just a great car. I am loving everything about it. Mine has the brown leather and brown leather accents and I will say right here. I look forward to everytime I have to drive somewhere. My car drives GREAT, it is pretty to look at outside and especially inside. I admire the interior all the time, And since my Outback Touring XT has the 2.4 litre turbo charged engine..........when it's time to pass a vehicle or when you need/want the power......my Outback launches to the ready !!! 260 HP and 277 pound feet of torque moves my 4000 LB car QUITE nicely. And fuel economy is not all that much less than the EFI 2.5 litre engine, if you keep your foot out of it. I am soon to be 68 years old and more and more I drive like an old man { read that sanely }. But boy is it nice/fun to have that power when you want it. Signed, Doug.
Thank you for your excellent Subaru reviews. My 2013 Impreza sport, which I loved and served me well, was "totaled" by a family member and I couldn't decide what to get. After seriously considering the Forester Wilderness, I picked up my ice silver Outback Onyx XT today and couldn't be happier. One of the main deciding factors was the extra power of the turbo which is honestly quite surprising in this vehicle.
Last year (11/21) I bought my wife a 2019 Outback. It’s her commuter car and our road car. We are so impressed with the traction in all weather conditions here in north central WA state. We decided to replace my 11 Rav 4WD Limited 3.5 V6 with a late model Forester Touring. A few days ago I found a 2019 Forester Touring (Sephia Bronze with Brown interior) in Shoreline Subaru. Get this, it only has 4,700 miles on it. It’s a Certified Subaru. I’m a maintenance nut but the previous owner has changed the oil 7Xs in 4,700 miles. At 2,500 miles he had the brake fluid changed and at only 1,300 miles he had new tires put on. If Snowqualmie pass is open on 12/12/22, we’ll drive to Carter Subaru to pick it up. I drive about 5K miles a year, so I’ll probably be dead and gone before it’s wore out 😁
X Mode 2 seems to allow for spin while still dispersing the traction where it’s needed. Allowing the momentum to carry it forward without losing traction.
Nice video ... I just got my Onyx XT a few months ago ... waiting for the Pennsylvania snow to see how it does ... Been a Subaru owner for the past 20 years or so ... Love them!
I just got the 2024 , X-Mode has come a long way since this video was made . They are impressif stock and awesome with just a few upgrades , like good tires a 2" lift and for those imposable places a wench . They aren't rock crawlers but they will take you places you wouldn't even try with most SUV / crossovers .
When TFL took their 2018 Outback to their off-road trail, it struggled just like yours at 5:40. Subaru adding a stage 2 x-mode definitely solves the preventing the wheel to spin problem. Can’t wait to see more videos of the Outback like this one, great job Ryan :)
My big take away from this test is, unless you plan on doing a lift, the wheel wells don’t allow for a taller tire. You would have to drop down in wheel size if you want the extra protection of a taller sidewall, and the ability to get good use from airing down. I personally prefer the previous gen outback. I don’t like the back seat area in the new one or the extra front cladding.
@@CoolSkeletin95 They want to work with Subaru only to bash it, it seems. They proved in some later videos that the Subaru could do their hill climb, using the correct settings. When they were done, they were basically like "well, yeah, but...".
@@Takar100 how you phrased your response makes it a little difficult for me to follow what you're trying to say. But from what I could understand, I will say that I agree to disagree on your claim that they simply want to work with them to bash on the company.
Xmode sounds like a marketing gimmick, but it really does work. My Forester has been up some roads that no CUV had business being on. When Subaru says their stuff can go off-road, they mean it. It's actually quite impressive.
I have watched many off-road tests in the real world and in controlled environments. In my opinion, Subaru has the best AWD system hands down. The best in the world. Awesome presentation. The fact that these are stock tires makes this test even more impressive. Imagine if you equip this car with off-road tires. Unstoppable.
Well, imo they have the most polyvalent cars in the market, and they're real godly terrain is snow in my experience. They are really great offroad for AWDs, can't deny that! But they'd probably be beaten by real offroaders! However, I know no other cars who can be comfortable on highway, quite good acceleration for normal cars, and be this good in offroad! They're also very very good in curve handling, really better than most (but not all) of direct concurrent in SUVs! And for snow, well they're just the best. Unlike offroad, there's basically almost no concurrence as good as their cars on snow o.o They're AWD is originally made for snow and slippery terrain, more than offroad.
I have a 2001 Forester - the one with the extra low gear range option. I am more than sure it will stay with the new Subie on the tests you have shown here. Very best car I have ever owned.
I had 4x4 Toyota, Jeep, Audi, Mitsubishi and today i have a subaru. For me subaru is the bestest 4x4 in the world and still goes wonderful in the road. Security, pleasure, durability and for all terrain, just Subaru!
Love how it handled the climb. I just wish there was more on road performance with the Subaru Outback. Like if STI had a modded version of it. I know I know it doesn’t fit the market. But there’s gotta be something out there that has all the capabilities of the outback with awd that’s more fun to drive. I currently own an Audi s5 and I need to replace it. I love the power and performance of my Audi but I hate the ground clearance, storage capacity and maintenance costs.
Once again a great review from you and Driving Sports TV. We miss living in the PNW. We have a 2018 Outback Limited and our lease will be up in a year. I'll be watching out for the continued series on this. I want to see how this handles the same course with snow. We are thinking of replacing the Outback with a RAV4. Which model not sure yet. We currently live in Western Wisconsin, so snow can be a problem at times. Thanks for your work and we'll keep watching!!!
I have to say I have the outdoor and would never do any hill like this I use the snow/dirt xmode when I come into a campground or a really washed out dirt road makes everything so smooth. watching this with the next xmode made me think subaru is trying to finally fix the issues to bring this into being actually capable to run a true offroad (ITSNOTTHEREYETBUTITSGETTINGBETTER)
Thank you so much Ryan! It's so awesome. I've been personally really waiting for that one ;) A few thoughts from me: 1) It's really surprising for me that X-Mode Snow/Dirt didn't make it. It looks like either on the transmission or the engine level torque was being limited. I think it was not a problem regarding traction as there was no wheel spin whatsoever. 2) With X-Mode 1 it behaved almost exactly like Volvo V60CC. It had the same problems in the same parts of the climb. 3) I'm wondering what really changed for the X-Mode 2 run. Did the bigger momentum allowed by more wheel spin help at all? On the video it looks like there was almost a full stop in the middle, but if there was even the tiniest amount of the leftover momentum it could have helped. What was your feeling from behind the wheel? 4) I wonder what would happen with no X-Mode at all ;) Awesome! I'm going to probably see it ten more times and try to analyse it more :) So happy for the Outback! But... seeing that I'm even more sad that Outbacks aren't available in EU in the XT version. No X-Mode Deep Snow/Dirt for us :(
It is hard to say what the issue is when behind the wheel as I can't actually see what the wheels were doing. I think that because spin is encouraged with Mode 2, it is more likely to allow it, and not shut down all three wheels (effectively requiring the one rear wheel do do most of the work in Mode 1.) But it's hard to say exactly. The results were positive though... I'm sure there will be much debate as to *why* here in the comments. ;)
We need to wait. I'm not in EU but here we received the made in Japan as well. Not the Indiana made (SoA). Maybe (just maybe) we will get an even better 6th generation.
One thing that xmode 2 does is disable the engine control part of the traction control. That allows the wheels to spin faster. That way when the brakes are applied to the spinning wheels, more of that power can be sent to the wheels with more traction.
I want a real review. Throw the family in there and pack the cargo area with actual camping gear and do the these tests. I wanna see this vehicle navigate this terrain with an extra 400 lbs of people/gear because that's real life.
The CVT itself wasn't improved. It still has the same internals. Subaru previously limited the intial torque limits on the CVT through computer programming. They've revised the programming through X Mode and now X mode 2. However, the limits of the initial torque are still quite evident. Simply put, until Subaru re-offers a traditional automatic transmission, other manufactures will have better, higher performing all wheel drive systems.
Would have liked to see just plain drive mode on both challenges with and without traction control. Great video though, I love watching outbacks tested to their limits.
Awesome video and exhibition of the Outback near its outer limits--do you still have the stock tires on your XT or have you thrown on a set of grippier, all terrain tires? These videos are great for someone like me, as I'll be in the market for a Subaru in the next 12 months--I'll probably save some money and look at either the Forester or Crosstrek 2.5 when it is out, but Subaru's AWD system is no joke, that's for sure. This was a great test!
Harold Beauchamp 13k on my 19 forester sport so far so good hasn’t burned a drop of oil, and the cvt while a little awkward at times has performed good so far.
xFozzyPx I’m glad Subaru worked out these issues. I’ve told my story about my Subaru’s on other videos so I’ll summarize. I owned a rafting company years ago and had a fleet of a dozen 2014 Foresters to transport clients and rafts. All of them had services performed at the dealer under the severe schedule. Every single one of them had engine oil burning or cvt issues or both. Cost us tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance when it was said and done. We switched to Toyota 4Runners and had better luck but still had many nuisance issues. Cheers and good luck.
Harold Beauchamp ahh that makes a lot of sense Subaru has reworked their cvts sense then so a lot more reliable now although I’m definitely still weary of it. As far as oil consumptions it had to do with the rings they were using I’m not sure if it’s been update but mines been good so far fingers crossed it stays that way. Good choice on the 4 runners can’t really go wrong with a Toyota.
@@xfozzypx115 sold my '14 Forester 2.5 with 212k miles on the clock the CVT was still smooth and I didn't even use the genuine Subaru CVTF. No oil consumption only thing I had to fix was the AC compressor. Other than that pricey damn compressor it was a solid car.
For all the people who say throw on some AT tires I should do a video. I own one. I could compare tires all day long, but I can tell you that the perfect balance are Michelin Defender LTX. AT tires add too much weight and aren't going to do any digging with a 4 banger and a CVT. Now I did go with a 17" wheel and larger tires and that helps. Of course I would love to try those newer type hybrid tires like the Terrain Contact or the At3's but everywhere I have taken it she goes. The only exception is that they don't like deep sand at all. But on road in the always pouring South, they do amazing and road manners are good. The OEM tires were so bad at everything that I took them off at 3k and gave them to a friend in need.
Nice video. Put some AT tires on this and it will satisfy what the majority of people do with their vehicles re. outdoor activities....with the added benefit of on-road comfort and handling.
Subaru has much improved their VSC and Mode-X systems in the last couple of years. The CVT equipped cars back then were absolutely pitiful on steep, rutted inclines.
What amazes me about your offroad tests is that you're not allowed to air down the tires, the road tires! I can only imagine how great this car is with a lift, A/T tires that can be aired down.
Cool video, I look forward to you testing the 2.5ltr crosstrek once you get one on those rock trails you normally do. Should do pretty good. As others have said, the tires also were not the optimal choice but I guess you test with what comes on it. You made no mention of if you left on or off traction control as sometimes with if off, the car will do these types of things better as traction control cuts power at the worst time.
It did rather well despite that. Remove the swaybars, add a set of proper lightweight all-terrains, and it will walk right up. Plus, if that wasn't easy enough, throw a rear locker on there!
I know what the engineers claim. But is Dual X-Mode 2 REALLY that different from turning off traction control in a normal X-Mode trim? I've seen other videos where that seemed to be the case. I wish Subaru had put the steering-responsive headlights in the Onyx last year. I would wait for 2021 if I could. But unfortunately, I can't.
Really good test video. I'm in China and waiting for the 6th-gen Outback. Really want to get the Onyx XT version but we can't get this version with big chance :( SAD...
My wife has this exact model and color. Only don’t have the underbody protection stuff. So, it’s nice to see what it’s capable of without actually going through it. lol
I sure like this approach of having a fixed obstacle for different cars. Most reviews just do some offroad and say, "wow, look at that!" with no comparison to anything. Is there a web page or youtube channel that lists your videos of the other cars on the same challenge?
That's why I bought the Onyx.... only one with XMode2.... and of course only one with a full size spare. I have it in the Magnetite Grey Metallic, looks sweet as F**k.
Awesome, I will say, my 06 3.0L H6 Outback has done a bit harder than that. Then they only had 1 mode, TC on/off. Since lifting and having the biggest hybrid tyres possible for wheel arches, it's much nicer off-road. Subaru is very capable, this test shows, speed isn't everything, nor is so-called AWD systems.
1.5" lift is as far as you really want to go on a newer Subaru, unless you like replacing axles. I just put a larger aggressive tire on mine....works great.
The new Eyesight has a fit if you lift them i had a friend tell me that works on them. Better tires is simple and insurance companys would have less coverage issues.
@@rachaeloconnr2635 Are you talking about the LP Adventure lift? It is advertised as a 2" lift but I hear it really only gets around 1.5" additional clearance. I am waiting to see a little more info regarding handling characteristics before lifting mine. Once @Driving Sports TV does a review, I'll make my decision on wheels and tires and lift.
@@devinalbrecht5176 speaking from personal experience with ADF's 2" kit, it improved the handling on my 2013 Outback. I daily mine with no swaybars as well as all-terrains and it's still great to drive.
@@a.sanford8731 you may have sold me on pulling the trigger for the setup that I have been eyeing. What tires are you running? I pretty much have my heart set on the LP Adventure LP1 Wheels as well as their lift. I am on the fence regarding tires. The comment above that there is a competitor about to be released to KO2s above by Driving Sports. I would love to see what that might be if they are close to release.
However, I will say that the newer AWD computers are pretty amazing. I used X-Mode in my 2018 Trek to get down a super steep, icy and snow-covered (while still pounding down with snow) hill in the Pocono's to avoid running out into the road or hitting the guard-rail and it's absolutely amazing. Took the 2020 OB for a spin and tried it out and it works just as well. TBH though that was the only true time in the almost 3 years I've owned my Trek that I've used the HDC and X-Mode besides to play around with. The only times before that was to show how it brought itself down from a steep parking garage, and that I could get out of a mud puddle and snow bank on a trail near one of the BIVOUACs. The Turbo in these things is amazing. It picks up the Ascent and hauls it like it's an Impreza. I just don't like how the Ascent uses some tiny brakes, and I'm hoping that they've upgraded the brakes in the XT's to account for the stopping at higher speeds.
The new Outback XT seems to do a lot better than the older model used to on uphill tracks. (Where the cvt would cut power at an inconvenient time!). Wonder if its the tougher cvt unit, or more engine power that helped?
Are those the stock tires? If so, that's pretty impressive.
Car is 100% stock, including tires.
@@drivingsports So, when with new tires? Can you share your shortlist for a more respectable one? (not OE but No KO2 either)
@@AndresK5Blazer There's a new KO2 competitor coming, but COVID-19 delayed the launch a few months. that's all I can say right now.
@@AndresK5Blazer Yeah, I don't like that Ko2 has become the go-to tires.. they're Okay but NOT the end all be all. To me, it's more of a popularity contest at this point.
I have Yokohama GO15's on my 2018 outback and I love them. Very quiet and perform great on and off road. I do a lot of deep sand beach driving on long island and they are great.
I may have said it before but ill say it again cause i was so impressed:
I rented a subaru forester, 2018 model. It had all the features. And i took it through some deep mud. Stuff most 4x4s would have problems with. And i didnt realise it at the time but it was really deep too. I got instantly stuck. Backing out? Nah just wheel spin. Going forward? Nah not happening. I was kinda freaked out because I didnt know what to do. I was all alone in this rental along a pipeline trail, how do i get a tow truck back here? And there was no one else that i saw. Then i realised the vehicle had X mode. so i gave it a shot. Turned it on, applied gas. WHOA WHAT. DUDE IT CRAWLED STRAIGHT OUT. DIDNT EVEN SKIP A BEAT. holy crap. It detected the wheel slip, applied brake throttle where it needed to and crawled out. I was really impressed.
@Andrew - cool! Also, how did you rent a Subaru?? In all my years renting cars, I've never seen a Subaru in the list (& I've looked and asked!)
@@WonderfulPresent it was a courtesy loaner from Subaru as my Subaru was in the shop getting engine work done
@@snowysysadmin59 Wait... engine work? Why would a Subaru need engine work?
@@HyperXism my 13 impreza had oil consumption issues. Got a free shortblock
U til you bake the CVT to a crisp and then you’re really stranded 🤣🤣🤣
I’m picking up my green Onyx XT in a few hours...this makes me so excited.
There will be no Onyx-Edition in Germany...
Even the 2020 model is the 2021 model here...
I'll never get subaru strategies...
We dont have this one in the UK, although its a great looking version here, especially in a sort of muddy green colour
Congratulations 🎉
Did you look at that rear end squat ? Lmao good luck with a loaded rear end 🤣
You must not have test drove any other brand out there. I’m sorry you’re getting such a boring AWD (not 4x4) vehicle
Love your videos. Always honest and they're fun to watch. Also, I'm a 2020 Onyx XT owner and 100% stock as well. I've taken my car through every offroad test I could do safely and am shocked how it's passed with flying colors. I look forward to the future videos. Seriously a great car so far.
I am considering the limited - but tempted to go for the Onyx XT. In normal conditions - say heavy snow/ice do you find yourself using regular or dual mode? I live on the East Coast and we experience rough winters, many reason wanting a Subaru. In terms of the seats (Startex does the feel seem extremely different then the leather). Same cushion type feel or different?
Bought one in April of this year. Was very happy with purchase. It is very well adapted for a moderate trail.
How do you like driving it around town in regular conditions? I need to upgrade my car's size from a 2014 mazda3 that's fun to drive.
We are Long time Subaru owners.
My wife and kids currently drive a Forester and an Outback.(#6 and #7)
I just feel alot better, knowing they are driving one of the safest and capable AWD vehicles out there.
Very impressive! Second xmode is a game changer
I've had my Onyx since December and I love it!! 1st time Subaru owner too!!
Congratulation, I like the onyx color
When there’s an issue, as long as there’s at least one wheel with traction, the issue isn’t with the tires, it’s the AWD system not properly sending power to the wheel with traction.
Gaining momentum helps achieve the goal, but devalues the test.
Yes but it can also be attributed to power and gear ratio. The AWD might be doing everything correctly but if the power isn't there to overcome weight of the vehicle your screwed.
Kartboarder22G
As long as the other wheels are just spinning, it’s the fault of the AWD system.
Kartboarder22G There is plenty of power there.
Such a good testing method of off-road performance. Your informed insight, slowmotion comparison of identical lines and other aspects make this is probably the best informative off-road review I've seen. Bravo and thank you
In Quebec, Canada we enough snow and my forester with only x-mode does a great job. Nice to see the dual x-mode works well. Great video and commentary.
I´ve been waiting for this test. Thank you Mr. Douthit, you nailed it again.
Just put some Falken Wildpeak AT Trails on mine. Love them so far. Thinking about doing a 1-2 inch lift as well but don't know much about it yet.
Thanks for making me want a new Outback - if nothing else for that Seahawks color scheme. That action-green stitching is a great touch.
Fast lane truck has left the chat
ha ha ha !
That was impressive, I really didn’t think it would be able to get up that. Nicely Done Subaru!
Jamie M all open diffs. Everything is being done by the computer wheel locking individual wheels to shift power around. - So no, it’s not a new concept, but it usually fails in a test like this.
The places my 2013 2.5i goes blows my mind, and it doesn't even have X-Mode! Great review my dude! I'd love to get one of these, but I'm not getting rid of mine until 300,000 miles!
300k and 3 engines later
AWESOME!! I know exactly where that is I have a pic of my 2018 Crosstrek sitting at the top of that climb. It is no joke, the cameras don't show the off camber and just how steep it is. Great job Ryan! I've been going to that road for 20+ years to get away. That little spot is a great place to play.
what is REALLY the ONLY important thing with me, since I am NOT a slow rock crawler, is the vectoring and HOW FAST this vectoring happens.
I want the AWD, 4 wheel drive to really HELP ME AS A DAILY DRIVER.
that means the system working quickly on a highway making me a better driver, not hill climber.
there are far, far, superior vehicles for rock and hill climbing.
making a daily, family, and highway car a partial hill crawler, is only marketing.
More testing of the Outback XT please👍🏻👍🏻
Who's that pokemon? .... It's Onyx!
Lol
Awesome job, once again Ryan!!
Dual X-Mode is definitely a game changer for Subaru. It's what the latter 2 years of the Forester XT should have come with. I have been battling with my choice of next vehicle and interestingly enough, I have been cross shopping this Onyx with the likes of TRD OR, and GX460. I know, different beasts all together, but at the end of the day, the capability of the Subie, is Incredible. Especially as others have mentioned, a lift and AT tires.
its burning the belt with those tires and no lift plus it barley has enough power the way it is
I watched this vid for the 5TH time ?? and first of all I really enjoy your vids but mainly after watching your vids on the 2020 Outback and other vids on the Outback, and Forester, and Cross Trek...........I am really, really glad I purchased my 2020 Outback Touring XT. Aside from the testing vids I referred to and how well the Subaru does, way over ALL the competition, my impression of my 2020 Outback is..........it is just a great car. I am loving everything about it. Mine has the brown leather and brown leather accents and I will say right here. I look forward to everytime I have to drive somewhere. My car drives GREAT, it is pretty to look at outside and especially inside. I admire the interior all the time, And since my Outback Touring XT has the 2.4 litre turbo charged engine..........when it's time to pass a vehicle or when you need/want the power......my Outback launches to the ready !!! 260 HP and 277 pound feet of torque moves my 4000 LB car QUITE nicely. And fuel economy is not all that much less than the EFI 2.5 litre engine, if you keep your foot out of it. I am soon to be 68 years old and more and more I drive like an old man { read that sanely }. But boy is it nice/fun to have that power when you want it. Signed, Doug.
Thank you for your excellent Subaru reviews. My 2013 Impreza sport, which I loved and served me well, was "totaled" by a family member and I couldn't decide what to get. After seriously considering the Forester Wilderness, I picked up my ice silver Outback Onyx XT today and couldn't be happier. One of the main deciding factors was the extra power of the turbo which is honestly quite surprising in this vehicle.
Last year (11/21) I bought my wife a 2019 Outback. It’s her commuter car and our road car.
We are so impressed with the traction in all weather conditions here in north central WA state.
We decided to replace my 11 Rav 4WD Limited 3.5 V6 with a late model Forester Touring.
A few days ago I found a 2019 Forester Touring (Sephia Bronze with Brown interior) in Shoreline Subaru.
Get this, it only has 4,700 miles on it. It’s a Certified Subaru.
I’m a maintenance nut but the previous owner has changed the oil 7Xs in 4,700 miles.
At 2,500 miles he had the brake fluid changed and at only 1,300 miles he had new tires put on.
If Snowqualmie pass is open on 12/12/22, we’ll drive to Carter Subaru to pick it up.
I drive about 5K miles a year, so I’ll probably be dead and gone before it’s wore out 😁
X Mode 2 seems to allow for spin while still dispersing the traction where it’s needed. Allowing the momentum to carry it forward without losing traction.
We get 4-5 feet of snow every winter and just to get up our private road and into our garage, we have to switch into X mode.
As a fellow Onyx owner, I loved the video! That's impressive for stock tires.
I bought one based largely on your coverage. Very happy with the car, can't wait to take it out on the forest roads in the Olympics.
Same here. Bought a Forester based on your stuck in the deep snow video of last year.
Nice video ... I just got my Onyx XT a few months ago ... waiting for the Pennsylvania snow to see how it does ... Been a Subaru owner for the past 20 years or so ... Love them!
IT SEEMS THE TURBO CVT IS BETTER THAN THE NON-TURBO CVT
Great videos I bought a Subaru Onyx in this same color back in March. I’m loving it.
I just got the 2024 , X-Mode has come a long way since this video was made . They are impressif stock and awesome with just a few
upgrades , like good tires a 2" lift and for those imposable places a wench . They aren't rock crawlers but they will take you places you
wouldn't even try with most SUV / crossovers .
Bought one tonight, excited to drive it.
When TFL took their 2018 Outback to their off-road trail, it struggled just like yours at 5:40. Subaru adding a stage 2 x-mode definitely solves the preventing the wheel to spin problem. Can’t wait to see more videos of the Outback like this one, great job Ryan :)
I think there were some changes made in the CVT. There was more wheel spin allowed even in regular xmode than with the TFL test
niuhuskieguy Well this one uses the high torque CVT since it has the turbocharged motor so yeah it’s a little bit different
@@rallysauruswrex The high torque TR690 CVT has been around quite some time. It actually dates back to the 2010 Legacy/Outback with the H4.
The king of wagon car 👍🏾
Great video. Next time you test x mode be sure to do the obstacle in normal mode first to see what standard traction control can do.
We will! I didn't realize there would be so much interest in it, but clearly something we should do going forward.
Looking forward to the wilderness models trying this again!!!
My big take away from this test is, unless you plan on doing a lift, the wheel wells don’t allow for a taller tire. You would have to drop down in wheel size if you want the extra protection of a taller sidewall, and the ability to get good use from airing down. I personally prefer the previous gen outback. I don’t like the back seat area in the new one or the extra front cladding.
Bought a 2021 onyx in the gray metallic a few weeks ago. Absolutely love it. Spectacular value for the money.
Have you taken a Subaru up there without X-mode two and just tried x-mode without traction control? If not, I would love to see that.
Someone send this to The Fast Lane Car guys
It’s not a Jeep, they won’t watch
@@nikc6320 That's not the case at all dumb dumb. They're actually big fans of Subaru and they lament that Subaru won't work with them.
I agree
@@CoolSkeletin95 They want to work with Subaru only to bash it, it seems. They proved in some later videos that the Subaru could do their hill climb, using the correct settings. When they were done, they were basically like "well, yeah, but...".
@@Takar100 how you phrased your response makes it a little difficult for me to follow what you're trying to say. But from what I could understand, I will say that I agree to disagree on your claim that they simply want to work with them to bash on the company.
Xmode sounds like a marketing gimmick, but it really does work. My Forester has been up some roads that no CUV had business being on. When Subaru says their stuff can go off-road, they mean it. It's actually quite impressive.
I have watched many off-road tests in the real world and in controlled environments. In my opinion, Subaru has the best AWD system hands down. The best in the world.
Awesome presentation. The fact that these are stock tires makes this test even more impressive. Imagine if you equip this car with off-road tires. Unstoppable.
Well, imo they have the most polyvalent cars in the market, and they're real godly terrain is snow in my experience. They are really great offroad for AWDs, can't deny that! But they'd probably be beaten by real offroaders! However, I know no other cars who can be comfortable on highway, quite good acceleration for normal cars, and be this good in offroad! They're also very very good in curve handling, really better than most (but not all) of direct concurrent in SUVs!
And for snow, well they're just the best. Unlike offroad, there's basically almost no concurrence as good as their cars on snow o.o They're AWD is originally made for snow and slippery terrain, more than offroad.
Love mine! Have tested it in 3ft of snow to forestry dig outs. Car did great....only one small dent.
do you use winter tires?
@@rmleider yes
@@rmleider geolander geo15. All season with snow rating
I love my Subaru Forester. Next year I will buy a Outback. I love both of them. I am very happy with my vehicle. My first Subaru.🤗🤱
I’m about to replace my Cherokee Trailhawk … your vlog reviews are convincing me to go OBW ! Been down the rabbit hole of all your videos lately.
I have a 2001 Forester - the one with the extra low gear range option. I am more than sure it will stay with the new Subie on the tests you have shown here. Very best car I have ever owned.
That Forester has no traction control if I‘m correct. Wouldn’t have made it
Thanks for the great videos, I'm planning to buy a 2021 Onyx XT. Would love to see some towing videos!
When your ready to buy one send me an email with questions on how to get a discount tkeith64@hotmail.com
@@terrykeith1921 hey tkeith is that discount only on the onyx?
Half a White Guy Any model
is fantastic!, subaru change the settting of the cvt (this change is just in Outback )to gain more torque , and the result is terrific.
here is the answer about this change, czcams.com/video/vel5ikosYjo/video.html&vl=es
I had 4x4 Toyota, Jeep, Audi, Mitsubishi and today i have a subaru. For me subaru is the bestest 4x4 in the world and still goes wonderful in the road. Security, pleasure, durability and for all terrain, just Subaru!
Agree with some of other comments. No xmode and traction control off. Seems to work best in heavy off road.
Loving these videos. While I don't have an outback, I do have a '19 forester with the dual xmode, so it'll be great to see what it's capable of!
Love how it handled the climb. I just wish there was more on road performance with the Subaru Outback. Like if STI had a modded version of it. I know I know it doesn’t fit the market. But there’s gotta be something out there that has all the capabilities of the outback with awd that’s more fun to drive. I currently own an Audi s5 and I need to replace it. I love the power and performance of my Audi but I hate the ground clearance, storage capacity and maintenance costs.
Next time, can you do a third test run with no X Mode engaged - just the standard 4WD? It would be really interesting to see the difference.
Once again a great review from you and Driving Sports TV. We miss living in the PNW. We have a 2018 Outback Limited and our lease will be up in a year. I'll be watching out for the continued series on this. I want to see how this handles the same course with snow. We are thinking of replacing the Outback with a RAV4. Which model not sure yet. We currently live in Western Wisconsin, so snow can be a problem at times. Thanks for your work and we'll keep watching!!!
I have to say I have the outdoor and would never do any hill like this I use the snow/dirt xmode when I come into a campground or a really washed out dirt road makes everything so smooth. watching this with the next xmode made me think subaru is trying to finally fix the issues to bring this into being actually capable to run a true offroad (ITSNOTTHEREYETBUTITSGETTINGBETTER)
Very impressive how Subbies are and have a good 4wd system.
Grettings from Swiss.
Thank you so much Ryan! It's so awesome. I've been personally really waiting for that one ;)
A few thoughts from me:
1) It's really surprising for me that X-Mode Snow/Dirt didn't make it. It looks like either on the transmission or the engine level torque was being limited. I think it was not a problem regarding traction as there was no wheel spin whatsoever.
2) With X-Mode 1 it behaved almost exactly like Volvo V60CC. It had the same problems in the same parts of the climb.
3) I'm wondering what really changed for the X-Mode 2 run. Did the bigger momentum allowed by more wheel spin help at all? On the video it looks like there was almost a full stop in the middle, but if there was even the tiniest amount of the leftover momentum it could have helped. What was your feeling from behind the wheel?
4) I wonder what would happen with no X-Mode at all ;)
Awesome! I'm going to probably see it ten more times and try to analyse it more :) So happy for the Outback!
But... seeing that I'm even more sad that Outbacks aren't available in EU in the XT version. No X-Mode Deep Snow/Dirt for us :(
It is hard to say what the issue is when behind the wheel as I can't actually see what the wheels were doing. I think that because spin is encouraged with Mode 2, it is more likely to allow it, and not shut down all three wheels (effectively requiring the one rear wheel do do most of the work in Mode 1.) But it's hard to say exactly. The results were positive though... I'm sure there will be much debate as to *why* here in the comments. ;)
We need to wait. I'm not in EU but here we received the made in Japan as well. Not the Indiana made (SoA). Maybe (just maybe) we will get an even better 6th generation.
One thing that xmode 2 does is disable the engine control part of the traction control. That allows the wheels to spin faster. That way when the brakes are applied to the spinning wheels, more of that power can be sent to the wheels with more traction.
@@AndresK5Blazer
Did the Japanese-made vehicles make it to the US? Subaru of America makes it sound like that didn't happen.
I want a real review. Throw the family in there and pack the cargo area with actual camping gear and do the these tests. I wanna see this vehicle navigate this terrain with an extra 400 lbs of people/gear because that's real life.
So more weight on the back wheels? So even better grip...
It would do even better lol 😂
Great presentation, thanks!
I'm just really happy Subaru has improved the CVT. Older Subaru's would have just stayed in place while it's floored. Sweet!
This is not the CVT but the traction control program with X Mode 2, which allows more wheel spin.
The CVT itself wasn't improved. It still has the same internals. Subaru previously limited the intial torque limits on the CVT through computer programming. They've revised the programming through X Mode and now X mode 2. However, the limits of the initial torque are still quite evident. Simply put, until Subaru re-offers a traditional automatic transmission, other manufactures will have better, higher performing all wheel drive systems.
Would have liked to see just plain drive mode on both challenges with and without traction control. Great video though, I love watching outbacks tested to their limits.
That's a good idea. We'll plan to do that with future tests.
Wow, pretty impressive, great job, thanks for the new video!
Awesome video and exhibition of the Outback near its outer limits--do you still have the stock tires on your XT or have you thrown on a set of grippier, all terrain tires? These videos are great for someone like me, as I'll be in the market for a Subaru in the next 12 months--I'll probably save some money and look at either the Forester or Crosstrek 2.5 when it is out, but Subaru's AWD system is no joke, that's for sure. This was a great test!
They're stock
Change your CVT fluid at 30k.
Take care of your Subie.
Hope your CVT can even make it to 30k miles. I had some that didnt. Also, burned 1 quart of oil every 2,000 miles
Harold Beauchamp 13k on my 19 forester sport so far so good hasn’t burned a drop of oil, and the cvt while a little awkward at times has performed good so far.
xFozzyPx I’m glad Subaru worked out these issues. I’ve told my story about my Subaru’s on other videos so I’ll summarize. I owned a rafting company years ago and had a fleet of a dozen 2014 Foresters to transport clients and rafts. All of them had services performed at the dealer under the severe schedule. Every single one of them had engine oil burning or cvt issues or both. Cost us tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance when it was said and done. We switched to Toyota 4Runners and had better luck but still had many nuisance issues. Cheers and good luck.
Harold Beauchamp ahh that makes a lot of sense Subaru has reworked their cvts sense then so a lot more reliable now although I’m definitely still weary of it. As far as oil consumptions it had to do with the rings they were using I’m not sure if it’s been update but mines been good so far fingers crossed it stays that way. Good choice on the 4 runners can’t really go wrong with a Toyota.
@@xfozzypx115 sold my '14 Forester 2.5 with 212k miles on the clock
the CVT was still smooth and I didn't even use the genuine Subaru CVTF.
No oil consumption only thing I had to fix was the AC compressor.
Other than that pricey damn compressor it was a solid car.
Nice comparison at 3:30 and no comment at 6:40 👏👏👏. Outback is THE CAR!
For all the people who say throw on some AT tires I should do a video. I own one. I could compare tires all day long, but I can tell you that the perfect balance are Michelin Defender LTX. AT tires add too much weight and aren't going to do any digging with a 4 banger and a CVT. Now I did go with a 17" wheel and larger tires and that helps. Of course I would love to try those newer type hybrid tires like the Terrain Contact or the At3's but everywhere I have taken it she goes. The only exception is that they don't like deep sand at all. But on road in the always pouring South, they do amazing and road manners are good. The OEM tires were so bad at everything that I took them off at 3k and gave them to a friend in need.
Great video. And thanks. I really needed to see something like this to help make my decision
Nice video. Put some AT tires on this and it will satisfy what the majority of people do with their vehicles re. outdoor activities....with the added benefit of on-road comfort and handling.
Subaru has much improved their VSC and Mode-X systems in the last couple of years. The CVT equipped cars back then were absolutely pitiful on steep, rutted inclines.
What amazes me about your offroad tests is that you're not allowed to air down the tires, the road tires! I can only imagine how great this car is with a lift, A/T tires that can be aired down.
Please come back here with the Wilderness so we can see a comparison vid :)
Cool video, I look forward to you testing the 2.5ltr crosstrek once you get one on those rock trails you normally do. Should do pretty good. As others have said, the tires also were not the optimal choice but I guess you test with what comes on it. You made no mention of if you left on or off traction control as sometimes with if off, the car will do these types of things better as traction control cuts power at the worst time.
Enjoyed the video. I own a duplicate of that Onyx. From a 2018 3.6 to this one. The Onyx handles so much better than the front heavy 3.6 Outback did.
Shows the limits of brake-based pseudo torque vectoring.
what limits??? lol ; It got up there pretty easily in setting 2
It did rather well despite that. Remove the swaybars, add a set of proper lightweight all-terrains, and it will walk right up. Plus, if that wasn't easy enough, throw a rear locker on there!
no......those are the limits of the cvt.....
A. Sanford You are talking like doing grocery shopping!
I know what the engineers claim. But is Dual X-Mode 2 REALLY that different from turning off traction control in a normal X-Mode trim? I've seen other videos where that seemed to be the case.
I wish Subaru had put the steering-responsive headlights in the Onyx last year. I would wait for 2021 if I could. But unfortunately, I can't.
Nice test. I found out the hard way a while ago unmodified Subaru's belong on the road though.
Thouhht out, objective and we can see the actual performance in various modes. So professionsl compared to the many "oh wow, this is great" vids
Subarus dont mess around they know awd, my 2002 wrx has never gotten stuck even buried in 3 feet of snow lol they really know what they're doing
I wished you tested the ascent on that same course to see if it would pass it
czcams.com/video/-33WA_IEUUk/video.html
Very impressive. I want a Subaru for my next car to keep long term, at least ten years hopefully. A car for everything.
Really good test video. I'm in China and waiting for the 6th-gen Outback. Really want to get the Onyx XT version but we can't get this version with big chance :( SAD...
Subscribed. Well made and consistent videos. Need more like this
I’d love to see the Telluride and Passport try this... Passport would probably do decent but that’s it compared to the two
We actually did it with the Passport last year. czcams.com/video/cHwp1WxhYpI/video.html
My wife has this exact model and color. Only don’t have the underbody protection stuff. So, it’s nice to see what it’s capable of without actually going through it. lol
I sure like this approach of having a fixed obstacle for different cars. Most reviews just do some offroad and say, "wow, look at that!" with no comparison to anything.
Is there a web page or youtube channel that lists your videos of the other cars on the same challenge?
No, but we could put a playlist together. Give us a few days.
I love my 13 outback loaded no xmode but it's great
Yes, yes and yes to more testing!
That's why I bought the Onyx.... only one with XMode2.... and of course only one with a full size spare. I have it in the Magnetite Grey Metallic, looks sweet as F**k.
Loved the video guys. Specially the slow motion video bits. 💗
Awesome, I will say, my 06 3.0L H6 Outback has done a bit harder than that. Then they only had 1 mode, TC on/off.
Since lifting and having the biggest hybrid tyres possible for wheel arches, it's much nicer off-road.
Subaru is very capable, this test shows, speed isn't everything, nor is so-called AWD systems.
That's impressive! Great video showing the slow motion!
Awesome video! Can't wait to see more X-Mode videos!
I bought today a blue one because of you!
Thank you!
So the real question is when do the AT's go on along with that 2" LP Adventure lift and how does that help or hurt? ;)
1.5" lift is as far as you really want to go on a newer Subaru, unless you like replacing axles. I just put a larger aggressive tire on mine....works great.
The new Eyesight has a fit if you lift them i had a friend tell me that works on them. Better tires is simple and insurance companys would have less coverage issues.
@@rachaeloconnr2635 Are you talking about the LP Adventure lift? It is advertised as a 2" lift but I hear it really only gets around 1.5" additional clearance. I am waiting to see a little more info regarding handling characteristics before lifting mine. Once @Driving Sports TV does a review, I'll make my decision on wheels and tires and lift.
@@devinalbrecht5176 speaking from personal experience with ADF's 2" kit, it improved the handling on my 2013 Outback. I daily mine with no swaybars as well as all-terrains and it's still great to drive.
@@a.sanford8731 you may have sold me on pulling the trigger for the setup that I have been eyeing. What tires are you running? I pretty much have my heart set on the LP Adventure LP1 Wheels as well as their lift. I am on the fence regarding tires. The comment above that there is a competitor about to be released to KO2s above by Driving Sports. I would love to see what that might be if they are close to release.
However, I will say that the newer AWD computers are pretty amazing. I used X-Mode in my 2018 Trek to get down a super steep, icy and snow-covered (while still pounding down with snow) hill in the Pocono's to avoid running out into the road or hitting the guard-rail and it's absolutely amazing. Took the 2020 OB for a spin and tried it out and it works just as well. TBH though that was the only true time in the almost 3 years I've owned my Trek that I've used the HDC and X-Mode besides to play around with. The only times before that was to show how it brought itself down from a steep parking garage, and that I could get out of a mud puddle and snow bank on a trail near one of the BIVOUACs.
The Turbo in these things is amazing. It picks up the Ascent and hauls it like it's an Impreza. I just don't like how the Ascent uses some tiny brakes, and I'm hoping that they've upgraded the brakes in the XT's to account for the stopping at higher speeds.
Great video!!! Do more outback off road videos!! Subscribed!!!
I think you love Subaru so much 😂
The new Outback XT seems to do a lot better than the older model used to on uphill tracks. (Where the cvt would cut power at an inconvenient time!).
Wonder if its the tougher cvt unit, or more engine power that helped?
Would be awesome to see the same test with 2020 Highlander with TV-AWD and Rav4 with TV-AWD. I bet that is the only AWD from Toyota worthy attempting.