Only One Makes It! 2018 Subaru Outback vs Jeep Cherokee vs Gold Mine Hill
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- čas přidán 23. 08. 2024
- ( www.TFLcar.com ) 2018 Subaru Outback vs Jeep Cherokee vs Gold Mine Hill: Can New AWD best old 4WD Tech?
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Why didn't you buy the the more powerful 3.6R?
@@minaguirguis8897 It sounds like it's not a limitation of power. Moreso the CVT Transmission which every new Subaru has. So i imagine they're all this way.
I suspect the button is Hill start assist. Thanks for all your videos (-:
@toulouse666 Interesting. Well it's still an issue and Subaru needs to fix it. I agree this test is a little extreme but at the same time Subaru advertises their cars to be capable like this. Driving backroad trails, etc.
My aunt drives a Crosstrek and complains about the same thing in the winter getting up her driveway with snow tires. The car bogs down without momentum. I just sent her this video lol.
I can't wait to see TFLCar test this outback in the winter.
Subaru doesn’t want you to show the flaw in their cars
*Talks to father through walkie-talkie while simultaneously walking past him and not acknowledging his presence*
millennials....
@@inTruthbyGrace ok boomer
@@dave-ed5li ha heem... that's *_genX'er_* to you.
:)
The up and coming prince doesn't always acknowledge the king and the king doesn't always acknowledge prince either. It's a father/son thing.
@@inTruthbyGrace Tw@ts
I like how they bought the Subaru just to shit on it lol
Hats off to whoever kept that Jeep so mint all these years.
I also never knew about the dual hood latches...pretty sweet
On the "stage two" hill when the Jeep was off camber and spinning the tires, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation you can actually set the e-brake a lil bit and ride the front brakes just enough and it will make the tires that were not spinning spin! Most of the time it does anyway. Just a tip if anyone didn't know!
That's what Toyota's ATRAC system does to simulate center diff lock.
I dont know why but i love the simplicity of those model jeeps. The one in the video is clean !
They're the perfect size, relatively easy to work on and maintain, and the boxy look... We have two of them and are looking for a third.
I'm jealous
I had a 1976 Subaru station wagon 4WD and can tell you it was one tough built car. It had a small engine but it did pretty well. Big problem was ground clearance going off road, it's more of an all around street and useful car for rough roads,
You guys...are killing me. Literally no one would take those trails that way. Both vehicles could easily makes those hills.
Yea it's really bad.
This is an honest review. I purchased the Forester with the CVT and X-Mode was very disappointing. Subaru really messed up their platform by selling the turbo forester only in CVT without a stick.
They actually perform better turning X-Mode and traction control off. Older Forester XTs perform better off road than the newer J models. Get this fixed Subaru...
Loved the video. Can't wait to see more videos of the Subaru when it starts snowing. Keep up the great work.
I’ve lived near there for 20 years. What the hell is “Gold Mine Hill?” Do you mean Gold Hill?
Good pt
You guys should test an old AWD Subaru wagon from the 80’s. We had one growing up and it was a beast on old New Mexico mountain trails. Once pulled a big Bronco out of the deep snow.
This Jeep took that Subie...Outback :P
LEXUriouS Kirk 👀 i see what you did there
@@Jmanmadness23 😎
😎
Whats up Kirk just subscribed to you yesterday
@@11094DEREK good to see you! I'll have a new video up tonight 😉
The owners manual knows what that button does...
its called hill hold lol.
@@wax333 wow my 93 Subaru has that but it's automatic I don't need a mysterious button
@@Dankcatvacs
It is still auto that button just turns it off.
RTFM! ;)
Its hill holder. Even with automatics, they roll back on really steep hills. This engages the parking brake until you give it gas, then releases the brake so you can drive forward.
Fit some lockers to the jeep and it goes to a whole new level.
A whole nudda leb-bull!
aarynj jeeps needs always some extra changes before going to the real shit is the reason Subaru is the first AWD and the 1 place 4x4 go max 35 mph when AWD go max
You can put a torq locker on the outback and it'll go ham as well.
Set it up right and that Jeep will go pretty much anywhere any wheeled vehicle ever built will go.
WAT
@@Butterflylo328
CVT does not belong in a Subaru
Jatco
AKA shatco.
Exactly
Just drove X-Trail with CVT abs garbage
That crap doesnt belong in any vehicle
Manual or bust... literally, get a manual or your transmission will bust lol
I swear your videos make me wanna move to Colorado. Tourism should sponsor your videos.
No vacancy, move along!
It's awesome out here. Life is too short to not live here!
Jimmy Salat there’s always room for freedom. #activedutymilitary #america
@@feliciajoy9814 Oregon is good too
alelx jines wyoming?
Great review guys! I do own a 2016 Outback and a tradition full size truck with a low range 4x4 system. The truck can glide over things I cant even walk up but the Subi does have some strengths. The subi is great on ice, slush, sand and slick hard pack wet clay but it cant do much once a wheel is lifted. In the owners manual is says it is not an all terrain vehicle, it is a passenger car with some off road capability, which it is, and was proved in this video. Thanks again for the review!
Absolutely! I have a 4x4 truck and a 4x4 Jeep - the Subaru is worlds better than them in the snow
I have a 2015 Outback and a 2015 F-150 FX4. The little offroading that I've done in the Outback, it's done well. That being said, I'd much rather have my truck's low range and locking rear diff. The Outback is awesome in the wet and snow though. Honestly, Subaru never really said they made rock crawlers. They make safe cars and crossovers that will drive over what most people would ever need to drive over. I do miss my 2004 Forester XT. I had a manual and it would split power 50/50. It was surprisingly good offroad. Terrible on gas mileage though.
True, the Suby is great for people like me who live in the city and only come in contact with snow for about 5 months a year. If I needed to ever drive off a paved road consistently, I would be buying a true 4x4 vehicle.
Yup. These types are cars are awesome in the winter. My '07 XC70 is WAY better than my old Grand Cherokee on 31" Duratracs was in the snow (and those are great snow tires) on the road. Of course when the snow got to be over a foot deep the Jeep would do better, but on slush, ice, and packed snow, the Volvo is a tank in the snow. Last winter I needed to head out before the plows had been by, the snow was slightly higher than the bottom of the Volvo, and I still made it off my street.
I agree I live in Atlantic Canada where we can get some pretty decent snow storms. I own a 2012 Forester and 2015 Tacoma. I like the Subaru for snow pack and ice roads. When we get blizzards 40 CM+ I take the Tacoma though as I tend to get hung up in big drifts and snow plow ridges in the Forester. Both vehicles have their roles.
I wouldn't call the Cherokee a crossover. Nor the original crossover. The AMC Eagle comes to mind, first produced in 1979 for the 1980 model year
The style of the body might be different but the drive train of the eagle was basii identical to that of a jeep. It had an AMC derived straight six Spicer axles and a transfer case. Exactly like a jeep
I had one of those super ugly AMC Eagles. Sure was fun to drive but gave me far more trouble in breaking down then any of my several Cherokees ever gave me. I still love the 1996 Cherokee and the 2001 I have but as modified as they are, neither can stack up to my Lexus LX 470 (100 series Land Cruiser).
The Eagle was a bucket of rust off the production line.
I’d honestly say the first “true” crossover was like the first gen crv
The Jeep has a transfer case. Not a crossover. Further, the argument for them filling the same market niche is pretty weak I'd say.
Nice Cherokee, I have a 1992, with 220,000km that I picked up at a farm auction 18 months ago.
The guy had it sitting in his quonset for 10 years.
I own a 4runner that I wheel a good bit. I also own a 6 speed Forester. We camp out of our Forester. In the sand, shallow slick mud, snow and ice, and loose gravel, my forester does amazingly well. They're traction system is top notch. In anything with steep climbs, deep mud, rocks, or big washes, I climb in that 4runner every time. The Subarus are built well, and will go a lot of places a Camry or Accord won't, but they're not built for the same purpose as the Cherokee.
when u turn off traction control press and hold it for 15-30 seconds it'll turn off stability control as well and then you can spin the tires.
No shit, I didn’t know that. Will try that.
They do actually come with a user's manual.
I was going to say the same thing. I think it would make all the difference.
I grew up in that area, and I have driven several generations of Subaru’s up that trail and many tougher trails.
yeah these guys are mental
Did any of them have CVT transmissions
Yeah CVT aint worth anything offroad. Like a woundup rubber band
So none had cvt makes sense. But also all 4 wheel drive. And AWD vehicles seem to be getting watered down in favor of these companies saving a few dollars. So they save you still pay and you pay your hard earned money on inferior parts making up that vehicle. These big brands are starting to coast on old brand recognition and stature. It’s bs..
These guys can't drive... They had trouble getting a 4runner through a couple inches of snow.
this video saved me from buying a new Subaru. i LITERALLY had planned to get one innthe next two weeks, but not after seeing this & doing some research on cvt. thx guys!
CVT works beautifully on inclines, snow, and beach sand. Change trans oil if doing a lot of trail or sand, and it goes and goes. The guys that made this were not driving well at all.
This was the old version of X-Mode and they were intentionally putting into a situation where it wouldn't work. Subaru now has the dual mode X-Mode that works totally fine and did when you commented. They were also demanding too much torque split to be realistic from a 180hp motor to get out of those situations, the new Outback and Forester have 310hp models to avoid this exact thing.
This has taught me so much! I love them.
I'd love to find an older JEEP in that condition.
seriously that thing looked mint
Agreed....Most XJ's of that vintage are rusted out
Not in Colorado. I have an 89 that looks about as good. I bought it 6 years ago for $3200.
I live in Colorado and recently purchased a 1986 Cherokee with a 2.5 inline 4 cyl. Took some extra cash to fix some problems, but, it has its original paint job! Not rusted at all. I love it!!
@@scottkinney2608 I have a 2001, and a 1996, as well as an 06 Wrangler 4 popper. Love them all for different reasons. Even my little 2.4ltr 06 could have run circles around that POS of a tin can. And my Cherokees would have just kept on going up hill!
I for one, as a huge Subaru fan, loved this video. It really demonstrates the advantages of a real 4x4 system that you can't get anywhere else, but also shows that Subaru's AWD is fully capable in plenty of moderate off-road situations.
Something people don't understand is that Subaru doesn't make the claim that their cars are meant for heavy duty off-roading. Keeping that in mind, the test shows exactly what is promised, and maybe moreso. The downsides of an AWD system vs. a 4x4 system are then positives for 85% of folks when on pavement.
But I do want a classic Cherokee now...
In the manual , they carefully say ALL ROAD cars, not OFF ROAD. It would have no issues going up the hill with a high torque cvt, where the engine isn't restricted. On the base models they clearly kill the engine power by software to protect the transmission. You can hear it isn't revving past 1500rpm and at 1500rpm that base engine has as much torque as a pencil sharpener.
I bet the old Subaru Brat from 2-3 decades ago could make it.
Lots of people keep saying that Subaru doesn’t claim that their vehicles are true off roaders. What about this video, clearly endorsed by Subaru? czcams.com/video/fofs6HcEO0U/video.html
This isn't "heavy duty off roading" especially here in Colorado. This video was a waste of time...He didn't want the Subie to make it up that little hill.
Amado Rodriguez : All very fair points. I didn’t know that the Forester was considered “much better” for off-roading than the Outback. My sense was that people claim them both to be equal. And I don’t know enough about the courses depicted in these videos to say whether one is more difficult than the other. But the rhetoric in the Forester video is clearly “Wow-this car can do nearly everything that those Jeeps can.”
You've got a selc-trac transfer case. Those are rare as hell on an XJ. The full-time 4x4 can be used on pavement because it doesn't lock the center diff. That's a super nice jeep. It ought to be in a museum. I hope you take care of it.
I have a 2018 OB 3.6 and took a rural coastal dirt road for over 20 miles that were in far worse conditions than this ... it performed AMAZINGLY well. We could have used a couple more inches of clearance for less stress but we never high-centered. A true test would be a 3.6 not a 4 cylinder IMO. Next try the 3.6. I'm getting an average of 25 mpg and live in a rural coastal village on windy roads. I LOVE my Subaru
Ppl HATED on you guys last time yelling you didnt turn traction control off.
Not much left to say now on that. The Outback just doesnt have that extra kick.
Shkotay D turning off traction control on a Subaru CVT doesn’t stop it from doing the same thing.
Thats the point - it still behaved exactly the same anyways. I was led to believe these were more spacious and could compete offroad with a cherokee trailhawk.
They may be more spacious and better on gas, but no way do they come close to the same offroad capacity.
The problem they have is that it's not a manual. The automatics pull power in situations like this when with a manual the computer sure as shit won't control that if you have all assist off. If they were to take a lifted wrx or sti up that it'd rock socks no issue. They're using the wrong vehicle.
They turned traction control off but not stability control.
@@rktrumble X-Mode is hurting this test. X-Mode is perfect for ice, but any slippage will cause traction control to be on steroids.Try again without X-mode in scenarios like this.
Probably 99% of Subbie buyers would never rock climb, lets be honest.They work really well in snow, the very reason they sell very well in snow country.I bought one living in the snowless south, comfort, dependability, gas mileage, cargo capacity and price made my choice. Not, off-roading.
agreed.. fun to test and try but not a valid test. perhaps the 3.6 engine in this test
They didn't get stuck on rocks. They got stuck on a dirt trail that looks just like Subaru Outback's marketing photos in which we're told it is "built to take you places you've never been". Not so much, Subaru, not so much. www.subaru.com/vehicles/outback/index.html
Yeah, wtf, the Cherokee has a V6, why not use the 6 cyl Outback
Subaru automatic transmissions SUCK!! If you want to buy Subaru buy a standard transmission. Mine blew at 100k fixing it costs more than the car itself.
Yeah, I feel like they've become like Top Gear was (and probably still is), where there is a predetermined script or conclusion they are trying to follow, and the tests aren't objective at all
That button next to xmode is called Hill Hold Assist. It's so you don't roll back when transitioning foot from brake to gas. Only is active when on an incline.
an amc eagle would be closer to the outback than the xj
AMC Eagles are super cool! It's the original crossover, well ahead of the times.
Had one. wish I never sold it lol
@@stevemunn7609
Im a mopar guy since the 70s , the only car/vehicle i have ever owned that wasnt was the eagle. It was a VERY COOL CAR/ CROSSOVER.
I specifically logged in to make this comment. My parents had one. Other than it being orange, it was awesome. I'd hoped to inherit it when I turned 16 but dad didn't hold on to it for me.
I had a 1984 eagle wagon. And numerous jeeps. The Subaru isn't even in the same class of "crossover" maybe closer to the eagle with half shafts.
When the new Ford Ranger comes out, I would like to see it vs a Chevy Colorado on Gold Mine Hill.
They would both easily make it, so it wouldn't really be much of a comparison.
Cliffhanger 2.0! :) I'm sure they will, if Ford will send them a Ranger.
Why not Miller Rock or T33A or Ironclads?
The Chevy would probably fall apart half way up.
That new Bronco is going to be awesome!!!
Keep making these videos TFLCar. No other reviewers have tested a Subaru like this and this is real world testing. Like you said, it's a great car but the stupid CVT ruins it. This is EXACTLY why Subaru doesnt give you cars anymore. Because they dont want this info out there. Not because you scratched the car. Obviously these cars aren't as capable as Subaru claims.
This guy took the words right out of my mouth. Any vehicle maker that's not willing to really put their vehicle through its paces before or after production they shouldn't be putting vehicles on the market.
Reviewers... maybe not. There however are a plethora of CVT Subaru videos right here on YT doing real world trails very similar to this right next to Jeeps and other offroad vehicles. I enjoyed this video and it points out a few things very well, but videos like this showing such a small amount of obstacles should really be taken with a grain of salt. I don't think Subaru has every claimed the Outback can overcome this specific obstacle and there are of course many obstacles that Subarus wont be able to complete for a handful of reasons.
HighjakSecondary Very well said. I’ve always loved Subaru’s for their go anywhere do anything aspect of them. But this video just confirms my fears of the new models. My aunt has a cross trek and in the winter she can’t get up her driveway even with snow tires because the traction control system bogs right down. Similar to this video. My VW with 4Motion goes right up with no issue at all (wheels spin). But no engine bogging. I really think Subaru needs to ditch the crappy CVTs they use and hopefully this bad publicity will help make them do it. (I hope this video goes viral on forums) Or at least if Subaru would offer a manual on all models. Imagine an Ascent with a manual hahahah. It’d be a monster.
CVT was number 1 reason why I ruled out Outbacks and the newest Foresters from my short list (that, and no low-range). I bought a 4runner instead and I'm very impressed with it so far. I still have my XJ Cherokee but it keeps overheating even after two new head gaskets and a completely new cooling system. 256,000 miles on it
In cases where wheel spin is needed you will definitely need to turn VDC off. That's just how the Subaru system operates. I wish it was more intuitive with the newer CVTs so anyone could just get in and turn the key, but that unfortunately doesn't appear to be the case with all of the new models. VDC is always trying to find traction and if wheel spin occurs the computer is going to take the throttle away.
Subaru is definitely not going to bring back the manual. They are simply outdated and don't sell. It's far more likely that Subaru would opt to improve the current CVT to make up for shortcomings which would not only retain the current MPG Subaru is getting with these, but also appease most of the market looking for autos. Subaru does have a "high torque" CVT that they use in all of the turbo cars. I'm curious how well this peforms in similar scenarios and if Subaru can put this or a similar improved model in the NAs.
Even so, I think we have to ask... how well does this CVT do in the grand scheme of off-roading with a much larger set of data points? How many people actually need a Subaru to overcome this obstacle to begin with? And is it Subaru's intent that this Outback should be able to overcome this obstacle in the first place?
The original "sport utility wagon" was the AMC EAGLE, which was an all wheel drive, unibody vehicle - AMC was very early out of the gate with unibodies and what they learned directly led to the AMC "XJ" Cherokee and Wagoneer. They also made a cool SX4 2-door.
Was hoping to see something actually difficult. But obviously the driver doesn’t have experience for this “stage 3” dirt road
Subaru is mad AF right now
Especially since it could have made it up that easily but these guys can't drive worth shit.
The Subaru is definitely a car.
What are u stupid it's a crossover aka suv
It's an unsubaru
@@TFLclassics Savage 😂😂😂😂
@@MichaelArtelle Well the Outback is built on the Legacy platform, which is also the car. I'm not sure about the Forester though.
Yep it’s a station wagon with larger tires. It’s on the Subaru Legacy platform. We used Subaru Outbacks and Legacy’s for company cars for years.
If you apply slight break pressure while your differentials are slipping (peg legging) it will help transfer power to the tires slipping, this has helped me out many times with open diffs.
Not sure if anybody answered your question yet, but "that button" in the Subaru engages a parking brake-based hill start assist. It works quite well on uneven terrain. I used it a lot in a rental Outback in Wyoming - whenever you stop on uneven terrain and remain stopped for a couple seconds, the hill start assist engages the parking brake (it seemed like a four-wheel parking brake) to keep the car stationary without having to shift into park which would obviously stress the transmission. On tough terrain I would actually leave the car running and get out with the hill start assist engaged to survey my surroundings. The car just sat there with the parking brake engaged. I didn't get a good idea of how to disengage it though - sometimes it would automatically disengage when I pressed the throttle again, but I believe on steeper hills it actually requires you to hold the service brake and disengage the parking brake manually.
How I wish you guys could import a Suzuki Jimny and take it up that trail.
14:37 I like how Tommy is talking into the radio as he's walking by his dad...lol
It snowed 3" a couple of days ago and became unusually slippery. I'm the happy owner of a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 3.3L with 4wd and a CVT transmission. It got almost all the way up a long driveway/hill and slowed to a stop. I had the pedal floored, the traction control light was flashing, and engine making noises. When I got off the gas and pressed the brake peddle it started sliding back down the hill. I found that ABS and TC don't engage when you're going backwards. This vehicle is surprisingly quick when the engine, and the electric motor, and the 4wd all kick in... on dry or wet! But the Highlander literally cut power to the wheels when I needed it most under snowy icy conditions.
Jeep Cherokee XJ all the way. It’s a beast !!!
Hi good test
can you please do the same test with an old Subaru :)
I do believe an older Subie, one without all the computer controlled stuff, would do as well or better than the Jeep.
but may do better than new Subaru
*with an old Subaru with a torque converter automatic
My father had a 83 Subaru GL wagon. It had selectable 4wd with hi and low range. Find one of those for your test and it will be apples to apples test.
quadracer392 those are sick! Too bad they didn't still offer something like that.
This is very interesting demonstration and indeed your efforts are appreciated. Great as always.
i think that outback saw more off roading in this video then every outback in my city
Turn traction control off, then put it in manual mode and use the paddle shifters. When put in manual mode the pressure on the plates in the cvt is increased. Meaning you will be able to put all the power to the wheels that’s not slipping. When off-roading an outback always remember to turn off traction control and use manual mode!!
I wanna see a crosstrec with a 6 speed go up that hill. Please make this happen Subaru and TFLCAR
Next time PLEASE PROVE you have turned off the traction control. My 2010 forester 5sp manual acted just like this until you push the button (which is says to do in the manual when off road) then it will climb up a brick wall. Very capable SOFT ROADER.
The biggest problems here were 9000 ft elevation combined with the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder. And I get it, the CVT didn’t do anything help either lol. Also... XMode should be off and you probably need to use the “manual” mode for that situation, but maybe still not make it because of power/elevation. My ‘15 Outback with 2.5 liter and A/T tires is hella capable at 3500 ft where I live. That hill at my elevation would be easy peasy. Solid!
I feel like it would have been more fair if you used an Outback with the 3.6 H6 and not the 2.5. Also the gen of Outback before this one, with the 3.6H came with a 5 speed auto and not a CVT.
I was saying that myself the 3.6r would have done it. Far more power and torque from that engine.
Yup, Every "Lets see what the Outback can do" video uses the 2.5 Subi VS. a V-6/V-8 [Brand X]
@@tomtalker2000 Indeed. The 3.6 has a larger (stronger CVT) @ 247 lb-ft. torque. The 2.5 has 174 ft -pd of torque
The XJ is a straight six
Dan what’s you point? I’m saying the comparison is not fair because of the engine displacement. Either use a 2.5 i4 XJ vs 2.5 i4 outback, or use 4.0 i6 XJ vs 3.6 h6 outback. Does that make sense?
As a Subaru owner I have done some off roading that would make people cringe seeing done in a new car. The traction control is the problem. It’s not lack of power or the cvt. You have to remove the fuse for the VDC to actually turn traction control off. It’s the single most intrusive system on the planet. If you want to test this find something loose or slippery and attempt to spin with the traction control off, you’ll notice the light kicks on in order to prevent slippage. Everything we’re complaining about is what makes a Subaru fantastic in winter conditions. But to test the true capabilities of its awd you have to eliminate the VDC.
it's far from fantastic in snow. We live in New England. Our neighbors live on the same hill we do. They had an Outback, we had a Grand Cherokee. Come snow, we'd make it, and they'd not. Same road, same conditions, everybody's on whatever tired the cars were sold on.
How about the AMC Eagle as among the first SUV's! Also when spinning a tire off camber with an open diff, use the brakes with more gas! It might help! As for the subaru it might take longer for the computer to sort things out without without fiddeling with everything else?
That's actually how x mode works. The reason the tires in the air are not spinning is the x mode system is applying the brakes on those wheels allowing power to transfer to the wheel in contact with the ground. A relatively simple and cheap solution compared to adding a limited slip diff.
@@k2cyclops162 Why they did not give more time to the computer to do it's work as it should not be spinning wheels?
I would say a 4runner vs. cherokee is more appropriate
Gen 2 or a Gen 3 would be good. I have a 2000 4Runner but always liked, and still do like the XJ. One of the last great Jeeps made IMO. Both the T4R and XJ hold their value well when they're in good condition.
What makes a crossover is unibody. 4runner is a body on frame truck. I can say primary rear wheel drive is a 4x4 and primary front wheel drive is a all wheel drive, so yes, not a fair comparison.
Scott K. Xjs don’t hold value at all
Toyota wins
Why not an offroad battle with an outback & a ford focus wagon ?
Target same market .. for groceries shopping !
The AMC Eagle would be the first true crossover (From an American manufacturer) built
That button is just hooked up to a big counter at Subaru that’s keeping track of how many people actually try to take a Subaru Outback off road...so far 1
lol we have quite a large group that has modified subies for offroad...
Yeah, huge amounts of work required to modify them for off road. I can see doing that if you're some kind of car nerd that likes silly projects like that. Other than that, I don't see the point. What's so great about a subie that would make you work so hard to make it off road ready?
Sure, because people never spend lots of money to upgrade Jeeps, right? ;)
work=/money
Welding and fab modifications for the differentials. No thanks. Also, equal input of money and effort the Jeep will still do better.
right except with some pretty easy modifications the Subaru can do most things except rock crawling and when you have to go back on pavement its so much better than a jeep. really just changing out the wheels and tires gets you half way there
For the testing you were planning on it probably would have been a good idea to get the H6 motor, and I wonder how it would have done if you didn't use the X mode and the other button, and just put it in manual mode with the traction control off to see if that would help make it climb?
I was thinking the same thing....H6 vs. I6. Or compare to a 2.5l 4 cylinder Cherokee, same size engine. Let's remember the Cherokee is 300 plus pounds lighter!
Tires: These tires are not comparable (hey kid (I apologize for the 'kid' label, but I couldn't remember his name) similar size does not mean that they perform the same off-road). Yes they are both All Season tires but that is where the similarities end, and yes they are both aggressive but for different reasons/uses. The Jeep is using Michelin LTX Defender M/S (mud/snow) Highway All Seasons made for on-road and light off-road use (made for gravel, mud, snow). The Subaru is using Bridgestone Dueler H/P (highway/passenger) Sport Touring All Seasons which are made for better street handling and not made for any off-road use.
Look at the closeup of the chunky Jeep Michelin tread. No it's not chunky compared to true off-road tread, but much more so than the Subaru Bridgestones. Tire Rack even has off-road ratings for the Michelin LTX Defender M/S tires, it does not have off-road ratings for the Bridgestone Dueler H/P tires (because it is not made for off-road use).
Glenn S You’re not wrong per se but your point is moot. There is no tire tread pattern on this planet that would put the Subaru anywhere near the Jeeps off-road ability.
In the scenario of this video, tires really don't matter that much. They're on pretty solid dirt, providing good traction. Now, if they were going through some loose packed sugar sand or mud, then the tires would really come into play. I've gone through stuff worse than they did with completely bald tires on my Cherokee and didn't have too many issues.
The tire that had traction wasn't spinning so it is not a tire issue but a power delivery one. Putting the power down on the wheel with good traction.
However, if they didn't turn traction control off, this is what happens. It powers through fine if you turn off TC. There are plenty of videos out there that show you how to drive these cars.
I agree, I just can't believe people that put out such a big CZcams car show are so ignorant.
Is this really a CVT issue or is the awd system failing to power the wheels? Amazing video btw keep doing comparisons like this one. Thanks!!!
How soon before that CVT blows itself apart? My wife and I have a 2016 and its CVT has already been an issue.
I have is Subaru Impreza that is a 2012 with a hundred and thirty thousand miles on it
Oh do tell
@@johnburkard3121 that's pre-cvt.
My 2013 Outback with a CVT has 130,000 miles, and so far, the transmission has held up fine.
15:44 - what is happening here is quite simple. The outback has a feature that limits throttle and prevents wheelspin which is on by default. There is a button that looks like it disables anti-skid , but what it really does is allow for wheelspin. I have a 2015 outback myself and believe me , this little obstacle is nothing. Put the CVT in first "gear" (yes , really), enable X-mode (or try without) and disable VDC (anti-skid) and it should get up that bit easily..... Traction control can't be off unless it works differently on newer Outbacks.
Thanks Svein, this sounds like the answer. To be honest, a bit surprised the TFL guys weren't a bit more buttoned up with the comparison test. That said, the video was still entertaining.
I used to do quite a bit of bushwhaking in my old power wagon in my younger days and it was my experience that the only time the low range was an appropriate selection was if you were pulling something extremely heavy. Now in fairness my truck was a four speed manual, but any hill climbing i did successfully was done in four wheel high, the low range option just produced way too much torque and thus wheel spin. My old power wagon was an absolute beast for any task asked of it, especially snow plowing with the limited slip differentials front and back, durable and reliable.
I tested these buttons in a rental outback I had for a week. The X-mode is used to get out of snow (it limits wheel spin, similar to starting from 2nd gear. It shuts off by itself after going 20 mph) the second button is for limiting roll back from starting at an incline.
Drove 5 people and luggage up San Francisco Hills, Yosemite Park, sequoia national park and Grand Canyon with very steep hills - the car has a lot of power.
X-mode works great downhill as well...It applies the rear parking brake as you travel downhill... I used it in the hilly streets of Eureka Springs Arkansas...
I believe you must try it on a manual transmission Subaru.
Or with a 3.6r model. More power and torque with that one.
And they need to do the locking center diff switch mod. No new parts required, just a switch to trick the front/rear balance system to lock the center diff. Without that Subaru's aren't much use offroad(and they can seriously damage equipment in the transmission with wheelspin which happens when you don't have the switch mod)
I see lots of comments about 2 fails from the subie: 4 pot and CVT. Ummm...and the Eclipse Cross made it up to stage 3? 🤔
Why an outback and not a Forester?
Why an XJ and not an Eagle?
@@KC9UDX and Eagle Talon?
@@neverstopz9045 a Mitsubishi? Eeww
Wrong eagle. He means AMC eagle. Check one out.
How could the Forester be anymore capable then the Outback. Considering it's the same AWD system in both vehicles.
I love to see that father and son share the same taste for cars and outdoors. Wish my kid someday like my own hobbies too. Keep up with the videos I love them.
That button you pushed hold the hill for you
I'm curious how it would have been between that Cherokee and the 2009-2013 subaru outback/forester which has the four speed automatic instead of the CVT but no X mode.
The Subaru might do better than the '18, but it still isn't ever keeping up with an XJ. That 4.0L is a low end torque monster.
I had a 1982 Subaru gl it had hi and low 4wd, it was a beast, wish I still had it.
I don't like CVTs, but I have several ATVs with them, along with a geared 5 speed ATV. The CVT is NOT Subaru's main deficiency.
The CVT is less a problem compared to the lack of a Hi/Lo range. The CVT would be fine if a Lo range permitted the car to be under load at near stall speed (~1 mph) with the engine running, say 2500 RPM, and then under light load, the CVT would spool up to ~5mph at 2000 RPM . Also, there is no good substitute for locking differentials.
Yep, locking differentials would do the trick. Unfortunately the only Subaru which can simulate them in a driver controlled way is an STI with far less ground clearance.
Always wondered how far they could potentially go if Foresters were made like STI's, but with more ground clearance, a snorkel and better off road tires.
I remember older atmospheric Subaru Outbacks having a high/low range gear switch of sorts though.
Also, honestly, I would probably not use X-Mode for hill climbing, but for level mud or descent. Then again, I may be totally wrong about that.
A bit more power and torque ould be nice as well. I have seen Subarus go up slopes like that, but they were driven by experienced off road drivers - not sure how much of a difference that'd make nowadays, but I'd say it will help at least.
I think the world deserves to see you guys give it a go after pulling the abs fuse along with any other traction control fuses
But they shouldn't have to do that in order to get it to do some simple off-roading.
I also believe that there is a 'snow mode' enabled by the traction control button... that would be worth a try/test.
@@KeyboardWarrior101st I think Subaru is clear that their traction controls are designed more for inclimate weather. Not for mountains and rock climbing. But disable it completely and I bet you have a completely different animal.
Very disappointing. My opinion of Subaru just went way down. What's the point of that awd system if it can't handle that. I don't think that was an extreme test at all. It's good for going to the mall.
97KORBEN awd is not created to climb hills. subaru state that is a safety featured when driving in rough conditions. over the years people loved to drive their subie to mountains etc..
Hahaha I laugh at you for even thinking Subaru is even good. Jeep is the best!
ShitBaru
BsOnK1969 Um, you should probably check their website. Many statements and references to its “Go-Everywhere capability”....
BsOnK1969
I thought the “X” mode would help a little more. I figured that and traction control off would work. There have been plenty of other awd vehicles that passed that test.
I do not understand why SO many people (like 95%) of Outback buyers choose the anemic 4 cylinder with a “whooping” 175hp in a car, no a wagon, no an SUV, no a Crossover...whatever the Hell it is! It’s an AWD wagon keep it a secret.... anyway why choose, better yet Subaru why make a vehicle, an AWD one at that with only 175hp and even more important way less than 200ft lbs of torque! In a “vehicle” that weights almost 4000lbs! It’s slug slow even with it’s insanely steep gear ratios. I just picked up a 2018 H6. 3.6R with 256hp and that’s more like it! Great flat 6, nice torque, and the limited is loaded! It’s got more technology than my Audi A6. Ground clearance is insane! Almost 9” and with Subaru’s legendary symmetrical AWD system no snow storm is even going to challenge this thing. I wish it had a normal gearbox instead of the dreaded CVT they put into everything these days. At least it does a fantastic job of faking behaving like a conventional gearbox complete with “gear changes” and 😂 paddle shifters.....in a CVT Oi Vey.
Have you ever tested an Outback against a Forester? I'd like to see a comparison of the two and their off road capabilities.
Wish you could test the manual Crosstek
Ask SUBARU to give them the car.
Roman said that he hates the manual in the Crosstrek. I personally would much rather have the manual.
Actually, the CVT has been shown (on the forums) to be the better choice for offroading. The CVT gives you a better (lower) gear, and the clutch on the manual just isn't up to tougher climbing situations.
Crosstrek has barely enough power in local driving.....Going uphill in altitude would most likely end in epic fail
@@jedironin380 absolutely not. The cvt cuts power.. the manual is 50 50 non stop. Only people who can't drive stick say that
I just watched RalliTEKs video on their 2018 outback and it faced more challenging obstacles than these. Something ain't right.
RalliTEK uses Modified subarus This is stock
A spring/spacer and tires, those don't cause this much of a difference. The two videos are like night and day.
I saw that video too. It Looked cool, but honestly it's not the right tool for the job. The engine and tranny in that thing did NOT sound happy, and it took way to long to do each obstacle. I would HATE to be stuck behind that on the trail. With that car, on that type of terrain, just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. I would also worry about long time longevity of the drivetrain under that type of use.
RalliTEK still has the same stock powertrain, nothing modified on the engine or CVT... the assertion of this video is that the Subaru can't do anything off-road because of the CVT. Clearly, that's not the whole story. TFL is clearly butthurt by Subaru not loaning them any more of their vehicles for their money-making video channel and they are more than happy to stick it to them in this video.
I just watched the TalliTEX vedios. They have a car with a little bit of life and they are selling undercarriage protection. THey didn't seem to mind at all bouncing that thing off obstacles. This video shows a stock car, driven by the owner, taken to the limit he's comfortable.
Turn x mode off and stability control off. Seriously read the damn Manuel first. Fail review.
They don't know how to read.
Real man font read the manual lmao! On the first try anyways
This isn’t the first time they’ve butchered on off-road review. They are wannabe off-roaders, probably own new wranglers but don’t actually know anything about off-roading.
Manual** Seriously read the dictionary :-)
As a fellow Coloradan, this video made me cringe.
The original "crossover" or "sport utility wagon" was the AMC eagle. It hurt my brain every time I heard the Subaru Outback commercials mention "the world's first sport utility wagon."
I hate the cvt. I have a 2011 outback with a manual and it with go just about anywhere I want to.
Jeep is Awarded for their off-road ability, let’s leave it to them
Lol
My 07 Forester SG would’ve wiped the floor with both of these cars
50% of the vehicles that have made it are Jeeps. That really does say something. Only in a Jeep baby, only in a Jeep.
I wish ford didn’t discontinue the bronco. I would like to have seen a 90s bronco comparison as well
@@itsjoeman5757 I owned a 96 bronco it is too big for small trails. That being said if the bronco had room it would go anywhere. The jeep is a better size.
Honestly, please redo this video. First read the owners manual. Look at the functions, the factory recommendations and try it again. Please....
what do you mean?
Tim czcams.com/video/JuuUusoXqiU/video.html
I was thinking the same thing, I've ridden with my brother in his outback on just as bad of roads. He drove like it was a normal street.
No need. The Subaru just doesn't have the torque at the proper rpm mated to a transmission that would pass it to the wheels. That engine and drivetrain are garbage.
Well, I just crossed the Subaru Ascent off my list of possibilities. No turbo or CVT for me.
toulouse666 Torbo Ascent would help here with the elevation and added power. Also supposidly it can tow up to 5k lbs, vs. this Outback is rated at 1.5 or 2k. So, I'd definetly be interested in seeing what it does. Yet these guys can't get a hold of one without buying it.And I don't think that is happening anytime soon.
toulouse666, I'm well aware of the differences between the Outback and Ascent. You're missing my point. My concern is with a turbo engine and CVT. I'm hesitant to get any vehicle with a turbo because I don't think turbo engines have the longevity of non turbos. And the Ascent is the biggest 3 row crossover Subaru has ever made. This very heavy SUV is propelled with a 4 cylinder engine and it's a brand new engine for Subaru. . I understand Subaru is trying to satisfy EPA fuel economy standards while giving the Subaru competitive towing capacity. But I'm very concerned with a 4 cylinder turbo on this big vehicle. And the problems with CVTs are well known. This test with the Outback only adds to the negative history of CVTs. I had recently read that CVTs have greatly improved. Obviously not. And this particular test was off road. Off road capability was one of the main reasons I was considering the Subaru Ascent. The failure with the CVT in this test was the deciding factor for me eliminating the Ascent from consideration.
thats true but subaru has been doing turbos for much longer that the rest of the industry the main thing is these cars are not meant to go off road, the awd is meant for on road conditions
malavpatel77, Well then you'd better inform Subaru of that. Because every commercial I've ever seen Subaru touts its AWD system in an attempt to appeal to active people encouraging them to take their Subarus off pavement. It's clearly not a rock crawler but every commercial shows a Subaru churning up dirt roads.
Outback is a lifted legacy estate. Somebody parked a outback behind my levorg. The resemblance was more than you could imagine. Still levorg is actually built on the smaller wrx, not the legacy estate.
Love those old pre 1996 body style Cherokee's. Nice body style, gorgeous sounding big inline-6. Tons of low-end torque. So rare to see now. Oh the good ol' days.
THANK YOU, the Outback is now a crossover. It stopped being a wagon in the 4th gen
That button doesn't make the car role back..if you're on a steep hill,and you let go of the breaks it stays still and wont role back..
Cheers from Yemen
THIS IS NOT A CVT ISSUE!!! (The CVT should not be shifting at all with this test.{It should STAY in LOW gear}) Perhaps you should learn a little more about the Subaru AWD system. For example, by sliding the shifter from "D" into "M".. this specifically reprograms the computer to help the vehicle get moving from a stop under low-traction conditions. (higher RPMs, lower gearing, and different AWD algorithm) OH- and I am pretty sure that 'funny button' is the hill-hold feature which uses the parking brake every time you stop on an incline.
^ get this guy to do the test
This is why I keep my 94 Cherokee it still rips in the snow and mud lol
Hill Start Assist. Essentially it activates the parking brake when you come to a complete stop on an incline, then keeps you from rolling backwards when you start again.
Man so much talking. Just go up the trail and show us what happens. Goodness.
12:00 do you not have an owners manual??
My 2002 Outback H6 will do all of that no problem. No doubt.
Crossovers would actually be respectable if they had at least a solid rear axle, longer travel, and at least a 6 cylinder engine with proper 4wd
I'm in 1000% support of you guys. Subaru doesn't want to help? Let's roast the crap out of them. Keep finding problems and I'm sure Subarus marketing team will make a second guess as of whether or not they want you guys to have cars. Keep this up!!
That's just stupid. Subaru is not a total off road vehicle and not designed to go on roads like this. Many AWD vehicles wouldn't make this. Try this with Nissan, Toyota, etc. Same thing.
Roma12 they did the same climb with a Mitsubishi with a CVT transmission same as Subaru .
Relax. Jeez. AWD is not the same as 4WD. Why is this news to anyone with half a brain? Subaru is for the snow. Jeep is for the trail.
Ron Thompson to each his own. I live in seacoast area of New Hampshire USA. I do have an all wheel drive and a 4 wheel drive. I’ll take the 2016 Ford Explorer 4x4 high all day long over my AWD cvt Crossover. In terms of handing in snowstorm. We get nor’easter snow storms of 6-18”+ and the 4 wheel drive eats the snow up. Lighter 2-4” or 3-6” snow the crossover does ok. I Tried blowing thru a 2-3’ drift at the end of my driveway in AWD no dice we had to Dig it out over 1 hour. 4x4 blew right thru it on the way to the pick up a pizza since they were not delivering that snowy day.
NHseacoast interesting for sure. You’re right, you have to go off your own experiences. For one, I’ve never had any problems plowing through that much snow in an outback. And otherwise, reliability and safety are equally if not more important to me. Subaru ticks all those boxes. That can’t be said for hardly any other brand.
I had a XJ for 6 years, a WJ for 2 years (still have it) And I bought a new 17 Outback, I can say in SNOW and slippery stuff where Gear Ratio and etc doesn't matter, the Subaru is hands down more capable. For hills and ruts and more off-road stuff, the Jeeps are better for sure. But TFL cannot seem to spin the tires in the Outback... I can spin the tires with traction control turned OFF. This is just weird seeing this.
I think they should turn off Xmod, or maybe disable the traction control after enabling Xmod. i don't know also for me it looks strange. But it's also a new car, maybe is a break-in period and the car is tuned less aggressively.
Yeah something is not right, I have one and have wheeled it pretty good. Maybe they need to find a local Subaru guru to show them how to drive it. Because of the "whatever this button is", that makes the test results invalid.
Next time Im out in the sticks with Scoobie... Im going to see what x-mode vs non x-mode really does. I'm pretty sure X-Mode just acted a bit more like hill descent control and let the CVT rev higher at slower speeds. It might be messing with traction control as well.
Subaru is Gay...Weak gay transmission,gutless engine, etc..... Hahaha
Thanks guys, great video! Both are great vehicles. I have a Subaru Outback and love it. It's truly the best for most any "road" condition. If I ever want to climb a mountain, I would take a Jeep CJ.
Guys, this is a great video. You are both really entertaining and it is obvious that you know and love your car stuff. You are a great pair together. And stage 3 is a genuine test. Any criticism is just the subaru fanbois and the envious. Thanks for the show.