2020 Subaru Outback XMode Offroad and Snow Test
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- Ryan takes the 2020 Subaru Outback Touring edition on the Rock Trail offroad course to see how well Symmetrical All Wheel Drive with X Mode performs. Then it's off to higher elevations to test how it works in tricky, icy snow.
“Mistakes are the portals of discovery” - James Joyce (para.)
#offroad #subaru #snow
Production Note: The access road to our most challenging off-road element, the Cross-Cut Climb, is unfortunately closed for the season. (Blocked by a 20-foot pile of snow with the connector only open for skiing and snowmobiles through the spring.)
Equipment used to make this video:
Sony A7III amzn.to/2TzSgs6
Sony 24-105mm f/4 amzn.to/37ar1bC
Sony RX0II (in-car camera) amzn.to/2NCfWbp
Rode Go Wireless mic amzn.to/364zLP5
GoPro amzn.to/2RrdNjT
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What I love about the Outback is that it's just as comfortable on the highway as it is on deep snow and rocky terrain. It really is very versatile and the 8.7-inch ground clearance is really wonderful since it's both not so tall like SUVs where they are hard to get into and out of and it is not so low that it can't clear a couple inches of snow. Truly a great all-around vehicle
Then that means you have never driven a Lexus RX350 or GX460 or LX570.....or any other Lexus models.... I highly recommend you to try a Lexus
@@Aikynbreusov not getting nearly as much for your money.
POV: We need to have a trim on the 2021 Outback that does not impose going through a touch screen menu deep dive to activate | deactivate modes & essential functions. IMHO physical buttons and a minimal info screen are way better to ensure that the driver is able to optimally operate the vehicle. Also, that screen is a potential single point of failure; no screen, no controls, game over VS a cracked plastic button that you can replace (or MacGyver if you have to) yet still keep on going with your adventures. Last, if you're in the beauty of the mountains, the best entertainment is the amazing beauty of nature, no need for a giant "infotainment" screen. Don't get me wrong, tech is awesome but not when its features negate the intended benefits of the whole it is part of.
Great insight about the single point of failure. No screen, no controls, game over! Now that you've made me aware of that design flaw, I'm rethinking my choice of my next new vehicle. Why don't car manufactures understand this?
Technology is just to much. Big screen cool, dual climate cool but adaptive cruise, traction control even lane assist I don't really want or need
Late to the party. Also tech gets outdated so fast. So something that looked cool today. Will like dated tomorrow. Love actual buttons.
They are "forced" by the trend/ competition/ market...even though Subaru has a special type of customers...they should stick to their style. I think Forester kept more of a functional inside...The sad thing is that in Europe they come "only" with the 169/ 150 hp, gasoline...below even aspirated 2.5 Mazda, which has around 190.
Ryan you are one of the few best reviewers, you mention important things in details that a potential buyer should know and you explain well some tech aspects of cars, I really enjoyed your video where you teach in an easy and understandable way how the AWD works
Was anyone else admiring how beautiful the landscape is? 😍
love how you tested it the way it would come off the showroom floor, gives perspective for those who don't live in snowy climates to see how capable our cars are. Excited to see where this channel goes.
I've just put Yokohama Geolander G015's on my 2016 Outback, size 235/60 R18. Amazing difference in traction off-road compared to the factory fitted Bridgestone Dueller H/P Sport tyres and still very quiet and capable on-road. The all-wheel-drive system from Subaru is now quite mature and negotiates some difficult terrain down here in Australia with considerable ease. An amazing car as Subaru never claims to be an outright 4WD manufacturer.
7:00 is what I came here to see. Stuck in the snow. Turn on x-mode. Drive out like it isn't there. Amazing.
Christmas Eve I went in the mountains with my 2018 Crosstrek and played in the snow. I had a very similar experience with x-mode.
Yes sir !
lordneeko, That’s why we drive Subaru’s 😄
One time my dad left the parking brake on in our Subaru Outback 2020 and it was icy outside. He revved the gas but forgot that the brake was on so he turned on x mode to get out. It actually over-rid the brake and it moved. X mode is powerful!
Awesome video, crystal clear without shaking
I appreciate everything about this video. I just bought a 2019 Forester and got stuck in less snow than your test drive run. What I noticed was that my 2014 stock tires outperformed those of my 2019. This video should be shown at every Subaru dealership within the context of 'Yes this vehicle has x-mode, but it also has crappy stock BB rated tires', there are a few techniques you will need to know when driving out of the city'. Thank you for the video!
Dang it, you nailed it again. Such fun to see you tackle a relatively serious off-road situation with the Outback. Perhaps not Jeep serious, but more than I'll ever need, fingers crossed.
That's an excellent and educational demonstration. Thanks for putting it together!
I like your videos alot. They seem un biased and factual, which i like. I also like how you really test the limits and show what a vehicle can and cant do. I dont want to say i bought my 2019 forester sport based entirely on your review but it sure helped me decide and i have zero regrets! Thanks for your thoughtful attention and effort you put in your work! 👍🏻
One time my dad left the parking brake on in our Subaru Outback 2020 and it was icy outside. He revved the gas but forgot that the brake was on so he turned on x mode to get out. It actually over-rid the brake and it moved. X mode is powerful!
Best video I've seen on Outback traction testing, thanks
Me too, I don't like the whole Tesla style tablet inside which is why I wouldn't buy it but it's pretty capable.
@@Karen-pl8kd You have to be dumb as hell to turn down a vehicle(any vehicle) because of the orientation of it's infotainment display. I've heared people refusing second hand BMW from 2008 because it didn't have navigation, even though back then navi was terrible and he would never use it even if it had, because Google Maps and Waze are light years ahead. Very shallow people roam the earth these days.
@Johnny Michael
Yes.
I´m also not a big fan of that touchscreen, but the only reason i will not buy one is lack of money... :(
Excellent video Ryan. I was waiting all week for it and it did not disappoint. Nor did the Outback disappoint! Thank you and happy holidays.
I saw every tire rotate when you were stuck, impressive vehicle!
When you are on extremely slippery surfaces, that is what will happen with an open differential. As far as the differential is concerned, equally slippery is the same as equally grippy. Both wheels will turn. It is when one wheel has traction and the other does not, then only one wheel will spin.
@@Dave-ek2jx my point is there was not enough traction to move the vehicle. I've seen some vehicles where the front two are moving when stuck and only one rear is moving. That proves that the car cannot provide enough power to the stopped wheel to move the car forward through its traction control system with the open diffential.
@@kartboarder22g17 I wasn't trying to shoot you down or attack you or anything like that. Some people might not know what they are seeing, so I was throwing my two cents out there.
For the record, what you described sounds less like lack of power getting through traction control and more like an open differential working how it is intended. If traction control were the issue, the wheels would likely still spin, all be it haltingly. (Depends on the TC technology, I suppose.)
Kartboarder, Yes the AWD system in Subaru’s are the BEST in the business. All car manufacturers are trying hard to achieve what Subaru has
Very impressive. These off road reviews are the best, thank you!
I'm a fan of Subaru - great test of the Outback in multiple terrains and conditions. I learned a few things from you about off-road driving - great job!
this is the best video in youtube about test drive of vehicles off road
Well that will be as much as we ever will go on a trail or the mountains so it does speak very well to the car’s capabilities. Great video to show it off!
I have a 2017 Outback (6 cylinder) and I've never needed to use X-Mode until last week (1/16/24) when the front hill of my 1/10th mile long driveway was a literal sheet of ice! WOW! It truly works! I am so impressed with my Outback. This car handles like a dream!
I think this new Outback will shout the mouth of CVT haters saying CVT can't handle power to the wheels. Very impressed how it does the Outback! Great video mate!
Baltazar Campos Nieto it was never the cvt to begin with was all in Subaru’s programming they’ve finally nailed it.
It amazing how much they've improved xmode from the last several iterations.
More like shiterations
@@turtletube Aw, look a subaru wannabe.
@@turtletube 😐
Awesome vídeo Mr. Douhit. Eventhough I do not have snow in my country, the trick on using the second gear is an off road technique that I will have in mind whenever stuck in mud. Thank you very much.
IT's a CVT, there is no second gear, just holds the revs higher before letting the belt expand on the clutch.... which was a bad move in this case.
I'm a simple man, I see Subaru and I clicked
Me too lol
100%
Very good video and nice tip about breaking "quickly", to hold vehicle in place before putting into 2nd gear (did not know you could do that on Subaru). 👍
I did not even know it was a thing you can do, glad I just found that out.
Great job Ryan - I always look forward to your reviews - lotsa camera angles, great insights and credible experience all mixed in with your fun sense of humour.
These videos are amazing. Between one of the videos on your channel and the roller test video’s, I canceled my order for the new RAV4 and we ended up with an 2020 outback. Couldn’t be happier with the AWD performance. My wife now have a sense of confidence which would have otherwise been ‘false’ with the AWD Rav4
Great demonstration thanks! Pretty amazing for stock tires. People in the snow belt smart enough to fit true snows should be good to go. We know it's all about the tires in these conditions but this is definitely next level stuff.
With a decent awd system all seasons will pretty much handle any snow unless it's like a foot deep
@@rams3955 While it may, pretty much handle snow, as shown by the video, there is no substitute for dedicated snows.You will stop , go and turn way better. Dedicated snows will even handle icy conditions better. I have a second set of wheels for winter for two of my 4 Subaru's . One is a 2001 Forester Auto with no real fancy systems. It's a beast in the snow. In a snow storm it will out handle my 2013 Outback, 2010 Legacy 3.6R or 2019 Impreza with All Seasons.
@@PeatyR yes dedicated snow tires will be better but as someone who lives in upstate NY and has gone thru many a winters with 2wd and all seasons u don't really need them unless you suck at driving lol. And it's just a pain and expensive to swap tires out 2x a year
@@rams3955 I grew up in the snow belt too, also lived though only having RWD and survived. I think it's smarter to have snows. Some of us think it's worth the effort. I swap my own tires. It's not just about the winter but in the summer I can have summer rubber which is better than All seasons. The problem is it's people that aren't good drivers but think they are that end up in trouble. Here in KS we get 2 inches of snow and people freak out and
you don't have enough fingers to count the SUV's spun out in the median on the way to work.
Good video. I see the usual "need better tires" comments from people who fail to realize a simple fact. The better tires will definitely help but most people will not be swapping tires on their Subaru or other SUV, especially people in US. This test is good example of how majority of owners will use this car. To prevent comments like these I would suggest a better test - use rollers under wheels in different configuration, this way you can simulate loss of traction in individual wheels while allowing other wheels to still have traction, you do not need to swap tires or drive far away to do this, it would be a perfect test for AWD system for all cars you test.
I agree only those who live in northern states or mountains actually buy winter tires. Here in the Mid Atlantic we get out share of snow storms and icy weather but I'd guess maybe only 10 percent of Subaru owners will get winter tires
I watched and liked this video when you initially posted it. I’ve since purchased this exact spec/color “March 2021” and came back to watch it again. Really appreciate all you work my friend
Love you videos . They really show you using the car the way most people would.
I actually enjoyed this video. Everyone dumps on the CVT but for this test, it did just fine. Impressive!!!
Thanks Ryan Douthit
CVT still sucks though.
The thing is it is not durable...
For a bit more grip when stuck like that, steer left and right repeatedly in a sawing motion to get as much traction from the fronts as possible. If the sides of the wheel can get a bit of bite, just that little bit extra grip will probably be enough to get you out..
To add to the stuck conundrum, if you're able to get to a peak on the rocking, it's best to power brake.
This means, brake, while pushing down the accelerator. Then quickly release foot off brake and when you hit the peak (front or back) slam on brake to hold position. Hold brake while switching to opposite direction and press accelerator building good torque and then release foot off brake quickly. Living at 10k foot elevation with frequent winds here we get compacted snow all the time. For us here, that means you may find yourself on a thick crust of snow one minute only to break through and lose all traction the next. With the powdery snow underneath you tend to find yourself in this exact position many times during our winters.
Further, I have found in both our 2020 impreza and 2020 outback that moving the steering left and right tends to help activate each wheel power cycle and help traction.
Hope this helps!
Great video!
It should say something about Subaru's AWD system that it did that well on some stock economy all season tires.
All AWD systems are essentially the same..
@@kingchakazulu7762 lolwat? There are currently about 12 different types of AWD systems. All of them vary between manufacturers and vehicles. Not to mention the differences between the computers that control them. Subaru itself is currently using 4 different AWD configurations for the 2020 model year.
Subaru will always be one of the best because of how their engines are always mounted inline thus "symmetrical". This allows for the most efficient distribution of power to each axle and wheel.
@@kingchakazulu7762 not at all. audis awd and subarus awd are different. Hondas SHawd and subarus are different. just because all 4 tires rotate doesnt mean theyre the same.
@@kingchakazulu7762 everyone in the industry knows that the AWD System found in the 2009 Toyota Sienna is *essentially* the same as the Active Drive 2 AWD system found in the trail rated Jeep Cherokee. Wat?
@@tubemember21, Oh okay, i was wondering about Toyota and Jeep, smh, Wat?
I pick up my Outback Xt Onyx first thing tomorrow morning...AND IT"S GOING TO SNOW.
Sorry in advance for the stereo. It sounds like a car stereo from the 80s! (Unless you got the RF option for $600)
@@rite2beararms Mine sounds AMAZING. Even if it didn't, my best friend owns one of the biggest car audio shops here in NY. I'm not worried, this thing is loaded.
This testing mostly tells me the standard all season tires are crap in snow and ice. That is why I would get Blizzacks or X-ice for winter driving.
My 2020 Outback Limited is due in anyway now---cant wait!! Great review!
from the 9:00 minute when you try to get out of the snow I need to turn the steering wheel to both sides, that helps to get out when you are buried and not go out with revolutions just as you did...... I have a subaru
Completely agree with you. Only surprised other people did not say this. With my first FWD (Front Wheel Drive) car I got overconfident and got stuck in deep snow in an empty state park. After a few minutes of rocking the car, I turned the steering wheel and the front tires grabbed the side of their rut and pulled me out of the snow. Lesson learned, AWD and FWD cars let you angle your drive wheels to climb out of a rut. In a deep rut, you might need to brake at a high point, as in the video, and then turn the wheel as your start to accelerate again.
Simply the best AWD system out there ! Put winter tires on and it will unstoppable!
6:27 This looks straight out of a Subaru ad 😁
Anyway, great video as always!
What place is that?
@@krypton7792 Washington state
Great review, thanks. To all you outback owners, I put Yokohama GO15's 235/60/18 on my 2018 2.5 limited and they are great tires. They handle great on/off road and have the winter three peak rating. I would strongly suggest them if you do some off roading like I do.
I second that, IMO best tire for the Outback. No nearly as heavy as the KO2's but arguably just as tough. Great tire. I love them on my 3.6 Outback and with over 60K kms they last quite well.
@@levskitorontoNice. Glad to hear someone else is using them.
I bought 2021 oubie this year and l was really proud of it here in WI deep snow yesterday. Great car!
The Outback was the BOSS up the rocky hill and it wasn’t even the turbo! That being said -there’s no end to “tech-bling” assault -why put something like x-mode and traction control somewhere that takes time to get to!? Having an actual button that you can push when needed was perfect..
There is quick ways to get to them, just like a touch of a button.
you do not have to go through so many screens
along the top of the display you can have it there always
Listen...I’m sure it works (as long as something over course of the head unit’s life doesn’t malfunction) -I just prefer the easy and simplicity of a button..
Proof that no matter how good your AWD system is, snow tires are crucial.
we have a 2020 limited outback and a 2018 legacy limited, magnificent vehicles.
we need lots more videos like this to keep trying to educate people that other brands are garbage with fake and cheap technology
also, Subaru like MOST other car brands does not put the best tires on their vehicles. I immediately sell the tires on my new cars and buy the best tires I can get. that usually cost me about $300 additional but I get the tires that I want !
we must spread the word, don't buy the junk from other carmakers ( and DON'T compare the Subaru to an $80,000 BMW, that is not reasonable)
I drive a 2017 outback its a great car. I use it as an Uber/Lyft vehicle and passengers love it in the winter because of awd. I put snow tires on and its unstoppable and still gets good mileage
Yeah if you start sliding on snow covered roads...mash the gas pedal it will straighten out
2017 is not a great car yet. Since 2018 everything changed.
most comments off topic below... you'll always find a complainer if you ply your craft long enough... great video and information... keep it going
That hard packed stuff is the worst type of snow to be in! Good test and impressive AWD!
Awesome informative vid Ryan and thank you for the lesson in how to dodge getting stuck!!! Very useful and valuable lesson! Looking forward more vids from you in 2020. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year! Be safe out there :)
Much better content release than one I watched before with respect to how the driver took a bit of time to move forward|back to work the vehicle loose from the high spot at about 7:53. Other probably can suggest turning the wheel left|right will be assistive in getting free also. But earlier in showing the traction control display when enabling|disabling the system for this particular vehicle. Driver also states that he is using this vehicle with the tires that it had been equipped with. Yes, he could've probably had the proper tires for this content. Most of us are aware that most drivers don't take the time and money to acquire proper tires. Just as we know most people do not take the proper time and distance to stop in winter conditions. And the obvious disregard on safe following distances, and operating devices while (distracted) driving. Most do not think of the price of a second set tires and wheels compared possibly filing an insurance claim, down time for repairs, consideration to their or others injury|hospital|fatality issue's. Usually that's referred to as being respect and responsibility for oneself and others. Just a few things to consider. Great coverage on this vehicle, and thank you Driving Sports TV. :)
We have a new Outback. When there's a blizzard we go drive around and head to the cottage. The cottage is at the end of terrible dirt road over 25kms deep into nowhere.
I love watching your videos as it is helping choose a SUV 2019 or 2020. Your rock trail driving. I love watching
I’ve been waiting for this
I put Blizzaks on my Outback every November and run them through April- living in northern Minnesota the combination makes for easier travel. 2020 Outback will be here first week of July- glad the company I work for gives me such a capable- and now, even more comfortable Subaru to drive.
Outback is my favorite Subaru!!! 😄👌
Excellent video man, we love our three Subaru!
I enjoy watching your Subaru Outback videos immensely. I have posted before on your channel, but dog gonnit, I have to say it once again. I went from a 2017 3500 RAM Diesel 4x4 long box Limited, one of only 3 vehicles I have ordered from the factory in my life to a 2020 Outback Touring XT......Uh.....with the " Hotrod Motor ", And I will say that my Outback is a wonderful car. I've had it for 9 months now and I look forward to driving it every time I get in it. I love it !! Signed, Doug.
So how about this for impressive (and this really took me for surprise): i used to own a 2013 2.0i impreza. That thing went everywhere. mud snow everything i tried getting it stuck and it would get out 9 times out of 10. now i have 4x4 ranger. my friend has a 2009 outback 2.5 and we were off roading. well i went too far and got my ranger stuck in a DEEP water hole. front passenger side tire was completely sunken and my drivers side tire was flat because i punctured it earlier on the trail. We were on a slick mud while it was drizzling. Like a clay. You could barely stand without sliding. My buddies outback on street tires towed my ranger out of the hole almost effortlessly. i was in absolute shock and awe. subarus awd has impressed me so much.
great vedios appreciate the effort u guys go too to show us all variables especially with all wheel drive systems .
Out of all other videos ..your test review is unique ....and exited to see ... Bought the 2020 Outback Limited 2 weeks back...First long trip to lake tahoe tomorrow....
Like your videos! Almost 100k subs, good job!
Please. Subaru on winter tires vs any fwd car. Corolla vs impreza vs civic would be great!
Great video as always! If only I knew how to drive off-road or on snow :(
Thanks! I've really enjoyed watching it. Nice to see you don't lose your cool...
Awesome video. Subbed . This is helpful Ryan thank you for all the videos.
I have a 2015 Outback with the 3.6 H6, 4 Gislaved Nordfrost factory studded tires on it, I can tell you it really takes a lot of snow to stop me from going wherever I need to go...
That pose when he was standing in front of the stuck car scratching his head was hilarious.
You can almost hear him thinking, “... just how did I do this? I’m not a stupid man ... am I ??
I was thinking in the same way when I stuck my whole family into desert and everything was complaining to me🤣
8:20 is why I run dedicated winter tires. A world of a difference.
It’s crazy how a set of winter tires would transform this vehicle into a snow driving juggernaut.
Homie is flying down that snowy road 😂
I’ve never wanted an Outback until today.
Can't wait for e-Symmetrical AWD!
Very curious to see if it’s any good
Watching this and Toyota RAV4 Adventure TRD Off-Road makes you the best off-road/snow automotive reviewer to date, u really test it to the condition it should be, not just on smooth paved road or light rocky off the beaten path. Guide your subscriber on buying decision.
Just purchased the 2020 Crosstrek, went from a built CJ to a fun little car. just wanted to say thanks for your videos, I enjoy watching them to learn the sytems. Just from experience, at 9:40 in the vid, if you would have rocked the steering wheel just slightly left and right in the forward move, I think you would've driven out on the first try!! I am super stoked to take the Crosstrek in some snow!!!
At 9:00 onwards...that's where a manual/standard transmission is good because you can change gears quicker and rock the vehicle easier !
whats your impression on the longevity of Subarus cvt transmission?
I wish my 2019 Forester has the front camera, i can imagine that it's very useful tackling obstacles.
No kidding.
Leave shovel inside. Plastic traction boards under two alternate wheels when really like stuck, off it will go, ez pz. We’ve had 5 Suubies over last 30 years in snow country. Love ‘em. 6" new snow in town and it goes better with traction nanny turned off, all wheels dig in and go. Square corners. But it won’t stop any faster !!
Subaru baby!!!
After being stuck for a while, "No Problem" (Nervous laughter) lol.
You're not making my want for an Outback any easier.
I hope people don’t see this video and think an outback is a substitute for a real 4 wd. I love my outback but having previously owned a Landcruiser I know it is definitely not a realistic alternative for any serious off-road travel. But still a great car
I live in this area it’s beautiful :-) love the car.
Awesome 👏
Great video, just bought a new Outback 2021 XT ( my second one in 8 years)and didn't know i could do this while stuck in snow, playing with the Xmode and manual transmission. ;0))
I love those Subaru vehicles.
I had an 01 Forester in Denver, CO and never got stuck. Now I have an 11 outback and only got stuck when I high centered it on a snow drift. Can't wait until I can get into one with x-mode!
X-Mode does nothing if you high center a vehicle, just learn how to drive.
Pretty impressive with all season tires. I own a Tundra right now and have owned a Tacoma and an FJ, they've all been off road. This Subaru is just really impressive to me. Glad to see we can ge the Onyx XT version without out leather. Now just add a higher end sound system and it'll be perfect.
My 2022 bumps. There's a sub in the trunk. I think 700 watts
I really like all your videos, would be great if you make a video about Subaru legacy, including off-road capabilities/test considering the legacy lower ground clearance than the outback .
Will you be doing a video with snow tyres out of comparison ? I think my next vehicle is going to be a Subaru I have previously had BMW xdrive with snow tyres and they worked well but the Subaru has definitely got it going on 👍🏻
Impressive, I have always wanted a Subaru, however, living in flat Dallas makes me feel like there would be no point. Hope to live near the mountains eventually.
i got one anyways, the potholes were killing my previous car lol
@@ericrosas6883 ahh the mighty terrain we all face everyday, no not the gravel, or the rocks, or the snow, the mighty potholes
2 years after this comment, just ordered me an Outback lol. I can drive to the mountains in the meantime.
"YOU CAN DO IT"
Some incredible technology, but also driver skills!
I love the dual Xmode on my Forester Touring. It’s Awesome.
So this one can do everything the older 2018 outback could do....that's cool.
mate awesome a practical real world test, its all-about using commonsense...its awesome for what it is...not a land cruiser or range but bloody handy car wheel drive (TM)
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO REPLY,,,,, THANKS i have a huge knowledge of cars new tech , i have been researching them since 90s,,,, i was wondering how to get into reviewing cars on you tube,,,, do i need to have journalism training,,, or can i go all heads out,,,, thanks,,, i would love to have another you tube channel abut cars,,, thanks love your channel,,,,, 100 % SUBARU SUPPORTER