Having lived in Canada all my life. I've learned to drive in the snow. I would say driving in snow is probably 50%, or more, the driver. I have a 2018 Subaru Crossteck with the all-year Yokohama's. For the time I lived in Toronto, the snow clearing there is so well done that I never even thought of getting snows, except when going north of the city. When I did, I inevitably saw vehicles in the ditch or on their roofs by the side of the road, I rarely saw Subarus, but lots of AWD and 4WD pickups and SUVs with drivers who did not making allowances for the snow. Even if you have snow tires and AWD - slow down. I haven't had to use the X-mode yet, but that looks like a good tip, thank you.
Correct. AWD doesn't help you stop. It is for traction to get moving. Too many people think they are invincible because they have a 4x4 truck or SUV. That's why you'll see tons of them in ditches during a snowstorm.
FIRST!! I had to buy a new car in the late summer of 2024, i had a 2012 subaru legacy, and i wasn't planning on getting another subaru. But i ended up getting the Subaru Legacy touring xt 2025, and we been getting snow in Maryland, and im kinda glad i stuck with Subaru lmao. I been watching people with front wheel drive cars struggling to get out of parking spots or just get around, and rear wheel drive cars are even funnier. AWD baby!
When I had my ‘18 Forester Touring, and was in KCMO in Jan ‘21, several inches of snow had fallen. Our place was on a hill, and the snow plows hadn’t come down the street. I was headed out to run errands, and I used X Mode for the first time, driving that car in snow for the first time, down a hill. It was great. I stayed within the accelerator parameters, and eased down. I will never not have another Subaru as long as I am driving. Now have a ‘21 OB TXT. 😊
I've had my crosstrek wilderness for just over a year now. Made many videos of it in the snow and up in the mountains/ snow and lava fields. This car is nothing short of incredible. I've absolutely been thrilled with it.
Really liked my 2018 Subaru Impreza Hatchback when I bought it. I fell in LOVE when it walked with ease out of 3 feet of snow my first winter 😂 simply nothing like it and I don't know if I'll ever be able to own another car brand
I have a Ford F-150 4x4 four door. I have a Subaru Ascent. (had Outbacks from when they first came out and put over 200K on all of them). Guess what I took yesterday in the snow of NW NC? The Ascent!!! Didn't slip a bit! Damndest snow vehicles I have ever been in.
I have owned two Subaru vehicles. The first was a Legacy which did great in the snow. My second and current vehicle is an Outback which is a beast in the snow. My driveway is a hill and it will go up the driveway before I even shovel it with no problem at all. I cannot imagine driving anything but a Subaru! Highly recommend them to all my friends!
I love that AWD is standard on all Subarus (except BRZ). For other SUVs where it's optional few are equipped with it where I live in the Dallas area. It was great having it over the holidays driving in our '23 Ascent in Colorado over the snowy mountain passes to / from the ski area. The thing that would be even better is if it was equipped with all weather tires. I can't justify the expense and hassle of snow tires where I live. I put Michelin Crossclimate 2s on our '16 Legacy when it needed new tires - likely will do the same once the factory Falkens need replacement.
Thank you so much for your informative video! I do live in CO and have a Sub Outback. Your explanation on Xmode is so good. Your videos make me even happier with my decision to buy my first Subaru in 2022. Your videos show me more about what a great car I have !
I have a 2025 base model Forester that does not have X-Mode and I'm encouraged that the non X-Mode Impreza broke out of the ice with no problems at 7:35. 🙂
Great video Alex. I just picked up a 2024 Premium Crosstrek in late Oct & I'm waiting to drive in some heavy snow here in Chgo to check out the features you described. Your excellent & informative videos helped me jump from a dedicated 40 yr Toyota buyer to a new Subie buyer. Your videos helped me get familiar with my new car. Thank You. 👍👍
Tires make a big difference and if you don't want the added expense (and hassle) of changing your wheels and tires every spring and fall, consider a great set of All-weather tires (that have the 3 peak mountain for winter rating). The latest versions of those tires are almost as good as winter tires but you can run them year round. They are MUCH better than a traditional "all-season" tire (which is really just a three season tire as they typically aren't that good in the winter). Ground clearance is another, which Subaru crossover all have an excellent amount of. Of course, lastly the AWD system. However, what makes the Subaru AWD one of the best ones out there is that it is always on. Your vehicle is always operating in AWD mode, so it isn't a FWD (or RWD) that has to react to changing conditions (often called the "slip and grip" design). A proactive system is also better than a reactive system. The other advantage of the Subaru AWD system is the axles are all the same length (hence the "Symmetrical" name). This eliminates torque steer and helps the car track properly in challenging conditions where most other vehicles may fight staying straight (want to pull to the right or left).
Years ago I had a Outback and I put on Nokian all-weather tires. The car was a nightmare - the ABS brakes engaged constantly and the car wouldn't stop on ice and snow. I had so many near misses with other cars, lamp posts. piles of snow, and sliding into intersections on red lights. Since then I've had 2 Volvos and they were a godsend - no stopping issues on ice even with just all-season tires. A friend had an Outback and they loved it, which was why I got one, but they didn't have the same problems I had.
@@DevilishAbstractions It sounds like those weren't great tires. Tires have come a long way in the last few years. I have been using Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires for over 3 years now and they are really good. The new Pirelli tires are also highly rated. You can see some great testing videos of various brands on the channel "Tyre Reviews". Of course, it also depends on where you live. If you live in a 10/10 region (the most extreme areas), get winters. If you search that channel for videos, keep in mind their "All Season" tires are what we call "All Weather" tires in North America (they are in the UK).
You are spot on about the importance of tires. I live in a U.P. snow belt. I run all-weather tires during not-winter, and dedicated winter tires during winter. The all-weather tires cover me for when I am late getting my winters on or early getting them off. Tires are #1. AWD and 4WD are gravy.
Thank you for always providing insightful information We are 175 miles from you so we also have snow Our daughter has a 2022 Ascent and my wife has a 2023 Outback Touring XT. Nice to know that snow is not a problem for Subaru. However, the Outback stays in the heated garage until the snow melts.
Thank you for the info, I have a 2021 Subaru Forester without x mode. Looking forward in getting some snow so I can see what my Subaru can do here in Iowa.
First off, I DID buy my 2021 Crosstrek in winter when it snowed, and will never change to any other make than Subaru, I'm totally sold on it, and BTW my previous car was a VW Passat which did not have the option of turning the traction control off ! so I was always getting stuck going uphill in snow
Remember those days of snow removal. As I worked 10 years as a courtesy shuttle driver a Subaru dealership in PA. Now living in Charleston area of South Carolina. I’m still a driving a Subaru Ascent even in a mainly non snow area.
Subaru has their AWD system dialed in, they've been doing it for years, and its active all the time unlike other vehicles that are front or rear wheel drive based until traction loss is sensed and then a computer will decide if and when you get any additional AWD input. The Outback Wilderness is what I've been looking at for a new vehicle given the somewhat snowy nature of where I live, I'll take less fuel economy and a better AWD system over a questionable AWD system with more fuel economy...in the real world, fuel economy isn't going to matter if the vehicle can't get out of its own way in bad weather. I'm not sure if I'll buy new or get a certified pre-owned Subaru but definitely want the Outback Wilderness. I like to go camping, so the Outback has more room, and ground clearance to handle the backroad excursions.
My 2024 Forester Wilderness was down for 3 days because of my wheels being out of balance because of all the snow and ice buildup, not easy to melt it off when it’s in the single digits. I am going to cut plastic and fashion skirting, and then I’ll have a heater blowing under there. I was really bummed about this. Last winter my tailgate was inoperative because of just a little ice buildup on the bumper, had to get a heater on that also.
I always tell people it’s not about drive modes/4-wheel/all-wheel drive it’s about traction, period. If your tires aren’t gripping whatever surface you’re driving on it’s doesn’t matter. That’s why people who live in snow environments switch over to snow tires with aggressive/cross channel treads during winter season. If you have all seasons and they are below 7/32 nds tread, forget it. Stay home. Don’t let a drive train make you over confident. More than anything, if you don’t have to be on the roads then don’t. Good judgement is more important than a cars drive train. Be safe everyone.
We had to replace a 2008 car recently. Long ago I had considered a Subaru outback but wound up with a used 2022 Crosstrek with Limited trim. Had to do interstate snow storm driving yesterday and the AWD made a difference. We stopped to check the windshield fluid and noticed there was a bit of ice slush on the battery and on other underhood components. I was surprised, or rather hubby was surprised. Road slush should not get up there. How would it? Any ideas? Is it serious? Thanks. Your videos made the such a difference in adapting to this “747” amounts of switches and indicators. Our next vehicle will also be a Subaru.
My guess would be the tires throwing snow/water/slush/ice up under the hood at high speed driving like that all that stuff is getting kicked up everywhere on, in, and around your vehicle. Just because the hood is closed doesn't mean your engine compartment is going to be water tight.
Alex, you should check out the Michelin Cross Climate 2 for all Subaru's. I have them on my outback. You get 35% more traction in rain and snow. Nothing in Kentucky stops my Subaru.😂😂
I’m thinking of putting Michelin crossclimate 2 on my 2023 Outback Onyx 2.5 . My oem tires are still in good shape. What do you think? I guess I would be going from an all season to an all weather tire.
Great video Alex! Is a steel wheel the the best for the snow as in snow does not get compacted in the wheel. I have aluminum wheels and snow compacted up to the brake caliper not cool when it froze so wandering if steelies fix that issue?
my 05 Legacy GT doesn't have XMODE and has done phenomenal with snow as tall as the headlights. I would be worried if the Impreza couldn't do that to... I need to find a way to keep my 2017 Forester XT Touring back up camera clean without constantly getting water and dirt to dry on it. Its annoying to always have to clean it.
Have a new 2025 Forester and we just got snow. My husband said the windshield didn't clear well because it felt like it had a gummy surface on it, what gives?
Now, they need to get rid of the idiotic automatic engine shutoff "feature". Every time I forget to shut it down, and my engine stops at a stop light, I wonder how much engine life is going to be diminished by it.
Subaru Baja, when is it coming back? Is it going to come with a hybrid option? I love my 2022 Forester but if Baja comes back, especially if it's a hybrid, it would be heaven on earth!
The Baja reports are rumors at this point. No word from Subaru on whether or not this is actually coming out. I don’t expect them to re-introduce the Baja. They do however have hybrids coming! Starting with the new Forester Hybrid arriving in Spring 2025
Having lived in Canada all my life. I've learned to drive in the snow.
I would say driving in snow is probably 50%, or more, the driver.
I have a 2018 Subaru Crossteck with the all-year Yokohama's.
For the time I lived in Toronto, the snow clearing there is so well done that I never even thought of getting snows, except when going north of the city.
When I did, I inevitably saw vehicles in the ditch or on their roofs by the side of the road, I rarely saw Subarus, but lots of AWD and 4WD pickups and SUVs with drivers who did not making allowances for the snow.
Even if you have snow tires and AWD - slow down.
I haven't had to use the X-mode yet, but that looks like a good tip, thank you.
@@arrjay2410 I agree with you. The car can only do so much. Especially when you’re up against ice.
Correct. AWD doesn't help you stop. It is for traction to get moving. Too many people think they are invincible because they have a 4x4 truck or SUV. That's why you'll see tons of them in ditches during a snowstorm.
Driver and the tires make a difference in snow/ice.
FIRST!! I had to buy a new car in the late summer of 2024, i had a 2012 subaru legacy, and i wasn't planning on getting another subaru. But i ended up getting the Subaru Legacy touring xt 2025, and we been getting snow in Maryland, and im kinda glad i stuck with Subaru lmao. I been watching people with front wheel drive cars struggling to get out of parking spots or just get around, and rear wheel drive cars are even funnier. AWD baby!
@@RoBDeeZL42 it works so well! Very pleased with mine
I have a 2011 legacy 3.6r in MD as well!
2009 Impreza hatchback, awesome car. Like a Timex, takes a lickings and keeps on tickin.
When I had my ‘18 Forester Touring, and was in KCMO in Jan ‘21, several inches of snow had fallen. Our place was on a hill, and the snow plows hadn’t come down the street.
I was headed out to run errands, and I used X Mode for the first time, driving that car in snow for the first time, down a hill. It was great. I stayed within the accelerator parameters, and eased down. I will never not have another Subaru as long as I am driving. Now have a ‘21 OB TXT. 😊
I've had my crosstrek wilderness for just over a year now. Made many videos of it in the snow and up in the mountains/ snow and lava fields. This car is nothing short of incredible. I've absolutely been thrilled with it.
@@Amberdogproductions fun little Subaru for sure!
Really liked my 2018 Subaru Impreza Hatchback when I bought it. I fell in LOVE when it walked with ease out of 3 feet of snow my first winter 😂 simply nothing like it and I don't know if I'll ever be able to own another car brand
I have a Ford F-150 4x4 four door. I have a Subaru Ascent. (had Outbacks from when they first came out and put over 200K on all of them). Guess what I took yesterday in the snow of NW NC? The Ascent!!! Didn't slip a bit! Damndest snow vehicles I have ever been in.
Once you buy Subaru You never go back to nothing else top notch
I have owned two Subaru vehicles. The first was a Legacy which did great in the snow. My second and current vehicle is an Outback which is a beast in the snow. My driveway is a hill and it will go up the driveway before I even shovel it with no problem at all. I cannot imagine driving anything but a Subaru! Highly recommend them to all my friends!
I love that AWD is standard on all Subarus (except BRZ). For other SUVs where it's optional few are equipped with it where I live in the Dallas area. It was great having it over the holidays driving in our '23 Ascent in Colorado over the snowy mountain passes to / from the ski area. The thing that would be even better is if it was equipped with all weather tires. I can't justify the expense and hassle of snow tires where I live. I put Michelin Crossclimate 2s on our '16 Legacy when it needed new tires - likely will do the same once the factory Falkens need replacement.
Thank you so much for your informative video! I do live in CO and have a Sub Outback. Your explanation on Xmode is so good. Your videos make me even happier with my decision to buy my first Subaru in 2022. Your videos show me more about what a great car I have !
I have a 2025 base model Forester that does not have X-Mode and I'm encouraged that the non X-Mode Impreza broke out of the ice with no problems at 7:35. 🙂
I bought my base model 2025 Subaru Forester on 12/26/2024. Glad to see that too.
Great video Alex. I just picked up a 2024 Premium Crosstrek in late Oct & I'm waiting to drive in some heavy snow here in Chgo to check out the features you described. Your excellent & informative videos helped me jump from a dedicated 40 yr Toyota buyer to a new Subie buyer. Your videos helped me get familiar with my new car. Thank You. 👍👍
Subaru is best all wheel drive out there. I have a 2016 Forester XT, 2.0 turbo, 290,000 miles and runs like new. Lots of Subarus in Minnesota!
Tires make a big difference and if you don't want the added expense (and hassle) of changing your wheels and tires every spring and fall, consider a great set of All-weather tires (that have the 3 peak mountain for winter rating). The latest versions of those tires are almost as good as winter tires but you can run them year round. They are MUCH better than a traditional "all-season" tire (which is really just a three season tire as they typically aren't that good in the winter). Ground clearance is another, which Subaru crossover all have an excellent amount of. Of course, lastly the AWD system. However, what makes the Subaru AWD one of the best ones out there is that it is always on. Your vehicle is always operating in AWD mode, so it isn't a FWD (or RWD) that has to react to changing conditions (often called the "slip and grip" design). A proactive system is also better than a reactive system. The other advantage of the Subaru AWD system is the axles are all the same length (hence the "Symmetrical" name). This eliminates torque steer and helps the car track properly in challenging conditions where most other vehicles may fight staying straight (want to pull to the right or left).
@@jeffer1101 all great points! I appreciate your elaboration on each
Years ago I had a Outback and I put on Nokian all-weather tires. The car was a nightmare - the ABS brakes engaged constantly and the car wouldn't stop on ice and snow. I had so many near misses with other cars, lamp posts. piles of snow, and sliding into intersections on red lights. Since then I've had 2 Volvos and they were a godsend - no stopping issues on ice even with just all-season tires. A friend had an Outback and they loved it, which was why I got one, but they didn't have the same problems I had.
@@DevilishAbstractions It sounds like those weren't great tires. Tires have come a long way in the last few years. I have been using Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires for over 3 years now and they are really good. The new Pirelli tires are also highly rated. You can see some great testing videos of various brands on the channel "Tyre Reviews". Of course, it also depends on where you live. If you live in a 10/10 region (the most extreme areas), get winters. If you search that channel for videos, keep in mind their "All Season" tires are what we call "All Weather" tires in North America (they are in the UK).
You are spot on about the importance of tires. I live in a U.P. snow belt. I run all-weather tires during not-winter, and dedicated winter tires during winter. The all-weather tires cover me for when I am late getting my winters on or early getting them off. Tires are #1. AWD and 4WD are gravy.
Thank you. This was great to see.
Thank you for always providing insightful information We are 175 miles from you so we also have snow Our daughter has a 2022 Ascent and my wife has a 2023 Outback Touring XT. Nice to know that snow is not a problem for Subaru. However, the Outback stays in the heated garage until the snow melts.
Timely video, thanks Alex!
I have a 2021 Impreza sedan and love it❤ will own no other! so far no problem managing in the snow ❄️ 💪.
Thank you for the info, I have a 2021 Subaru Forester without x mode. Looking forward in getting some snow so I can see what my Subaru can do here in Iowa.
First off, I DID buy my 2021 Crosstrek in winter when it snowed, and will never change to any other make than Subaru, I'm totally sold on it, and BTW my previous car was a VW Passat which did not have the option of turning the traction control off ! so I was always getting stuck going uphill in snow
Remember those days of snow removal. As I worked 10 years as a courtesy shuttle driver a Subaru dealership in PA. Now living in Charleston area of South Carolina. I’m still a driving a Subaru Ascent even in a mainly non snow area.
Subaru has their AWD system dialed in, they've been doing it for years, and its active all the time unlike other vehicles that are front or rear wheel drive based until traction loss is sensed and then a computer will decide if and when you get any additional AWD input.
The Outback Wilderness is what I've been looking at for a new vehicle given the somewhat snowy nature of where I live, I'll take less fuel economy and a better AWD system over a questionable AWD system with more fuel economy...in the real world, fuel economy isn't going to matter if the vehicle can't get out of its own way in bad weather.
I'm not sure if I'll buy new or get a certified pre-owned Subaru but definitely want the Outback Wilderness. I like to go camping, so the Outback has more room, and ground clearance to handle the backroad excursions.
@@wildbill23c i got the crosstrek wilderness and am often WAY out in nowhere with it. It has been amazing.
love my outback xt
Thank you! Helpful for my older car. I was wondering how the xmode worked.
The Subaru symmetrical AWD is awesome
Just in time. The back roads to my neighborhood are the last to be cleared and I need to hit the road today.
@@sfomanssp1334 stay safe out there!
You do that smart little kick thing to get snow off your shoes that I do!
@@johnbarnes5845 yes! It’s fun too 😂
My 2024 Forester Wilderness was down for 3 days because of my wheels being out of balance because of all the snow and ice buildup, not easy to melt it off when it’s in the single digits. I am going to cut plastic and fashion skirting, and then I’ll have a heater blowing under there. I was really bummed about this. Last winter my tailgate was inoperative because of just a little ice buildup on the bumper, had to get a heater on that also.
that was very enjoyable Alex, I don't like the snow but I love my 2015 ForesterXT Touring with Goodyear Assurance Comfortdrive Tires 👍💯
Thanks! 😊
Thanks for explaining X-Mode
Happy to help!
I always tell people it’s not about drive modes/4-wheel/all-wheel drive it’s about traction, period.
If your tires aren’t gripping whatever surface you’re driving on it’s doesn’t matter. That’s why people who live in snow environments switch over to snow tires with aggressive/cross channel treads during winter season.
If you have all seasons and they are below 7/32 nds tread, forget it. Stay home.
Don’t let a drive train make you over confident. More than anything, if you don’t have to be on the roads then don’t.
Good judgement is more important than a cars drive train.
Be safe everyone.
I’m waiting on the hybrid for this new generation of Forester.
Let’s go Subaru.
We had to replace a 2008 car recently. Long ago I had considered a Subaru outback but wound up with a used 2022 Crosstrek with Limited trim. Had to do interstate snow storm driving yesterday and the AWD made a difference. We stopped to check the windshield fluid and noticed there was a bit of ice slush on the battery and on other underhood components. I was surprised, or rather hubby was surprised. Road slush should not get up there. How would it? Any ideas? Is it serious? Thanks. Your videos made the such a difference in adapting to this “747” amounts of switches and indicators. Our next vehicle will also be a Subaru.
@@suem6004 happy to hear you’ve enjoyed your Crosstrek! Not sure how snow would get up there. Maybe through the grille vents?
My guess would be the tires throwing snow/water/slush/ice up under the hood at high speed driving like that all that stuff is getting kicked up everywhere on, in, and around your vehicle. Just because the hood is closed doesn't mean your engine compartment is going to be water tight.
Alex, you should check out the Michelin Cross Climate 2 for all Subaru's. I have them on my outback. You get 35% more traction in rain and snow. Nothing in Kentucky stops my Subaru.😂😂
I’m thinking of putting Michelin crossclimate 2 on my 2023 Outback Onyx 2.5 . My oem tires are still in good shape. What do you think?
I guess I would be going from an all season to an all weather tire.
Great video Alex! Is a steel wheel the the best for the snow as in snow does not get compacted in the wheel. I have aluminum wheels and snow compacted up to the brake caliper not cool when it froze so wandering if steelies fix that issue?
7:39 sounds like you scraped the front bumper 😢
3:40 Do you have a link on where to purchase the orange foam snow brush?
I didn't buy the one we have at the dealer but I believe this is it! amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/OPkOHL5gOT
@alexpmo thanks much Alex! 🙂👍
@ you’re welcome!
my 05 Legacy GT doesn't have XMODE and has done phenomenal with snow as tall as the headlights. I would be worried if the Impreza couldn't do that to... I need to find a way to keep my 2017 Forester XT Touring back up camera clean without constantly getting water and dirt to dry on it. Its annoying to always have to clean it.
I dont fully understand how xmode with traction control OFF is any different from the setting with no xmode?
How I would like to have those models here in Brazil!!!!!!!!!
Actually, we usually get a good amount of snow in the Midwest, but I wouldn’t call KY the Midwest.
Have a new 2025 Forester and we just got snow. My husband said the windshield didn't clear well because it felt like it had a gummy surface on it, what gives?
Studded Hakka 10s on my 2013 3.6 Outback literally just feels like cheating in the winter lol
Yeah my 2005 Outback XT manual doesn’t have X-mode
thanks!
Now, they need to get rid of the idiotic automatic engine shutoff "feature". Every time I forget to shut it down, and my engine stops at a stop light, I wonder how much engine life is going to be diminished by it.
Subaru Baja, when is it coming back? Is it going to come with a hybrid option? I love my 2022 Forester but if Baja comes back, especially if it's a hybrid, it would be heaven on earth!
The Baja reports are rumors at this point. No word from Subaru on whether or not this is actually coming out. I don’t expect them to re-introduce the Baja. They do however have hybrids coming! Starting with the new Forester Hybrid arriving in Spring 2025
That just isn't a lot of snow.