2019 Subaru Ascent Off-Road X-Mode Tested and Explained

[@ReligiousZombie]

It seems that these test tracks are always designed with the specific cars being tested in mind. In other words, the tracks push the cars almost to their limits, but never beyond. Even if you see a wheel in the air or a tire spinning, you never see the cars scraping bottom or actually getting stuck. With this method, any car tested is a winner.

[@mariowhyte2816]

Amazing video!!! I can appreciate this vehicle and what Subaru has achieved. For a long time they've needed a three- row vehicle in their line up and now they've delivered.

[@normt5463]

Mario Whyte Kia Sorento already can do this and it has 3 rows.

[@drewdestroysalll]

They really need a truck in their lineup. Something.. Baja-esque. I feel like the Ascent is catering to a certain crowd too much. Instead, Subie should stick to their roots.

[@mwatercress]

I want a mini cargo van version to kit out as a camper.

[@tangchiprathomo819]

mwatercress agree with you. It should be something like Mitsu Delica (sliding door, boxy)

[@hahasimpsons]

you mean like the tribeca this replaced? smh nice try at a dig though lol

[@Steven-gv1ke]

Please take the Ascent, put it on a 40 degree or greater gravel/grass/packed dirt incline and see if the CVT will put power down to the tires to allow it to climb or at least spin the tires. This is by FAR the biggest issue Subaru owners and potential owners have with the Forester and Outback. I know everyone wants to know if the Ascent struggles with the same issue.

[@kevinpalena1871]

There are guys that have lifted outbacks that they take off road...like really off road.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

Yep, that's the only issue I had with mine. I think I was at like 12,500' in Colorado on about a 30-40 degree incline and with my foot to the floor it would NOT move an inch or go over 2k RPMs. Couldn't move. Even putting it in neutral and giving it 3-4K RPMS then shifting into gear did nothing.

[@JRs-guitars]

@@ArbitraryLifestyle does it make a difference with All Terrain tires on..?

[@AWDfreak]

I know that sometimes your off-road video reviews get a lot of flack, but this time you're really nailed it with the editing of this video. Thanks for uploading, and I hope you keep up this standard.

[@slandshark]

I would have taken my 2004 Subaru WRX Wagon on that course, but probably 10 times the speed. :)

[@NomadGSR]

If the engine doesn't blow up

[@slandshark]

@@NomadGSR I've got 230k miles on it now, still original clutch. My 2004 WRX is the best, most reliable car I've ever owned. Other than regular maintenance, I've only ever had to replace the radiator at 192k miles.

[@sadigov]

After seeing the new Ascent and 2019 Forester specs, I finally made the right choice - 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara!. Here I come offroad...

[@lowdermilk89]

I would have loved this car after having four Subaru’s between my wife and I but I got a Jeep and will never look back. I feel more secure in it than I even did in my Subaru’s, and that’s across almost all the options. I had a Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza hatchback, and still have a Legacy. They a good cars, but man I wish I had expanded my horizons earlier.

[@dfgyuhdd]

I wish one of these manufacturers who are obviously capable of great engineering would say "You know what, we're going to make an enthusiast's car, a future classic." Aside from being all around underwhelming 99% of modern cars are just so flipping boring.

[@djayt1215]

ryan you fart smelling hippied asked for it with all your environmental mumbo jumbo

[@nolansprojects2840]

So subaru has figured out how to get computers and electronics to replace the mechanical locking differentials? Thats pretty neat, I must say... this car is what I imagine an outback and an oddessy combined would be.

[@rileygallagher4956]

Nolan Patterson this tech has been around for quite awhile now. Jeep has been using it in models without lockers for the better part of a decade. Subaru just decided to market it.

[@woolengrappler]

A ton of cars have this. Toyota 4Runners, Land Cruisers, Tacomas, even Lexus GX and LX have this technology. Mercedes 4x4 sprinters do as well. The ABS system detects slippage, brakes the slipping wheel and sends power to the other side.

[@rangerover06sc]

@@rileygallagher4956 And Land Rover has been doing it for 2 decades

[@rileygallagher4956]

People can go ahead and claim they’re buying a Subaru for its safety and fuel efficiency, but when they start claiming they’re buying them for their “off-road ability,” they need to stop. If you want a crossover that’s truly capable, you buy a Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee TrailHawk. Locking diffs, fully skid plated (with actual steel), all terrain tires, actual low range, and they still manage 30mpg with 270 HP.

[@godemperorofmankind7255]

At least buy a God damn 4Runner!

[@moonsapling]

Have you ever driven one of those to even say they achieve 30mpg. Yeah Subies are capable, do your research. I owned a 99 Forester, now own a 2003 one. Both are better than some offroad vehicles in mud and snow conditions. Why, you may ask. Since the Forester is so light and its differentials are hidden it has no problem what so ever. People laughed at me at the offroad park during january when it was snowy. There was a hill that one Land Cruiser was attempting. It couldnt climb it. I went to the hill with my 03. Got half the way up. STOPPED. And then set off again like it was nothing. People who dont understand Subaru will always say they are not capable.... And i will always say they are. And also i want to see you taking turns at 70 mph. While my car will most likely remain flat, your top heavy jeep will do a barrel roll.

[@L110508]

For it's price, this car is extremely good.

[@Chunkiemerk]

This car needs a 4 inch lift with 33 mud grappler tires, it'll look n perform alot better

[@beefuzzy310]

Xmode is annoying, but works okay. Love the awd, exceptions being metal bridge grates and hard packed sand, makes the car wobble funny as it tries to figure out what to do.

[@Joeybz1]

You haven’t reviewed. The 2022 or 2023 Ascent. Want to see what it can do?

[@ChuddleBuggy]

Short and straight to the point -- great review!

[@tritchie6272]

Looks to me like it could be an interesting option in the crossover market.

[@moonbabies]

T Ritchie the Ascent isn’t a crossover, it’s a full-size SUV competing with cars like the Nissan Pilot or Toyota Land Cruiser

[@valdius85]

1. I do not understand Ascent is available in NA only. There is enough 4.8m long SUV in other places as well. Japan is filled with long MPVs and "cool" drivers. 2. There should be a "proper" off-road version of Subaru`s models: factory lift, LSD and high torque CVT with upgraded oil cooling. People do that anyway so the existence of the market is proven already. STI already exist, there should have an STI Off-Road.

[@rogerworkman5813]

Can it compare to the Outback? Thank you. Roger

[@Meloadicto]

He did the opposite of what he said ("maintain momentum" 2:07). He drove too slowly, so the car skid (2:33, 2:45 and other moments). "Pretty steep"! You make me laugh. Good car with bad demonstrator on a not difficult terrain.

[@tonyjackson5115]

True, but I would say for most minivan owners (which is 99% of the people who will buy this car) it's entirely more than capable of handling an occasional unpaved driveway.

[@Meloadicto]

I agree, Tony.

[@laurentboily8436]

I agree too, i have a Forester 2011 n/a with manual transmition, no xmod😞, but make a very great job in very deap sand and crossing some obstacle.

[@prodigy2k7]

The "skid" is good tbh. It didnt spin the tires too much and it still had some traction.

[@StayConsistant]

Surprised they didn't put better tires on it for this demo. Would make a huge difference.

[@bobonthis9520]

Oh wow, you mean a Subaru made it through a course set up by Subaru !!! Fucking amazing Subaru :)

[@roamaroundgisg7362]

Just subscribed! Can u do Snow test or off road test for 1. Cx9 2. Telluride 3. Palisade 4. Ascent 5. Higlander 6. Pilot 7. Atlas Thank you!

[@hungryboy424]

Looks just like a Kia Sorento ! Could we see this up agains't a Discovery Sport or Discovery 5 ?

[@Benincentrawisconsin]

The Brat, The Baja, The Brawn! Well, that could be the name of Subaru’s equivalent to the Honda Ridgeline...Please Subaru! Please make us truck lovers one soon 😉

[@jjjsmith2497]

THIS SUCKS...supposed to show Subaru, yet keeps showing guy turning steering wheel.

[@87gunsnroses]

To me these torque managing systems that utilize your brakes are just a companies band aid for not offering a locker or at least a limited slip differential.

[@GIGABACHI]

CHEAPER band aids. Nothing like the real deal(lockers).

[@Vanuatoo]

Those skinny tires and off-road are mutually exclusive

[@AS-zk6hz]

Yes take a 45 thousand suv to a gravel Pit and you will see how much damage you can do to it. I saw a moron do something like that to a 50 thousand vehicle off road. He did 11 thousand dollars damage to it. Buy a 2 thousand dollar old Jeep to take off road. Have fun. Put a roll bar in it. If you wreck it your not out that much

[@ahsahm]

Dear Driving Sports TV, big fan, subscriber. Love your videos. I was hoping for some advice. I have a 2020 Subaru Ascent. I'm headed to the Oregon Coast this weekend, North of Seaside where you can actually drive on the beach. I have the 20" wheels and can't really air down like the 18" wheels. Do you think it's typically safe to drive those beaches without worrying about getting stuck or would you advise against it. I understand that your advise/recommendation/experience is not legally binding and that I can't sue you, just hoping for some insight. Thanks in advance.

[@drivingsports]

If you’re feeling brave, and you can stay in the compressed main line, you will probably be fine. As seen in this Ascent review, that kind of sand is fine. But it really depends. Watch for soft stuff to and from the main run.

[@ahmadalwoqayyan1021]

Nice honest review keep it up

[@nahashonnjenga9143]

The outro was awesome

[@lucyfoster4082]

What are the limitations compared to dedicated off-road systems that you mentioned? I am curious.

[@drivingsports]

Dedicated off-roaders have locking differentials to distribute power better and low-range gear sets to provide more torque and crawling ability. The Ascent does a great job of emulating some aspects of those, but the real thing is always better. That said, they can be complicated to use and are rarely needed for anyone outside of hard-core off-roaders. Vehicles that have such systems include Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Xterra, Jeep Trailhawk series.

[@lucyfoster4082]

Thank you!

[@lucyfoster4082]

And a probably super dumb question. People below are implying their pickup could navigate this course no problem and faster. I've never driven a truck. Is there something about a truck that makes it better at this stuff, or is it just that they are wide and therefore more stable, or is it that they have 4wd, something else, or are they wrong?

[@Chunkiemerk]

Better ground clearance combined with what was mentioned. 4x4 locking diffs low gear settings. But awd is better all around in my opinion for rain n snow

[@MIkegrimm2]

I wonder how the Subaru AWD compares to the Acura/Honda SH-AWD?

[@jaedonhaskins9917]

im still wary about the elctronically controlled systems as opposed to a mechanical solution. electronics fail too often. but it is a subaru so it should work.

[@351WINCHESTER]

I hope they have a good warrantry. This could get expensive.

[@andrewshiner1606]

It would have been nice if he had talked about the limitations.

[@jtomtl]

Impressive, prefect for snow road in Canada

[@benjaminlibotte8471]

Please Subaru bring this car to Europe... we need it!!!

[@MADBONE0]

Subaru offroad test... **here come the youtube comments**

[@EricLS]

MY JEEP IS MORE BETTER THAN THIS

[@GIGABACHI]

My Subaru can't go up Gold Mine Hill. LMAO.

[@subarutransmittedinfection1036]

@@EricLS 😂

[@rodneydecormier1504]

@@EricLS fuel mileage, reliability.

[@Fadic4]

So it has an open diff in the back and uses brakes to torque vector side to side.

[@normt5463]

Fadi Still brake based torque vectoring when on the throttle. The newer systems have active torque vectoring that send power to outside rear wheel in a turn.

[@Fadic4]

Norm T I don't think subaru has a rear differential that can send power side to side without brakes yet.

[@Fadic4]

Wei Zhou Wayne even the sti uses brakes to torque vector side to side. Subaru doesn't have that tech yet for some reason.

[@Fadic4]

Joe Johnson Joe Johnson yes that's good but there are other systems like sh-awd and the system in the focus RS. Gm also has it in the new buick wagon , they can transfer power side when coming out of a corner, they react faster than this system which wants to figure stuff out before applying the brake the outside wheel. Subarus system is slower to respond compared to systems with an actual torque vectoring rear differential. Here is the system from 13 years ago. No special mode needs to be engaged. It's always active. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4O0hYCcZqmXmqM

[@Fadic4]

Joe Johnson omg you're one of those people? Bye.

[@2steaksandwiches665]

The front overhang is still too big. They need to move it forward 4 inches

[@hwoarang2001]

Agreed. It would also look better and do better at high speed. It works great in deep snow which is what I care about. After riding a dune buggy and UTV, I know that most suvs will never come close.

[@normt5463]

General Motors Active Twin Clutch is like accelerates like X-mode but is always on and there is no buttons.

[@edwardlaw797]

Which gm vehicle has this? Similar class?

[@djayt1215]

Mike uh....gm actually rates much higher than subaru for dependability

[@auronedgevicks7739]

it seems low off the ground for such a soft course

[@premiercconstruction]

Nice vehicle: just so slow on the off road.. all this tech takes the fun out of driving... but it’s nice for family

[@sabiefreddy6666]

How about installing some BLACK RHINO rims with WildPeak All Terrain Falken tires? Wish list for my 2022 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition 🤘#taxmoney #lol

[@Dan007UT]

My 08 Legacy could have done that "course " with no issues

[@americanball_2841]

No. Even if you had the spec b. With it's higher ride height you'd be scratching the bottom. I even own a spec b. It sits high for a sedan. But it would drag its bottom.

[@buzzfeedright4154]

But it can’t go up hill because of the cvt

[@billpeirce7127]

Does the 2019 hv 300 pluss horse power yet???? If not,,, Not interested. Needs 300 pluss horse power and better mpg

[@bigjermini]

Don't need it. Subie pulling off some bs with the 2.5l (this one has it). Somehow, newest 2.5l can tow almost as much as a Ford 5.4 v8. bruh wat. Of course its all in the drivetrain for the most part, but still. mpg is supposed to be better, but you know, there's gonna be a limit of some kind. They may have already hit that limit or getting close to it.

[@SlyLo94]

This is an all new engine. It has very little to do with the 2.5L. it's a new turbo 2.4 developed specifically for this vehicle

[@Titanium308]

Is subaru going to make 4x4, like land cruiser or pajero?

[@americanball_2841]

Probably not. They stand by the awd system as that is better for snow and responsiveness as it is always on.

[@ศิริศักดิ์ศิริพงศธร]

It's a forester right?

[@rydingwithryan493]

I want to see a comparison of this awd system vs somthing like the Durango’s awd system

[@rydingwithryan493]

Matt Laclair oh good one, except for my family friends one has 340,000 miles on it. And our 2015 has 86,000 and they work fine. Oh by the way ever heard of a head gasket?

[@forsaken.cowboy]

I’d like to see a Durango compete with Subarus all wheel drive system in Rally Stages!

[@rydingwithryan493]

King Beowulf I’m not saying it better I’m simply asking for a comparison

[@rileygallagher4956]

King Beowulf and id like to see a Subaru with 120K on factory head gaskets, but I never will.

[@SlyLo94]

Riley Gallagher I'd like to see you look at any Subaru engine built after oh... Idk, say 2009...

[@martycadena8327]

that zr2 stole the show, lol

[@Xhill14]

you can just get op treds to make it not slip

[@ckbhack]

Screw the brake fakery give me a real limited slip diff like the old school Subarus.

[@GIGABACHI]

Not a chance, man. The good times are gone.

[@AviationDirection]

Where and what is the music credit?

[@uRnotGOODLikeME]

I can't get this thing to slide in the dirt sideways unless I shift the weight going 50+ Even then with traction control off, it bogs down and tries to regain control itself. Boooo! Did get a few good ones in though 😅

[@maxheadroom8097]

You made me cringe when you went on to that Gravel Road at that speed and those are the wrong tires for what you were doing

[@drivingsports]

We love to rig up and do it right but changing tires is beyond the scope of a standard review. Most owners will drive what they have.

[@drivingsports]

Check out our Legacy Project mini-series here on KZbin.

[@larryswartz2292]

A little dip and your on 3 wheels. No thanks, I'll go to a park for a teeter totter ride.

[@Kcwiro]

Very nice - 2019 comes around Mrs will be testing one of these out as right now it is a Outback vs Ascent decision ... not to mention what one will be easy enough to get into the garage -_-

[@rodneydecormier1504]

What did you end up choosing? And why?

[@sheepdog819]

Now build a 1/2 ton truck!!!

[@JasonDennis817]

Born Free81 I don't know about half ton. But small truck definitely.

[@sheepdog819]

Jason Dennis I would really like to see an F-150 competitor from Subaru. I've owned 4 Subies so far and the Ascent will be my 5th. A truck that can tow 10k lbs would be a dream from Subaru.

[@gt5228z]

Jason Dennis I agree, but only a small truck.... And it can't look like the Baja!!!

[@tinhinnh]

...more like another Ridgeline

[@tonyjackson5115]

make a Baja/Brat version of this car. only with a 6 foot bed instead of a useless 4 footer.

[@koreymayo8884]

I believe the new Kia Telluride with AWD lock will definitely beat this Subaru Ascent in off roading plus has heads up display and ventilated second row seats and an intercom system and self leveling suspension and a V6 engine instead of a turbo 4 cyl and an 8 speed tyranny and more that Subaru doesn't offer!

[@verticalchallenger]

Intercom? Self leveling suspension? Then you have to tell everyone you drive a Kia? No thanks😂

[@Taras-Nabad]

Would buy with a 6 cylinder. 4 cyl does not cut it.

[@andrs8953]

Thanks

[@WofulDraco]

it's weird it does not look like a Subaru

[@nitroxide17]

What's the outtro song?

[@xhytype]

Subaru AWD is probably one of the best out there if not the best. BTW Say hi to Ian (with a little girl's voice) "haiiii"!! Got a twinkie!? 😂

[@AviationDirection]

What's the music used in the outro?

[@jasonwalker5430]

Just dont tow with it...does not tow as advertised. Unless you want to pull over every 20 min for the rear diff to cool off.

[@GIGABACHI]

Your Diff it's the LEAST of your problems when you have a CVT made out of silly putty that throws the towel at the first whiff of real work(burnt CVT oil smell and limp mode).

[@genius2000]

You call this off-reading?

[@lukem9707]

new Tribeca... I was hoping for a boxier design. There is no reason to buy this over the Highlander or Pilot.

[@mrchongyl]

Joe Johnson Well Highlander and Pilot do come with AWD albeit not as capable off road as Subbie's system.

[@josephharris9295]

Nope, you are wrong

[@SuperZeeL1]

Of course there is plenty. You'll want to look at the interior tech, room, and quality before you spend more on a Pilot or Highlander.

[@mikejones6676]

I could do this in my fwd equinox lol

[@CruisingEntertainment]

lmao!

[@rodneydecormier1504]

Yes the course is lame. But subarus perform off-road. They don't break when you do go off-road.

[@iamlim5197]

why wouldn't everyone is going to speak about ACURA RDX 2019? 😂

[@AviationDirection]

What's the outro song please?

[@fernandizo]

My 2012 Legacy cud probably have done that? Thats a damn near prefectly manicured road you just drove on.. Who is coming up with these weak ass 'challenges' the 'Suburban Subaru Marketing Moms of America'?

[@AntonioHernandez-cz7hy]

Muy bonita elegante y económica de gasolina tengo una 2019

[@jasondonnelly6966]

Not impressed my 99 legacy outback with less clearance could have done that no issues. No electronic nannies no remapping with buttons. It's called skill you should try it

[@drivingsports]

This video explains how the system works. It’s not a “let’s see if we can break it” test.

[@AS-zk6hz]

I can't wait to pay 40 grand for this vehicle and take it off road so I can get its beautiful finish all pitted up or like a friend did he took his brand new vehicle off road and caused 9000.00 damage to it. Buy a used 2000.00 junker jeep for that. How dopey. They put a dinky 2.4 in this big vehicle. Look where he is taking that nice vehicle gravel and rocks galore I would not take a brand new vehicle there

[@mr.monitor.]

That 2.4 is a great motor. Wait and see. I bet it will be very very reliable. Oil changes are critical. Every car manufacturer is getting into turbos or electric motors.

[@southshore74]

Ya, Poop Brown is a color people will buy, unless you're Mr. Hankey

[@stellar00001]

This is a crap test. It was a course set up by Subaru to feature everything it can do only. It was never push to any limit and not ever in an actual off road situation.

[@steelswitch1245]

Do I get twinky??

[@simonjohnstone]

Approach and departure angles ROFLMAO. Subaru does not even know what they.

[@Prachka1]

Subaru had screwed up with newer cvt awd.

[@parkerbee4243]

Summertyres at a offroad test? Really

[@movieclipscobrakia9971]

❤❤❤

[@dmitryb1286]

Tires is not belong off road

[@SeanDuu]

The suspension is obviously designed for the mall. Lifting tires like there's no tomorrow.

[@gford816]

So? Traditionally you needed all four wheels on the ground for traction. The Subaru will drive you with only one wheel on the ground!

[@RS-io6vm]

should see them I'm the snow

[@NomadGSR]

I hate CVT 🙄

[@556suppressor]

Keeping the rpm's under 2,500 is the secret to smooth acceleration.

[@georgearmerding]

Xmode is a gimmick, as TFL has proven with their outback. Subaru is trying to justify removing differentials and still charging the same amount for their vehicles.

[@drivingsports]

+George Armerding Modern (after 1970s) Subaru’s have never had locking differentials. They didn’t remove them and charge and more - they were never there. Also, that TFL video wasn’t done well. I like Roman, but I think he messed that one up.

[@georgearmerding]

@@drivingsports you're right but I was referring to limited slip differentials

[@verticalchallenger]

X-Mode down a truly steep, ice covered hill performed amazingly in my Ascent. Managed traction flawlessly. Please speak on experience not emotions.

[@mikelucas2432]

Not so off road test....pffft.

[@digitalbilly]

Capable soft roader. Hahahaa

[@colfrost5891]

again another suburu off road test with shitty on road tires , bad example

[@trippplefive]

Subaru does have the ugly car market covered.

[@jimquantic]

A point of view, not an absolute.

[@trippplefive]

Jmichael Isbell some points of views are better than others

[@gt5228z]

It's a niche car, with niche styling. I think they look pretty good but can see where most wouldn't agree. Where the vid gets it right is on off-road. It's not like it's a Jeep, or truck, but it offers comparable proformance relitive to it's small size and wag-u-vee profile. This is important to people living in harsh areas or snowy regions. I get 32 MPG/27City and will NEVER need to hire a wrecker or get stuck in my own driveway again... there are days where I live where even if you could technically drive, ur going to do so at a crawling pace and it's very dangerous! No issues with any Subaru model(BRZ DOESENT COUNT, BASICALLY A TOYOTA WITH SUBIE ENGINE)

[@jarochito73]

Yeah.. tho most Subaru owners don’t care much about the looks but the performance of the car in difficult road conditions and weather..I’ll take that any day over fancy looks /dashboards and apple play features...

[@thdjjfsfh]

I actually like the look, but then again, I am not picky. Like everything else in life, don't judge things by how they look.

[@morthomer5804]

I would hate to be stuck on a trail behind one of these slow Turtles. Get out of the way. Stick to roads covered in light snow and rain. My 2 wheel drive truck could have covered that Gravel Pit faster and safer then that Subaru, and towed a trailer

[@RaoulDuke69]

1. It's the driver going slow, not the car. 2. The Ascent can tow a trailer. 3. I highly doubt your truck is safer than this.

[@bigjermini]

stick to roads covered in light snow? LOOOOOL. You didn't know mudpits, and 4ft of snow is Subaru's natural habitat? Ascent can tow up to 5,000lbs with a 260hp 2.4l. That is nearly the same towing capacity(600lbs less) as the 2001 Ford Expedition v8 5.4l triton and way better gas mileage. and only 1,000lbs less than the new Expedition 3.5L v6. Not too shabby for something considered a family sports minivan. Getting 20mpg at full towing capacity. Can tow 5klbs up a hill covered in about 2 foot of snow. try that with your 2wd truck. Subies now all come with, so far, the safest design yet. A guy hit a tractor trailer head on, came out with a few scrapes. Impreza bubbled out and around him. Yeah, it totaled...but driver was safe and thats what really matters. Try that with your truck. No. Don't.

[@SaxonTerror]

That was freaking pathetic

[@bummeroni]

How is that pathetic? It did all the courses right?

[@RadBunny2269]

Off-road my face. Subaru need to get serious on a true off-roader, not this crap.

[@rubenscott3972]

Victor Muthoka all they need is one

[@AntonioHernandez-cz7hy]

Muy bonita elegante y económica de gasolina tengo una 2019