2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Olympic Off-Road Adventure

Ryan takes the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness deep into the Olympic Mountains on the quest to find a loop road... and to see if the Crosstrek is a worthy mountain companion.
#offroad #Subaru #subarucrosstrek
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:26 - Features
02:45 - Adventure Begins!
26:48 - XMode Test
28:59 - Adventure Continues
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Equipment used to make this video:
Canon R5: amzn.to/2KcwacW
Canon R6: amzn.to/33xLpUa
Canon 24-105mm f/4: amzn.to/2Jx0I8e
BlackMagic Ursa 4.6k G2: amzn.to/37poIm6
Sony RX0II (in-car camera) amzn.to/2NCfWbp
Rode Go Wireless mic amzn.to/364zLP5
GoPro amzn.to/2RrdNjT
Aputure Amaran AL-MW LED amzn.to/3lZHbfP
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[@drivingsports]

You can now view routes and download .GPX tracks from our web site. www.drivingsports.com/episode-drive-routes/

[@terr256]

Thanks! I'm always curious where you go Might take my motorcycle on these trails!

[@josiebosie]

Great video! Is .GPX tracks available on Android phone? I can't seem for find it in Google's app store. Thanks!

[@drivingsports]

@@josiebosieGPX is standard supported by OnX, Garmin and other mapping tools.

[@NYRIKAN]

THAT IS NOT OFFROADING SO YOU KNOW 0|||||||0

[@NYRIKAN]

THAT IS NOT OFFROADING SO YOU KNOW 0|||||||0

[@cassieudy5718]

This video is the real world example of what offroading actually means for most. Cruising logging roads for hours, with a couple little obstacles. I was a hardcore lifted, low range, 4x4 truck person for years until I realized a Subaru would realistically meet all the main requirements. When you're that deep in the bush, even in a truck, you don't really want to attempt the sketchy trails anyway (unless of course that's what you're there for).

[@JDS-Dalton]

For the longest time, I thought I needed a 4x4 with lockers and what have you to get out there, now? I'm driving a modified forester wilderness, something that'll get me everywhere I want to go, and allow me to have some fun on more challenging areas, and I have almost zero issues.

[@cramias1]

Exactly. I spent a ton of time on dirt roads, trying to get at trailheads and scenic spots, and camp beyond where RVs can get to. But I have very limited interest in "offroading" as an activity unto itself. When the road gets technical, I get stressed out more than anything else, its not a fun activity if you're in a car you care about. Most of the time you can walk or bike those roads faster than you can walk them, anyway. It feels like the subaru wilderness are made specifically for this use case.

[@nicohovse4204]

Same here.. I had Jeeps forever it seems. Just sold mine and picked up the CrossTrek Windlerness and it's eveyrthing I would ever need. Wished I would have done this sooner. We get caught up in the hype sometimes when we really don't need much.

[@bradkarm1]

I quite enjoy your PNW adventures! We love getting off the beaten path on our USA road trips., bread crumbs would be very appreciated. We recently hit up Eastern WA/ Oregon, The Steen mountains and Alvord desert and were amazed with the scenery. More PNW trips coming next year.

[@StarlancerAstro]

I recently bought a 2024 Outback Wilderness and while I haven't been off road yet with it (only 700 miles on it) I am really loving the vehicle, many of your reviews were deciding factors in my purchase. It's nice to see unbiased, informative reviews!

[@NYRIKAN]

THAT IS NOT OFFROADING SO YOU KNOW DONT DESTROY YOUR CAR O|||||||0

[@MegaRetr]

Love seeing the Crosstrek Wilderness in action. Great video.😃

[@Mountain_Tactical]

Absolutely beautiful nature out there. Love the wilderness adventure videos. General public really underestimate the capabilities of Crosstrek off road. I found that; the more you drive it, the more confidence you gain just by driving it in wilderness. Excellent video! Yet again 🙌

[@user-ii1gi2se2e]

Love this! I could watch videos of this all day long, just ask my wife, shes sick of it. 😂 Aside from the car, im amazed at your photography. Top notch! The scenery is amazing and the drone footage is incredible! I keep waiting for bigfoot to jump out in front of the car!

[@raiderhett]

More of the exploration, please! Seeing what your vehicles can manage in different locations of varing conditions along the way adds so much interest to your content. Your test hill and courses are some of the best but these explorations are a good change of pace and appreciated. Great work with your productions!

[@lolotus4borderless]

Thank you for posting Washington state adventures, spent few months in the area and loved it. Watching your channel for the off-road+the views with the sweet memories

[@jcollins1305]

The Subi did great! That’s about the most off road 99.9% of people will do, (myself included) and it really made it look easy. Nice job.

[@AnAboveAverageJoe]

im from that area and its great seeing other people reviewing cars and sharing the natural beauty of the pnw! love the videos keep up the great work

[@bryandale7125]

One of the many things I love about my two-door Wrangler Rubicon JL is the very short wheelbase. I've turned around on shelf roads high in the mountains that were less than 10 ft wide, and it did not take very long either.

[@Daniel_Scott89]

Never been so early! Love the Wilderness videos, their channel is the main reason I got a Forester Wilderness! Keep up the great work

[@kevh182]

I'm loving these CTW videos. I picked up mine this week and I'm loving every mile I put on it. The day I picked it up, I had some snow/sleet mix on the drive home. I never felt it slip once and I left it in normal mode the whole drive home. I have also noticed it gets a lot of head turns from other Crosstrek owners on the highway. I am looking forward to your snow tests. I hope you do some videos on the towing capabilities before you return it to Subaru.

[@davidfarrell4953]

I love these Crosstrek Wilderness videos- You’re really doing a great job with them! And as a fellow PNW / Seattleite, I would greatly appreciate a downloadable version of these maps! Keep up the awesome work!

[@parsley0120]

I live in eastern WA and would love to explore your drive routes when I go west of the cascades. Been wanting to get out on the Olympic peninsula with my Outback. I do think they should be shared on a more case by case, private basis… Just to preserve the area for those of us that respect the land and want to explore.

[@drivingsports]

You can now download tracks from our web page: www.drivingsports.com/episode-drive-routes/

[@ZACH_95_]

People that are that much into doing things like this will respect the nature and try to preserve it.

[@jaygomesphoto]

I live in the mid Atlantic region of the East Coast where the mountains are a few hours away & the only off roading I can do are under power lines. Each time I watch these videos, it makes me want to travel across the country & explore these terrains with my Outback!

[@TheBullseye53537]

I definitely enjoyed just going for a ride with you! The way you casually talked your way down the road was great.

[@eskieman3948]

Ryan has several videos that are similar in content for many vehicles. Aside from the killer scenery shots, he explains his impression/feedback of the vehicle has he drives it. To me, that is so much more useful than having someone data hose me down with technical data and how it compares with everything else.

[@keithprice3369]

You always make these adventures seem like a fun little jaunt. But then I stop and think about the fact that you're constantly having to stop, walk forward a few dozen yards, set up a camera, walk back to the car, drive past the camera, walk back to pick up the camera, and then back to the car again. And you seem to do that at least 10 time a trip. Plus your stops to release the drone! If you have a wing man who helps you with that, I guess it simplifies it a bit. But then I have to give you kudos for making sure neither he/she nor their vehicle is ever shown. Really impressive work and dedication. And you do it all with a smile and what appears to be genuine enthusiasm!

[@markelixer]

Yes, please post the maps where you go for adventures on your website! Awesome video and channel. Honest reviews and actually tests the capabilities of the vehicle.

[@hypotenuse314]

This is so cool! You have always produced really good content, especially on Subarus and its competitors. I love the Olympic area. Please keep up the awesome content.

[@user-nw5hw1tq4h]

I always look forward your videos. You are an excellent teacher, I usually learn something.

[@eskieman3948]

Definitely a cool shot at 22:11. Having a good drone for these shots is priceless! And Ryan, you're right - the size of the Crosstrek is a real plus for some of the tighter, rougher areas you had to pass through.

[@Beardahn69]

Going to pickup my crosstrek wilderness in a few hours. Very excited

[@stevenveal5836]

Thanks for doing this Ryan! As someone who will likely never get to experience the Pacific Northwest to this level of detail, these are fun. More please.

[@shumann1605]

Love seeing the Crosstrek Wilderness in action. Great video. Dream trim would add the WRX engine w/Performance transmission, better bash plates, full 360 camera view. I agree, at minimum Subaru should add a front camera.

[@saltyt.1886]

Thank you Ryan for a beautiful Subaru morning video!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@robertfeddersen5430]

Loving these wilderness videos! keep em coming! Looking to buy this car in the spring.

[@rahulscaria4396]

Yes! Would love to see the tracks that you take in driving sports tv!! Had my 2024 crosstrek wilderness for 3 weeks now. It's a compact offroader, very capable! Thank you for the reviews!

[@bryandale7125]

For many years my wife and I would travel mountain logging roads like this in Oregon with her Outback. But we kept running into trails that just were not suitable for this vehicle that was not a true off-roader, so I bought a new two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and built it to be even more capable off-road. So now there is hardly any trails I have found that I cannot easily navigate. However, for the average person, a vehicle like this Crosstrek would be perfect for everyday driving and mild off-roading, as I have put over 1/2 million miles on similar vehicles.

[@georgesoto5436]

Another amazing video from driving sports! Love PNW area!

[@aaronbehindbars]

I just recently discovered this channel and boy am I glad! This type of terrain access is so foreign to me living in state with over 95% privately owned land (care to guess?). I think the reason Jeeps, Subarus, Broncos, 4x4 pickups are so popular is because people fancy themselves being able to use those capabilities. What I love about this channel is seeing someone who lives in a place where they can enjoy an off-road capable vehicle. The Crosstrek was a vehicle I'd like to have considered when recently purchasing a small crossover, but its Impreza based shorter height body is too car-like to provide a taller seating position which is not friendly to my back and hip. I'm guessing it's a bit better than something like a Corolla hatch. Still, I like when automakers build a different version of a vehicle, even if it uses the same nameplate (like the Corolla Cross). It would be nice is Toyota built a Corolla Cross Woodlands or Adventure like they dobwith the RAV4. I really like this overall size vehicle with its smaller footprint.

[@sleepingthroughthewar]

texas?

[@aaronbehindbars]

@@sleepingthroughthewar Winner winner, chicken dinner!

[@mhadman427]

This guy has a lot of fun with his job. I just test drove the Crosstrek Wilderness, and fell in live with it.

[@madlucio70]

Loves these videos! I think that it would be amazing to do some overlanding in a group, with you heading it up, at some point in Treks!

[@tragedium]

Was really enjoyable to watch! Can't wait to do such things with my Forester Wilderness in the near future! P.S. You helped me a lot with the buying decision... :)

[@Audacious_TV]

love this Trails! More vidoes like this Please!

[@mikes8032]

You are so lucky Ryan ... beautiful country you have access to. I'm envious.

[@Mitch_Ryder]

Thanks for this! Taking my new CTW out on some Florida forest service roads today!

[@SulCoCrazy]

Hey there! I greatly appreciate the time and effort that goes into your posting. I really like how you test the all-wheel-drive systems by stopping uphill, and then starting on the gas! And you thoroughly explain everything and go through great detail. Suggestion. Get a very small 1 gallon air tank pump in case you need to air up! Like a ryobi one plus. I would really recommend a. Wyeth scott moore power puller, in case you don’t have a winch on the vehicle! They’ve been making those things the same way since the early 1900s and they will easily pull around nine or 10,000 pounds. I carry one in the back of my truck all the time. I am not sponsored by either one of these companies I just think that they make very useful products.

[@michaelptm2269]

These videos are great!

[@rsthegoldenfist25]

"Just a couple of inches" - I want this T-shirt!

[@eskieman3948]

🤣🤣🤣😅😆😆😅😅🤣😂😂

[@Mctsep]

Most enjoyable channel as always!

[@martinr8278]

These are just to fun to watch. Like how your testing the crosstrek

[@eganfo]

This car continues to impress. I could watch these videos all day.

[@tigoat2]

Another great video! Downloadable maps of your excursions would be one of the best reasons for this easterner to head to the left coast. You should just buy the Subie so you can really put it through its paces, it seems like a great little workhouse. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.

[@JasonWh]

Dropping the $500 rear locker in that thing makes it a TRUE beast. Best upgrade for the money except for rock sliders to protect the body.

[@StephenYang]

That looked like such a fun drive!

[@Doc1855]

The Crosstrek is too small for our needs, but we Love my Forester Touring. I love that Green paint on that Crosstrek.

[@ashleylitebrite6971]

Your drone shots are breathtaking. Wow

[@stlswagger]

Did the same route and the bridge with a buddy in March when there was still plenty of snowpack. Was pretty fun

[@madlucio70]

I would love to see you come up to Canada with the Wilderness and hit 417 between Ontario and Québec. I hit all sorts of nastiness there in my Trek as I have to travel it once a week. Everything from heavy drifting snow, high winds and almost invisible roads to ice wash outs and thick Fog. Honestly my Trek has been handling all of these differing weather extremes with style. I can only imagine that the Wilderness takes it to the next level as I am driving a Crosstrek PHEV.

[@RangerRickTV]

You should definitely share your trail spots. Maybe label them on what vehicle can handle those courses the best.

[@EasyE865]

DO NOT share your trail spots.... jackasses will instantly ruin them

[@kevinm594]

That's exactly what I wanted to see. No Xmode then Standard Xmode. Thank you!

[@iambeyondbrilliant]

It is cool watching your videos as we are in the same area. This video I realized you were not far from where my son and I have gone camping a couple of times in the last couple of years (Brown Creek Campground). We took my son's '99 F150 2WD up there. It handled great other than being a big vehicle for some of the roads. So the CrossTrek would be a great vehicle to take up there (I have a '16 Outback that I want to take up there too). I have also used Google Maps up there and has worked pretty well. There are so many roads up there to drive on (we took a number of them but in a lot of cases had to turn around because they became too narrow my son's truck with all the overgrowth).

[@joshleal9811]

Man, I thought you was going to do the full loop. Anyway, nice video and yes, more scout with a little more rough terrain will be awesome. To be honest that Subaru crosstrek is just the best all wheel drive cars you can buy. 👍🤘

[@rose415]

another great video

[@Databyter]

Good Job. Pretty Country up there.

[@numiiktomi3517]

Thx for that video. We know a little bit more about that Crosstrek Wilderness, a car we unfortunately never be able to get in Europe. I guessed you tried a little bit more challenging path 😉

[@JDMEXforme]

Great episode of adventuring. We need more vehicles on that trail. And maybe a 2nd vehicle with a camera so we can see the suspension work and what the vehicle looks like on the trail. Great episode Ryan.

[@M.G.jun.]

Hello Ryan, another great, entertaining and interesting video, in a stunning area. I would really be interested to know if you were alone there. Filming the work like that, with the different settings, is a huge job.

[@gocivic99]

Yes! Id really like posted routes. I live in western Washington and often like to take the pup on a drive. Your videos are great. Im been a subscriber for a long time. Can we see a tacoma snow video?

[@Doc1855]

Before we had iPhones when we would go exploring new places off grid, we’d take orange tape and when we’d turn onto another road we’d mark a tree or bush right before the turn so we could follow our path back. We’d always carry an additional 5 gallons of gas with us as well.

[@jacklo325]

Very fun video, this crosstrek wilderness with that 9.2" ground clearance is really impressive. Only wish the interior is slightly larger though...

[@XxSpecOpsxX]

love your videos w the subaru wilderness models, im looking to pick one up in the next year or two, great getting to see what theyre capable of. one aside ill offer w a grain of salt because i dont know if im right, is i also use OnX for hiking and camping, and im almost certain youre supposed to pronounce it as "Onyx" not really separating the on and x. total semantics tho, cant wait for more content with these things!

[@joemamamia1751]

Would absolutely love to have access to the maps/trails you’re adventuring down! So many cool , accessible roads for adventure! 🤙🏼

[@jadewulf3625]

Just love your videos Ryan ! Unfortunately you always cost me money. Back in 2021 I bought a Crosstrek Sport because of you. Now I am trading it in for a Wilderness because of you and these excellent videos. lol I didn’t like the bright gold/ yellow exterior trim but I will live with it because of all the other positive attributes of this model.

[@GCMoto97]

Awesome. I would love to see the maps; I also live on the peninsula and would like to try these out in my spare time.

[@TheKingPrawn114]

Yes please on making tracks available.

[@edgar_ned]

Great video

[@DavGreg]

Actually would like to see videos on the best use & features of the various Off Road Nav apps. I am sure for people just getting started it would be a great help. Posting the routes is definitely a plus.

[@danhall3450]

Fun video. But how did the Skykomish River get on the Olympic Penn?

[@jrisheim]

Very interested in getting the downloadable tracks on the site Ryan. I have managed to piece together some of your adventures from watching your previous videos. Being able to download the tracks would be great.

[@overfrank]

Yes please post the maps coordinates!

[@G2takinover]

Just bought one yesterday but in silver color ❤️

[@Traumatree]

I wish we had such nice scenic places in the North East of NA... instead we have slush and freezing rain instead of snow since the last 20+ years. Awesome footage! Edit: Ryan, what is the piece of music you added @19:56? Thx!

[@spyros1343]

The scenery at 21:20 deserved another take :D

[@dokeefe4403]

We purchased an Outback wilderness. Best car we’ve owned. It’s gotten us more places than our diesel4x4

[@srandyt2]

Yes, the track info (or at least coordinates for starting points) would be appreciated. I love coming up there and would like to expand my area.

[@Zanderthelab]

I would love to look up many different routes in that state!

[@rexspeedworthy]

I learned more about maps and why and how to use them and download.... than I learned about the Crosstrek. Just teasing ya. I look forward to the future vids of this vehicle.

[@frankENZC]

This is the kind of adventuring I like! Questions: 1. Did the maps in the vehicle come with it or is there a way to download map apps into the vehicle? 2. Did you have someone following you just in case you broke down? 3. I'm 6'2". Would I be able to sleep in the back with the back seats down? 4. I just priced a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport S fully loaded. $55,000!!! The Crosstrek Wilderness looks like a great option. 5. I still don't like the CVT transmission. Do you like it OK now? Thanks!

[@alexlivshin]

I live near Seattle as well and often wonder where exactly these adventures take place. So, yeah, would be great if you could post the details/maps.

[@aaronhildahl3315]

Have a guesting. Just bought a 24 outback onyx. What tires would you recommend

[@stevenlord6120]

Ryan, which has the more comfortable star tech seats? Outback or crosstrek?

[@pipin447]

Wow i like you reviews.

[@pell222]

This is a helpful reality check vs the extreme tests... all my favorite high mpg little crossovers sort of flunk the big stuff vs a gas subaru on the focus offroad testing videos, but then this real road footage shows me that i really probably don't care about that and i probably could do just fine in a rav4. i've been that hooligan up a lot of these in a honda fit (minus the x-mode test hill), which can do decent washboarding slowly enough but can't do potholes. i never really found grade too steep for the fit on the way to trailhead access, hole clearance was always the issue. my dream is a hybrid HRV on the old honda fit base so it's comfy to sleep in with the high cargo area. but they never sold those in north america! i mean i got that Fit into an unplowed sno-park last month with 5-6"of new powder and all seasons. sure it was mostly flat but still. but this week a tree fell on it and it has met its woodland match. hows the subaru on 120' douglas fir resistance? for me the vehicle is exclusively a means to an end for hiking, skiing, etc. i couldn't care less about it being "sporty" or fast and i probably wouldn't drive this type of national forest road except in morel season (and it will be in terrible condition every time due to always being a recent burn area), and my buddy has the crosstrek already for that annual excursion. but i hated sleeping in the back of it with them!

[@nukeclub]

I live in PNW and would love to have an idea of where you're getting out to! Just bought an overlanding rig and have started getting out on local FRs.

[@joshuakienlen7626]

Definitely interested in the driving routes! 😊

[@drivingsports]

Just added to our site: www.drivingsports.com/episode-drive-routes/

[@corystewart4682]

When you are on these one lane roads what do you do if someone is coming the other direction? Or are the trails generally one direction?

[@lookoutlinn]

Can you do a review of the towing capacity and driver experience doing this activity with the CrossTrek Wilderness?

[@sassytbc7923]

Having tracks to download ❤would be great.. I am learning. A lot on this channrl

[@ARVIthereyet]

What do you think, are you going to test out the new dacia duster Extreme trim?

[@thecleaningteacher638]

Interesting perspective on the maps feature of the infotainment. I had a ‘19 Forester and found the infotainment to be very frustrating.

[@vballady]

What Garmin map app are you using on this adventure? You also mentioned another map app: ON-X? That's also for use on a phone? I'm due to get delivery of my own Crosstrek Wilderness in about 1 week. Can't wait. 😊

[@drivingsports]

I’ve only used Garmin Earthmate - I didn’t realize Garmin had multiple apps. 😂

[@stujamieson3944]

Weird that your vehicle does not have a front camera. My 2024 Crosstrek here in Aussie has one!🤨 (And I use it all the time!)

[@davep4610]

I love exploring roads like that in WA state. My VW Tiguan has all-terrain tires but only six inches of ground clearance, so the Crosstrek Wilderness would do a lot better with its ground clearance. I would seriously consider buying a Crosstrek if they still had a manual transmission along with the Wilderness higher clearance. I will not buy a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

[@kayleighdrouin6378]

I went in the late winter/early spring up there. I ended up clearing so much lmao. Drove all over up in those hills. Nothing to sketchy. I took my 3rd gen 4runner. I want this car so bad. I've been waiting since they released the forester wilderness i just am not quiet in the marker at this moment. But i want that gas mileage for stuff like this that my civic will not do well in and my 4runner is a bit over kill and a gas hog. And yes bread crumbs are important, especially when most of it is super similar and you have adhd and a terrible sense of direction. Please post the chords! I'm always looking for new areas to check out and I'm local

[@karlf2378]

Love the videos on this Crosstrek! Keep them coming. My question to you since you have a 2021 Crosstrek, would trade for a wilderness or stay with what you have and set it up the way you want to? I know there are a lot of things to think about. I am just curious on you thoughts! Sincerely #Crosstrekfan!

[@craigo2142]

Great country and that's from someone in Colorado. Becoming much more impressed with the Crosstrek. Any idea of your overall mpg since you got it? And, how do you think it would do for a daily driver in a city like Denver?

[@drivingsports]

It’s averaging around 25 MPG over the past thousand miles driven.

[@rogerskiprotich7251]

This amazing