Best SUVs off-road: Top 12 medium SUVs compared - some fail to make it!

We test ALL of the highest selling medium SUVs in Australia on our light off-road course to see which is best! Paul Maric's muddy light off-road course includes a test of the chassis rigidity, an offset mogul test to see how good the traction control system is and finally a test to see how they go climbing Log Mountain.
The cars we tested in this mega comparison include:
- 2022 Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid AWD
-- Toyota Rav4 review: • 2022 Toyota RAV4 revie...
-- RAV4 v CX-5 comparison: • 2022 RAV4 hybrid v CX-...
- 2022 Mazda CX-5 Akera Turbo AWD
-- Mazda CX-5 Akera review: • 2022 Mazda CX-5 turbo ...
- 2022 Haval H6 Ultra AWD
-- Haval H6 review: • 2022 Haval H6 review (...
- 2022 Subaru Forester 2.5i-L
-- Subaru Forester review: • 2022 Subaru Forester S...
- 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line
-- Volkswagen Tiguan review: • Volkswagen Tiguan 2021...
- 2022 Ford Escape Vignale
-- Ford Escape review: • 2021 Ford Escape/Kuga ...
- 2022 Kia Sportage GT-Line AWD diesel
-- Kia Sportage review: • 2022 Kia Sportage revi...
- 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander AWD diesel
-- Hyundai Tucson review: • 2022 Hyundai Tucson re...
- 2022 Jeep Compass Trailhawk diesel
- 2022 Honda CR-V VTi-L AWD
-- Honda CR-V review: • 2021 Honda CR-V review...
- 2022 Nissan X-Trail Ti AWD petrol
-- Nissan X-Trail review: • Detailed review: 2020 ...
- 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed petrol
-- Mitsubishi Outlander review: • 2022 Mitsubishi Outlan...
Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
The Test Course 01:00
Jeep Compass 03:49
Toyota RAV4 08:03
Mitsubishi Outlander 11:33
Subaru Forester 14:31
Kia Sportage 16:40
Hyundai Tucson 20:05
Mazda CX-5 23:28
Ford Escape 26:48
Honda CR-V 30:00
Haval H6 33:57
Volkswagen Tiguan 36:50
Nissan X-Trail 40:43
Verdict 43:44
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#suv #offroad #comparison

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for watching folks! What type of cars should we do on the same course next?

[@HughRussell06]

Dual cab utes, but you should wait until the new Ford Ranger goes on sale or you’re able to get a press car though

[@trentmorris2502]

7 seat SUVs like Sorrento, Santa Fe, outlander, cx8, kluger etc. Ones that dont have hi/low etc

[@crawfordrod]

MG SUV

[@snsum2853]

The next range up would be a good test - kluger, sorento, santa fe, cx9 etc and ideally keeping it similar eg all petrol/hybrid or all diesel

[@duncaninglis5407]

I would love to see Ssangyong Rexton, Toyota Fortuna & Prado, Isuzu MUX, Mitsubishi Pajaro Sport and the Ford Everest.

[@trojanhman8136]

This is very good content. I am very happy to see that Australian reviewers are testing the performance capability of these cars, and not just looking at number of cup holders.

[@billylid100]

But how many cup holders does it have ??

[@jay-firstofhisname]

but doing an off road test in factory all season tires really doesn't show much

[@leonwakefield7285]

@@jay-firstofhisname it shows that you need all terrain tyres

[@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars]

@@leonwakefield7285 No, it shows that you need a 4WD with hardcore off-road powertrain designed to do this kind of driving.

[@airforceone6523]

Does it come with res stitching or just black

[@adrianwalker1578]

As a subaru Owner I am not surprised, but I am glad to see Subaru living up to its full expectations

[@Traumatree]

Yup! And I am mostly glad that this test showed the real colors of all other AWD SUVs lol

[@brad3d]

Agreed. I have a 18 Crosstrek, and I am going to assume it would have done about the same as the Forester.

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

Yep loving my Outback, first Subaru I've ever owned.

[@victorteran9766]

I also own one and I can tell you, if you add a 6MT to that AWD it becomes a traction monster! my Crosstrek is unstoppable on slippery conditions and light offroading

[@kristinireland-doll6562]

Love my Forester, never has let me down.

[@percyppenguin8687]

So many car "experts" always underestimate the subaru. Then they drive one and fall in love with them just like every other subaru driver on earth. They are extremely well built and soiled, all the bells and whistles, and well priced.

[@jistone7851]

amen to that, but really I like that they're so underestimated keeping the cost low for us who know

[@crispinswainstonharrison9042]

Very soiled 😂😂

[@charliewhiskey8440]

Subaru drivetrain is excellent, but the interior is quite horrible. My 2006 Honda Jazz inside looks MUCH more pristine than my 2014 SJ XT, with cracked seat fabric and plastic panels. I got both cars since new. The front seats headrests are so rock-hard they give you concussions on rougher ground, and don't get started on that horribly useless thing they call head unit...

[@thuantq91]

When I see the title, I already thought Subaru and Mitsubishi would won this test, and the result wasn't a surprise. Mitsubishi hasn't been really popular recently years, but their AWD system always be outstanding.

[@ruslanataoullov9248]

Agree. And considering that mitsu on same platform as Nissan , engine and all, mitsu's offroad programming more superior ...

[@Osmanloji]

yes bro

[@bhaghibassi]

Phev version is better

[@pkho5361]

I'm not surprised that the Subaru Forester did well in this test. I'm not surprised that the CRV didn't move an inch up the log mountain. But I'm surprised that the Haval could and the Jeep compass couldn't. Excellent review to Paul and the team 👍

[@CGRCOOL]

There is nothing to surprise, the haval has proven its high reliability within very short period of time and nothing to surprise overrated suv, jeep compass couldn't make it.

[@b1rrdu29]

Do not forget that the COMPASS is not a real JEEP it's a FIAT. FIAT is not a very reliable car or SUV, not very well built.

[@largol33t1]

You were somewhat misled. The only reason Jeeps these days (any models) do well off road is after a majority of the owners slap on hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of off road upgrades. In my city, 90% of the Jeep Wranglers have about $2,000 worth of accessories on them like blingy off road bars, fat tires, a sand jack, etc.

[@abujeylani8937]

I didn't know what the "Haval" was, I had to Google it. We don't have that car in the U.S.

[@aquaboy1650]

CRV is rubbish

[@dhanunjayareddy3132]

Perfect review. This is what I want to see from car reviewers. I don't want them to just read out engine numbers and count on cup holders. Thanks to all team members.

[@kriseightyfive5854]

Exactly this! Tired of those "0-60 and fake exhaust" reviews. I want to know about the practicality of the cars

[@Altezza447]

Most reviewer are avarage people that work and have family trying to get extra income on side from youtube

[@avia4281]

Any other channels do reviews like so ?

[@photographyofnaturey]

Bro if there was Mahindra Thar tata harier and safari and fortuner than 😂

[@ghostgutarist5234]

Another one I like is Drive sport TV, that guy put cars to test properly.

[@PO-wh5fz]

Thanks for a great video! I spent a good year studying, driving and researching all but the Haval, simply because I wanted the best suv for me and one that would last at least 250,000 miles minimum, I finally decided on a 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness-wow, wow, wow what an amazing vehicle, I cannot tell you amazing and how wonderful my beauty is! She has never failed me- thru 3' plus snow at Mammoth Lakes, sticky, deep mucky mud and deep desert sand, and also so safe on wet and/or icy roads.

[@toshiyam2853]

It was impressive that the Forester did not raise the engine output so much. In a section like this, I think it shows that the excellence of 4WD control is more important than absolute power. The opinion that the tires are not the same would be correct. However, there are only easy sections, and they are all tires for highways, so there won't be much difference...

[@VorpalGun]

That the Subaru performed adequately is no big surprise. I have been incredibly impressed with my 2011 Outback in Swedish winter conditions. What is surprising is the number of SUVs (with 4WD or AWD) that just didn't perform well at all.

[@shaorune3873]

the only lack accessories for forester is MT tire

[@Jose_hernandez970]

Unfortunately, what Subaru lacks is long term reliability. As a 30 year master mechanic I have first hand knowledge of this.

[@largol33t1]

Maybe but Subarus have gone down a bit on reliability. I know a co worker whose Outback had engine problems after only 4 years and she never took it off road or drove it like a maniac.

[@laurielavallee411]

Love my Forester Wilderness. Not surprised at all that it conquered this course 🤗

[@coenraadvanderwalt2039]

I am saying this a bit tongue in cheek but to say the Forester performed adequately in the test is a serious understatement. It looked like a proper off-roader amongst a bunch of soft roaders. I suspect permanent all-wheel drive has a lot to do with its ability to withstand heavy work as opposed to a car that just switches on the back tires occasionally. The other thing is Forester owners use their cars off-road a lot - just watch you tube for some really crazy things done to Foresters, so I guess issues get picked up and sorted.

[@patilmatrix]

Hats off to the hard work done by Paul and CarExpert team. Covering 10+ cars with basic off-road test and putting the result in very simple and transparent way. Really Great job 👍

[@Soul-Taker]

I agree it was well done, I'd love to see the same test done again with a control tyre, an affordable all terrain tyre ideally suitable for the road and dirt.

[@OliveiraPaulo1978]

Certainly one of the most underrated channels on KZbin about cars in general - I love how Paul and his team do their reviews and test everything in cars handed to them. Cheers from Canada!

[@bfc1999]

Well the guy is a bit of a dick that's why he's never going to reach the hights of carwow or throttle house

[@charliefreddy2356]

This is by far the most comprehensive comparison of such crossovers. Thanks a lot for giving buyers a comprehensive test of what this vehicles are capable of.

[@kevinclark7773]

As a Forrester owner, I knew the winner from the start.

[@grandche3966]

How many times you dare to challenge that cvt?

[@PoliticalMatter]

What do you suggest Outback or Forester?

[@kevinclark7773]

@@PoliticalMatter I've had my Forester for 6 years now and it's great, but if I went and got a new car I'd do an outback. Better towing capacity and near the same ground clearance and interior cubic feet.

[@LitheInLitotes]

Ford is trash

[@Wes147]

I’ve only had F150s and bought my first Wilderness Forester this year, got 8” of snow the next weekend and it’s amazing how it performs in the snow, way more confidence on the ice too

[@nornly6547]

There are 4 tops of medium SUVs after test drive 😀 1. Suburu 2. Mitsubishi 3. Hyundai Tucson 4. Haval H6

[@andrewcocos]

You've misspelled some of them: Mitsibishi, Hyunduy, Hevel!

[@alexandraseverino9346]

Number one Subaru .

[@violetaxhiku3269]

It is not Havel it is Haval.

[@jzvr5842]

Haval H6.

[@nornly6547]

@@jzvr5842 Already corrected

[@127Foxtrot]

Paul and CarExpert; what a great comparison of these SUVs 'out of the box'. Given the Forester did so well, for us Subie enthusiasts, I'd like to see a side by side comparison of the current stock standard Forester versus Crosstrek and Outback (non-turbo) on this course and same conditions. The Crosstrek being lighter weight but with smaller engine, and the Outback being heavier and (I think) has less aggressive stock tyres.

[@davebalanding]

Love this type of review. Actual test on different conditions helps viewers to choose the right car.

[@cryzz0n]

That is why I love my Forester!!, had a 2019 CRV before and let me down with the AWD system exactly the same way it was shown on this video and did overheated the AWD system @ -15c, every 2 minutes, did my research and got a 2021 Forester Limited, hands down the best car I ever owned.

[@naiemzamdin9823]

i love my subaru outback my car ate the last snow storm we had

[@hansdoreen]

Yep, love my 2014 Forester, the AWD just feel so good.

[@bfboobie]

Had a 2015 Forester and it was the best car I ever had. By far and away the best AWD capability of any car maker. Almost magically reliable confidence inspiring to go like a tank where even some 4wd trucks would get stuck. In Colorado where we get tons of snow, mud, steep slopes, boulders, etc, there is a reason where over half the vehicles on (and off) the road are Subarus.

[@naiemzamdin9823]

@@bfboobie what do you have now

[@bfboobie]

@@naiemzamdin9823 a bicycle, long story

[@NickoFaTe]

I can appreciate the amount of networking / collateral(cost) might be involved in setting something up like this, fabulous review with a lot of work that was well done!

[@blueskywhitecloud1216]

Great review👍👍👍. I enjoyed it. Thank you very much for all the effects and hard work making this video 🥳🥳

[@alirezabayat3994]

Im in love with outlander , it was an amazing test , thanks for it . please let us know more about this Suv .

[@Grant_Ferstat]

And that's why I purchased another Forester. Not the prettiest looking & not the most exciting on-road but if you need to actually need to leave the tarmac every now and then, the AWD system and extra ground clearance really does make a difference.

[@CarExpertAus]

They really are quite exceptional!

[@wavavoom]

Agreed on Forester traded from an XV, if the XV had a little extra umpf I wouldnt doubt it would be a class beater for on/off roading in it's segment and would give a few medium SUVs a run for their money too

[@drjphau1834]

Same too mate subaru the best awd

[@gizme10]

Foresters are underrated, been a forester fan for years. Never have I been disappointed with any of my foresters. I’ve bought them solely for there off road abilities, I only need light off road abilities so they really suit me. Yeah not the prettiest out there but great for my needs.

[@Mjollnir1983]

Once you go Subaru, you never go back.

[@Docsammy]

I was once stuck in a snow storm and I had a 2004 outback. It kept going through mounds of snow. Really impressed me with the AWD system of Subaru.

[@thatfrenchcanadian5779]

Indeed.... i have a sport impreza and it is better in Canadian snow then my former jeep Rubicon.

[@domwesbentick2960]

Yeah, my 2013 Impreza handled snowy roads like a champ!

[@bjohnson1489]

So did my 1980 monza 2wd with a 4 banger just like a vee plow

[@Kungfusue]

That was very interesting, thank you. I brought a Subaru Forester a couple of years ago. I love taking it off road, it’s an impressive car. So glad I brought this.

[@mrbeest13]

This is the best SUV test video I've seen so far. I was already considering buying a Subaru Forester before this video, now I am sure that's the one I will buy. I might be wrong, but I really think the boxer engine played a big role in Log Mountain.

[@sublevel03]

The only thing that you missed is that the Subaru has dominated this segment for well over a decade. Transverse FWD platforms with an "on demand" AWD system (that overheats/ECU nannies out) are not going to be on the same level to a longitudinal engined design built for AWD.

[@user-jt2tm1bx6g]

людей то не смеши:) Все субару на автомате давно имеют муфту подключения заднего привода, а последние лет 10 еще и вариатор добавили вместо автомата..так что были субару отстоищем , стали еще хуже:)Посмотри сравнительные тесты Дияса Валихана, переживи это унижение легенды:):):)

[@MADDOG100ful]

You didn't test the body twist doors opening with out binding, on the Toyota Rav 4

[@MT454]

@@MADDOG100ful yes he did? 9:02

[@jessebrinker3706]

It’s a shame it’s got a CVT and brittle windshield.

[@monkeysezbegood]

And now if it's not electric it's already second.

[@mehdinazarbeigi3168]

This is actually very good review, thanks Paul, and thanks to all your team! Can you please do more comparison videos.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks and will do!

[@tantiwahopak101]

@@CarExpertAus yeahhhhh!

[@user-bp5de9mg6s]

@@CarExpertAus รถดีๆเอาไปทำให้พังหมด

[@user-bp5de9mg6s]

@@CarExpertAus รถอ่ะ

[@Doc1855]

Great review. Subaru suits our needs perfectly. We live in north central WA state USA up in the mountains where we get 5-6 feet of snow every winter. We live 5 miles from town on a private road which we have to plow and maintain ourselves. The county road where our private road is, is the last road to get plowed, so usually we have to drive into town on unplowed county roads.

[@2krspy]

My dream of living in the mountains on acres away from people! So jealous, I'm a CRV owner though lol.

[@bountyhunter_BDPaku]

Just superb! Very homogeneous testing method and marvellous conclusion. Thank you so much

[@aecs.constn]

I knew that the subie will ace that log course. We were in UAE doing a site development project, with all of us using Prados, Hiluxes and Fortuner 4x4s except for our chief surveyor who uses a subaru forester. For the whole 12mos plying that desert, only him had the best offroad vehicle and never got stuck 😆

[@Brabant076]

Those are the story's we want to hear lol, Subie for life!

[@errolfeistl1705]

I love the forester, but suspect if that is true that perhaps the chief surveyor is a better driver or wasn't tackling quite as difficult terrain. As good as the forester is, in my experience the Prado is substantially better offroad.

[@aecs.constn]

@@errolfeistl1705 I guess so since he is more often offroad than us. Getting Topographic surveys every day of the week! But still, that little Subaru earned all of our respect 🙌

[@naiemzamdin9823]

subie gang for life

[@amirsamsudin]

Same here for me in Qatar when bringing the forester to the dunes. I friend even asked me to hop in his car cause the forester is consider “small” car compared to all the big SUVs. And i proof them wrong when i drove in the dunes without any issues 😄

[@phutran8530]

Very pleased with your video contents, very helpful information and demonstration on the tests. I wonder if you can do the same for those SUV Cross like Honda HRV, Yaris Cross, Subaru Crosstrek….

[@PhilM-zd9le]

Great video for a good range of vehicles. I think you could include a beach section to compare how these vehicles go in the soft sand. I am currently thinking of buying a Subaru Forester so this video was particularly useful to me. Great stuff. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewcoulls3718]

Totally agree about seeing them tested in sand. Afterall we are in Australia and taking your SUV or 4x4 down the beach is probably the most common off-roading we do. You certainly wouldn't buy one that is ok on fire trails but rubbish down the beach.

[@AgsyMixChannel]

Paul's testing and review should be an industry standard!

[@stevenrotherham6443]

Very nice to see such a comprehensive test of off road ability in SUVs. One point worth mentioning tho is the chassis rigidity test could really be more of a build quality test. If the door latch is misaligned slightly it will make it hard to open/close even with minimal flex

[@jeffjames736]

Spent a few hours looking at medium sized suv's at the Ford, Dodge and Chevy dealers today. Held off buying any of them until I saw how they would do off-road. This test was really amazing. Now I was hoping that the Subaru Forester would do well and it surely did! That's the car for me, but I'm going to have to wait to see what the offerings are for 2024 when the Forester gets its five year refresh. Don't care for the under-powered 2.5L engine (really want a turbocharged version). So I have to wait for several months more (hope it will be worth it).

[@k.reviewb4yougo]

This is an excellent review of many vehicles. I truly hope to see more SUV categories and off load in the next video. Is this automatically let you know what can be handled.

[@jarontran3697]

Fantastic comparison video. Would love to see a similar video comparing the Audi Q3, BMW X1, MB GLA and Volvo XC40

[@CarExpertAus]

Noted!

[@thiagovedder]

Great job folks, always such good comparisons! You guys take them in equal condition and put the truth right in front of our eyes. Some cars were built behind their brand names but don't perform up to them.

[@Vangelis.]

Impressive test, the outlander performed unexpectedly well and honestly the compass didn't meet my expectations. Subscribed.

[@ryerob4815]

It shouldn't be unexpected. They are Subaru's main rival company for a reason. But less ppl know that now since Mitsubishi doesn't make off road cars, only SUVs now.

[@user-wg6xo5zv1o]

This was REALLY helpful! Exactly the information I was looking for.

[@ramboexcess4469]

Ive had a Subaru Forester and it was incredible off road and ive owned prado, jimny and pajero and done heaps off hardcore 4wding. I actually expected it to win. Great car

[@aronharrington]

Strongly considering a forester for my next car... I had a 2001 full size montero (pajero) and wish mitsubishi had continued selling them here in the US.

[@sunofyourdrop]

@@aronharrington I had a 2002 full size Montero. Thing was a beast. Loved it.

[@Darion350]

@@aronharrington I have a 2020 Forester Sport and I absolutely love it. It goes through mud and snow up to the bumpers like it's nothing. Drives a lot better than similar vehicles I tested when I bought it, too. The facelifted Forester is likely even better now, so I 100% recommend it.

[@TommyHorsen]

Surprisingly Haval H6 did such a great job with reasonable price.

[@angelopeiris]

Exactly, would be be fun to see how the hybrid model performs

[@paradigm3876]

@@angelopeiris hybrid will be only FWD in Aust, otherwise I'd be getting one. So effectively not like Toyota Rav hybrid tested here.

[@tudortanase8957]

The cheaper ones are actually expected to be taken offroad!

[@jzvr5842]

Lowest price here and Haval H6 is segment leading or near the top in every way, not just off-road capabilities, shows you how overpriced the other cars are.

[@tzeshenlim]

Tester was as surprised but no great words or more screen time😆

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Brilliant comparison and very timely as a few of these are on my shopping list.

[@mrstanlez]

Very nice real test. NIce to see all suv cars in action. Thank you.

[@volkan.demircan]

Thanks, Paul. Very happy with our 2021 base model forester as a daily driver or weekender. Really enjoyed the content!

[@Chaundb]

This was an incredible review and test. I would highly recommend you do one similar for dual cab UTEs. Excellent content CarExpert.

[@sezabis]

Great job guys, it very interesting to see such comparison

[@bradcrawford3789]

Excellent video. Thanks. I would love to see an AWD comparison on wet paved roads

[@Ravenousjoe]

As someone who recently got a Tucson for a work vehicle, it is nice to know it does decently it some more adverse conditions. It does extremely well in deep snow, and ice as well.

[@bosswana]

Hi Paul, thanks for doing this in this format. It saves us who are considering each of these vehicles from having to do things that you could never get to do on a test drive. Also side by side mean we get to see the merits and problems of each of the offerings in close comparison. Would love you to do it for other classes of vehicles (eg large SUV as well).

[@vladimirshvedov2124]

Brilliant presentation! Straight to the point. Thank you.

[@LetsGoBrandon_]

Brilliant test criteria and playground. Cheers!

[@peterpanousis8458]

Love this format. Separate the contenders from the pretenders. Bravo CarExpert. Manufacturers must be sweating bullets when they hand the keys over 😂

[@CarExpertAus]

😁

[@keynesianeconomics4113]

That's what the industry desperately needs. Build a good product and stand by it.

[@reshad711]

@@CarExpertAus Hello, I liked it super but I wanted you to do an off-road test for such models : mercedes GLE 350 de , Chinese electric cars BYD TANG EV600 2022, NIO E8S , HONGQIE HS9, I wanted to see what they are suitable for, can they go where ordinary ones will not go? And also sees in this test how models with a hybrid will behave? Where's the new Kia Sorento?

[@angkornoble5339]

Bet you, the losers would find the excuses to contest such tests, there will be but, but, but...

[@geilamarcia2218]

P

[@CraigWinstanley1]

Thanks Paul and the entire CarExpert team for all your effort in putting this together. I like your no-nonsense approach and non-biased verdict. Congratulations. Fair comparison of vehicles with sensible tests. Very informative. I have a new diesel Sportage (AU version), which I am very happy with.

[@nicksteinberg6621]

Great one mate! Much appreciate as this took lots of effort, time, and coordination to make this happen. Was hoping you’d have a RAV4 gas AWD or adventure model, but easy for me to say sitting on the sidelines. Overall, glad the hybrid made it up with momentum. Cheers!

[@whewdoggie1]

Great work! Of course these can't be all fair tests as tires, even highway tires, will all offer different amounts of traction in those situations. Additionally wheelbase will have a lot to do with the log jam, even a variance of one inch can have effect on the results.

[@darrenbryans8288]

Great review, it really shows which SUV’s have serious engineering behind them and demonstrates what quality really is. Add this time the other important factors like general reliability and resale value and it makes it very easy to choose which car you’d want to buy when you spend the time watching this. They all say they can do these things and they spend a lot of money on marketing but only true real life test comparisons tell the real story.

[@Ydkoll]

one really important factor was left out. Since all of these vehicles were put to the test off road you would think that it would be fair to fit these suv's with off road tires. This obstacle was far from novice. Most buyers would probably do minimal off roading and no where near what these reviewers doing. But hey, those are my thoughts.I did like the review though.

[@justjoe5373]

@@Ydkoll I'd like to see the cars with appropriate tires for this kind of offroading but I'm glad we can see what you're getting out of the box. Most people that buy "smaller" SUVs need them for comfort, cargo space and bad roads (bad asphalt or maybe dirt) and don't bother offroading with them, so it's nice to see what else you could do with the stock tires

[@xsfeatg]

@@justjoe5373 I take my Honda CRV AWD thru light sand and some times a foot of sand when you lose the road, the AWD does kick in correctly when I lose traction. These mid size SUVs are what they are,,, my Honda is the most reliable car I have ever bought. I heard that using All Terrain Tires may mess up your computer,, any thoughts?

[@Toastmaster_5000]

Seems like the Ford's, VW's, and Nissan's AWD systems were actually somewhat competent but mostly lost because of tire traction. Otherwise, no surprise Subaru won, and no surprise Honda did terribly.

[@shalami2]

yep

[@grants69r]

I'd love to see this test done again but with AT tyres

[@Noah_E]

I have Toyo Open Country ATs on my 2015 Forester XT (225/55R18). It climbs right over rock ledges and rough terrain at my tree farm and my parent's cabin. Areas my F350 and dad's Ranger struggle, even in 4 low.

[@henkstols9326]

Nice review and showing the different vehicles and their limits. I think the Jeep which has the trail rated badge was seriously disappointing. I would actually like to see these vehicles go thru a couple of axle twisters continuously, I think that will test the traction control properly.

[@gavvysingh5565]

Nice video, good platform to compare the performance of different brands

[@preetmohantuli1795]

An awesome review Paul , great job Car expert team.. These kind of videos will be referred for years !!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate!

[@defender1323]

Paul, great to see you testing these in off road situations. No surprises with forester shame about its cvt though. This is the only soft roader I see when I am in bush, very capable indeed. Great video!

[@ardee7898]

THE best review, not just this video, all, HANDS DOWN! 👏🏽

[@ivanmezev]

Great video. Very helpful when you are looking for a SUV. Thanks

[@SS-Edits]

This is really a fantastic review!!! Wow... really impressed with how Paul explains and reviews while not being too technical to understand... really becoming a fan of this channel 👍👍👍👌👌💛💛

[@dineshtak1984]

Hi Paul, Thanks for making this video. I got big smile when saw Subaru Forester is the winner. I own 2022 model New Zealand. Honestly, after buying this car, I always felt the car doesn't look great compere to other mid size brand's car. If I keep the look aside, I always love how the forester drive and after watching this video, I think I made a right choice. No more regrets. Thanks Paul.

[@beatonthedonis]

Would have predicted Outlander and Forester passing, but credit to the Tuscon.

[@U2WB]

This was a wonderful presentation ! Subscribed 👍🏻

[@incognito1067]

Thanks for a great review. Purchased a new Forrester a month ago after considering different SUV’s. arrives in 2 weeks. Glad to see I made the right decision. 😊

[@user-rb6vt6nt9i]

The medium-sized SUV I use at home is the fifth-generation Forester, it is comfortable to drive, and its off-road capability is really good.😊😊

[@fryzvova]

I use 3rd gen (SH body), also great car. But was looking to buy 2nd gen (SG body) at first, but they are hard to find in good shape, so bought SH.

[@domwesbentick2960]

I have a 4th Generation Forester, and that thing is a beast. I take it to the snowy mountains in the winter to go snowboarding. With M+S All Seasons it never has an issue. I've been on many fully iced roads, no chains ever, and no issue. I even took it to an Iced ParkingLot to break it loose, and I was struggling to get it to lose traction. It sticks to ice like it belongs there. I love it!

[@fryzvova]

@@domwesbentick2960 I got it just before end of winter, and had no chanse to try it potential, only drifted on snowy parking lot with disabled stabilization. And now we have war at our country and it's prohibited to go to forest, so not a lot of real offroading now. But what I love about it - really universal car - not only good on offroad/mud/snow - but also is f*cking great on road - steering, maneurability and dynamics are great ( I have one with EJ253 engine - 2.5 naturally aspirated with TZ transmission which is 4 speed automatic with dynamic momentum distribution between axles - when you driving calmly - you got 90% on forward wheels and 10 on rear, when you really tapping gas - 60% - forward and 40% on rear, also when you engage 1st gear on manual selection - you getting 50/50) So I love my Forester, it's great =)

[@yzer]

@@domwesbentick2960 You should try dedicated snows as there’s a noticeable difference, plus more confidence on ice, and decreased stopping distance. Been using Bridgestone Blizzaks since 1997 on a 90 Legacy. Always had at least 1 Subaru in the garage and always manuals. Miss the additional torque the 05 LGT had over NA engines as it was such a huge improvement with the AWD system in the snow, especially going up hills or quick escapes while avoiding others slipping and sliding. Currently, can’t afford to keep rebuilding the EJ255 engine, so only have a 03 Legacy Wagon daily, but still running dedicated snow/summer setups. Believe that the extra money spent on the best tires possible is the best insurance policy.

[@viennawong5382]

What a great video, thanks Paul and the Team. Are there any test in snow for those medium SUV? Thank you.

[@martinsuk1202]

Super professional test. Thank you for doing this fo free. Quite surprise about Tuscon, probably the cheapest one in the test. But Haval is not for sale here in Czech Rep.

[@rolexr]

YESS.....the Forester is no wanna be "Sport" Utility Vehicle - He´s a real light Offroader with the biggest ground clearance of all that 12 vehicles !!!

[@avonperera2187]

my 2013 Forester XT never fails to impress with how well it copes off-road. Most people who think you need a hardcore 4WD have probably never driven a Forester

[@tomjackson2341]

nothing to compain about forester offroad ability just its design way too ugly both inside and out everytime I see it on road I yell up yuckk and when I see the inside I slam the door straight away double yuck

[@gagd7351]

@@tomjackson2341 They're fine nowadays tbh

[@abegiesbrecht1148]

This video helped me in my final decision on buying my Mitsubishi Outlander. I got the V6 6 sleed with the S-AWC though. Thanks for the video bud. Cheers from Canada

[@messierthirtyone777]

Why the outlander and not a RAV4?

[@Izzy-mt2xm]

I watch it from start to end, thank u for this great contents

[@ronaldleemondia6555]

This will be one for the ages Paul. Great work for you and your team. No one has done it yet if at all!!!

[@themadnes5413]

If you look at pricing the Mitsubishi was very impressive, it is the cheapest car and did very well with all the testing, not bad at all.

[@antonfbeukes2010]

Absolutely the best test/review! 👏👏 Really very usefull. Tks 👍🍻

[@biancabuscemi9590]

This is fantastic. Please keep these reviews coming, especially anything country related

[@akuyangbenar5897]

Thanks for a great video. Real time testing tells what 'normal' car reviews can't. Subaru as usual the champ of AWDs, eating up log mountain. What's surprising though is the number of big names, RAV, Jeep, Tijuana, CX5 that fell to Log Mountain, while some of the lesser names like Tucson and Outlander passed with no drames. Most surprising is the H6, possibly the most underrated car getting through impressively.

[@kzookid545]

I didn’t see the RAV4 fall to the log mountain?

[@alex98b627]

You didn’t watch the video?

[@kzookid545]

@@alex98b627 I did, after he gave it momentum it went up. Wouldn’t necessarily say it “fell” definitely didn’t fail like the trail hawk did but oh well. I’m not emotionally invested in it just pointing it out.

[@ryuk276]

hyundai tuscon showed a lot of loose of traction where as talking about jeep it made it well even though the 4x4 system wasn't working so it did with FWD so that's more impressive even RAV4 made it well

[@beatonthedonis]

​@@ryuk276Why on Earth do you think the fact the 4x4 system wasn't working is impressive?

[@MVDROZ]

Great video, Paul! Informative and entertaining. Any chance you’d wanna do another but with medium luxury SUVs? Macan, X3, XC-60, Q5, NX, GLC, GV70, F-Pace, Discovery Sport? 😉

[@CarExpertAus]

Great idea!

[@uYahbonaEmbo]

I second that idea would like to see those medium luxury SUV off-road.

[@JTisGOD]

They would be too scared to put a scratch on them

[@peters5692]

And maybe slightly older secondhand vehicles? Most of us can't afford a brand new car, so would be keen to see which 5-10 year old cars can do this off road track!

[@JasonNguyenimproved]

Don't forget the GLB as well please!

[@keatomatic8535]

Insanely great video and top tier content. Ty!

[@bradh6185]

Well done. Great information and any music that was added wasn't distracting.

[@taohan2281]

Great video Paul and the team! It is awesome to see the comparison that put everything on the table. Would it be possible to do a Subaru off road series with XV, Forester and Outback? Thought it might be good to see if they are consistently capable regardless of the difference in prices. Cheers!

[@basilbrush6014]

I feel that on log mountain the individual vehicle wheel base length has the greatest affect on results. No surprise that Subaru was the best with their AWD system, Havel was a surprise. Another good episode, that Paul & the team.

[@CarExpertAus]

Yes that's a good point!

[@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars]

Wheelbase has absolutely nothing to do with it. It's the drivetrain and computing software. Only one vehicle in the 12 is designed to handle this kind of driving. Shock, it's the vehicle that won.

[@sic22l]

Subaru has a regular cheap Haldex AWD system paired with some decent electronics.

[@DrKnowsMore]

As long as your head gasket and windshield remain intact during the climb, you'll be fine.

[@no1lineman]

@@DrKnowsMore You may have something with the windshields, but the head gasket issues have been resolved long ago and are rare these days.

[@mauricecuellar]

Absolute quality content. Subscribed straight away

[@Ka0s42]

I've bought a Renault Koleos with AWD this year, which is basically the same car as the Nissan Xtrail, as they are both built on the same platform. The AWD is really well for driving through the forest where I live. For your log test, it's really important what kind of tires you have on the car. With Summer tyres, they tend to slip more on logs. My Koleos has All-year tyres that are a softer rubber mix and they grip better on flat surfaces.

[@johnschroeder3591]

Log mountain seems to test the tire grip as much as the 4WD.

[@JRs-guitars]

Probably the tires more so than the systems.

[@silknfeathers]

@@JRs-guitars Doesn't matter how good the tyres if the system works poorly. I imagine most of these had similar tyre choices. Subaru's have always come up well in these type of tests...

[@shrimperlincs3395]

Tyres all looked like stock City Tyres?

[@johndate1776]

@@silknfeathers ur right. Subies have tenacious traction flipping. Very fast switching to get the job done.

[@saucemaster2]

This whole review is basically useless. Every SUV should have been fitted with the same all terrain or mud terrain tire.

[@9002alex]

My wife and I bought a my21 forester in December when our first bubs came along, selling my baby for it (2013 wrx STI) but the versatility of the car, the space and has every bell and whistle under the sun Is just great. 3 friends of ours have also purchased one on our advice from various other suvs (sportages, cx5s etc) nothing in its class comes close, especially for rear seat room and comfort. Also for the stat buffs out there, the ground clearance from the forester and outback for the new model is 213mm, which is only 3mm less than the new hilux and other Utes currently on sale. Good review Paul.

[@Pax-Christi]

The Forester ground clearance is actually 220mm so even better! I also sold my 2020 WRX for a Forester when for a newborn daughter, no regrets it's an incredible all round SUV.

[@caesar810]

Excellent video. It's good to see how you enjoyed driving.

[@varunbhandarkar]

Incredible and detailed test, mate. Delivering the goods as always! I'd love to see you do the same with luxury mid-size SUVs like the disco sport, q5, glc, x3!!

[@disarchitected]

Only the Discovery Sport will do well out of those cars.

[@matthosang4337]

Enjoyed it, was good to see how they all went in an even contest. Happy that we go the Tucson.

[@D18.21]

Just subscribed. I've watched a few of your videos and they're all very thoughtfully done with a great deal of valuable testing performed. Love it! Keep up the great work and testing these vehicles to their limits.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate!

[@darrenstones]

Thanks for this video. Was very educational for me.

[@averagejoe6321]

You are definitely one of the best tester ! Good job, very informative.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks! 👍

[@haiironezumi]

I'd selfishly love to see an even more niche version of this, testing the performance of these vehicles in snow.

[@Traumatree]

The Subaru will win it even more in snow and slippery surface.

[@ericchandler90]

It's all about tires in the snow. All of these vehicles would do well with proper snow tires in several inches of snow. None of them would do well in deep snow. Tires just aren't tall enough and none of them have lockers.

[@gbsailing9436]

Oh there's plenty of YT videos out there showing that if you are really interested. Just google it

[@haiironezumi]

@@gbsailing9436 None that I have seen from an Australian perspective/using vehicles in our market.

[@simonarmitage2591]

I had a Forrester for years and it went plenty of places that 4x4’s were challenged with. Happy to see Subaru continues with the same formula!

[@bombastic00]

That Tucson did a tremendous job.

[@waynescally6615]

The best car comparison review I have seen in years. Please do one on large SUVs as I live outback, do lots of gravel work and am finally admitting that it's time to replace my Ford Territory AWD, been a brilliant car for the purpose I bought it for, apart from fuel economy. (SY series 2 petrol)