Why Do We Drive Off-Road?: Subaru XV - XCAR

[@Willemmoseley]

As someone who drives proper off-roaders daily (Defender, Shogun) i can say that all of Subaru's 4x4s, even hatch backs and estates have always surprised me in pulling themselves our of muddy fields and up steep grassy slopes. for someone who wants a car they can take down to the local country show or festival without the fear of getting stuck and embarrassed but don't want to sacrifice road handling then i can't recommend the Scoobies highly enough.

[@forza388]

Exactly and my subaru drives like a regular car on the road and has some offroad capabilities! Specially in snow in canada!

[@Kaiser911GT2RS]

We buy off-road vehicles because it's easier to park on sidewalks.

[@maxhi88]

+Cesare Nebbia That's so true. My friend even raises her SUV's ride height so that the traffic warden has a harder time reading the parking ticket. :D

[@robertjusic9097]

+Guy Incognito lol😂

[@rafael90000]

Because it have high suspension

[@Ureyeuh]

"It's all about conquest." That quote alone represents the point of off roading very well, as well as the spirit of Subaru. Excellent video.

[@peanuts2105]

This bloke has hit the nail on the head with his explanation of off road cars. Nicely put.

[@FredNagel]

3:53 I resonate very strongly with this statement. I have an old, humble little Suzuki SX4 and it has seen more off-roading action (in beautiful South Africa, of all places) than 90% of the Land Cruisers or Range Rovers that one finds gliding about in the city. You don't need a "real" 4x4 to have fun, and you DEFINITELY don't need a real 4x4 to take your kids to school in a city. Came to this video because I'm hoping to upgrade to an XV soon!

[@jonallan3566]

Best car I've ever bought to date - knock on wood. I live in Western Canada in a rural area near a frontier forestry town close to the mountains. I have travelled the forestry trunk road covered in mud like you can't imagine, taken down bumpy roads to the end of the line into the great wilderness of Banff, and while in search of our area's elusive wild horses, I've taken it slowly along rutted grassy areas off the dirt roads that took me there. I go slow, since of course I want my car to last... but, I'm telling you - It's great. Especially in the winter (as long as you have good tires). The only thing is that it has low horse power at only 148 in the gas engine version. I highly recommend one of these cars, and I hope that it continues to serve me well for years to come.

[@thorandmoljnir]

I'm from western Canada (Vancouver), cheers! I just bought a hyper blue 2016 this weekend and can't wait for the break in period to be over so I can take it down some trails. It's good to know how good it is on rougher roads. Personally, I just love the great gas mileage and fact that I don't have to use premium gas (I came from a Bmw). So far I'm lovin' this little rig, it's a blast to drive and feels really solid. Hopefully Subaru's reputation for durability hold up.

[@mrThree5two]

I have a 2013 XV Crosstrek - wonderful vehicle and handles all road surfaces well - especially gravel roads with huge potholes - rock solid car and would buy another in a heartbeat

[@travelandtech2185]

I have Forster 2015 with x-mode. Its got Hill decent etc. Its epic off road. I drive at least 3 times a week across a small desert to get to the beach!! Never gets stuck.

[@rockymountainman7]

Maybe for the UK all wheel drive is overkill 364 days out of the year but here in Canada we are on snow and ice a lot and it just makes total sence.

[@captnebulace]

it's gatta be said, subaru makes some amazing cars. their fast turbo charged wrx and sti, to the outback, legacy, and crosstrek capable of epic advertures. and the aftermarket is amazing! endless possibilities. got a small lift kit, some skid plates, and some offroad tires for me outback and she's practically unstoppable (within reason, she's not jeep). subarus are truly amazing

[@John451vfr]

Excellent review of the XV, we've had ours for 14 months and bought it for its great ground clearance as the previous Impreza used to scrape its way alarmingly up the 7km of narrow and steep mountain fire trail to an aunties farm, have found the XV even better than the Shogun Sport we've also used when it's been raining heavy as it gets very slippery with the consistancy of baby poo, with the AWD Subaru you always know every wheel is and its location on the trail whereas the Shogun Sport always felt more approximate.

[@cheynewilson5951]

finally someone who actually puts that car to use

[@jacko859]

I've driven my Lancer through similar terrain (minus the larger puddles). Was a struggle, but it's certainly gotten me excited to own something like the XV...

[@police1184]

Wish they brought the Diesel over here to US.

[@boblewis8838]

+police1184 The diesel would rule, all that nice torque

[@meestabeckful]

+police1184 Seriously, stuff that puppy into the xv and the forester and bring it to the colonies!

[@cj4ebay]

+police1184 I wish they would, but thank VW for more diesel skepticism than ever before

[@TheVertigo235]

This review sounds poetic!

[@thoughtsy]

Poetic and a bit philosophical right until the "inevitable zombie apocalypse" was mentioned.

[@Trendyflute]

This is great; my work takes me on muddy, rutted construction sites and out into empty fields from time to time. I laugh because I had a GTI and now I have a Ford Escape and I will bomb across such areas, while Americans in giant heavy duty lifted diesel pickups gingerly pick their way across the terrain like their vehicle is barely up to the task. Off roading is not some magic thing that requires a monster truck or a million specialist toys and features. Some ground clearance, a tire with some grabby tread, and AWD is enough to get people through 98% of what they will ever face. I shake my head how many people have been sold otherwise.

[@meridamanifesto]

just recently bought one brand new! looking forward to put it through its paces!

[@DATGUY795]

One of the most entertaining videos I have ever watched from XCAR

[@simongeorge3557]

Great review and especially in the way he described the reasons that so many of us desire cars that can go anywhere if need be. The torch and wellies example was great. I had a Panda 4x4 couple of years ago, diesel was the only mistake because the gearing was terrible on the motorway. Other than that, me and the girlfriend loved the fact it could handle pretty much anything, and my god it did!

[@gregoryashton]

I can’t believe the amount of times you and other reviewers say that it’s unlikely this car will be bought for off-road or that we “don’t need it for off-road”! I’m literally trying to find a decent review of this car because I need to take it off-road in the Arctic Circle.

[@cherobinson6371]

Good little snow-trail runner but definatley get 4by4 if you want to rock crawl or evn logging roads....

[@adityajethi7250]

boy.....that seems so much fun....love it.....nice video by the way

[@benni956]

I am considering purchasing a Subaru. The reason for that is that I will have the confidence to step off the road and have the ability not to get stuck in the mud like a two wheel drive configuration. I think people purchase these type of vehicles for when the moment calls for off roading or even going to the beach and parking the car in the sand.

[@mtml4.717]

speaking from experience, if you want to do any off roading at all and are inexperienced / worried about getting stuck, you need to get something more along the lines of a 4runner. Subaru's are ok if all your doing is an unpaved road but there low entry angles and lack of locking differentials make it hard to take off road without damaging it or getting stuck.

[@MrJulio]

Best car review I've seen so far! Any car marketing department should learn from this.

[@scottishfanta]

Hill decent control is another word for laziness I'd prefer doing it all myself to be honest makes you part of the whole off roading experience

[@NicolasCageisGod]

I know this is a good car and all but I swear that xcar love every single car they review

[@neil1482]

I think people buy it because the roads now are like driving off-road.SUV/ 4x4 means less wear and tear on you suspension compared to normal cars when driven on our pot hole ridden roads.

[@nickamarit]

4-wheel sliding in the grass like that looks really really fun!!!

[@thegirthquake8574]

I never thought Subaru made diesel. Now I REALLY want one in the states...

[@justas4244]

m8 its a subaru its goin to get over and through everything

[@kuffs06]

good review man, I'm waiting for the 2018 model with the new platform. look even better than the already wonderful current XV

[@briansteele2723]

What seems crazy is that many of the most expensive 4x4s end up with low profile sports tyres on them which are just horrendous. I've seen ancient 4x4 pandas and little suzuki jimnys overtaking floundering BMW X5s here in the alps. PS re Subaru,, they need to get back their badass-ness. I used to lust after a fast forester for all round fun and mountain camping adventures car, but Subaru didnt have a diesel in those days.

[@colintraveller]

Shouldn't the video title be - Why Don't we drive off road . Also it's great to see a channel that actually does reviews off road . Nothing worse watching a 4wd review that isn't done off road . where was that filmed ???

[@spyymaster]

who now needs top gear?

[@NicBunnymen]

Awesome video and review. I'll check this one out at my Subaru retaier this week. Nice one i like it! I do like the new Honda HR-V but this one is not that bad!! I'll test drive and see. Thanks for this mate..take care.

[@vittorio870]

Yeah, wish you had shown us how it tackled the "steep descents and steep ascents". It would have made this review more appealing and credible. I have a front wheel drive that can also do slides in the mud too and won't get stuck !!

[@GG_1000]

Thanks for making these vids. Amazing footage. Great car.

[@dennisreilly4833]

I bought mine to stay on the road, not to go off of it. Wyoming winters can make for interesting driving.

[@Borntokirune]

suvs and crossovers are replacing the hatchback category. they are safe, spacious and offer performance.

[@MarchuxProductions]

They are just as safe as regular cars, the interior room is often compromised (i didn't fit behind my dad in a Toyota RAV4, even though we're not that tall at 1m83cm/6ft, and what performance do they offer with a 1.6 liter power plant under the hood?

[@chrlsmcmstr]

choice of words... one of the best car reviews ever... (y)

[@C33dis]

I love my subaru. From snow, mud, and sand, I've been everywhere with it. Right now it takes me to places where I hunt for wild hogs. Unfortunately, I have to tow a wagon around for anything I harvest....

[@Shimmerstrike1]

The reason that so many people buy crossovers and the sort is because most people have this idea that a 4x4 wont slip on ice and that any on road car simply cant cross a feild or go up a track. Honesty 95% of cross overs are bought by people who live up a dirt track and seem to think that it is necessary to have a 4x4 to get up it.

[@arefeshghi]

A very interesting video because of its different view on offroading!

[@DMSparky]

Speak for your selves UK here in Canada my RWD bmw is at some points unusable in the winter even with winter tires this kind of this is just what you need.

[@oshimida]

Its only 2015 thought! OMG Great video.

[@naturephotography8837]

Driving on bad roads is still the norm in the so called developing regions of the world. Most of them dont do it for fun but until the roads are paved, they are forced to drive on serious dirt trails where they often get stuck driving normal 2wd cars and trucks. Watch the 'deadliest roads' and 'deadliest journeys' series on youtube to see what i mean.

[@gensay7]

Nothing better than seeing a notification from KZbin saying "New XCARFilms Video"

[@MontyPython12]

+Gensay Sazci Roadkill, Mighty Car Mods......

[@AFMMD-q8]

Please! Please bring this Diesel here to USA I wouldn't hesitate to buy one on the spot, I love Subarus Diesel models should be made for us here too.

[@cherobinson6371]

+One FreeThinker Wont pass our emissions test and we wont pay 50k for it....

[@kmac720]

XCar, would love to see you guys do a similar test in a 6AT (Automatic) Patriot.

[@dillank3240]

Why? Because the city I live in feels it doesn't have to plow anything more than the major roads and bus routes. Because it's winter at least 6 months of the year where I live. Because this year, the snow is piled up so high, I cannot see to turn out of my parking lot. Because large snowfalls are becoming more regular where I live. I give up! I bought a Subaru VX!

[@crusTodd]

Well...it REALLY makes me angry that we don't get the diesel in the US. I'd buy one if we did. Also, Subarus will go A LOT of places off-road if you choose your lines carefully and have a more traction oriented tire. No, they aren't a 4x4 with low range, but the will go through some nasty conditions and they are VERY effective in snow.

[@adamm5282]

Imagine how many of these they would sell if they added air suspension for better angles when needed.

[@andya1804]

nice review, but still i am going with a toyota landcruiser... if i want an ugly utilitarian suv which can drive to the end of the earth(without breaking down). =)

[@Mr.k3n]

amen brother, those v8 United Nations spec land cruisers are what you need.

[@michaelyhchai]

+XCARFilms how much did subaru pay you to plug this car?

[@andya1804]

Michael Chai dude, calm down... they are presenting cars, thats waht they do. =)

[@michaelyhchai]

+Andy “blimey” A stay out of this Andy. This is between me and xcars! 😉 No but seriously, I wanna know how much they got, cuz it better be worth it... The reason I subbed was for the great cars and insightful reviews they did. Not some tacky shameless plug of a shit box of a car that clearly isn't that great for off roading. This isn't acceptable and I'm voicing my opinion hoping that this isn't the sign of things to come from this channel.

[@andya1804]

Michael Chai 😃

[@thebrowntaipan]

This is a very good video. The commentary part is compelling. Subaru should pay you for this. It's as good as a well thought of ad. I am thinking of buying a Subaru XV now. See?

[@b.lew_photography571]

Man this car has me torn :(, I really REALLY want one! I currently own and drive a 2002 Acura RL and I absolutely love that car, it's honestly one of best cars I've ever been in and had the pleasure to drive despite having seen and been in more luxury cars than most have in their life. The 2002 Acura RL is by far one of the most comfortable rides and is put together so well that it even seems to be of better craftsmanship than even the newer Acuras in my opinion. HOWEVER! As I start to question how much I want to get into traveling and doing landscape photography, the question about what car is most suitable for that kind of exploration lifestyle comes to mind. I realize that my Acura RL may not be ideal and that I will eventually need a car capable of off-roading which means I may want something like a CrossTrek. The problem is that since my RL is paid off I don't want to put payments down for financing a CrossTrek and pay insurance for 2 cars when I'm only 1 person and can only drive 1 car at a time. At the same time, I don't want to sell my RL because I love it so much.

[@davepiotrowski1992]

I just rent a Crosstrek when you want to do those photoshoots. Over time doing that, you may find that you will either want to part with your main car or just be happy to rent an awd...could always consider the option

[@LollerStormeR]

Quality video, quite enthralling

[@jmahizzle]

This video makes me proud to be a Subie owner. Do you think the host would be laughing and smiling as much if he had to drive a Honda cr-v or Toyota Rav4?

[@joechan4477]

Nice review and hair cut suits you better!

[@Baladibt]

You'd think that by going up to 50p one would realise that the dramatic music has no room anymore.

[@Phrancis5]

I'm really interested in the 2017 Crosstrek and hope it's just as capable off road too.

[@blindstudios1082]

Phrancis5 can confirm👍🏽

[@samiyemeyahni1488]

@1:05 I simply do not understand those people! Why else would you buy a vehicle like this? There are plenty asphalt cars...

[@heatherm8261]

Fun times! I would love to find a place just like that!

[@metallicsilver]

I drive a Toyota FJ Cruiser 4X4! Try following that in a Subaru.

[@taipeikartman]

To a Starbucks?

[@FCFordLord]

A stock Forester can follow that. An Impreza with Forester suspension can follow it just fine.

[@MarchuxProductions]

This little thing would probably follow you easily. You'd get stuck- not in the mud, but between telephone poles!

[@Mladjasmilic]

Where I live, people drive off road raised hatchbacks and 4x4 Pandas.

[@yessure5291]

+Mladen Milić " and 4x4 Pandas. " 4 times 4 equals 16 - you have 16 pandas in captivity? where do you get the eucalyptus to feed all of them?

[@SteveFF]

+Yes Sure If you're going to be smart at least get it right ;) Pandas eat bamboo, Koalas eat eucalyptus :)

[@Mladjasmilic]

***** Fiat Panda 4x4. Old boxy version was small, but very good off road car.

[@cherobinson6371]

+Mladen Milić well its a 4 by 4 Subaru aint. So one cant expect much as far as real off roading... Also with awd? more parts which means more chance of failure-Stick with solid axle 4 by for real offroading.. whoppedee-this guys going through puddles...

[@Mladjasmilic]

Che Robinson Panda has solid real axle.

[@lweleven3423]

How refined or not is the diesel, some are quite agricultural

[@ashram7936]

nice review mate ,, keep it up

[@MrPw1000]

4:14 "Why in 2016...?" A bit premature, mate.

[@SmellyStains]

2016 model year

[@Leorgo]

Lol this guy's hair is brushing the headliner

[@divyaboy]

Great Revue

[@tinker1148]

Just awesome! I couldn't have said it better myself! 😀

[@kimmosaatana]

Its just too bad it's the one of slowest things I've ever driven. The CVT is really weird too, but from what I understand it gets fantastic mileage in the long term.

[@kimmosaatana]

+XCARFilms yeh even with the manual is dreadfully slow though, needs a turbo in my opinion but that would bump it up in price a bit. Good video though!

[@higibbo]

+XCARFilms I have a 6sp manual XV and the bottom of 2nd gear has very little torque, unless you rev the crap out of 1st.

[@CarTechConnect]

+Gibbo McCool you gotta remember this is the diesel model in the video

[@yessure5291]

+kimmosaatana 1964 Volkswagen beetles had 36 horsepower and they won the Trans Canada Winter Rally If it takes 1 or 2 seconds longer to get to highway speed so what? Set your cruise control and relax.

[@thorandmoljnir]

I'm wondering...Did you really drive one? Because I just bought mine and I'm coming from a six cylinder Bmw coupe, and the Crosstrek isn't that slow at all. Of course it's not a sports car but for what it is, it has enough power for me.

[@xnajx]

Really good review!

[@sanadaHIRO]

did you find that front mirror is kinda in your way? Im 6.1. The only issue i have with all their new models is that the front mirror positioned too low for my line of sight.

[@YZJB]

Why did you guys at XCAR sell out this video to CNET? Seems odd.

[@border4554]

are the angles on the headlights lit up on this car? if so what is the difference from the headlights to the U.S. headlights??

[@waruibrian]

What kind of tyres were used in this video in that Subaru XV?

[@AntonyLD]

MY 2014 XV is a DOG! putchaced with 50,000 miles. At 60k all 4 wheel bearings replaced. next came both front wishbones due to bushes rotted and only able to get the whole units. Next at 65k the main drive shaft bearing which meant the entire shaft replaced!!! and both front brake discs warped then took under body trays off to find EVERY pipe and cable fixing rotted away completely and the factory rust protection only on 50% of exposed steel so lots of rot. At 70k the rear trailing arms and every!!!! suspension bush rotted. The central locking occasionally locks me in or out and the fault cannot be traced. The worst car I ever bought.

[@rayngrace]

what's so special with 5MT please? currently own 2010 Forrester but considering the XV for trade in. thanks for the education.

[@cherobinson6371]

+Rei Matsuo Goggle Subaru oil issue-Class action suit-crosstrek... JD Power has em at 3rd worst ....

[@rayngrace]

Che Robinson thank you for the heads up.

[@greggScutum]

Fantastic video! Great thoughts ;)

[@janoskovacs11]

Nice review!

[@Countrystock]

how did you keep it so clean???

[@gogutzy]

a goddamn brilliant review, fit for the xv!

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

1:22 forgot to mute the gopro in the editing room... CLICK

[@Mr.k3n]

This video would have been shite with a Bentayga. Well done Xcar for using a bog standard car.

[@dariusrus5335]

"We have plenty of roads and cars don t need to do this anymore" LOL ,come to Romania (ps:bring a tractor with you for the "roads" that we have ) 😂😂

[@lubopanchev25]

Do you drive your own car offroad like that? Beautifully shot but light on any specific technical details around the awd system and capabilities.

[@yogaexe]

+Lubo Panchev Because its a Subaru, everyone knows what it is capable of.

[@lubopanchev25]

+yogaexe Do you mean to say that the AWD system in all Subaru's is the same and does not change between models and generations of vehicles?

[@putucoq3]

+Lubo Panchev exactly, system is the same

[@agoodjuan]

Woo! Proud owner of one of these Trader Joe's mobiles.

[@PerformatPath]

la mejor suv en su rango , hermosa quiero una....

[@jankoburger6961]

Epic review!!

[@twrkhanasparukh]

best review ever

[@etheain]

This was great :)

[@madwho95]

what exact color is it?

[@kenm7074]

Nice Video!

[@symmetry08]

May be it is time, for Subaru, to make X-Mode standard in all vehicles with over 8 inches.

[@taipeikartman]

Funny that the camera chase car is a two-wheel drive.

[@stabakfan]

Too bad their Auto gearboxes is CVTs...

[@onoitsaWRX]

+stabakfan what's wrong with CVT's? I've driven a 2014 Forester and it was refreshing and quite capable. Media hates it but they're just as competitive as regular slushboxes. There's no need for dual clutch automatics in the real world.

[@stabakfan]

+onoitsaWRX i just prefer gearboxes that doesn't make the car sound like a beehive when you step on the throttle, where the revs stay at one point it's not fun and it makes the car slower.

[@georgechristiana6050]

+stabakfan ...Your analysis of the CVT is a bit off. The CVT is not what prevents the Crosstrek from being peppy. It is the lack of horsepower from the 2.0l engine. It would be just as flat with a standard automatic transmission. In fact, CVT's were banned from F1 years ago because they vastly OUTPERFORM any transmission made to date. They will ALWAYS out calculate a human and apply the appropriate ratio to maximize performance. I agree, the Crosstrek is a little flat in performance. But it has nothing to do with the CVT. But then, at the same time, I enjoy my 35+ mpg on the highway. So it's a tradeoff.

[@stabakfan]

+George Christiana No it's not the HP even the Outback 3.6R seems slow with the CVT. Regular Auto is the best to drive, Sure it migth use more fuel but i would rather have it. And i hope that you own a Petrol car or else 35 mpg is shit.

[@yogaexe]

+stabakfan try WRX CVT, it feel fast.

[@whatscrakn101]

Good car but you can't turn off the traction control ...

[@Eternal_Lens_Media]

+whatscrakn101 Yes you can, there is a button to turn off traction control and if you want to bypass the stability management system you can do so by pulling out the very bottom right hand fuse on the inside fusebox (this will also disable ABS, Traction Control, Hill start assist and all other computer assist giving you a raw driving experience!)

[@theshinobi01]

+whatscrakn101 You can turn off VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) which will allow for ALOT more slip. Ultimately it does intervene a little. I've driven my XV in 12"+ of snow, extreme rain, and light off roading, and even with VDC on, I've never really run into many issues. If you want more fun in the rain/snow, you can disable VDC.

[@Toyota4Life]

Should have picked a better off road vehicle then this Subi. Great video anyway!

[@dtotheatothevtothee]

Boxer diesel...I want. Will we ever see this in USA? Volkswagen probably set diesels back another 10 years...

[@anmcclo9731]

Hey, good color Blue what; are you gonna do