Subaru Dual X-Mode Sand Dune Test - Outback Onyx XT

[@RaulEdu33]

This video might do it for me to pull the trigger on a Subaru Outback, the perfect vehicle for my annual surfing trip and daily work commute. Yes looks like a 90' soccer mom wagon and half of the gearheads on the internet hate the CVT, but the rest is a pretty good package for the price.

[@Landoram]

I've done my fair share of beach driving and I have to tell you that the all seasons, when aired down properly, actually do better than all terrain and especially mud terrain. You don't want to claw at sand you want to glide on top of it and a flatter all season does a fantastic job. I've seen plenty of crossovers and awd cars glide over the soft dirt where the big meaty bois just bury. Key is air down before you have a problem.

[@danielmiller6983]

Exactly

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

Thanks for sharing this. Would have never guessed this. Makes me reconsider buying AT to replace my OEM AS

[@SpaghettiWithMeatSauce]

What pressure do you recommend?

[@hawleybennettawad]

15-20 psi

[@vedder10]

As a Subaru owner this video was so fun to watch.

[@john-danielmartin8753]

Facts

[@pinggedeshijie]

so it is ! great cute car !

[@pengyuhao5807]

I drove my 19 forester on the beach of cape Hatteras at outer banks last summer. Sand was dry and deep. Can almost drive only in the ruts. Got stuck once when getting out of ruts to make a turn , took out shove, removed some sand in front of the tires and drove out. Considering all other vehicles are jacked up trucks, my stock forester did really well. With better ground clearance and wider tires (I did air down), it's gonna drive like a champ. The sand in this video is never gonna be a problem for a subaru.

[@dankramer7840]

That's actually quite impressive for an Outback stock tires. You should ALWAYS air-down your tires driving in sand...and never STOP unless you're on a hard-packed surface. All Terrain tires would have made a huge difference as well. Well done Subaru OB XT Onyx!😉

[@jerrymyahzcat]

He had to stop to set up and to remove his external cameras.

[@twrecks4598]

My wife and I each have a '16 Crosstrek... our first Subies ever... LOVE THEM! We've had my wifes for about five years and I am a complete fanboy now. If anyone is thinking about a Crosstrek.. I heartily endorse them!

[@tk45440]

I love how the sand looks liquidous in your slow-mo clips. Great job filming this and putting it all together.

[@johnfarel3152]

Honestly I think airing down makes a bigger difference than tires in sand but both are obviously helpful. Deep sand 10-15 psi may have even been better.

[@m80A]

10psi? Can the tires hold out without coming off the bead?!

[@RandomUserX99]

I think you should have gone into the dunes with at tires.

[@harrison1056]

Fun Fact: If you hit a stump on the dunes in a '16 Outback at about 30, you'll just bounce the subframe off it, somehow leaving the oil pan intact. Your subframe will be a little more than a little bent, but a Jeep and a winch will straighten it out enough to be able to drive it another year and a half.

[@CamboTriton]

Great video, as always. The Forester needs this 2.4 turbo engine, come on Subaru give it to us.

[@XxTheRealMauixX]

I've been watching all your Subaru videos and it's definitely selling me on wanting an outback myself as my second vehicle! I currently drive a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta and I've taken her off road plenty and have been lucky not to get seriously stuck on various occasions, granted I just know how to drive and maneuver no matter what I drive, but there's spots I can't go with my friends with their 4X4s and their AWD vehicles. So thank you for making these videos on the rock climb, the snow and the sand dunes because honestly for all the off reading, mudding, and camping my friends and I do it would be so nice to have one of these beauties

[@michaelluttmer2486]

First road trip/date with my gf in 2003 (now wife of 13+ years) was going to the Dunes here with her 87 Subaru GL Wagon manual. Didn't get stuck because we dropped air in the tires and she grew up in Spokane and had mad snow driving skills. Camped in the car on a crest overlooking the ocean (illegal and we didn't know), and woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Got home and realized the headers were welded to the engine from the excessive heat. Sold the car for more than she bought it for. Great memories, I need to go back.

[@drivingsports]

You two are so cute.

[@shinycharizards]

Just bought my Onyx XT and took it skiing, handled ice and snow beautifully with the all season tires! I'm gonna have to get to a dune soon!

[@MisterMister5893]

Just bring it to the beach. Sun bathers be damned.

[@JoelCreates]

Ford is really trying to sell me a fusion while I watch this

[@markray8629]

Lol my commercial was for the expedition

[@JamesColeman12]

lmao mine was blocked.

[@drivingsports]

I love to hear what ads you’re seeing. 🔥

[@brunoterlingen2203]

@@drivingsports use "adblockPlus" to get rid of commercials.

[@stefanfalldorf6573]

I got one from a Subaru dealership in North Carolina. But I'm living in Germany. 😁

[@JamesBuschell]

I have my 2019 Outback and love it. Think in a few year though I'm going to trade it in for an Onyx XT!

[@Pwaters86]

Trade it now and get the XT you will LOVE it!!!! I love my touring XT

[@SubieandFriends]

Same here man! Last year I got myself an used white 2018 Outback Premium with all the options like eyesight,sunroof and power rear gate and factory navigation and I really love it! It's my first Subaru but it definitely won't be my last....I just recently purchased new gold rims to replace the more bland looking stock ones that come with the premium trim....however the stock rims do look pretty bad ass if I paint them black and I'm thinking of doing that when I upgrade the tires to an all terrain tire and install them on the stock rims....I got videos of my outback if you wanna check it out.

[@JamesBuschell]

@@Pwaters86 ha, tough sell for my GF, I bought it 2 months ago, I should probably at least a year before I do it.

[@calebjared75]

@@JamesBuschell You got a great car that is just as capable. The trade up is just bells and whistles. Take the $8K-$12K that you would spend on trade-in depreciation vs cost of XT to put a 3” lift with some all-terrain tires. You could go further that a stock XT even with x-mode.

[@TT-pr9bx]

Similar boat. 2016 and still loving it. There's a new car in the future, but was considering the Ascent. Seeing this video makes me wonder if I'll regret not knowing what a turbo Outback felt like.

[@FieldingSmith]

I’m really tempted to pull the trigger on the Onyx, but also want to see what the Wilderness Edition brings later this spring

[@kylebar724]

I'd wait for sure. That's what I'm doing

[@thenotoriousmr.waffles2105]

If you have the money and don’t mind waiting go for it, I bought an XT last September and absolutely love it but if I didn’t mind spending an extra 8k I would have waited and gotten the wilderness. If you’re under a budget the xt is extremely good too

[@jonm.678]

This is really impressive considering it’s stock and with all seasons. Imagine if it had proper tires!

[@BoopSnoot]

Is it really? We got better performance than this back in the day with a 2WD (with LSD) truck. Gotta give it to Subaru's marketing team though, they somehow convinced people that softroaders with primitive AWD systems are the best out there, when on TFL the Jeep Renegade (not that great of a car) was able to complete their hill test course that the Outback failed... its also why TFL got blacklisted by Subaru, LOL!

[@niuhuskieguy]

@@BoopSnoot The hill, The Cliffhanget, that got them black listed damaged the press car they got back in 2015. You have to think there is a reason the Outback was the only crossover they took up that. No other crossovers saw the Cliffhanger from TFL.

[@BoopSnoot]

@@niuhuskieguy LOL, who made up that story? They take vehicles up there all the time, and even the lowly Renegade made it up. There was also no damage shown in the video, Subaru was just pissed they ruined their image that their softroaders are actually offroaders, which they never have been. They don't have the approach, departure angles, articulation, or locking differentials to handle much more than the fireroads they were designed for.

[@BoopSnoot]

@@niuhuskieguy Skip to 10:18 on the video, you can see they didn't damage the vehicle, the CVT simply couldn't deliver the power so it got stuck: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqPHk5KLi7mUaJI They still use the same outdated first generation CVT on Subarus today, while Toyota and others are on their third generation tech.

[@BoopSnoot]

@@niuhuskieguy BTW, if you want to see how much Subaru's outdated CVTs hurt performance, search youtube for Outback 3.6 vs Alltrack. The Alltrack is way less power than the Outback, yet in a drag race the Outback was lightyears behind, because the Alltrack uses a modern efficient DCT, whereas the Outback CVTs lowest ratios are the equivalent of trying to drive from a stop in 2nd gear.

[@MTB831]

Took my crosstrek to Pismo beach, all stock to the tires, and it handled like a BEAST. No problems at all

[@tritchie6272]

I watch Matt's offroad recovery and you would be surprised at how many calls he gets from people stuck in the sand. And it seems like people get stuck get pretty much every kind of vehicle. He has said that sand can be tricky.Matt's offroad recovery is based in Hurricane Utah though. So I don't know if its the same type of sand or not.

[@MrFoxracingred]

Sand is no joke and very hard to read IMO

[@HowToGoSupernova]

Man I think a two inch lift and some off road tires would be killer there! I'm sure you wouldn't have gotten stuck anywhere in there.

[@JayJay-gl2df]

I agree with all the things you suggested , what he should have done is just started at 12 PSI and he probably wouldn't have had a problem, I don't see the point of not airing down and hoping you don't get stuck is generally you will with high pressure tyres

[@dub-dub-dub-dub]

Ryan, you should drive out to the Alvord Desert in eastern OR with your Outback, it would be a great place for a video!

[@Normambo]

Wow ! That was a really unique setting. Once again, new hoops to go through for the Outback. That was great.

[@ZepG]

My FJ Cruiser with 33" AT tires at 18 lbs of pressure dominated the soft sand at Assateague State Park. I tried to get it stuck all day and turned on the rear locker and enabled A-track. Long story short I never got stuck even in the deep sugar sand.

[@bubbalo3388]

To those making comments thinking he doesn't know better to have A/T tires or needs to air down, well he does know. He is simply demonstrating what the capability of the Outback is in stock configuration which is more useful information for most buyers who don't modify it or aren't going to air down their tires. Sure a modified Outback will perform better but that's not how it was and sold as.

[@MATTHEWMBENBOW]

One of my favorite videos you've made! This is now a must do with the kiddos! Thanks! 👍

[@davidmahan4160]

Good episode fun too watch, would prefer you try all modes to see what happens. Perhaps go again with all terrain tyres. On the whole I thought the Outback did quite well. Keep these great videos coming. 😊

[@Berry_N]

I appreciate this! Driving near the mountains in my old Loyale one time, I hit an area where the back roads were mostly very soft volcano ash. This was of course pretty cell phone days. You never know when you will hit various types of terrain!

[@RyanCrase1]

I just bought a 2021 Outback Limited and if it leaks even a drop of oil in the first 4 years I’ll be pissed. I just sold my 2015 Jetta and it never leaked a drop. It was a perfect little car and I’m hoping the Outback is as good. But damn, XMode is a beast! Impressive. I hope I never have to use it!!

[@ScottLe]

I had a MK2 GTI and MK3 VR6 Jetta both leaked oil like some offshore drilling site. Glad to hear they solved that issue later in 2015.

[@sking2173]

^ ^ LOLOLOL ...

[@BernonCars]

Loving the OB content!!

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

This is interesting!

[@sergeyafanasev7505]

Waiting for the new Outback on rollers?

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

@@sergeyafanasev7505 I am trying to get one!

[@just_levlup]

I was just on sand with my Subaru STI with Yokohama summer tires and it did just fine, I love my Subaru!!!

[@clarencethomas5311]

I miss my Subaru, love how they handle

[@DL-rx7pj]

Hey Ryan, nice to see you finally took that thing in some deep sand. The grin and laughter say it all. That's what I do almost every weekend on long island and my subaru makes it easy. I do run A/T tires and 18psi seems to be the sweet spot. Enjoy, and I'm sure you'll get a lot of dumbfounded looks from the others. BTW, I never has a cvt issue or an overheating awd system like most other manufacturers do.

[@carolbaez5891]

pretty sure i know the answer, but what do you think of the forester vs rav4 adventure for beach driving? I literally only care about sand performance.

[@DL-rx7pj]

@@carolbaez5891 I can't comment on the Rav 4 but I do know that I drive my outback pretty hard and have lots of fun in the deep sand and never had an issue with the awd system. It just knows where to put the power and never overheated like most manufacturers do. Whatever you choose, tires and air pressure are the 2 most important things. Always air down on the sand, it's not worth the headache of getting unstuck.

[@carolbaez5891]

@@DL-rx7pj wow. thank you for your reply. i have been getting zip from reddit and youtube. last thing... what do you think of the CVT? i am hearing scary things about it. is it something to worry about in regards to beach driving? would the automatic on the Rav4 Adventure be that much better? i know you said that you aren't familiar with the Rav4 but I was thinking maybe you know a little something in terms of transmission types. thank you btw.

[@DL-rx7pj]

@@carolbaez5891 Off road the cvt has been fine. I've seen a few videos where is cuts power if you push it too hard especially on a steep incline with little or no momentum. I haven't been in that extreme of a situation so I haven't experienced that problem. I would recommend underbody protection, I think subaru offers it from the factory with it now. My only complaint with the cvt is that on the road it's a little herky jurky when you accelerate, almost like the fuel filter is clogged. I had it checked and it's not clogged. That in no way is a deal breaker though, this is a really good all around vehicle as I'm sure the Forester is.

[@carolbaez5891]

@@DL-rx7pj I have been leaning towards the Subaru to be honest and your insight has really helped. I will keep searching though just to really be fully informed, but I thank you just the same. I will keep you updated if I pull the trigger though because you know I am going to bug you for accessories and driving advice lol. Thanks again for being so responsive.

[@nikihruska8095]

Thanks for making the suggestion to watch this video Ryan. It definitely gave me some insight into what to expect when I head down to the Oregon Dunes. My Bronco Sport Badlands should be a little better off with its my Falken Wildpeak A/T 235s but with a newbie behind the wheel who knows. Thankfully I've got tow hooks and my friends from Oregon Overlanders if I need a tow out. Keep making the great videos.

[@saif890000000]

If you go to the dunes air down to 20-15 psi and if you get stuck air down to 5 psi and accelerate slowly while turning the steering left and right to dig your way through.

[@saif890000000]

@Rich Smith 20 psi is safe for maneuvering 5 psi only helps if you got stuck in deep sand after getting out air up to 20 again.

[@dank.5274]

My 2017 3.6R with a 2” LP Aventure lift and BFG Rugged Terrains (245/65 R17) is unstoppable in the sand. Also...turn on x-mode BEFORE you get stuck ........ momentum is your friend in sand.

[@rondail5675]

Good review Ryan. I didn't see the rear drivers side wheel spinning, helping when you was stuck. I would like you to do a similar video with a Honda or Acura. See how they handle the sand. Thanks for pushing the limits.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

Yeah I also noticed often no drive to the LR wheel.

[@jonzaremba]

This is what TFL is talking about. Car cut power when it guessed it had no traction. That is a design flaw. The 6MT Crosstrek is way to do this stuff if you want to do it in a Subaru.

[@nenad5884]

Guys you should also include drone filming for this kind of tests. It would be cool to see Subaru in sand from above as well.

[@randc47]

I may have missed it, but did he say if he turned traction control off? Even with Xmode, if you have TC on, it’ll keep adjusting power to different wheels. With it off, it allows all four tires more power and more slip. I believe the Outback manual tells you to turn off TC in deep stuff.

[@Neberheim]

X mode deep snow/mud replicates that behavior, and stays on at a higher speed

[@stephenhendricks103]

Great video, Ryan. I've lived in the Pacific Northwest for years and make at least a couple of trips to the Oregon coast every year. But while I've heard of the dunes on the coast I've never seen them. Thanks for that. And kudos for giving it a try without a properly prepared stock vehicle much less a dune buggy. Subaru owners in the PNW constitute a cult second only to those in Vermont. (A very polite and largely friendly cult but a cult, nonetheless.) This video is a demonstration of why. :)

[@carolbaez5891]

hi. so close to pulling the trigger on a Forester (other pick is Rav4 Adventure) so I was wondering if it is a good pick for beach driving? I only care about beach driving, literally nothing else matters.

[@ongta1265]

Last month, my cousins and their families from Vancouver Washington visited Long Beach. The caravan consisted of a Subaru Forester, Subaru Ascent, a Jeep SUV, Lexus SUV and an Acura SUV. Low and behold, only the two Subaru could get back to the road (no X-Mode use) loaded of passengers. The other three families spent quite some dough and waiting time being towed out with some embarrassment. LMAO

[@customfitment9396]

I would love to see this done again with different tires. Great Video

[@maxims832]

Fantastic video, Ryan! Brilliant camera operations, thank you! :)

[@bobr6555]

Turning the front wheels while stationery in soft sand is asking for trouble. Keep them straight ahead until you are moving, then turn them.

[@AndrewAtkinson1]

X-mode sucks on my 2014 forester xt. I never use it. I do often push the traction control button twice to turn it all the way off. I find that works way better in sand.

[@robbergstrom943]

Air down. Always a good answer on sand.

[@DLPTonyATL]

Your off-road vids makes this city dude cover at least one eye and say: “Oh my God...” several times over! 🤣👍🏽

[@patonbike]

Tire pressure is a huge issue - even lower than 20psi would be good for sand. Also x-mode from the start rather than after you get stuck. We take the Ascent to the beach with soft dry sand and ruts from big trucks, no problems. I will probably get some nice AT tires when the factory tires are done though.

[@speardfrog1]

Air down the fking tires before you get stuck mate! With road pressures, any 4wd will get stuck...

[@terry58501]

it would have been nice if he had backed up more than 6 inches, too. he has a camera on the back of that thing.

[@WJV9]

@@terry58501 - True, he would back up about a foot and then drive into the same ruts he got stuck in as well as driving up hill! If he had backed up and turned the wheel so that he drove forward along the hill instead of up hill he could have gotten out. In soft sand you NEVER go up hill slowly! Also all 4WD vehicles will get stuck if ALL 4 Wheels are spinning, not just Subaru's.

[@joellangeland8691]

I have a Subaru Outback and a Jeep Wrangler unlimited. I bring the Jeep to Silver Lake Sand dunes in Michigan. Even on the Jeep I run 10-12 psi in my tires. Trying to do this test at full pressure or even 20 psi isn't very realistic for deep/soft sand. You don't need lots of tread. The idea is to sit on top of the sand and not dig into it!

[@Surfnpuff77]

Love my Onyx XT. Great video as usual Ryan!

[@australianmade2659]

To be fair. Tyres are the number 1 factor when off-road. No vehicle will do anything with the wrong Tyres

[@musicalgreasemonkey]

That GL hatch!!! Great video, enjoyed the ride

[@felldin]

Considering those tires the car did really well. We have to remember this is just a regular estate car we look at

[@pilot1226]

That looks like a lot of fun. I am concerned about your leaky oil seal in the brand new car though, even if it was warranty coverage. I have an Onyx and going to put Falken WildPeak when the stock tires are shot

[@scottmason7654]

It's always fun to watch amateur dune drivers not air down. Also you mentioned there high cost of a row truck if you got stuck. There's always someone willing to pull you out, it's the culture. The only time you will see a row truck is if the are removing a burned up husk from the dunes.

[@Xphelon]

As you stated....It's all about the tires man....tires...tires....tires.....I have Fallen Wildpeaks....which are phenomenal

[@ordinarywowgamer]

how do they do in sand? I having been looking at getting the falkens but am in florida and we have lots of sugar sand

[@ALMX5DP]

Awesome trip! I need to get out there, just gotta find a friend with a beater and convince them!

[@CaliradoKid]

That looks like a blast!

[@wlylo6318]

In order to allow awd understand what to do you should keep pushing acceleration, then it determines which wheel should round, that’s it. Don’t afraid to get stuck completely, xmode won’t allow to dig down too much. Sometimes disabling esp also helps. I have quite fresh outback, I know what I say.

[@ToddWaddell]

Are you concerned about sand getting into any underbody elements, eg suspension joints etc. if so, how do you sufficiently clean through under carriage when you’re done beaching?

[@MarcNeilson]

Best Outback video I've ever seen! Thank you

[@offroadxplorer]

I took my 2017 Outback which has about a 1-1/2" lift and AT tires into the St Anthony Sand Dunes in Idaho. It survived but it wasn't happy with me. I aired the tires down into the teens and only got stuck once! It did struggled to get up some of the big soft dunes.

[@calebjared75]

Are you thinking that X-mode would have made the difference? I was thinking that AT tires would be a better investment for anyone with a non-X-mode Subaru. Maybe mud-terrains?

[@offroadxplorer]

@@calebjared75 I have X-mode and that only helps at slow speeds. I am not aware of mud terrains that would fit without doing crazy mods or being a goofy size. AT tires are a great investment if you are doing a lot of off pavement or snow driving. There are several good options that don't weigh much more than the stock tires and come with the snowflake symbol for true four season grip. Alex on Autos in his 2021 Outback review gave a great explanation of the limitations of the Subaru's off road. Basically it is a lack of low rpm torque. I love my Subaru and it has taken me all over the place on and off pavement but if you are one of those people who really needs to go deep into the wilderness a lot you will find the limits of what a Subaru can handle.

[@stephenmiller6690]

An oil leak? How about telling us where please. Oil pan? Valve cover? Head gasket? Not like Subaru's are unfamiliar with oil leaks.

[@misaelramos83]

Yes where? @drivingsportstv

[@bt4b4]

A “small oil leak “ ? Seems more major on a new car. I own a Ascent and would love to hear more about the issue. Peacefrom510

[@veganpotterthevegan]

It's under warranty. They make a ton of cars. Its going to happen to some early on

[@bt4b4]

@@veganpotterthevegan oil leaking from a gasket is not a normal Monday detail.

[@jonathanrivera6815]

It's than likely an issue where someone in assembly missed a torque spec, basically human error it happens and it happened to my brothers new rav4 no one car manufacturer is perfect I used to work for toyota manufacturing.

[@BMWownsall777]

I would like to know more about what seal specifically was leaking and what they did to fix. Simply replace the seal or ???

[@ScoobyFermentation]

I’m sure he doesn’t want to talk about it too much because Subaru will take away his free loaner.

[@HikeRx]

I'd like to see a review of the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands version

[@BruceIsbister]

The big takeaway for me is that the Subie gets blamed for a dill driving road pressures on sand 🤔

[@Databyter]

Xmode2 performed flawlessly. It was not a matter of Xmode "not knowing where to send power", but one of traction on the wrong set of tires, combined with lack of momentum required to get you out of the hole you dug.. There were a few times when you could have easily backed up MORE down the grade, completely out of the hole, giving yourself more momentum to go forward. But I understand why you didn't. Anybody can use speed, we are finding the limits of the system with stock tires. But the video did it's job. It showed that in mode 2 all wheels were turning as designed. The problem was you had dug a hole, and were continuing to dig an uphill hole, and then even a sideways hole with a sharp tire shaped lip, without the tire type with enough traction to get out. But between a good driver, and Xmode, even with those tires, and the limitations of trying to demonstrate doing things the hard way to test the system on video, you had no difficulty really in that area and I would not hesitate to drive in similar conditions, especially with better tires. I used to drive a Legacy WAGON without Xmode in worse conditions. Of course I had to be very careful and know the limits. If you put those tires on a Jeep it would not do much better, in fact I would make the argument that a Subaru can float on top of sand given the right speed and all wheel drive where a jeep due to it's heavy duty weight is more likely to be fighting thru the sand at a deeper depth, tires being the same. Everyone should have a set of those traction boards. I used to have a few pieces of wood. Those are so much better, and serve as shovels! Databyter

[@sking2173]

You’re right about pointing the Subie downhill. When pointed uphill, it just sits there making noise and not turning a single wheel ...

[@Databyter]

@@sking2173 Not true. But what is lacking is not wheels turning, but tires having traction, and the driver having more skill to get out downhill and use momentum properly to get past the hole he dug uphill.. Put those wheels on a jeep and give them the same driver and you will just dig a hole. Databyter

[@sking2173]

@@Databyter - What I reference is a well-documented issue with late-model Subarus, and one which has been demonstrated many times by multiple KZbinrs - Diariomotor, TFL, and SUV Battle come immediately to mind, but there have been others, too. The problem is typically encountered on uphill climbs with ruts or loose soil where high torque is required. The Subie finally just sits there with the driver’s foot nailed to the floor, with nary a wheel turning. The most popular explanation is that the system is cutting engine power to protect the CVT. These test results are always met with a barrage of posts from rabid Subaru loyalist claiming everything from the tyres being inadequate, to the testers not understanding the system settings, and even outright claims of bias against Subaru by testers. At least two of the channels did retests on the Subarus in response to fan protests, ensuring that all mode combinations were tried, but the results were the same - foot to the floor with NO wheel-spin at all, EVEN WITH BOTH TRACTION CONTROL AND X-MODE TURNED OFF. This problem is very debilitating to Subarus’ (at least those equipped with CVT’s) off-road performance, and appears to be what is being seen in this video, though here, the operator didn’t try turning off the traction control, rather only engaged X-Mode and then gave up. Interestingly enough, TFL duplicated this test result with another vehicle at the same venue as with the Subie (Goldmine Hill). That vehicle was the Jeep Compass equipped with the 2.4L, naturally-aspirated engine with the 9-speed automatic transmission. Like the Subaru, it does not have a lo-range. It ended up with the throttle wide open and no wheels turning, just like the Outback. That Jeep was being tested in tandem with the Jeep Renegade with the same powertrain, and that barely made the hill, likely only owing to its lighter weight. It is worth noting that TFL didn’t receive the hate from the Jeep faithful like they did from Subie fanboys (like you). I have never seen a more insanely protective fanship than Subaru’s, with the possible exception of Tesla’s. For me, I wouldn’t buy a new Subaru. I think they have taken a reasonably capable car and ruined it with their CVT and electronic traction control system, probably all in pursuit of improved fuel economy. But that won’t stop the soccer moms whom will never venture off the paved road with the exception on an occasional well-maintained gravel driveway.

[@Databyter]

@@sking2173 I'm aware of that legitimate issue where Xmode type 1 encounters a zero traction on all tires situation and basically just stops.. But #1 that is not what occurred here as you can see from the video. The wheels that you could see were spinning up against the hard lip several times, clearly. This means that power was not the main reason for the failure to get over that lip. #2 That is WHY Subaru offers Xmode Type 2 that does allow for all wheels to move more even when none of them have the traction that would require them to via Xmode Type1.. You could clearly see that he was dug in deep, would allow himself to drive backwards down the hill which DID work, and as he was exiting the trench he dug HE would stop, when clearly he could have completely left the rut, keeping himself in the trench. I understand for video purposes why he did this, but there were a dozen points at which he could have backed up a few feet more, giving himself the room for the forward momentum to get over the hard lip. Even Jeeps need momentum sometimes in deep sand and you should NOT stop uphill in soft stuff EVER in any vehicle, especially if they were running virtually bald (for sand purposes) and relatively skinny fully aired up all season radials. But you can see he opted to stay in the trench. STOP and begin to redig from scratch where it takes the system a few seconds to figure out how to power, and by then he is up against the hard lip again with no momentum and tires that simply do not have the traction to lift themselves out of a 3/4 tire depth hard dug lip whether spinning or not. You can imitate those conditions with a jeep, put a jeep up to a hard dug tire shaped 3/4 tire depth soft sand lip with basically bald small and skinny tires and and no momentum, and your results would be the same, except that the jeep would dig itself deeper and faster because of it's weight.. Xmode type 2 is desired by people like me because it DOESN't Just stop when there is no traction, but only a few special models like the Onyx and Crosstrek Sport offer it. The Onyx not only has more torque from the engine, but a CVT also designed for more torque compared to it's lower powered brothers, and it has Xmode Type 2 which is not as good as a hard lock, but works fairly well in moderate real life situations when given a moment to figure out conditions and when NOT combined with a driver that is studiously doing the wrong things to make a point in a video. So no, the problem you mentioned which is certainly a real one, is NOT what occurred in this video. What did occur in this video was selective driving styles intended to show limitations under the conditions provided which included narrow stock tires with no offroad capability pre-airing down. You take any heavy ass jeep out there, put some skinny and hard aired slicks on them, and drive the way this guy does, and you will get dug in deeper and faster than the Subaru guaranteed. Hard locking differentials are not the answer to every off-roading question. They are fantastic for some levels of serious off-roading conditions. They are not magic pills that would have allowed this subaru to easily climb out of a self caused problem. Databyter

[@EZapar]

Another fine vid! Pillow Cube any one? lol Ryan, the commercials vary. Usually they seem to be automakers. I love the use of those shorty traction boards. I've been wrestling with what ones to buy. I'd love to see how our new Crosstrek Sport does in the sand with all terrains.

[@tree356]

Never go faster than your Angels can fly.😎✌🏼 Ordering my Wilderness tomorrow!💪🏼

[@kpf8186]

My next vehicle. I miss my old Outback. Should've never left.

[@chandrakantutube]

I kind of agree to your statement when you said that when all the wheels have no traction, then AWD of Subaru kind of does nothing, it happened to me in my super slick driveway (well the part of the issue was I was running all season copper tires and they aren’t great in snow) . But then in similar situations how does others(Jeep or a truck)would have behaved?

[@goboturbo3222]

Subaru will has the best awd system in my mind I’m open to reviving different options

[@jerrymyahzcat]

Sadly it has a pretty rubbish AWD system when you are off-road. It’s fine for the black top.

[@george-ng5gj]

Been waiting for this, thanks!

[@afrojoe24]

Loved to see the Outback put to the test! Great video💥💥

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

I keep trying to decide if I want to trade my truck for a new Outback. I’ve driven 4x4 trucks basically my entire life and am thinking of switching for the mpg’s

[@IronmanV5]

Replaced my F150 4x4 with an Outback when I still worked in the oilpatch(retired). Helped that several guys on various rigs I worked on had Subarus and recommended them. It easily handled the roughest dirt roads in south and west Texas and south east New Mexico. Plus I haven't had any problems in the sand on Padre Island or the Permian basin. Even had several guys I have given rides to end up buying a Subaru. The joke at work was that they're contagious. It's nice being able to go an extra 100 miles on a gas tank half the size. A big plus is the availability of lift kits skid plates, and even winch mounts if you want to do some exploring.

[@gregjoubert5118]

How many miles on your outback now? I know oil field workers that do 70-100k a year. We have a 16 outback and my biggest concern is the tranny and long term durability. You using one in the field is a great test.

[@IronmanV5]

@@gregjoubert5118 105k 2013 model bought off previous owner with 65k on the clock. Only thing I've taken it in for was the Takata airbag.

[@calebjared75]

@@gregjoubert5118 Agreed that the CVT is the weakest point in the symmetrical AWD setup and the biggest concern in long-term reliability. I have a 2010 outback with 220K miles and CVT is still running fine. Look up Subaru CVT fluid swap, It made a huge difference in throttle smoothness and responsiveness at 180K miles. On my 2020 Subaru, I will be doing that CVT fluid swap more often to ensure the long-term reliability.

[@rangerdanger766]

dont do it, just took my 1st subaru crosstrek in deep snow. does not compare to a good truck, pretty much determined the subaru will be used for commuting only

[@travelandtech2185]

I never had this issue with a 2016 forester and xmode. You need to hit the gas hard and then let off and stay in reverse.

[@Karlkn]

IMPRESSIVE!

[@moonsapling]

Xmode off VDC off thats the best combo in sand for me even if you have Xmode 2.0 No matter what setting, X mode still applies braking, VDC off and Xmode off together give the system the least chance to use the braking i. e. more wheelspin :)

[@sking2173]

What you say is true, and it still wouldn’t have done worth a damn ...

[@moonsapling]

@@sking2173 yeah agreed. Tires make all the difference, airing down too

[@adventureforesterblog]

Very nice! Too bad it is not permitted to drive on beaches over here. Great video, thanks!

[@georgesoto5436]

Love these videos! So informative and very detailed reviews.

[@slandshark]

Awesome video. I live in Western washington and would love to take my Subaru down to those dunes! Please make more videos of subaru's in those dunes, this was really fun to watch! And if I can ask, can you bring down the Subaru Ascent to those dunes? That's the video I really want to see!

[@Doc1855]

We have to use Xmode when driving up our private road during the winter months. Xmode is Awesome

[@MrScalman]

on those higher speeds VDC still working as before and TC button still there i think so you couldd try turn that off and get more revs. as TC will kill your revs as soon as it sense more wheel spin

[@amandapeine6745]

Makes me wonder how it'd do in Hurricane, UT. Sand Hollow. Matt's Off-road Recovery could get you out if any problems.

[@amandapeine6745]

LOL with some Wildpeaks or Geolandars! 12 psi

[@bombappetit]

My father gets annoyed when I told him I go beaching and mudding in my Forester with my 7-year-old son. Haven't gotten stuck yet despite using street tires and not airing down. We don't have dunes in the tropics, so beaching 20 meters or so from water is the most I could do. I do carry traction boards and compressors in case I get stuck. And I wash the undercarriage every time I go.

[@meathead585]

What specific oil seal was leaking ? How would the Mazdas do in a similar situation ? If the Mazda fails, try a TRX. Driving on a beach next to the ocean is a great way to give your vehicle a nice salt bath. You did well with what you had to deal with.

[@infernovideo]

Nice demo of the Outback x-mode! How did the cvt handle it? Did it get hot, did you notice any issues? I'm guessing you had to use lots of throttle on the deep sand?

[@Ktheodoss]

Good, fun video. Well made as well. Where I live you can only drive on the beach if you have a fishing license and a 4x4 permit. And you have to have with you fishing rods and a list of recovery equipment. No "free" driving allowed - though people do when it's not crowded. You drive to where you want to fish and then drive out when you're done. I've never seen a vehicle that wasn't a true 4x4 regardless of whether it's a pick-up, jeep, or SUV. AWD vehicles, or at least the kind that shift power from one axle to the other when wheel slipping is detected, are not appropriate for deep sand. Keeping momentum is key to not getting stuck. Subaru system is good for this. But lifted would be way better. Only tires should be touching sand, not your vehicle. And obviously wheels and tires matter a lot regardless of vehicle. You need to air down. As for tips, don't drive fast, or do basically anything abruptly. Turning, stopping, or accelerating should be slow and fluid - unless you enjoy turning over or burying your vehicle. Don't drive too close to the water. Besides the fact salt water is corrosive to car's underbelly (spray wash if it gets wet), the wet sand is like quicksand. Don't drive in really loose soft sand either. Easier to get stuck. Best sand is close to the water but just not too close.

[@RyanCrase1]

My only complaint about my 2021 Outback (Limited) is how clunky the native touch screen controls are. The map loads slow and wonky and it just isn’t rad. That being said, using Apple Car Play totally fixes it. The map/navigation is super fast and clean and everything is much better. It’s hilarious that Subaru offers a wireless charging pad as an option for over $200, when you have to be plugged in and charging to use the car play feature. Nice one marketing department.

[@TheCldmstrsn]

I am so excited to get mine. It's a 2022 Onyx XT

[@sotheamam1244]

I thought you did these car somewhere in a hot states. Not washington or Oregon, it great to see that

[@drivingsports]

Really lucked out with the weather.

[@agpawpaw5912]

Very good demonstration how Subaru perform in sand. At this point Subaru did their best in awd system and it’s one of the best. But as we can see some time not all wheels spinning. There’s some delays in some wheels. I see video on climbing slippery one side hill and Subaru funny bouncing from wheel to wheel, but it’s was going! Same hill Acura MDX was going really nice and smooth. But on other video MDX stuck in deep snow. Only one rear wheel had more traction, but there was no action in it. No one will argue that Jeep Rubicon is better for off road, but price tag, comfort and reliability this where Subaru wins. Outback is good, with plenty of space for outdoor, wagon. It’s only difficult to find place, for most of us, where to get off road.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

Reliable and Subaru are never to be used in the same sentence. Cvt problems, oil consumption are major issues that Subaru’s are well known for. This Subaru is 40k. You can easily get a Jeep or Toyota 4Runner for this price.

[@agpawpaw5912]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 If you will compare reliability Subaru to Honda or Toyota you are right. But I think it’s more reliable than Jeep. I forgot to ask how is transmission was doing in that sand. I know it is so easy to overheat. Thanks for pointing out

[@agpawpaw5912]

Reason #1 I don’t have Subaru it’s almost no snow in southeast PA and all roads to camps around here is paved or crashed stone. #2 Honda and Toyota more reliable. But for some reason I still like Outback and Forester

[@carsnquads]

They really need to use the technology from the sti drivetrain in all subarus. Driver Controlled Center Differential and limited slip differentials front and rear. A much more serious set up

[@tallll70]

Exactly, all that rear wheel NOT spinning pass 7:28 is problem, i would like to be able to engage center clutch close at least

[@arseniosapatinha2030]

Sir, try any 2.0 Toyota corolla or Toyota mark-II there, I believe you would be very happy with them! They are simply fantastic. And they don't even have those fancy electronic systems names like X-mode or so, they are just solid 4WD!

[@adi7795]

Nice video my parents always have driven Subaru when the have the first 4WD the once you have to engage a handle to engage for AWD on the hill in snow was great. Looking at all the sand here I would like to take my RAV4 2019 trail there to see what it is capable. So far in snow no problem.

[@sking2173]

Subaru dealers are hesitant to fix oil consumption problems because they prefer to wait until a head gasket blows and then fix both problems at the same time - hopefully at customer expense ...

[@rajeshkumarkonduru]

It’s not good if they are doing like this

[@dmcollins2003]

You should take a Wilderness version to this same sand pit and test it.