How to use Subaru paddle shifters

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So how and why would I use paddle shifters on a Subaru?
Learn more with Brendan in this video on a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
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Host: Brendan Hancock
Producer: Justin McMinn
Video Photography and Editing by: Mary Mascarenas
www.marymascarenas.com/

[@toobspark]

Great job. Love the 'not testing airbags today' comment at 2:15.

[@GroovesubaruDenver]

Haha thanks.

[@11chancer]

I liked the "yo, yo, yo" it's time to downshift comment. Hey I live in Colorado and just bought a Subaru. Ahhh don't you just love that traffic, Not!

[@GaryKatz]

Agreed. Hilarious and timed perfectly. I'm tellin' my old Boston buddies [jay Leno and Conan] about this sense of humor . lol.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

That’s much more intuitive explanation of using the paddle shifters than what my sales rep gave me . I’m still learning how to use everything on my 2018 Outback 3.6R Touring .

[@keandle]

My 2018 Subaru Outback is the third Subaru that I have owned in the last 10 or so years and, like each of the others, it is the best car I have ever had at the time. I particularly LOVE the CVT. Kudos to Subaru for producing such a fine vehicle.

[@TheKawikid]

3 cars in 10 years? you lease them?

[@gratefultube]

Thank You for this helpful video, especially explaining that a "downshift" while in "D" will automatically (no pun intended) revert to "D."

[@JSWNYC]

This is a very informative video showing how to get the most out of a great transmission. I have been driving a 2015 Outback with the CVT and paddle shifters for the past year. I offer the following comments based on my experience using both manual mode and full CVT or D mode:In Manual Mode:(1) Shifting from first to second in manual mode is not that smooth. I find that manual mode is best on rural, country roads from 2nd gear and above.(2) When upshifting in manual mode, I find it a bit smoother to momentarily take my foot off the accelerator when I upshift.(3) Keep in mind that by design the paddles turn with the steering wheel. If you are using manual mode when cornering or making very sharp turns where the wheel moves more than 90 degrees, you may find it difficult to shift.In CVT mode:(1) During hard accelerations, the CVT uses shift points. So the transmission feels like it is upshifting from one gear to the next without that rubber band feeling as with other CVTs.(2) There are very good reasons to use the paddle shifters in CVT mode to downshift. If you hit a downhill or a section of slowing traffic, you can blip the left paddle to downshift and gain the benefit of engine braking. The transmission will maintain that lower gear until the car slows sufficiently. The transmission will then shift back into regular D mode. The transmission in the video shifted out of manual mode within 5 seconds because there was no reason for it to be in manual mode (i.e. no downhill).(3) Based on my experience, when accelerating to pass in CVT mode, the paddle shifters are useless and may even slow you down. The computer controlling the CVT is quicker and more precise at adjusting the necessary engine speed.Driving in snow:In my view, starting in regular CVT mode works best. The CVT applies the right amount of acceleration and torque to get the vehicle moving replicating "winter mode" as referenced in some of the other comments.Once I am rolling, downshifting with the paddle shifters helps to maintain the right engine speed.Again, thank you for an informative video.

[@psa110]

Joe, thanks for the feedback. I am a new Crosstrek CVT owner, i.e., no experience with CVTs or paddle shifters. It is really helpful to hear your tips and experience. One question: Have you had the problem with jerky transmission shifting, especially at low speed (18 - 25mph)? I am a slow accelerator and that is when it is most obvious. I have noticed it even at higher speeds.

[@milfriez]

I would agree with OP, especially when it comes to the Turbo models with paddle shift. Particularly with the Forester XT. The S and S# are preset more aggressive driving modes. In coming from a manual, I would have thought that by down-shifting and getting on the gas, it would produce higher RPMs faster spool, and better drive-ability. This couldn't be further from the truth. Even though in "manu-matic" mode, the engine still overrides, and produces fake shift points. It is the strangest occurance, in that you are still in the same "gear" but you feel the car shift, then you upshift, and feel it jerk once again. It is not smooth, it is not enjoyable, and it IS actually slower than just leaving it in auto-mode and flooring it. They did a pretty bad job implementing the use of paddles when it comes to sporty driving, or knowing what actual real shift points are. Unlike dual-clutch transmissions, which are flawless and operate exactly as you would expect, the CVT paddles are clunky, non-intuitive, and generally a waste on the Forester XT in S and S#.

[@jackleonard109]

Thanks for the info, very helpful!

[@NiNjaTurtLe697]

I knew about the paddle shifters but I still learned something! Brilliant tutorial!!

[@GroovesubaruDenver]

Thanks! Glad you found our video informative :)

[@GaryKatz]

Yes. Plus on my car. The only 2 functioning signaling vehicles/drivers in the USA!!!

[@sandrasedivy1686]

I’m going to have to watch this a few more times. I drove a stick shift for 40 years and hated to give it up. I’m on my third Subaru and had no idea what the paddle shifts were. (I asked the sales guy at the dealer; he had no idea.) I live in MN, and just today woke up buried in 8.5 inches of snow and unplowed roads. I need this!

[@Forevergirlygirlsbff]

I was watching this for my Subaru Legacy! And then I noticed the back ground and your driving super close to where I’m from😂 Awesome video!

[@bennettedelman5718]

Groove Subaru. Paddle shifters use was definitely excellently explained. My wife has never used them and cares not to so it don't comical driving but I'm showing her this video anyway. Bennett

[@ais312]

I'm car shopping now for hopefully another Subie but newer than I'm used to and having to get an automatic, with over 30 years of driving 5 speeds, and I love this feature for an automatic. Great video - very helpful!!

[@BruceHoult]

The #1 thing I use manual mode for is on the highway to lock it into the fastest gear so that the engine revs don't go up and down on small hills/undulations, and so I can floor it to get reasonable acceleration to pass someone without the engine revving like crazy. If it's not goin' places quickly enough then I can always hit a downshift, but in general I like to stay in top gear as much as possible and use the torque.

[@TheresaPigula]

Very well explained. I’m driving my cousins 2023 CrossTrek while I’m in Colorado for 3 weeks and taught myself about all of these cool features as I was driving for the past 2 weeks, but finally decided to watch a video. Yup, pretty much everything you explained here confirms what I discovered. Thanks for a simple explanation and clarifying the few questions they I did have about the paddle shifters. Very well put together. Good job. 👍 I told her how much I love her Subaru and she said I’ll have to show her what all the buttons do cuz she’s never even used them. LOL. 😂 😂

[@jeremykraff7024]

A nice explanation of how the paddle shifters work!

[@GroovesubaruDenver]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@b374mxg]

Thanks. Picking up my new 2021 Legacy Premium at the end of this week in CT. Very helpful.

[@rallymaster001]

Great video, very helpful! Thanks for uploading and sharing your knowledge!

[@phyllissnook]

Excellent explanation for snow and mountains both of which we have here in Pennsylvania and both of which my Subaru dealer never explained!

[@newtagwhodis4535]

This was such an amazing explanation! So incredibly helpful! Thank you

[@Lady-Lilith]

This was a great video! I have been driving a manual since I was a kid and now that I'm shopping around for an SUV I was kind of dreading giving up my ability to downshift in order to save my brakes or drive in snow. I still don't like the idea of having a computer doing all this thinking for me but I guess I should get with the times.

[@jamesevanperez536]

So many Subaru videos! I'm excited to learn this stuff. Thanks guys!

[@verfed]

I have paddle shifters on my Toyotta Corolla MMT and I love them. I also appreciate being able to shift with the stick. The MMT actually has regular gears, so it feels just like a manual when you're shifting; just there's not clutch pedal. I'll never have an automatic again where I have no control.

[@darrellsephus5378]

Thanks, I had two questions and you answered then very well,. I now feel confident to try using the padddles.

[@papichulo284]

Thank you so much for an informative video. Just got a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek

[@johngo6283]

Excellent video that answered every question I had.

[@96150coconut]

I'm a very critical SOB while watching instruction Videos. This is one of the BEST I have seen.... Great Job.

[@RobBastien]

Fantastic presentation, thanks for posting.

[@rhettdopwell9367]

Nice video. I tested one in my market and I found that I preferred to keep in D and just shift if I needed to. Unlike tip-tronic which I would forget in M it would just go back when not needed on its own. I also loved that in D if I shifted to a lower gear to save brakes on a down hill it would hold that gear as long as I wanted. It would only go back to D if I accelerated. Only transmission that ever make me think a manual was obsolete. Pity there is no performance XV/Crosstrek version with turbo.

[@GroovesubaruDenver]

Hey Rhett, thank you for the kind words. I also wish Subaru had a turbo Crosstrek. They should call it the XV-R

[@TinaWanKenobi]

Rhett Dopwell i

[@reneebarone7484]

We just purchased a 18 after owning a 16 outback. I know how to drive a stick and could never comprehend how to use the manual buttons. I would love to see the dash while your shifting and a little more example on snow driving and useing it. I live in PA with very bad roads in the winter. Also I never really understood how to use the auto 4 wheel drive. I’m use to locking hubs and all that. So if it’s snowing and your on a bad roads, I don’t do anything? Thanks this video was very helpful I’d just like to learn more.

[@brett7801]

"CVT Transmission" = Continuously Variable Transmission transmission Just like ATM machine = Automatic Teller Machine machine

[@tomzombie]

personal identification number number

[@mattdrives4757]

The Los Angelos Angels= The the angels angels

[@rainbowdancer99]

Great video, thanks..been driving a manual most all my life ..driving a 2014 Mitsubishi Out. Sport manual..nice ride actually for now..like the Subaru Paddles , maybe whe i get older..

[@bigvapefkawriteous]

Best video yet! Thanks! 🙏🏽

[@MarieFinamore]

thank you so much~ i feel more confident about using the paddles now :)

[@coffeebreaktude]

Very helpful. Just got a Crosstrex and was wondering correct way to use them. Pretty much like shifting in the old days.

[@melanieguzman4167]

This was such a helpful video!

[@googleuser8196]

great explanation!

[@maxwellsmart8730]

My 2008 Nissan Maxima with a CVT, will automatically shift gears in manual mode when RPM's hit redline. I also have a 2018 Forester XT. This was a good video. Thanks.

[@sandmasher]

Good video man like the way you explain things in the way you use your wording keep making videos where's the STI review I'd love that haha

[@willpeakes6000]

great explanation! i can now see how it can be useful. other manufacturers paddles do not have some of these features.

[@M0stlyStormie]

Nice tip to shift into manual using the paddle down a gear before merging to rev the rpm and then slam it when it kicks back over. Can’t wait to try that tomorrow.

[@artschulte1897]

Thanks for the information on paddle shifting Great video

[@dq7143]

Your explanation tells me that you understand the operation of a manual transmission well.

[@elinordashwood7148]

It would be helpful for you to demonstrate how to go from a stop light to 35 or 40mph in snowstorm, with both the regular D and the paddle shifters, and also how to slow down in snow with the paddle shifters. Thank you.

[@cherylanderson3340]

Thanks for explaining that. I'm shopping for a used Subaru & since I live in a snowy, icy & hilly area, when looking at cars online & I don't see a way to downshift for going down hills, it made me look elsewhere.

[@musicbeginner]

Thank you. I have been wondering what are these two "shift paddles" are. The manual may not be organized well. It would be better to have one or two pages listing all the buttons, handles, paddles and their position/location. Then indexed all those. So, it will be easier to know what they are and easy to find the details of these items.

[@chrislilblu4137]

Own a 2016 Subaru Outback. Tried out my paddle shifters for the first time the other day. We were coming down a big 8.200 Ft mountain. My question, is it ok to help the car slow down faster while also using paddle shifters to downshift? Paddle downshifting was slowing it down, but not enough to go through some of the curves safely, at times. Car was occasionally picking up so much momentum, at times, coming down the mountain. I'm new to this so I appreciate any info. Totally enjoyed the experience. Thanks in advance.

[@judoguy33]

Wow, Hey thanks for the video! Super helpful

[@Thisplaceisaprison3912]

Going to pick up my 2019 crosstrek today I'm so excited. It didn't even have the film peeled off from delivery. 😍

[@hawkwind769]

How's the ride? I just picked up 2020 legacy today 😍

[@kellefranzen9996]

That was excellent! Thank you

[@D3HugginMarsupial]

This is a correction about driving in snowy conditions: In snowy conditions you would normally want to start in 2nd gear because it would lower the amount of torque driven to the wheels. This means your wheels has less tendency to slip while accelerating form a stop. If you had a 4wd car, you would not put it in 4LO, you would put it in 4HI. 4LO will just make you spin in place and is normally used for dense terrains like mud. Aside from that, very informative video. Thank you for posting!

[@georgelurye6274]

There's no need to start in an all wheel drive car equipped with electronic traction control in 2nd gear. Those systems take care of any and all wheel slip. However, if you are in DEEP snow (as mentioned in the video) or mud, you will need all the torque and traction you can get and your best bet is to be in 1st gear and turn off the traction control to let your wheels spin and grip wherever they can until you're out. At that point you would turn the traction control back on and downshift or put the transmission into auto mode. Your method is accurate for old cars without traction control.

[@davidalexander5186]

Great explanation for my forester xt paddle shifters

[@jc9291]

The thing you stray away from actually explaining is why being at different RPMS matters for which gears you should decide to switch into etc

[@ais312]

And only those of us with experience driving stick would already understand that, but would be helpful for those with no experience

[@hanksta321]

Mine has glowing indicators on the dash when i can shift high or low. 😮ive never used my shifters yet

[@Nenezilla]

Wouldl like to see this in use with snow and ice, as that driving is different than driving in normal conditions. Thank you.

[@chriswr8813]

Great job!

[@joshhuber130]

Will the proxy key for the 2019 Subaru Outback limited change from now to when the 2021 Subaru Outback limited comes out

[@johnprocidano3783]

My 2011 F-350 has that same thing, only its on the column. It works nicely especially when the load weighs roughly 2200lbs going down a steep hill.

[@DEAR7340]

In addition to our Crosstrek, we have a Tacoma pickup with a similar feature. An inteersting difference is that the Tacoma drops you into "4th", no matter the situation. The Crosstrek drops you into a sensible gear, or whatever gear you happen to be rolling in at the moment.

[@chrisburnett7671]

Thank you...very clear

[@elisafoster4459]

I am wondering if these paddle shifters and the CVT mode is similar to a sport mode or ECO mode seen in other cars? I am wondering if that is what I use when on a highway and need to pass with some extra power, or on long drives when I want the car using the most fuel efficient mode. I will have to give these a try!

[@gregreed402]

How does the CVT handle constant changing down in the gears can it take that sort of work especially if you have a trailer on the back of your vehicle will the CV tea last

[@rds990]

I have a 2019 Outback Limited 3.6R with these paddles. I have also had 5 other vehicles over the years with paddles. Never ONCE used them. Oh well. Maybe next trip over mountains I may try them.....but till then, the dust piles up.

[@EggyOrphan]

Is there any downside using the manual mode? I live in a LA area with moderate traffic and love using manual mode but fearful if I'll mess something up. Thanks in advance!

[@RobPetty622]

Good for slowing down in slick, slushy, snowy intersections.

[@pinalloy6505]

Great Information

[@kcline007]

Being able to "downshift" and use engine braking on ice is my favorite use of the paddle shifters in an​ MN. winter

[@beetlejuice1239]

My manual Toyota is locking up like that. Subaru transmissions are really under appreciated cuz of the bad reputation. Kids are throwing mods at it and bash it when they break.

[@audiomiragemusic]

Facts! ^

[@stephanedjwakkyhudon2984]

if you have a tr690 CVT dont do it too often!! I broke the drive chain while doing this .. got a full tranny swap under extended drivetrain warranty program at 92k miles in November 2020

[@johnbob4545]

No one believes me that it works but we know better don't we. My uncle has the same Outback as me and is convinced he will crash if he tries this. Won't even use them in the snow.

[@tremainereweti5696]

In manual wen u change gear up do u take your foot of the aceleration(like a manual) or keep it fuli on the pedal an jus change up?

[@ndidderobert1803]

do subaru legacy2012 shows gears on da dashboard screen during shifting while driving

[@christopherbuaya976]

5 shift on manual mode? and 7-speed on automatic? is that how it works? thanks groove for the video.

[@AbdullahToorMystic]

At what speeds in manual do yo go from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, and so on?

[@nissman1753]

I found downshifting in my 16 outback causes it to burn through engine oil. So I stoped using the paddle shifters and since doing so I havent had the oil light come on!

[@vforvasil]

Just an FYI, it automatically up shifts in manual mode right when it gets close to the red zone of RPM, my 2013 Crosstrek sure does ;)

[@georgelurye6274]

All cars do to prevent engine failure.

[@malikrpearson5693]

😪I miss gear sticks

[@EvanDerickson]

RE: driving in the mountains: cruise control will also engine brake to stay at the set speed when going downhill, won't it? Or have I heard incorrectly?

[@davidc.murraygonter8474]

We live on the side of a volcano. Every trip to town is a long downhill run. Is downshifting on this long descent safe for the transmission? Will it cause premature transmission failure if used daily? And what about downshifting as you approach a Stop sign? More premature failure or not.

[@aliasahar4700]

I felt a bit of lag when i changed from M to D...and in the morning, after the engine has heat up, and i drive within 50kmph, the engine shuddered few times..as if its does not receive enough power..im not sure whether it is because of the type of fuel i used..at that time i use RON95. Now, I change to RON97..have less problem with the shuddering now..do you think Higher RON will maximize engine power for XV? another question: when going down a steep hill, and I engaged the X Mode, do I also change the gear into M? And if I brake during X Mode, will it disturb the system? Because, when I went downhill in X Mode, the car was going pretty fast....so i hit the brake and change into M in Gear 1...

[@julieannakohls5432]

Hyper blue crosstrek,that's what I am talking about!!!😍😘😗

[@vanessamunoz3285]

So, what's the best way to save gas. When you're just driving around. I'm still learning mine I just got a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

[@legend22]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@reezyrico5935]

When I drive a automatic transmission vehicle and I put it in manual mode and I shift gears do I let go of the gas ?

[@richardc488]

Thanks that helps!

[@ecksdog]

Good info. Thx

[@marktaylor7941]

I just bought a 2013 Subaru Outback. On the highway it doesn’t seem to shift into Overdrive. Is it supposed to do so automatically or do I have to use the paddle shift to shift into overdrive?

[@SulCoCrazy]

I love these on the 19 forester sport. Great for when carving up mountain back roads when having a little "fun".....Oh Im' sorry, these are only for use when trying to regulate speed when going "downhill"..... Also they are great for slowing down to enter a turn - again, I live in the mountains. Saves the brakes and allows a perfect "setup" or shifting up coming out of the curve. Again, fun but also good control

[@richardpeterson9117]

I love my forster xt 2.0 I put it in 4 months ago

[@erock967]

Is it bad to change from D to M or M to D while driving ??

[@sweetlslive]

I love my Subaru

[@santouchesantouche2873]

Can paddle shifters be installed on the G4 Impreza?

[@4RT0119]

What is the + and - for in the 2013 XT?

[@mikevozza954]

2018 legacy cannot use cruise control when in manual mode??

[@mapmaker1697]

Thank you!

[@ps121he4]

Hmm.. can anyone explain proper way to engine brake? Do I do it froM D mode or do I shift to M when driving in a slippery area (snow)? I.e. driving 40mph and want to slow down. Please help. Thank you

[@agencialt9633]

i didnt know i could use the paddle shifts while in D mode??.. maybe i will try it today in the forester.

[@gilbertorobles3321]

Could you save fuel by going into manual mode?

[@Baezng]

Love your videos but please add more speedometer camera anglessssss

[@jackyl8259]

If u don't wanna paddle shift the stick shift in manual mode is better, especially in the conventional auto-manual transmission I'm not sure how the CVT works.

[@cassieheslin798]

Omg thank you

[@longislandforester859]

Why doesn’t it let you shift into OD? I noticed that I can’t go above 60 unless I put it into D

[@devon22williams]

I live across the street lol and got my 2018 wrx from here

[@GaryKatz]

Helpful??!!! Are you kidding me??!! I'm so grateful...after ALL these years...I FINALLY understand how a manual transmission actually functions!! [I'm a 'car guy,' so...I was always afraid to ask..hehehe!]. And I'm also grateful that you delayed the side impact air-bag test till AFTER you safely explained and demystified what we "NEED to KNOW." [stay safe! save THAT demonstration for last! haha]

[@paflyfish]

You mention using the paddle shifters downhill and that works okay, but what about uphill? I haven't seen any real benefit on our 4 cylinder Outback. The boxer engine is okay on flat ground, but up a mountain incline it struggles, and there is no real options for a lower drive on this car, (no D1, D2 or D3, etc.) just a loud struggling engine running at higher RPM. It's either drive (D) or the paddle shifter. The motor doesn't even appear to shift gears to compensate on a hill, where you hear the engine rev and the RPM's fall. The RPM just increases until the car appears to max out (basically floored) and you cannot increase your speed. It scares me thinking what this could do to the engine.

[@heidia2199]

How much more acceleration can you get using the paddle shifters? I had a Nissan Leaf that could swiftly merge into fast traffic and quickly maneuver around potential hazards. Most Subaru models range from a somewhat lackluster 8-10 second period for 0 to 60. How much can that improve using paddle shifting, particularly for passing cars, merging onto highways, etc?

[@ais312]

If you've ever driven a manual, that's your answer. I always loved being able to downshift in a 5 speed to get past a truck going up a hill - it gives you so much control and power to do it. Should be the same with these techniques described, just no stick or clutch.

[@jamesd271]

so it can downshift by itself while in M mode?

[@miltjackson1039]

Very Through Thanks

[@barbaraadamcik9679]

Great tutorial about paddle shifting but probably not something I'll ever use. I drove stick shift for about 10 years and was happy to get away from it. Depending on where you live this might be very useful but I wonder how many Subaru drivers actually use this option and why it couldn't be an optional feature.

[@shteebo]

Downshifting while descending long grades is a huge win, greatly extending the life of your brakes. Do many people live where there are no hills? (serious question)