Subaru Crosstrek Sport vs. Ford Bronco Sport: Off-Road AWD Shootout

In one corner: the little 2021 Ford Bronco Sport First Edition with a turbo-four and twin-clutch rear all-wheel drive. In the other, Subaru's off-road ready 2021 Crosstrek Sport with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive. Which can master our Test Hill? The results may surprise you!
#ford #subaru #offroad
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
02:12 - Garter Road (soft dirt offset)
07:01 - The Rattler (rock trail)
12:45 - Sidewinder (logs)
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[@gs98999]

Impressive setup. For an independent channel to have its own course is great. Thumbs up! All this shows is anyone wanting to go in this type of terrain should never bother with these type of vehicles. But great to see that even the Crosstrek can struggle through it if absolutely you had to get through something like this terrain.

[@arunmaroli5946]

We have Tommy a TFL car mocking this course. TFL has become annoying of late.

[@MeatbagKillaXD]

@@arunmaroli5946 what episode?

[@tk45440]

@@arunmaroli5946 Yes, I'd love to know which ep as well

[@EricTheRed122]

Yes I agree with most of your comment, but both vehicles can be made to be able to go through these obstacles easier, just not from factory.

[@mcfish206]

@@EricTheRed122 I actually disagree with that, i think both of those vehicles could go up it easier if you just go a little bit faster. I get there suppose to be testing how good the AWD is, but still, you can really make it through anything if your going fast enough. and you dont have to go so fast you break something, just give it a little more speeeeeed

[@alphamega3306]

These videos are gold. No manufacturer would ever show legit tests of their vehicles like this. It makes my purchasing decision so much more clear. Excellent video!

[@thefix2573]

yes, like don't buy either one unless you want to do an engine replacement soon.

[@tommyh.8391]

He said you could buy a 4 Runner for 40k. Please tell me where this 4 Runner is located. I’ll buy it.

[@KeepFeedingMeImStillHungry]

@@thefix2573 it would be the transmission going out first without 30k mile fluid changes. engines on both of these vehicles are solid.

[@KeepFeedingMeImStillHungry]

​@@tommyh.8391 Negotiate it down to 40K? They're selling at $40,500 MSRP. Dealer fees and delivery aren't an issue with the smallest effort.

[@matthewputnam7486]

Fantastic video as always! I really enjoy seeing these off road tests giving these AWD systems fits. Keep them coming, please!

[@ginobarbieri9816]

Another great review,i have a 2021 crosstrek limited with same wildpeak i have been on very rough road and its a perfect tire for a 2-3 time a year offroad ! Keep up the good work !

[@shane.henderson]

This is one of the best KZbin channels out there! I always appreciate how sincere you are. Great job! Any chance we'll see you review the Santa Cruz soon?

[@Adam-lq5kg]

Love my CrossTrek but some of these courses are going pretty far beyond just how off-road the CrossTrek is intended to be capable of. Can it do it...sure...but you're pushing its intended design capabilities. That being said, props to you guys for recognizing, given its design and price point, it did well enough. Most reviews don't even bother to give that credit.

[@djk9324]

Not in the Northwest. These are normal everyday logging roads for hiking and climbing. I like my Crosstrek but disappointed in asymmetric Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.

[@jaumeprimerelhipster]

@@djk9324 i have a Forester and mind you, SAWD is just a marketing gimmick. For real, symmetrical drive you need triple differential lock. That said, with X mode is good value for the money for a polivalent SUV. The car's book clearly states the car is not a hardcore all terrain vehicle. The use in this video clearly exceeded the design intention.

[@AndrewLarson-mq7xc]

He is in washington eastern

[@shawnmacisaac5226]

Nobody is going to do these crazy things 99% of the time. It's a good enough off-road vehicle, just like the Ford Bronco Sport is for being a small SUV.

[@NothingCoherent]

These videos are so useful for me as someone considering moving from a proper 4x4 to an AWD. Thanks! Hope to see more like this.

[@nozopoke1782]

Why do that move ?

[@NothingCoherent]

@@nozopoke1782 Cost of fuel mainly. My pickup gets horrible mpg. And I'm getting tired of driving a big vehicle. Still need something capable in snow though.

[@nozopoke1782]

@@NothingCoherent that makes sense

[@RKmndo]

Crosstrek aftermarket keeps getting better. Add skids, winch, rear locker, and AT Trails. Keep the 30+MPG hwy.

[@ljs2274]

@@NothingCoherent fuel will go down once this idiot is out of office. :)

[@jimmybob562]

This is not a joke lmao. Great work guys, that’s some impressive trail work, not the easy stuff we always see.

[@dherz0983]

Would like to see how the Outback Wilderness can handle the course!

[@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461]

Same as that XV more or less. Same drivetrain plus more power but minus longer wheelbase and weight. And similarly horrendous overhangs.

[@OneBaldingWookiee]

I second that! The whole Wilderness line: Outback, Forester, and the others as they come out.

[@idkwhattonamemyself5513]

@@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461 Totally different drivetrain

[@jameson1239]

@@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461 they did cut down the overhang on the wilderness but it’s still pretty big

[@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461]

@@idkwhattonamemyself5513 what's principally different between the latest Crosstrek and Outback? Other platform than what Subaru started calling SGP? Boxer engines? The so-called "symmetrical AWD"? CVTs? Suspensions?

[@MatthewMorse]

I'm surprised at how well the Crosstrek did. I'm not as familiar with the Bronco Sport since it's a relatively new vehicle, but I've been following Crossstreks for a while. This is an absolute torture test for a Crosstrek, and as much as people want to argue it, the Crosstrek just isn't an off-road vehicle. It's great for gravel, hardpack, dirt roads, mud and snow. But it's not a rock crawler or a serious off-road machine. It just doesn't have the ground clearance, tires or transmission for such tasks. Despite all that, it did surprisingly well in this test which is, in my opinion, a worst-case-scenario for someone in a Crosstrek.

[@AndresUffert2]

And the interesting part is, that i think crosstreck is expencive i think. In europe i bought XV/crosstreck for 24 000 something. and bronco is 40000 still. so i think 16k difference is alot .. like a new car difference. So still i think subaru did just fine. So im happy, now i want to see outback, because i have it :D

[@freethinker5225]

Yeah im getting the 22 limited crosstrek and I have an 09 limited outback and I have put my outback through some rugged trails in maine and it actually managed pretty well for 190k miles all original parts...subarus aren't beasts but for the price you can't find any other vehicle that competes with the crosstrek right now and all the tests I've seen are on loose dirt while they handle deep snow like a truck because of the wheel spin they dig down and get the traction they need and if the ground it relatively solid under those tires they can climb but if you got them going up a loam pile with no traction those wheels are obviously going to keep digging...but also with that ground clearance you can get a running start without having to worry about compression of the springs...I've never driven that slow on trails and I've never been stuck or broke anything

[@mrjjthor]

Why people take these crosstrek for more hardcore off-roading is beyond me. However, they're great for lose dirt, rain, snow and light mud. Had a blast driving mines on a sandy beach.

[@gtfrost8953]

i own the first gen crosstrek with pretty standard tires and stock ride height, took it to an OHV park camping last weekend and it blew me away. mines a 5spd manual so it requires a bit more finesse but this little car shocked me

[@quinnycoleman7214]

Agreed, they can handle small washouts and sippy holes, but are far from what id call an offroader, i think soft roader at best, but really more of an all weather on road vehicle, and am sure its great at that, but honestly if you want an offroader buy an old beater like an old blazer or a first or second generation nissan pathfinder and mod it a little and go party

[@davidtennien39]

Just took delivery of a Bronco Sport Badlands, in large part to this video. Thanks so much for what you do. I liked and I am subscribed!!!

[@porsche558]

At the end of the day the Subaru is a car which makes it great at car stuff not as great at rock crawling. I’d bet that the Subaru is better on road than the Bronco Sport. My money would be on the vehicle that suited my needs best. Like most people I spend 99% of my time on paved roads.

[@dannytse8767]

Not to mention $11,000 is a huge difference in price.

[@RyanBurnsRed]

I wouldn't form that kind of opinion on just one video, especially one where the competition had clear advantages such as better tires and allowed to go on the fresh course first

[@austin_baxtermusic]

They should have used a forester. I have one & it flys up this stuff no problem all the time.

[@quinnycoleman7214]

@@austin_baxtermusic remember everything looks super flat and easy in videos, guaranteed its far harder terrain than it appears to be in the video

[@CC-gt3ro]

I have the Bronco Sport Badlands and the car is fantastic on the road. I made a 3500km road trip and the seat are confortable and the car drive by itself on the highway with only the fingers on the wheel. Super good on country road, highway, off road and the entertainment system is very good with good speakers surround sound, big sunroof, 400w inverter. Very good car.

[@sjkmongie6402]

I’d love to see a bronco sport vs outback wilderness. They seem similar in price and it looks like it has been more capable than a crosstrek

[@sjkmongie6402]

@@nomadmav7040 that’s what I’m saying though. The bronco sport is $40k and so is the outback wilderness. Better comparison

[@jmflorom2]

Agreed. I feel that this comparison was decent but the Bronco is clearly more of an off-road vehicle than a Crosstreck. Meanwhile the Outback Wilderness is for this type of terrain. Also, I bet if you looked at the difference in fuel economy that might put things in even better perspective.

[@FriENTlyFire]

Forester Wilderness will be an even better one because the price and size will be comparable

[@stephenzerfas5307]

Check out the Bronco Badlands version and save 5k with all the off-road hardware.

[@sjkmongie6402]

@@FriENTlyFire that forester is going to be awesome! I wish they put the turbo in it though. Missed opportunity.

[@patrolmanracv]

with the Subaru .he kept lifting his foot off the accelerator stopping momemtum ..and virtually was stop starting instead of getting into it ..poor driving skills ..

[@thomasmeyers1286]

Fun episode. I really appreciate how you test vehicles. I also like the perspectives from both you and Karleena. Thank you.

[@ripcanadams]

I have enjoyed your videos on the Bronco Sport. As a recent new owner who hasn’t did any “off-roading” in our 2022 Bronco Sport Badlands yet it gives me assurance that it will handle what we will need it to do. 👍🏻

[@Kattmanduu]

as a Subaru driver for the last 15 years I will say that you need to approach hills like these with a bit more speed and it will do it easy peasy, my Forrester does hills like those in the desert mountains here in sw NM ..

[@chriscampbell4857]

Yeah something didn't seem right about this. Even my old 2004 Legacy does pretty well on icy slopes.

[@dannyv2335]

He was showing the difference between brake vectoring and torque vectoring. With enough speed and momentum anything 2 or 4 wheel drive can get through obstacles.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

My Corvette got over plenty of obstacles with speed. But that's not what this test is about

[@allangurr]

Yes he was but at the same time he was showing the caipability as well so not a fair test in my eyes. Where he had trouble I would have it with ease with the crosstrek@@dannyv2335

[@FriENTlyFire]

I love the tires on your Crosstrek. They're on my 09 Outback. Absolutely perfect for a daily/weekend warrior rig. I'm really excited to see a shootout between a bronco sport badlands and Forester Wilderness when you're able to get your hands on one. That seems more apples to apples

[@Bryskate68]

Sweet course and a nicely done review. I like how this just popped up in my feed considering I’m picking up my Crosstrek Sport today. My wife already has a Bronco Sport Big Bend, which is more the direct comparison with similar engine power. I doubt we’d ever take either vehicle through something like that, but it’s good to see the capabilities.

[@ismaelsandoval9240]

You are doing such a good job with this channel. Congratulations. You deserve millions of subscribers.

[@mariowhyte7848]

Honestly, I came more for seeing your new track than for seeing these two soft roaders. Great content you guys!!!

[@gbrl30188]

😆🤣🤣 💀 I drive a soft roader 🙁

[@ethansimmons3842]

I so agree, great content!

[@l33america]

Id love to see the Rav4 TRD on this course. And of course Karleena Gore 😍

[@Thelby1]

I also believe it was more than a bit unfair to run the Bronco first over every course and let it chew the course up before the Crosstrek. But, that may be the Crosstrek owner in me. I am just happy the Crosstrek finished every course 👍😃👍

[@maeganb1091]

agreed! especially the crosstrek was already at a disadvantage given the fact that the bronco had better wheels

[@lr5081]

Not bad for the crosstrek besides it’s disadvantages.

[@davidtennien39]

Love your guys channel. I am so impressed with the little Bronco Sport. I would love to see a Ford Escape 2.0 AWD with the Falkens vs. the Bronco Sport.

[@sirkus34]

Awesome! It's great to see the new course being used!

[@LoveMyZJ]

I'm looking forward to seeing how the Crosstrek Wilderness turns out, but I'm also REALLY looking forward to checking out the BRZ after watching your recent video...gonna be tough when my lease is up in '23. I'm digging the new course...not as much as the Crosstrek when it decides to switch out of X-Mode, but I still dig it!

[@paulantonio740]

I've always liked Ryan's reviews but paired with Karleena they're even better. Nice job guys!

[@shawnmalaka3172]

I have the base model 2021 crosstrek with a manual transmission. I have taken it down hydro access roads in northern Ontario and I must say it does surprisingly well. However a truck is definitely ideal but my Subaru has never let me down.

[@billk5061]

Nice review! Can't wait to see the 21 Honda Ridgeline or Passport on this course!

[@matiasfaundez649]

Can’t wait for this terrain in winter time. A whole new game!!

[@thebeast9606]

The Bronco has more options with its AWD system, thus it will still do better in the snow.

[@kevinwest1607]

Subaru is fail

[@JRs-guitars]

I was thinking the same thing! Bring on the snow!

[@kevinwest1607]

Subaru fail harder in snow🥺

[@kevinwest1607]

@@JRs-guitars that Subaru will be f***** in the snow.

[@Lowlandelf]

I love that he mentions the price difference. I see a lot of videos comparing the Crosstrek to vehicles that are $10000 to $20000 more.

[@slocavky]

awesome video... like usual... and glad to see Karleena again.. keep it up man.

[@L4DFRED]

You somehow deliver on every random question I have in my mind lol I love this channel

[@patrickabeli8352]

never seen so few views... oh wait it was posted like 3 minutes ago. I've never been so early!! Can't wait for this one

[@djw1091994]

Yo, great video, love your new course. Woupd be cool to see the Ford bronco sport vs the Honda passport since they both have torque vectoring and seem to be the same size. Plus any other small crossover with torque vectoring like the Jeep Cherokee.

[@toc6566]

Love the video. Great explanation of the setups. More please!

[@JRs-guitars]

Good video. Cool course. I just added the Wildpeak trail tires to my "new" 2018 grand Cherokee. So far they did well off road but we'll see how they are off road with snow this winter in Flagstaff!

[@justinmiller3294]

Make sure to disengage traction control when using x-mode in difficult terrain.

[@digitalunit318]

Agreed. Also helps to put cvt in L.

[@daniellatz2986]

L1 and S mode as well. Yet another test without using the car to its full capability. Also with the tires being different the test is void. Those tires function completely different on that terrain. If anything the Crosstrek handled it better given the tires were worse 😂

[@plainlybasic2300]

He should have used Xmode 2, it helps allow more soon and even more aggressive braking. I think given a 11k difference, it still did pretty good!

[@jsmith7858]

If there's one thing I've realized about this channel it's that the guy that does the driving really can't drive for shit..... And because of his ignorance these test results are often skewed one way or another.

[@msfaithwarrior]

How is this done? Disengaging traction control?

[@SuhasSreehariOnline]

A guy who gets his own off-road courses built for reviews. Now that's impressive!

[@amateurtorque6709]

I always give your videos a thumbs up, I think I prefer your usual off road course in the mountains, its easier to compare as a viewer.

[@mhoover5]

Love a review without a clickbait title! ❤️

[@Wism0r]

Great content. The Subaru having sensible tires for a crossover was a good choice imho even though that made a performance difference. Was into buying an 4wd Impreza, but now I know that the crossover is also not just a city toy. Subbed, liked, deserved! Chuck Norris would be proud ;-)

[@barnyard9058]

Went about how I expected though if you do a future comparison like this I would have the less aggressive vehicle go first and go for a tire with a similar off-road riding if you can't find the exact same tire and the exact brand for the comparison. Just a suggestion though great video as always.

[@scottandsheilaricca351]

We need the Badlands vs Forester Wilderness. Would be a great video.

[@sultanalbalushi8391]

Great show shot on Great track... Would like to test gmc acadia denali though. Anyway, thanks for putting so good and beneficial show. Keep it up.

[@slalomkayaker1]

The theory I’ve heard is that Subaru allows additional wheel spin because braking the spinning wheels too hard would exceed the allowable torque at that speed for the CVT. I’ve seen similar behavior with other CVT based cars too.

[@AndresUffert2]

and i think that is the error of subaru, i think they should use something better for offroad type cars. but i get it, because XV is a small crossover for country roads and some gravel.

[@broncomustangponypower]

My Badlands cost 33K which has the same off-road functions as the First Edition. The FE has all the luxury items which raises the costs more. 33K is still more than the 29K but it is much closer in price range which would put them closer is price for people to consider between the Subaru. Thanks for showing the capabilities of each-good video!!

[@BorazCarrera]

plus you get led vs halogens....crosstrek is too small....im personally shopping bs, full bronco with manual and used outback with manual....would buy outback wilderness tmmw, but dealer is 6hrs away, warranty work would be pita

[@23sam42]

100%

[@Sworksfsr]

Add rear locker on the badlands.

[@23sam42]

@@Sworksfsr that's standard on badlands

[@pikaporeon]

I mean the base crosstrek is also nine grand cheaper than the tested model

[@chriscardenas3802]

This channel is great ive been watching TFL a lot but these test are a lot more consistent and look more demanding on the vehicles without causing damage of course.

[@ericpizarro3084]

The father and son from TFL sucks! I stop watching them. They have it against Subaru and it is so obvious that it really bothers me. One thing is for anyone to dislike a brand and another thing is to have an agenda against that brand. Brian is so professional that he give you confidence with any vehicle.

[@chaleowin7732]

Great video, subscribed!

[@ericpizarro3084]

The truth is the truth. the FBS ate the road much easier than the Crosstrek( and I own a Crosstrek just like that one). The Subi did the job but it did struggle. The good thing is that I am not planing on driving mine on a road like that “ever”.

[@gh7213]

I have a Forestor and live and CO and I would never take my Sube up the things he was doing and I am on mountian roads all the time. Also - for $40k you could buy a Toyota TRD Tacoma and putting $40k into a 1st gen Ford is a bad investment. That thing won't be in the road in 5yrs

[@hannibalhamlin4375]

@@gh7213 I own a heavily modified 98 Wrangler, a 2010 Forester, and 2012 Impreza and also live in CO. As much as I adore my TJ (Wrangler), both of those Subies are very capable vehicles. I've taken both down Hotel Gulch and some other rocky trails, like this guy was attempting, with no issue. I went fully expecting my follow-ups to have to rescue me. Smart driving/line picking combined with Toyo ATIII's they both handled extremely well!

[@gh7213]

@@hannibalhamlin4375 awesome! It usually just me out there alone with my dogs and my biggest fear is getting stuck so I take it pretty conservative. That's awesome that you are pushing the Forester with no issues. I also have a wrangler that we enjoy as well.

[@hannibalhamlin4375]

@@gh7213 that's really smart when you're on the trails alone. I wish more people (including myself the first time out ever off-roading, in the Jeep no less 😑) would be more conservative when they're alone. It's just safer. One of these days you should drag your Subi out with some people and see what that baby can do! It's not a Wrangler, they're still a lot of fun 😊

[@rogermolina1244]

@@hannibalhamlin4375 I have to agree with you when it comes to tires, a big difference. My wife in her 08 RAV4 V6 limited was almost able to follow me and my 06 4Runner in MOAB primarily because we have the same brand of tires (Hercules Terra Trac ll AT ) on our rigs plus knowing which line to take also makes a difference when it comes to having fun and exploring.

[@daxmotis27]

if they come out with a Crosstrek wilderness it would be more evenly matched (Or even with the Forrester wilderness)

[@JimSpence]

Tires are everything. We see this over and over and over... The commercial "because so much is riding on your tires" is so incredibly true.

[@mattp.2508]

Ah! A fellow Scout Cramer viewer. Thanks for the vid, I've been wanting a Crosstrek

[@darrenalmeida1382]

Go look for the video of the Bronco Sport that rolled down a hillside. See how the passenger cabin remained intact, very impressive and worthy of itʻs safety rating.

[@tedwalker1370]

Having some off road experience in my past I just want to say if you stop while trying to climb a hill It is really hard to get started again. It can also be deceiving as to where you stop and start so don't know how accurate the test is.

[@pulda015]

That's this dudes whole schtick on every video.... Stop the vehicle, fiddle with a bunch of dials and settings play with his infotainment screen for 30 seconds and then sit there spinning tires, while talking about it being a tricky situation. Anyone who's ever driven a Subaru or any other vehicle "off road" knows that you use momentum to maintain forward progress in quite a few situations and it's part of the skill set of wheeling to recognize how to approach various obstacles before you get to them. Like the "show areas where Subaru can improve" at the end.... He literally comes to a stop during a turn on a incline just so he can say that. Keep in mind this is the kind of guy who thinks driving on a forest road with 6" of snow is "off roading"

[@stewartwhittier3455]

@@pulda015 I couldn’t have said it better! I drive off road for a living being an earth mover and I own a plain Jane cross trek. I know it’s limitations and yet can do a lot more than this vid failed on. At work most of us have standard issue 2WD trucks that do way more just because we know how to drive them.

[@waggitnshaggit6592]

Yep all these modes (Nannies ) are momentum killers.

[@butchcoolidge3261]

I have a 16 trek. I got it to get me through some snow and not feel white knuckled 😃. So far I haven’t needed anything for off road. I’m not planning on upgrading any time soon. The wilderness edition outback and new forester look pretty cool though. The xmode has also been upgraded too. Nice video. Hopefully your wife doesn’t find anything wrong with her ride.

[@oldasiandude76]

Great video guys. I know you tested a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon before, but would love to see you test a Gladiator Willys or a Sport S model on your course to see how it performs without lockers and all of the goodies. Since most average Joe's life me can't really afford Rubicon or Mojave. Thanks, keep up the great content.

[@OssamabinKenny]

Subaru has been designed for much higher speed, when you're driving a rally course or if you like to drive dirt roads with a lot more control. The CrossTrek is in fact built on the chassis of the Impreza, so maybe it could be compared with the Outlander.

[@1989fed]

Could you try x-mode 1 and esp off next time? And would it help to lock first gear in manual mode? Anyway great video! It would be great to see wilderness subarus here :)

[@multivisao]

Bronco Sport is the clear winner here - damn that AWD system seem as good as a true 4WD!

[@loneapple440]

Great video with Karleena. Nice comparison of vehicles.

[@HappyCarReviews]

Karleena is back 😍 What a great way to spend my lunch time, watching one of her videos, and Ryan is cool too.

[@cornbread70s4]

😍is right! She’s so cute….

[@HappyCarReviews]

@@cornbread70s4 Yes sir, she is. 😃

[@iavagabond124]

The Bronco Sport gets way more hate then it deserves. I think it's the perfect modern Bronco 2 and it does what it was built for perfect, being practical and capable

[@ljs2274]

I just said this. It is the bronco 2.

[@bwaters698]

There's hate for the bronco Because it's way Over priced and it's a ford and won't last!!

[@iavagabond124]

@@bwaters698 ignorant comment, overpriced right of the bat yes, but just because it's made by a certain brand doesn't mean it won't last or be reliable. Don't be ignorant.

[@bwaters698]

@IA Vagabond Only 1 being ignorant Is You ,You Know Nothing about me or how many ford's I have owned or my family I have over 50 yrs of owning vehicles of all makes That's probably longer than you have been alive ,So you're the only 1 being ignorant ,Have nice day

[@iavagabond124]

@@bwaters698 get called out for terrible logic get mad lol, I don't care about you all I know is right off the bat you're argument is ignorant logic. Have a good day

[@alejobs]

I think the natural contender for the bronco sport is the subaru forester, because of price, size and motorizations. I really want to watch that comparizon!!! Great channel by the way!!! Congrats!!!

[@pikaporeon]

One think I've noticed when testing out subarus is they take their sweet time for software to figure things out - you dont want to toast the transmission but holding a little longer would force a power redistribution on some of those times you changed lines.

[@mco599]

Not that the video needs it, but it would have been nice to have some type of "control" scenario. Like maybe have the 4runner drive up to show it is possible to make it up these obstacles easily.

[@evans8488]

totally agree

[@MrMikeDao]

He’s done the tests with his 4Runner already in his videos when making the course. It’s very safe to assume when he designed the course he used the 4Runner as a baseline

[@ryanshaddix5697]

I haven’t checked yet, but it’d be nice if he did an ‘intro to the course’ using the 4Runner. I’d assume it can just crawl up this but after seeing the Baby Bronco struggled, I’d imagine even the 4Runner would have a bit of slippage.

[@rediron44]

Then use a Jeep.

[@TheBandit7613]

@@rediron44 I live near death Valley. Once you get past a certain point up in the mountains all you see are Jeeps. I used to have a 4Runner and loved it but now I have a Jeep. No comparison. However, if I did more highway driving I would definitely prefer the Fourunner. But it's okay, I tow my Jeep with my F-350 which is comfortable.

[@nm-qt2hb]

Great review, very good details. For the money, the Crosstrek is a good choice. The Baby Bronco is a small size off road vehicle that seems to be very capable.

[@darksideemt]

Great review! Not only is the Ford more money it gets worse gas mileage as well. I will totally agree that if you plan on doing this type of off-roading then you need the Bronco, but if you just want great capability in bad weather and the occasional forest or back road then the Crosstrek is the better choice. My wife just got a new Crosstrek Limited and we did swap to 17's with Nitto Nomad Grapplers but I have a Gladiator so if we are really going off-road then we will take mine.

[@joezephyr]

Excellent video thank you!

[@Reality_Filter]

Great course and a very good test, really impressed with the baby Bronco, 17:17 you ask "why's it struggling?" Could the CVT be the culprit?

[@AndresK5Blazer]

Great course but I don't see any of the owner of those soft-roaders using them that way. But it's good what they can (can't) do.

[@ashman0071]

This is a great post - we have Falken Wildpeak A/T Trails on our Foresters but we just do snow on roads and deeper snow in the occasional sketchy parking area .......... works for us so far - thanks .

[@cuz129]

Great video, absolutely pro level entertainment!

[@johnreese3762]

Great review! How about gas mileage? My Sport gets 35 Mpg on highway. One of the main reasons I bought it over the Wilderness..

[@kieranstrahan6578]

Good video, enjoyed it. I think there was too much importance placed on the tyres and not enough on the fact that the Bronco has a rear locking dif. Which forget about drive modes, this is physical link which is a massive difference compared to anything the Subaru can do. I would love a crawl abled XV/Crosstreck but they're not the same car. You'r paying for that drive train of locking center and rear dif's. It is surprising what you can do with a Subi though

[@tavoeltav]

Would love to see the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road on this track. Great job on these tracks!

[@bearclawairsoft9216]

Would love to see this if the crosstrek and Bronco had A/T tires and stiffer springs guarantee there’d be less slippage and clunking. Did that to my trek totally changed the way the Crosstrek handles terrain like this.

[@xVern]

I really want to take my off road impreza build on this course before you make it easier! I know thats not whats it's really for at all, but still wanna!

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

It is kind of funny that Subaru AWD always makes the hardest of terrain look "easy".

[@CamboTriton]

Great video!

[@GettingthruLife]

TFL and this fellow have good content!

[@shawnsochacki2725]

I think you had a slight oversight. The driving style I think needed to change more between the two vehicles. Also would like to see you dropping gears as well. The rock garden and the first hill would have been easier with the crosstrek had you put it in first gear manually to ensure it kept the torque of the lower gear. Of course just my opinion. Great video!!

[@MultiJersey13]

I agree with driving style, it seems like he let off the gas whenever either vehicle would start to move.

[@opgam3r482]

I think on the first test, if you kept the throttle on, the shifting wheel brake would have worked... letting up is when the subaru got stuck... (my guess comes from watching years of Matt's off road Recovery lol) Let the kit work how you designed it, let tracktion work how the vehicles programed it...

[@libertystuffnthingsreviews829]

I am SOO glad I found this video. Was considering trading in my JKRR 6spd on a Crosstrek 6spd. JK is my daily and weekend explore vehicle. I am always alone in the mountains of WA, OR, and ID. That won't be happening now. Also, I am single and would love to meet a woman into vehicles and trails like the one in this video. Thanks for awesome content, sir!

[@FawkesHD]

Would have loved to see a timed run of both vehicles on the course. One run with traction control turned off, and one run with the taction aids turned on. From my experience, the subarus do best on rocks and dirt with TC totally off, its fine for paved/hard packed roads in the rain and snow. Also momentum is a cars best friend, too much stop and go is what causes the most wheel spin in cars with small tires.

[@JaketheMotorhead]

By the way, the "rear locker" is a tuned version of the limited slip differential in the focus performance model.

[@tallll70]

It maybe uses the same component, but Bronco has true vectoring axle, Focus is break based just like Subaru

[@jcollins0615]

@@tallll70 he means the focus RS which has a rear clutch pack to transfer to work same as the Bronco Sport Badlands

[@tallll70]

@@jcollins0615 Actually thanks, i don't have the full knowledge how this works, i just remember reading about Focus awd using only break vectoring, but if there is rear axle with clutches, why they say it has break controlled system?

[@akif6162]

Clicked on this at the speed of light.

[@cs5250]

I love my crosstrek because it’s perfect for the city life with occasional camping trips. Tow hitch and roof rails added for exterior storage. Broncos are really great cars for off-roading but I don’t want to daily one with its gas mileage

[@Downtown.Don90]

of all the videos I've watched, the Bronco Sport (badlands specific) is the best crossover style off-roader. the twin clutch rear is a game changer, and the system just works.

[@veselingramatikov]

Sub Forester 2.5i is maybe the best dual purpose car. Body on frame cars are much better off roaders but they are huge, heavy, burn a lot of fuel and they are dismal on road. I still dream for Suzuki Jimnny 4-door version but ...yeah dreams.

[@chir0pter]

the problem with the crosstrek is the CVT is gonna burn out if you're constantly having to stand on the accelerator with no wheels spinning like that. it's just not a good design for anything other than slippery pavement or packed flat dirt roads

[@BMW_DAILY]

The crosstrek just isn't strong enough. The Outback Wilderness would destroy this course

[@chir0pter]

@@BMW_DAILY Nah, it's let down by the CVT just like the crosstrek

[@BMW_DAILY]

@@chir0pter not with the extra power and using manual mode, plus the trans cooler is very effective since its used in the Ascent for towing 5k lbs

[@chir0pter]

@@BMW_DAILY the issue is not engine power, the issue is the transmission cuts power to the wheels when multiple wheels slip. doesn't brake them, just cuts power kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYfPmpSseptgqsU

[@feedtheagle6851]

@@chir0pter I have an '18 manual... and it shames the CVT versions it's really a crime that subaru still forces CVT on so many upper models. Subaru has really thrown their reputation into the mud in search of MPG gains with CVT. Subaru really needs to make an 8-10spd auto and allow higher HP engines on Manuals.

[@titanx04]

Good test , from what I’ve seen the Bronco Sport may have done the section you bypassed. Maybe next time.

[@dretech]

Bronco Sport has surprised me more and more, I'd definitely pick one up if I were looking for a vehicle in this class.

[@klieskeheimer4047]

mine is in production next week, can't wait toget it!

[@Albuermeduardo]

Forester or Outback Wilderness versus Bronco Sport Badlands would be more of a fair comparison ...

[@kenhoward3512]

True, except Subarus will still have their traditional fwd-type platforms with long front overhangs (and long rear overhang, as well, with the Outback), neutralizing some of the ground clearance benefits. I'm no Ford fan, but the Bronco Sport Badlands just looks right, off-road, and doesn't have the liability of a relatively-fragile CVT. The Crosstrek looks like it's being abused, here.

[@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461]

@@kenhoward3512 agree! The Ford BS should be compared to the Cherokee TH

[@robertoavalosjr.2529]

Take the Rav4 TRD there too! The 2021 with the skid plates to see how capable it is!!

[@ropersix]

Saw one of those the other day in a parking lot. It at least looks VERY capable.

[@robertoavalosjr.2529]

@@ropersix yeah looks pretty cool, its supposed to have the same Torque Vectoring AWD that the adventure or the Limited, but would really love to see how capable is that rav4, honestly is way better looking than the bronco or any suv in its class (in my opinion), i’m currently owning a Limited Hybrid but would love another vehicle to play around

[@FusionBoost2.0]

@@robertoavalosjr.2529 My wife just bought a TRD Rav... It does have the torque vectoring AWD, Falken Wildpeak Trails, has more ground clearance to with the offroad suspension... It's very nice but really haven't been able to test it doing anything special

[@robertoavalosjr.2529]

@@FusionBoost2.0 i saw a video from TFLcar, where they put 3 wheels in rollers and just one with traction and it managed to get out, but if I’m not wrong it has the same clearance of 8.6 inches as the adventure or the limited

[@FusionBoost2.0]

@@robertoavalosjr.2529 Yup just 8.6

[@loribarron7710]

I have a Bronco Sport Big Bend and had to change the tires to Yokohama Geolander. When I first got the car I couldn’t even back out of my snow covered driveway which has an incline. A couple of times i had parked in the driveway and put the parking brake on and came out the next day and the It had slid into my Garage door. The Geolander tires made a huge difference. The ride is not quite as smooth but still good.

[@douglasshouganai2516]

This course reflects well the terrain and roads i usually would need AWD for. and certainly tells me that viscous differentials are not the way for me to go due to the need for wheel slip to "activate" the awd. Maybe helical/Torsen is the way to go?

[@erich1880]

CVT transmissions are just not suited for offroad driving like this. Bronco for the win 💪🏻

[@joshuabrazezicke6495]

I love my crosstrek especially in the winter (I live in PA so we get a lot of winter weather). IMO the crosstrek is a great daily driver for my life style, but I would not consider taking it off roading or rock crawling like some of these tests.

[@joshuabrazezicke6495]

My Subaru is a 2018 Crosstrek limited btw

[@rodbelding9523]

Yeah exactly, Subarus are made for snow and a little mud, not for hardcore offroading.

[@chillbeach7322]

Would using the lower "gears" on the SCTs help on this course?

[@matthewanderson2464]

I'm glad you addressed the momentum factor. I knew that you were crawling because this is a test, under test conditions, but I felt it needed to be mentioned. Momentum (not to be confused with speed) would be the way to get through any of this with no trouble in either vehicle. Neither one of these is a true off road vehicle, they are off road capable commuters. For most people this is a better way to go. Sure, you can buy a 4 Runner for $40k if you get a great deal on a base model, but you will spend thousands more in gas over the time that you own it. My wife and I recently purchased a Bronco Sport and we love it. I haven't tried it off road yet, and when I do it will be pretty tame. Just enough to get us to our camping destination. Living in the Denver area means that we would lose a Subaru in a parking lot because it would just disappear in a sea of Subarus.