Subaru Crosstrek vs 4runner vs DEEP snow

I tested my 2017 Subaru Crosstrek against my friends 1999 4runner in 9 inches of snow. These tests were just for fun but I hope you have a better understanding of the capabilities of the Subaru.

[@a2jettagli]

This is a great video demonstration of why you need proper winter tires.

[@galeaiken3841]

Just good tires. My 99 4Runner with Falken at3 would have been a Sunday walk in the park. Driver knowledge and ability plays a big part. 9" of snow ? Child's play with 4Runner had mine for 20 years 210,00 miles never stuck, stranded or dissiponted in her. Plan on keeping my T4R till I die then handing her down to kids who are waiting for me to die so they can have my cars lol. A 97 320,000 miles a 99 210,000 miles. And they ain't no pavement princess's or mall crawlers and still run and look great!

[@gregpost3320]

@@galeaiken3841 Up here north of the 49th, snow tires are a must. And the law in some provinces. 'good' tires won't come close to getting you through a blizzard. 9" is nothing.

[@galeaiken3841]

@@gregpost3320 I've had both my 4Runners in some pretty deep snow on some trails in Colorado Rockies. Not sure how deep never had to get out of my truck lol. 9" ain't nothing. Damn that's a that's what she said joke lol.

[@raymonddennis7511]

I had a FWD Mazda, CX 5 with all season manufacture tires, and I live in Denver Colorado and we get a pretty good bit of snow and I never really had a problem out of the CX 5 but to be honest with you I am thinking about going to a Subaru cross track I got in an accident with my CX-5 so I don’t have the CX-5 anymore but I think instead of going with another Mazda Cx-5 I’m gonna go with the Subaru crosstrack

[@louisrovegno542]

The subaru was limited by its clearance and the 4runner was limited by its driver.

[@LocoMe4u]

both by their tires actually

[@jamesmccreery250]

Didn't have far to look far in the comments to find my exact thoughts!

[@jrmoose22]

@@jamesmccreery250 seriously this 4Runner driver must be 16 🤣

[@resplendentwitticism]

There's a thin blue line sticker on the Subaru, you can't expect much from these clowns.

[@diablo2punk]

@@resplendentwitticism you must be a leftist clown

[@jakeesayian2687]

Driver knowledge and tire type are essential to a test like this. Either way, good job Subaru.

[@subaruforester5062]

I have a 2017 forester. Just a tip Next time when the Subaru seems to just be spinning keep letting it spin. The AWD takes a minute to figure out what wheels are spinning then it will transfer more power to the other wheels. When it gets stuck and spins don't just break. Keep on the gas and then it will kick in

[@DreaminBig]

Is this true?!

[@edgunwestLLC]

@@DreaminBig it is true

[@DreaminBig]

@@edgunwestLLC thats really cool

[@99subigt]

I have a 99 legacy GT with over 220k and I don't have to wait like you guys with new subarus have to wait for it, my AWD works every second and my car don't have to think what wheel is spinning, wife will be getting a 2015 Forrester XT soon and can't wait to take both cars out in the snow.

[@DS..69]

@@99subigt Isn't all well drive a heavy addition to a vehicle? Also if you need to replace a tire, you have to replace all the tires?

[@nattijeff]

I work at a Subaru dealer. These type vids help to explain symmetrical AWD.

[@1990Ravens]

If they had true winter tires like bridgestone blizzaks no one would have gotten stuck.

[@DS..69]

@@ar6716 OK professor.

[@3mtech]

@@DS..69 Yeah, education is for dummies. Oh, wait...

[@frznrrfan.frznrrfan102]

Andrew Russell f-n grammar police. Go away already

[@WafflesInTheRain]

P.J Absolutely correct. Proper winter tires will throw a bit more snow and stay softer in the cold, but there’s little that you can do for traction when your body is floating on a lift of snow and you can’t get any weight on those tires. Still impressed by the performance though.

[@notslickgaming6015]

On the 4runner I'd put Falken Wildpeaks for that application.

[@MrLacoyota]

This kind of car just save my family life in Texas! Thank you ...Thank you.. Thank you...!! SUBARU a 2003 outback!!

[@MrVikingmead]

Awesome video. My. Crosstrek surprised me on how well it drove plowing through 16 inches of snow have a blizzard in Alaska. Granted I had snow tires. You mentioned the stock tires which I think shows how well the crosstrek does without the game changing winter tires (likely your point). Enjoy the crosstrek!

[@ragnarocking]

my 2017 Crosstrek was very decent in its first harsh Chicago winter. But swapping the factory Yokohama brand tires with Bridgestone Blizzaks made it unstoppable. Perfect combination for a skittish snow driver such as myself.

[@jiwachiw]

I put Michelin snow and ice tires on my 17 trek when I moved up to the mountains in CO… I have to drive almost an hour to work, and I call it “ice road truckers” when there’s been a storm. The snow tires have been absolute game changers!!!! Really unstoppable, I couldnt agree more!

[@zachsylvester383]

The 4 runner driver doesn't know how to drive in the snow... Drop to 4 lo, shift into second and just roll.

[@Theyralltakenfu]

LMAO, I was thinking the same thing. I have a 4Runner and I've been in worse, and it never hesitate or spun like he's doing. He looked like a teenager who never drove in the snow before.

[@blairrad1785]

Also looks like this 4R has highway tires.... I have KO2s on my 99 and purposely buried myself in snow to try to get stuck. I didn’t even have to put on 4wd to get out...

[@winnfilms]

@@Theyralltakenfu but the crosstrek doesn't even have 4lo and has a cvt lol

[@winnfilms]

@@blairrad1785 the crosstrek also just has factory tires.

[@johnmadsen37]

And the tires are the difference here. My highlander has done much more than this in the snow and at ORV parks. All these guys that do crazy comparisons have regret. The Subaru is much much cheaper. Even a used truck or suv, they would be happier with. I didn’t research and really think I’d want to go on trails since I was driving a car in the city for decades. I got a highlander and I could drive up curbs and other things easily. I soon went to other places and found out I had Awd but open differentials. The the research started and I learned how it all works and I should have gotten an4 runner (my brother got a 4Runner a few days before me) or a Jeep or true four wheel drive. But it was too late. I’ll never try to compare to to a 4x4 because I’m not desperate or stupid. Ground clearance is real thing and larger tires. The Subaru can never ever have that.

[@bryanclark7608]

I got a Crosstrek, and took it into the snowy mountains to have "fun." After a couple of hours that felt like driving on pavement in the deepest snow I could find, I went home defeated.

[@whoisthishamster]

What?

[@DezNutzBich]

@@whoisthishamster his crosstrek had no trouble in the snow that it felt like driving in dry conditions.

[@whoisthishamster]

@@DezNutzBich yeah I got that I asked the wrong post hahaha

[@johnfruscianteisagod5147]

is this with stock tires????

[@jameswachala8578]

Not the video I was expecting, but definitely not disappointed. Great video!

[@greekgod200486]

Great video. I had a 2013 xv crosstrek and loved how it handled in the snow. I upgraded to a 2019 crosstrek and love it! Both orange lol

[@CarsSimplified]

Impressive view count for such a recently-made first video! Nicely done!

[@rallye81]

For a first video posting, you did an excellent job of editing with a series of thoughtful camera angles and action shots. Good job! Now, get some winter tires on that Subi and have fun with it.

[@TucsonDude]

Wish he could have left out the boing-y background music, tho.

[@juancano8386]

Very nice shots man 😁👍🏻

[@davidwollpert5276]

Nice to see Northern Michigan, my old stomping’ grounds! Love it up there!!!

[@AcuRobbie]

Love the quality of the video nicely done

[@RomanKozlov007]

Congrats on the 1st KZbin video! Nicely Done!

[@Ryan-vy9sc]

Thank you!

[@RomanKozlov007]

@@Ryan-vy9sc keep going just like Gary Vee: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYWrk3mYZsuBr5Y

[@dreamwavedave]

Great first video. Looking forward to more.

[@Ryan-vy9sc]

Thank you

[@hoodzie9671]

i was expecting you too have 400k+ subs! crazy good video man!

[@Ryan-vy9sc]

Thank you! Maybe one day I’m filming more videos like this soon

[@Poeticbladezero]

Great vid and subscribed, been watching the crosstrek for a min on improvements throughout the years. To just have factory tires and how far you went through that snow, damn subaru. Sidenote: I know everyone's writing if you had better tires it'll be a different story but from what I gathered from your vid your just showing how capable a crosstrek is before you start customizing things like tires. Thanks again for sharing!

[@Ryan-vy9sc]

Exactly! I’m glad you enjoyed!

[@crispchaos]

For a first video you did very well!

[@mohammedabdul2149]

Great video, thanks

[@rekaksky]

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 for my Subaru Impreza... hugs the road - water, slush, snow, ice!

[@beastbears1]

sweet vid! i wanna try this with my 05 outback!

[@BenIntentional]

Legit video. Love the all seasons on both vehicles.

[@davidwayne9982]

Interesting... comparing the 2 vheicls I was considering... GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@simonrottfeldter8937]

I've got studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 on my 06 outback. I can probably drive it up a skihill if ever need too. I cant't wait for the winter to come to the north of Sweden.

[@edmunddow980]

Subaru dealer here has takin their car up the local ski hill. With nokians.

[@MrPanzerDragoon]

Love the tropical music for the wintery scene! 😆 Thanks for uploading and sharing! I own a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek XV and I love how it handles in the snow (from MA)!

[@brapsncats6941]

Excellent video man

[@terrywilliams759]

Fantastic video

[@johnstephen2869]

I enjoyed that guys. You have a beautiful country. I took my 21 XV (cross trek) to the beach yesterday. (Yes it’s summer in NZ) and drove onto our beach through deep soft sand. The only other vehicles there were land rovers etc. I got very strange looks from everyone there. With X-drive, she never looked like stopping and felt confident. Great 👍 car.

[@ricklewis5804]

I’ve been to the beach hundreds of times and can attest that Subaru’s can go thru deep soft sand that’s even very difficult to walk in. Just activate X Mode and you’ll be fine unless you sink down to the undercarriage. Do that and you’re stuck.

[@oddballcreations2491]

Great job on the first video , way better than most people’s video . Saying it’s deep snow is a bit of clickbait but still a enjoyable video .Air down a bit it will help a ton

[@spiritwolfknight]

Man that looks like so much fun

[@kwajotube]

Thanks 4 video!

[@salemengineer2130]

I have owned 2 Subarus and I live in New England. In my experience the OEM Yokohama tires totally suck in snow but if you put good snow tires (or even good *all* season tires) on a Subaru it is amazing in the snow. I have had great experience with Michelin winter tires and Pirelli all season tires.

[@devinw6332]

We should all take a moment and appreciate :23 the Subaru hitting a satisfying apex

[@mattsfirewoodvideos738]

New sub here I cant wait to get decent snow this year I bought a 2010 tundra 5.7l that has 12.5x35x20 inch crosswind tires on it I cant wait to get into some real snow I took it off reading a few times but looking forward to winter weather

[@gemster18]

What a great video! I've always had Nissans I recently picked up my first Subaru Impreza 2018, and I absolutely love it! I live in New York state so we get a fair amount of winter snow as well, and I have never gotten stuck even though it's only five and a half inches off the ground and it has 18-in low profile Yokohama tires! All season of course! I will never go back to another car brand. I am truly impressed by the all-wheel drive system that the Subaru offers!

[@shannonp4037]

267,066 views and only 647 subscribers. Some people are just cruel. Good video overall. Good editing IMHO, I liked the slide transition from the tree in the middle/early part of the video. Keep posting and you'll get more. I've noticed viewers like comparison videos so keep this up and it could be a decent passive income source.

[@cookiezr4milk429]

That was a badass drift in the intro

[@frankygmanentertainment5835]

It hardly ever snows here in Louisiana, well I got my crosstrek sport a week before that crazy snow storm hit early this year, we did not have any plows in our city so the roads were just left as is. I loved passing up all the 4x4 lifted "daddy's money" pickups that thought since they had big mud grips and steel testes they'd be fine. ( not hating on 4x4s btw. I've had many, just hating on the drivers who clearly didn't know their own capabilities). It did awesome with stock tires

[@hanau73]

I own a 2017 Forester XT and owned(just sold) a 2011 4Runner Trail ....and the Subi feels safer on hardpack put got destroyed in the deep stuff by the yota....both equipped with winter tires!

[@chazlyle41]

This is exactly the case, every time. Slippery stuff, Subie has superior AWD. Deep stuff, Yota has superior 4WD (and clearance). All a matter of which tool you need for which job. That said, (if you don’t care about gas mileage haha) the 4th Gen 4Runner with the V8 and all time AWD actually had a great AWD/4WD system for all occasions.

[@frankENZC]

Well done video!

[@JVCPhotography]

Great video. I had a wrangler. My lease is over. They are over priced now. Going to look at this Subaru in 2022.

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

Great video

[@miklomorales4768]

Please upload more of these videos!!!!!!

[@hunterphan5506]

That looks fun!!!

[@miguelapolo7753]

El video está muy bonito y muy bien hecho se ve precioso todo

[@maxxwillard190]

sick video bro just got my crosstreck and we just got a cabin im stoking for the snow first year with license

[@Dailyfiver]

Fellow Michigander here, I just bought a crosstrek of my own! Where I’m Michigan is this? Fantastic video I was very entertained. Great editing too!

[@curateitgorl]

I love my Subi Crosstrek!

[@leonmumford179]

although we dont have snow in austalia. im defently getting one now.

[@wachonichi]

One explanation, 4runner tires are usually 265 witch are very large for snow, narrower tire perform better in snow, I usually see people compare sand and snow ... very different, sand will support the vehicle while in the snow it just dig down and built in front of the tire, so, narrow tire goes further.... Thanks for the video

[@MadMaxGarage]

Nice! What camera was being used?

[@johnos4892]

My 4 runner trd offroad goes through 10" of snow without any problems. Maybe this winter I can see if it will do 12 or 14 " of snow. Was the 4 runner put in 4 wheel drive? What is shown is not representative of what my 4 runner will do.

[@125southernnh2]

Looks like a party for my Hemi Grand Cherokee.

[@swish007]

i'm curious if you turned off traction control on the subie? i've heard that helps it perform better in deeper snow

[@freedom_foz_6337]

Good stuff

[@cardiffchris]

I'm moving to Michigan and this is my dilemma....Subaru vs SUV Great Video

[@ricqik]

Tires make a big difference.

[@stk6mkt]

Absolutely. I have an Outback, Goodyear Comfortred Assurance made a big difference. Highly recommend them.

[@minivanmaster]

great camera work. fun video. I think traction control really isn't a helper at all in the snow, just brute force

[@danieljackson-woods6225]

Finally a review of the crosstrek where they don't pit it against a 4x4 with AT or MT tires.

[@DiscoPh3v3r]

I bought a 4Runner, but I sometimes wonder if I would've been happier with the CrossTrek. Such great cars that are super capable off-road when given a nice set of tires. Even the AWD with factory tires will save your ass in a variety of situations. I think eventually the CrossTrek will receive the praise it deserves.

[@fadmap9676]

If the crosstrek had more power and proper snow tires it would have been unstoppable.

[@CaptainAlex69]

I don’t think it needs any more power for small off-roading stuff like this. It’s pretty light due to low power and has enough torque and instant N/A power to pull itself.

[@TucsonDude]

It now has more power with the 2.5L engine upgrade.

[@louisvilaros9066]

The 2.0 has plenty power for snow u just need the right tires we had snow sleet and icey road my subie didn't slide while other 4x4 were all over the road

[@RKmndo]

A 2.5L, Dual X-Mode, snow-capable offroad tires, winchmounts, hitches, a rear diff-locker, and underside armor are now available for Crosstreks...among many other things. One sacrifices the 2.5L and X-Mode to have a 6spd manual though. The Crosstrek will never be a Wrangler Rubicon or 4Runner TRD Pro, but it can be pretty capable for moderate offroading and is tough to beat for all-weather commuting.

[@AJ-qn6gd]

The more recovery equipment you bolt on the more likely you are to get stuck, the advantage of the Subaru here is its low weight (same goes for Suzuki Jimny). Bravo Subaru 👍🏻🇬🇧 it’s nice to know our Forester will cope in the snow if we get any !

[@RKmndo]

​@@AJ-qn6gd Crosstreks aren't light. They're over 3000lb curb.

[@AJ-qn6gd]

@@RKmndo Probably 1000lbs lighter than the Toyota or similar size 4x4s

[@johnfarel3152]

Driving in that type of snow, the deeper stuff, you should turn off the VDC to allow more wheel spin.

[@MemphisMojo15s]

I think the two downfalls for the Crosstrek are low power and CVT. I wanted one but since they don't offer a different transmission or a turbo, at least not when I was looking, I didn't get it. I like it though. It's neat as crap and yes I'm sure it is capable. Good video

[@subaruforester5062]

New 2021 Crosstrek has more power

[@MemphisMojo15s]

@@subaruforester5062 that's good! I'll look it up. Thanks

[@mattcortelyou1781]

Just get a regular impreza. Itll just push the snow out of the way. You save money, gas and it looks alot better.

[@CurtisStuart27]

They offer a manual. That's a different transmission

[@mattcortelyou1781]

@@CurtisStuart27 Oh, you can still get a 6 speed in the lower models. I didnt know this, idk why anyone would buy the cvt.

[@bruceg9892]

All vehicles are limited by ground clearance, no matter how big and expensive they are. Subaru does a great job for the price. At the end of the day I'm only interested in getting from A to B in the bush and start relaxing and fishing.

[@briansheldon1886]

This is an apples to oranges. Completely different vehicles with completely different drivetrain types. Whichever vehicle has the best tires would win in this type of comparison. If you take them on real off-roading trails, the 4Runner would easily win.

[@MrMusicforthemass]

I have this same car. Is yours 5MT?

[@scottkessler9881]

Pretty impressive. Just think what it could do with all terrain tires.

[@devincorboy8638]

Great video! Keep it up. If you want it to have a different look - consider shooting in 30fps unless you plan to slow down the b-roll. Some of the views were a bit weird at the high frame rate! Great job!

[@melisagunawan6920]

Hi. I kind of curious. So when we drive with the Subaru in the snowy area, we don't need to put a snow chain? I just got my Subaru crosstrek and would lobe to try to drive it in the snowy area :D

[@kaimasterson8512]

chains are for more extreme environments, if you are doing mountain passes in the winter then yes you probably should have them (in case). You should have all seasons at the bare minimum to drive in snow though. Snow tires much better

[@melisagunawan6920]

@@kaimasterson8512 agree. I just learned about that in these couple days and get ready for the trip. Thank you for sharing and replying to me. Have a happy holidays 😍

[@fubartotale3389]

Get good winter tires mounted on cheap steel wheels one inch smaller diameter and narrower. Ask your tire dealer for their recommendations for your car. Nokian Haakapalittas, Bridgestone Blizzaks are excellent, I went with Continental Viking Contact and they have been amazing.

[@ttthr33]

Check your owner’s manual to be sure, but snow chains are not recommended on most Subarus. I drove through snow and icy roads last winter on the factory tires without an issue. Had to go through a road where snow chains or all-terrain tires were required. I ended up putting the chains on to avoid being fined and found out the hard way why my Crosstrek can’t have snow chains. When I drove, the chain would bang on the wheel well. I ended up taking them off cause the sound hurt me to hear. Got to the snow chain check point and they let me through. They looked at my wheels and said my Subaru didn’t need chains. I’m due for new tires soon. Even though I’m confident in the factory tires as I experienced no issues at all, I will probably get all-terrain tires for extra reassurance and better deep snow performance before heading up the mountains this winter.

[@fubartotale3389]

@@ttthr33 Get a set of winter tires and put them on cheap steel wheels and just swap them out twice a year, works for me.

[@chrislangdell117]

Well fellas looks like ya had fun. Driving in deep snow requires you to keep your momentum up. Occasionally rocking the car back and forth using forward to reverse. A manual transmission is better for this. Sharp corners in deep snow won't work well. When all else fails try it in reverse. Get some better tires for the subaru.

[@charlietriana9448]

I love the video, great job, but its not fair to push a much older vehicle vs a much newer one either

[@krausriggentropp1970]

Not a bad looking car after 11 years!

[@joeythedime1838]

I have 2020 Subaru Outback and 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road. I like both vehicles but spinning the wheels and driving hard into soft deep snow is putting some serious stress on the Subaru's CVT transmission.

[@seansweeney810]

This is excellent for a fist video

[@SuperNovember28]

very cool I wish I was with you

[@iowaudioreviews]

Was traction control on or off?

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Love my Impreza. But I’m thinking about trading for a cross trek for the extra ground clearance

[@kaylishrieves6407]

I have a Subaru question if anyone can help. I am going to Big Bear this winter and on their website it says by law they do occasionally require chains. I have a 2016 Subaru Legacy and in my Owner’s Manual it says that my wheel well clearance is too low for chains. Does anyone have any suggestions? I probably won’t need them but want to be prepared in case there is a chain requirement on the drive up.

[@vladimirolujic6637]

For the next time: Subaru + Nokian winter tires = 🤯🤯🤯

[@oscargonzalez5231]

Did this model have the X -mode?

[@Noisy_boi_the_wj]

Where in Michigan is this?

[@wg5768]

Like most comparisons on KZbin,to do an objective test,both vehicles need to have the same tires on them. Probably can't do that with a 4 runner vs. a crosstrek.

[@anthonyrita4366]

9 inches of snow with a vehicle that only has 8.9 inches of ground clearance. I say that is good especially for a vehicle that only has a 2.0 engine. Fun video can i share with a friend

[@kylehaskell6651]

8.7 inches of ground clearance

[@chadridsdale9970]

@@kylehaskell6651 like .2 inches matters. My wife doesnt care

[@fredharvey2720]

Put good winter tires on that thing. It'll be all but unstoppable.

[@kenhurlburt8355]

You were definitely limited by the tires you had.I had snow up to my grill and as long as I was able to keep a head of steam I was able to push it

[@jiwachiw]

100% I just pushed through 10-12 inches in my driveway this AM with snow tires on a 2017.

[@kyle6209]

My Wrx was far better than most cross-treks during trips, still great video!

[@victordobbins2009]

Toyota Subaru two of my favorite

[@onedirection3510]

You think Crosstrek outperforms Outback or Forester?

[@ryanschock5619]

That's funny my name is Ryan, I had a 17 crosstrek now I have a silver 18 lol subie gang mines 6sp manual I love it

[@brandonmiller318]

Is that culhane lake?

[@nixablaza5482]

crosstrek doesnt have the X mode? nice video btw!

[@suspicionofdeceit]

Not the first generation, the current ones do.

[@kadencoziar9117]

my crosstrek with blizzaks and a 2 inch lift blew through 9 inches of fresh power like it was nothing. most fun car i’ve ever driven

[@marounelhajj2668]

I have 2 subaru forester and i love them go subaru

[@fubartotale3389]

There is a reason that Subarus are so popular in areas that get lots of snow and ice.

[@fubartotale3389]

@TwoToneXylophone You're so full of bullshit you're eyes are brown. I've been driving them for DECADES in the northern snow belt and have NEVER gotten stuck. I have awaken to find my car buried under the snow, I had to shovel my way ro the door, the snow drifted 4-5 ' behind me, and I have just pushed my way out. I was the only employee to get to work on time, and I cleared the driveway in the evening, just to please my neighbors not because I needed to. At least a half dozen of my neighbors have bought Subarus after witnessing the ease that I have had plowing through snow. It's been my experience (over 50 years) that the vehicles that I see most in the ditch are 4 X 4 pickup trucks who had just recently flew past me because I had been driving sensibly according to the conditions. And i suppose that wasn't fast enough for them. This has been MY expetience,my brotha.

[@dam54]

What lake is that?