Subaru Forester Wilderness Off-Road Mud and Rock Test

[@mr.mctiktok]

After watching your review and others, I bought this car about a year ago. Love it!! Have loved your channel for awhile now! Thanks for putting the cars through so much for our viewing benefit! :)

[@TheKingPrawn114]

The amount of mud caked on the wheels was spectacular. The rain that day was something else.

[@bcyr-CO]

I've got the same tires on my '03 outback, and I've gotta say they aren't very good at keeping mud from caking on. They're great in snow and sand though.

[@amberinmahjabeen85]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤every

[@zwen3763]

There's a hidden mode called full send it mode, its activated with your right foot.

[@officialyasir]

Your production quality puts all other automotive channels to shame! Great review as always!

[@quinnycoleman7214]

Aside from 4wd 24/7. They straight up make a travel channel show, if you havemt seen it and like offroad stuff check it out

[@officialyasir]

@@quinnycoleman7214 thanks for the recommendation, I'll check them out!

[@Kamaraccho]

Very good performance for Forester. Have to admit , you pushed it to the limit. Great work .

[@Central-Scrutinizer]

Seems pretty good considering how miserable and greasy the conditions were.

[@jasoncampeau2948]

And it has very conservative tires, with a good AT would do better

[@alanmay7929]

@@jasoncampeau2948 and the CVT gearbox isn’t really helping tbh! I hope Subaru offered normal automatic gearbox or manual onr

[@TokinWhiteKid]

@@alanmay7929 your transmission type doesn't matter if your tires can't grip.

[@sock979]

True and the cvt will just burn out faster with less grippy tires making it even worse. I don't understand why Subaru is obsessed with cvts I know it's expensive to do new stuff but I think they could just partner with Toyota and all their cars are basically the same just one transmission would probably work for all of them except the sti/WRX which should be a manual anyway. Cvts can't handle.power well.

[@Central-Scrutinizer]

If the CVT becomes on par for torque, ruggedness and reliability with the autos, and relatively cheap to fix or replace, then no issues here. Perhaps Subaru could tap Toyota on the shoulder about the physical first gear?

[@IronmanV5]

It would be real interesting to see the difference more aggressive AT tires make. Maybe find a Wilderness with Falken Wildpeak A/Ts or Goodrich All Terrain A/T's?

[@James-il3tq]

Those tires are also soft roaders so improvement would be likely negligible. Compact SUV AT tires are very mild designed mainly for roads. I have the Falken AT Trails on my Rav4 and I love them on gravel roads but in the mud they find their limits quickly

[@IronmanV5]

@@James-il3tq AT3Ws have larger tread blocks than the AT Trails and have decent performance in mud.

[@WontSeeReplies]

@@IronmanV5they have larger block and aren’t very deep tread. That’s two fails when it comes to mud, which medium block/lug size and deep tread works best. The smaller the lug, the more bite. However, the more grooves, the less well the mud spins out. Hence medium lug size and medium number of grooves, but with deeper grooves, work best. The tires on this Subaru are all around awful for anything other than gas mileage. While the Falken and GY you listed would be an improvement over this junk, they aren’t much better in mud. Any off roading Subaru surly deserves a more aggressive lug pattern. It doesn’t need to be BF Goodrich AT, but if the vehicle is seeing this kind of use, why not?

[@bradcomis1066]

A tire shootout would be a great thing to see on this channel. AS vs mild AT vs aggressive AT vs MT. All on the same vehicle and same course. It would be a real eye opener I think. Would probably need to do such a test on a big SUV (4Runner maybe). I guess if you left out the MT tire then you could use a cross over like the Crosstrek or Forester, which would make for relatable content for lots of viewers.

[@christopher9626]

I agree. I HATE the Geolanders. I had those on a Tacoma I bought a few years ago and just going uphill on the dirt road to my house, they would lose traction the entire way. I threw some KO2's on it and it was night and day difference. I would love to see a set on this or the wildpeak A/T3W and have it tackle the same course with the same conditions

[@theroaminghamiltons]

I bought my 22 Wilderness for road trips & upgraded towing (small camper). It's been almost a year and ~24k miles and I couldn't be happier. I drive 128 miles round trip a day - in/out of Chicago. It performs well on urban highways (eg. Responsive enough for crazy city traffic). I haven't pushed it like this at all except for last winter when I tried the Deep Snow setting on my acreage in 10" of fresh snow. It never lost traction. Great video, thanks!

[@hillbillysportsman5818]

CVT an towing sounds like a disaster.

[@theroaminghamiltons]

@@hillbillysportsman5818 It's a small insulated enclosed trailer (6x9). Just enough for a couple dirt bikes & collapsible double sized bed. I wouldn't push the limits, but I do trust the Subaru CVT more than most.

[@davebuti6270]

@@hillbillysportsman5818 the wilderness does have a transmission cooler to help with towing

[@jarronnorum9989]

How's it holding up? Thinking about purchasing one

[@theroaminghamiltons]

@@jarronnorum9989 It's awesome. I did just purchase a 2023 RAV4 LE AWD for my commuter car, as my wife needed a new daily driver. I figured I'd keep the Wilderness "nicer" and not beat it up in city traffic. After driving the new RAV for 2wks, I got in the Wilderness for a small road trip and was completely amazed at how it performed and how comfortable it was compared to the RAV. Do it, Jarron!

[@MagnumoftheMountains]

If Ryan follows this up with an "Outback Wilderness vs Forrester Wilderness" the internet will explode.

[@drivingsports]

😂

[@ar-videos]

Why test Subaru’s lesser vehicle. Forester has better approach, better departure, better breakover and shorter wheelbase. Even inside the cabin for daily life the OBW cannot even have hk udio nor the large lovely moonroof.

[@rdmz135]

@@ar-videos OBW is a much larger vehicle so is naturally more practical. It also drives a bit better on road due to the lower center of gravity.

[@tenreyes]

Great test of the Wilderness, the limiting factor was the Geolander tires. I believe no other "crossover" could make it even in dryer conditions.

[@driverv86]

Uh yeah, my old rav4 would have committed suicide when it looked at that hill dude.

[@Madaster1917]

Wow..I wasn't expecting you to test the Forester Wilderness again, especially in such conditions Thanks for this. I bought one close to a year ago. Your first review helped me with my decision and I'm happy with it. I need to go off road with it more, but I don't plan on doing anything this challenging. This gives me an awesome idea what its off road limits are, though. Great reviews and amazing car! Thank you.

[@darianlow4296]

I got mine in May 2022 and take it off road a lot. I live in Vancouver (Canada) and there are a lot of gnarly forest service roads here and it handles exceptionally well!

[@brandonsingh430]

Great video! Love seeing vehicles in action during inclement weather

[@crowntug]

I would love to see this go up against the Outback in a video

[@01FozzyS]

This.

[@masonthomas9671]

From what I’ve seen on some other tests, the Forester Wilderness is a little better at off camber and steep grades, it doesn’t stall out the transmission quite as easily as the Outback Wilderness even though the Outback has the turbo. It also should be slightly better on approach, departure and break over angles. The Outback had some really good wheel spin allowed while in x mode 2 that I haven’t seen confirmed on the Forester. I really wish we could have seen the Forester with a more powerful engine, I think if it did then it would be the better Swiss Army knife type car as it also has the better HVAC control knobs instead of the screen controls on the outback.

[@ZachMauch]

I don't know that we would really learn that much from it. The forester wins on the angles (approach, break over, and departure), but the Outback wins on power. Otherwise they are likely a wash. Just depends on what you type of off-road you are going up against.

[@ZachMauch]

@@masonthomas9671 If the Forester had the turbo it might be the best soft-roader on the planet. Sad panda.

[@Karen-pl8kd]

@@ZachMauch What do you mean they are a wash? No one was washing anything the car was getting dirty on the mud

[@garthhowe297]

Given the mud, and those tires, that was a best possible result. Nice day out for your camera person....

[@drivingsports]

There's no bad weather, just bad coat choices.

[@darianlow4296]

I love my FW - I got mine back in May 2022 and I take it off road quite a bit in BC (Canada) which has some pretty gnarly forest service roads. It's handled exceptionally well so far!

[@DylanCarGuy]

Personal experience from someone who has one. My wife's prior vehicle was a 2017 4runner things that are better MPG, ride quality, and safety. Downside is no locker, but we have not run into an issue anywhere we've been. It's done plenty of small trails with ease.

[@rondail5675]

I am not a Subaru guy but I like this one and think it did well all in all.

[@wildbill23c]

I agree, it did pretty well given the crap tires it had on it...if it had actual all terrains it would have done even better. I'm not a Subaru guy either, but have to say this Wilderness model seems to be a big step in the right direction for Subaru.

[@roypelaez2431]

Definitly it's a SUV, but it's better than all the other SUV's

[@christopher9626]

Really great vid! Love how you actually challenge these cars and you use the same course so its easy to see the differences. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these vids. You are one of my goto channels for real offroad testing

[@Trekopolis]

The more I learn/watch on the Forester Wilderness the more impressed I become. What an amazing vehicle. Some of those spots you were able to get out of most vehicles on the road cannot possibly do, and that was even without true off-road tires. Of course, you have to be somewhat skilled as a driver navigating those situations, but overall Subaru continues to impress the mud out of me.

[@dutchman243]

“Confident, maybe not smart.” Best quote ever.

[@Subie-Driver]

I hope you returned to subaru with all that mud on the sides and in the wheels…just to let them know that you really drove it. 😂. This is why I love our Subarus.

[@wingbaby28]

My husband got a 2022 forester wilderness recently. I love how reliable, capable and practical it is! It’s very nice to have it in the rainy/snowy weather here in Washington.

[@davidaix5771]

How could you talk about reliability it's a brand new vehicle it better be reliable come talk to me once you're over a 100000 miles and we will see how that CVT and Head gasket is doing

[@davidaix5771]

@@cws8914 No it still happen It's just a new car wait until it gets some miles on it

[@driverv86]

man is pushing a soccer mom car far beyond what some jeeps could do lol. tires pay you back, but great video!

[@lifebylosh]

Thanks Ryan for showing me what my Forester is capable of!

[@steve9870]

I'd love to see the Jeep Cherokee take on this trail. Maybe even a comparison between the Trailhawk vs the non TH.

[@jimhuddle6885]

Me too....since I picked a Cherokee Trailhawk this year over one of the Wilderness Subaru.

[@andm6847]

i doubt my cherokee trail hawk would have done better than the subaru. if it would do better it would be because of the tire threads. one issue with the cherokee is the overzealous computer cutting power 9n exactly the wrong moment on a muddy hill. i have this happen on a regular basis. you can disable part of the traction control to get around this.

[@ZachMauch]

@@jimhuddle6885 what is the AWD like on that? It isn't a traditional transfer case right? I see a rear locker mentioned on their website, but is that a true locker or just some crappy claim like other companies. I know it is Jeep so even their crossover should be a good system.

[@jimhuddle6885]

@@ZachMauch Well, it is a mechanical locker according to Jeep. Uses clutches to lock the two "rear axles" together. I'm no expert but it's not a traditional transfer case like you would see on an traditional style 4x4 truck. If I understand it correctly the transmission gives you low range on the front wheels and there's a power unit on the rear that gives you the low range there. All I know is the system hasn't let me down yet but I've only had it for about 4 months. It does see significant time on the mountain trails here.

[@jimhuddle6885]

@@andm6847 Hmmm.... I haven't had that happen to me yet. I'm just loving the off road ride quality and smaller size from the Ford F-150 Supercrew I replaced with this. And the Ford replaced a 2014 FDII Patriot that the CVT totally sucked on. And while Subaru seems to have a working CVT system I'm avoiding CVT's like the plague. I'd love to see a Cherokee TH tested fully here to see how it compares.

[@raymondlowry8564]

I have a 2017 Forrester (actually belongs to my wife) that has X-Drive. I didn’t think that could be improved upon for driving in conditions like this. Looks like I was wrong! No matter, thanks for another great video.

[@reternity777]

I was told that putting yours in X mode and turning off your traction control does the same thing as the newer models x mode deep snow mode.

[@Karen-pl8kd]

isn't x-drive bmw's all wheel drive system? How did you put it on your subaru?

[@reternity777]

@@Karen-pl8kd , X drive comes standard on 2015 and later Subaru models.

[@Karen-pl8kd]

@@reternity777 x-drive is bmw's I think you mean x-mode. I saw a video on youtube how someone put a nissan gtr's awd system in a honda civic, thought you did the same thing but i think you're mixing the terms.

[@reternity777]

@@Karen-pl8kd , you are correct, the term for Subaru is X mode. Merry Christmas!

[@WW-wf8tu]

Better than I expected it to do. Especially considering the sloppy mud conditions. My TRD OR on the stock Dunlops would have struggled a little bit. (probably)

[@441meatloaf]

Doubt it, TRD 4R is made for this kind of thing.

[@WontSeeReplies]

@@441meatloafit’s a Subaru. They have arguably the best AWD systems in the world. The TRD is a glorified wheelbarrow. Reliable though.

[@441meatloaf]

@@WontSeeReplies Subaru AWD is not the same......Subaru AWD is open diff vs TRD 4 runner is 4WD....4 Runner has lockable diffs. While yes subaru is known for AWD its not the same as its used to be. Subaru WRX is the only vehicle remaining that has a centre LSD that can be changed on the manual. All other Subaru vehicles uses open diffs. Audi still has a full mechanical AWD which can be prove to be more useful in delivering mechanical power over CVT

[@441meatloaf]

@@gcanyon3114 doesn't change the fact the cvt struggles with pulling torque out of engine especially on steep inclines

[@JayM026]

I’d love to see the Outback Wilderness on the trail…

[@Doc1855]

Ryan has made a video with the Outback Wilderness

[@ChipsetS_main]

As I owned a 2022 OBW I would say probably not as good since the extra power won't help a lot of the first section, you could see all tires were slipping there. And it weighted more. Actually that is what you don't do cuz you definitely want mud tires instead.

[@martinr8278]

Excellent. Man that was fun to watch. Realistic test. Wish my 16 forester could do all of that lol. Sadly it’ll be a long time if any before I’ll be able to get my hands on a wilderness. Hoping they will do one for the crosstrek

[@avagadroa4065]

I do love your videos, definitely fun. You have a lot more experience clearly than many KZbin “car reviewers”

[@Lebowski5000]

Such a good video. It has solidified my decision. Thank you so much!

[@CRVgarage]

That color is pretty cool. Great review as always.

[@josephreyes7610]

Wow how cool is this video! You pushed this car in the slickest of mud and dirt and rain, and congrats to you and Subaru for a job well done! Loved this

[@NarcyZG1]

I’d love to see the Forester Wilderness on the dry trail.

[@cbrider6267]

Ditto

[@Memetologist]

YES! I'VE WAITED FOR THIS VIDEO!

[@beaglesinthesun]

@@mauricelamont-jackson2157 Yes, me too!

[@Dangarangg]

Your videographer in the rain is a true legend. 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@Memetologist]

3:22 My wife when I say the alphabet backwards in under 25 seconds

[@haydensimpson5959]

Absolutely love this forester and love the video man

[@Assakra1984]

The best YTchannel about Subaru!

[@kayleighdrouin6378]

I'm kinda glad you are posting this I've been debating between the wilderness and the rav4 hybrid. They obviously have different pros and cons. I have a 97 4runner (in washington) for my offroading needs but it's also my Daily driver. But in the same breath I don't want to just rely on just that for camping/overlanding or whatever . I'd like to make it a designated offroader in the future. (175k miles) but the gas mileage of the rav4 sure is pretty in current times. I am trading in my 14 fusion on whatever I decide and the has mileage is comparable to the wildernesses while the rav4 makes up a little for my fiance driving the runner. I like that it has the weather package and the backs of the seats are protected when I bring my dogs places. Ontop of its ability to billygoat on trails if i need it to. But toyota reliability and electric / hybrid looming in the future I'm really debating. Whatever I get I'm gonna have forever. My big worries about the wilderness is past issues with the head gaskets and oil leaks. But I've always wanted a subaru. The wilderness looks so much more fun lmao. Best channel hands down

[@beaglesinthesun]

I bought my SFW in march, the only downside is mpg 22 city 25 hwy.

[@ws6transam]

I’m in the same boat as I was looking at the wilderness and the rav4 woodland. I decided to go Hybrid to I got the woodland

[@keytothegate68]

I like how the mud defeated you every time even thou you thought you had it until you went to the left where the road was still not as muddy. Cudos to the camera guy standing in the rain.

[@robbflynn4325]

We have a 2019 Forester. They are not designed for hard core or even moderate off roading, if you look underneath everything is flimsy looking including the diff and suspension parts. Our 2003 Sequoia 4WD is a lot more robust and more suited to a rugged off road environment. It has got me out of some very tricky situations that I know would have buried the Subaru. The Subaru CVT will not withstand a great deal of strain either.

[@Vatican_Banker]

The Wilderness version of the forester has covers on the bottom and other things that make it more useful for trail and off road than the other more economic foresters

[@Aldaine]

Great content. I’ve got one of these on order in the same color arriving soon. It’s good to see how capable it is given the poor weather. Would love more forester content if you can pump it out!

[@ZachMauch]

Check out the past videos. He had multiple on the Forester wilderness when it dropped. That was back when I got mine.

[@Aldaine]

I’ve seen them already and still would watch more as they make good videos.

[@ZachMauch]

That's my car!! I like it a lot, but two things I wish it had were more power and memory seats. Really wish they had a "Wilderness Touring" and put the FA24F engine in it. Oh well. We'll see what the redesign brings in a year or two. Though I prefer the Forester's tall interior and seating position, I might have to trade up to the Outback.

[@THE______TRUTH]

Yesss finally a really offroad video of this car! Would love to see how much more capable it would be with more aggressive offroad tires.

[@jasonswift7098]

Which are very heavy and put strain on driveline components and not in the smaller sizes like 225, 235

[@THE______TRUTH]

@@jasonswift7098 is there nothing for smaller suvs with more aggressive tread?

[@saiiiiiii1]

Even though I don't know your connection to Subaru, I feel like you're testing every manufacturer in the same fair conditions. Especially for a channel this size I don't see this as granted. 👍

[@olivier.st-amand]

Thanks for all the videos about the outback wilderness! If you can, I'd really like to see an off-road comparison between a regular base model outback and the wilderness (with both having the same tires, of course). Thanks for all the videos!

[@cardient]

Beyond my expectations

[@adamblakeley5865]

Biased Subie owner’s response here, but they are great cars. Very affordable, feature laden, practical and reliable vehicles. As far as the segment goes, they are, if not at the top, very close to the top of list when it comes to capabilities.

[@MarcGaerlan]

The Forester did great in the mud! I know you test the vehicle as it comes and so don't air down the tires. But we all know how much better the Subie would have done with the tires aired down!

[@timanderson6111]

When you finally made it up the "hill" you were full leaning toward the left, for the first time (7:45). Oops, rocks (11:49). The really good thing about these videos is that they are for the average buyer, not the tech-minded, not the hard-core motor sports hex-head gear nut. Most of the terms, I understand. Thank you!

[@focus4769]

This just might be my next vehicle.

[@mttwttmyr89]

Just got some LP Aventure LP1's and Toyo open country at3's on my FW what a big difference they made in off-road performance without hampering on road comfort too much

[@capomand45]

I have had my Forister over the Alpine loop and Pouchkeepisi gulch in Colorado without a problem, also Black Bear Pass, no issues. Good off road tires and a 2" lift.

[@mateocortes9273]

I’ve done worse trails with my 2003 forester. Never stuck

[@steve-wu7jp]

A limited slip or locking differential would be a nice thing to see on an off road model

[@MDZac2024]

My plan is to swap the tires out for a taller Falken AT3 Wildpeak the day I take delivery. Will have it setup to take directly to Discount Tire when i take delivery.

[@tgmotoman1]

Great video. Liking the new course.

[@pstaehlin]

GREAT video! I want this vehicle SO badly!

[@Patou253999]

Nicee i have a Forester xt 2014 and it's been a minute i want the new Wilderness. I saw all vids about it, but wanted more. U just answer my prayer 🤗 Ps: am gonna miss that turbo though 🙈

[@masonthomas9671]

I have a ‘17 FXT and if the new forester had the wilderness with the turbo, that is what I upgrade too but the 0-60 is about 8.2secs vs 6.4secs in mine, that’s a rough downgrade

[@SAZQACH]

Love all your videos… Take the Outback Wilderness through!

[@fitwolf8951]

Лучший в сша обзорчик по тестам на внедорожняя и лесах. Респект

[@RyanRKJ]

Honestly, I was impressed by how well the Subaru did here. It would have been interesting to see it up against a 4x4 like the 4Runner in these wet conditions for comparison.

[@JDS-Dalton]

Man, those tires turned to slicks pretty quickly! I upgraded to a forester wilderness from a lifted '19 forester sport last February. Had to give mine a lift as well and upgrade to larger more aggressive tires, and it blows my old similarly modified '19 forester out of the water! Especially when it comes to off camber inclines where I got wheels off the ground.

[@parvent3556]

I have the 2017 2.0 XT Turbo model Forester. I like the added off-road capabilities of the new Wilderness edition, but I'm not willing to part with my 255 hp engine. I wish they'll bring it back!

[@RetirementGoals1]

I’m guessing that my 2022 Escape AWD Hybrid would not do nearly as well. Lol. Considering both vehicles are almost the same price I’m thinking that when the Forester Wilderness is more readily available I will swap out the fuel economy of my Escape for the ride height and capability of the Forester. Great review test video, it was definitely informative and helped.

[@just4ivaylo92]

Ford has a great AWD system. That being said, your Escape doesn't have as much clearance as a Subaru.

[@slandshark]

I would LOVE to see that car tested on this track. Trying to convince my Mom (who owns an Escape and would buy another) to buy a Forester instead.

[@RetirementGoals1]

@@slandshark I really like my Escape but it’s almost 3 inches less clearance. If it had over 8 inches of clearance (it’s only 6.8”) I would just slap some Cooper AT3 3 peak tires on it and call it good and still get over 40mpg’s. 😁

[@Monster-519]

one thing I wish this channel did was grab the most basic subaru forester or variant of the car they are testing and put it through all the same tests and reviews if you cant afford the top tier

[@edsmith9855]

Great work and a pretty good result for the Forrester, considering the conditions. However, after seeing your recent test of the Bronco Sport, Subaru should add a locker rear similar to the Bronco Sport to the Wilderness editions. They surely could adapt the technology from the STI.

[@AmirSharon]

That is why you need Torqmasters locker in the rear diff. You can climb with out risking your car. Liked you have showed with the outback willderness. Great video, thanks a lot.

[@Coloradohiker658]

Great review. Like to see the Outback Wilderness on this course

[@jisesi]

I would like to see a 4 runner offroad trim on this trail. 4 runner will definitely perform better, but I wonder how big (or small) the difference is.

[@wildbill23c]

I bet with the right tires the Subaru would have went up that first obstacle the first time...those street tires don't work so well in those conditions, yes those are street tires, those aren't all terrain tires at all LOL. So glad I found your channel, you show what these Subaru's can actually do, unlike another channel....cough...cough...TFL....cough...cough. You said something around 9 inches of ground clearance, I think that's the most ground clearance of all the "crossover" type SUV's correct? Not bad Subaru, not bad. If I recall you or your wife owns a Subaru? This video kind of reminds me of the capability of the old Subaru GL wagons from the 80's back when they were actually 4WD with a low range transfer case rather than just AWD. Subaru might have a winner with this new Wilderness model Forester. Is it larger than the Toyota Rav4? Kind of hard to tell in the videos sometimes for a size comparison. Definitely seems like it would be far more capable than the Rav4 for sure.

[@drivingsports]

RAV4 and Forester are direct competitors. My wife drives a Crosstrek Sport (Which appears in the show when she lets me borrow it.)

[@wildbill23c]

@@drivingsports Thank you. Any issues with the Crosstrek? Thinking a Subaru might be in the near future, but possibly a Wilderness model due to the occasional deeper snow issues I may run into where ground clearance would become a problem.

[@drivingsports]

No issues. Just regular service. Really a nice car to drive. A Crosstrek Wilderness is expected next year, FWIW.

[@wildbill23c]

@@drivingsports Hmm, I've got time, I'm not in a hurry to buy LOL. The Crosstrek Wilderness might be worth the look, thank you...and I bet you'll review it when you have a chance....thank you.

[@serbou007]

VERY GOOD TEST!!!

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥 12:58 Everything going for you except a totally exposed transmission pan. It’s totally at risk of being torn open going over a rock. 🤟🏼

[@rajeshr5140]

I wish we had the Subaru Outback wilderness at 7:07 to check if the turbo engine provides additional low end torque to clear the muddy obstacle without 'flooring' the gas pedal

[@Gyppor]

It looks like the forester wants to lurch forward when you get out of a hole. Subaru would really improve the off road capability by putting in a transfer case! Even a small reduction like 50-75% would do wonders.

[@ryan56976]

Would really love it if you kept that 4Runner (the one you owned) and drove it right behind each of these as a way to directly compare. This seems very capable, but for less than $10k more you could get a barren 4Runner that possibly do this much better. I wanna see that

[@eskieman3948]

And that barren 4Runner would beat your kidneys to blood pudding, and the MPG is near abysmal. Don't get me wrong; I have great respect for the Toyota 4Runner (I used to borrow my buddy's new '84 4Runner, the first that was sold in the U.S.), but never as a daily driver.

[@BaldKiwi117]

I love the 4runner but unless you're into hardcore off roading, it's pretty overkill. The on road handling and mpg trade off just isn't worth it.

[@ryan56976]

@@BaldKiwi117 probably the best advice anyone has every given. That said, i'd still like to know if a 4Runner could just waltz right through this or if it'd struggle a bit too - you know, as a bench mark

[@danbrown8310]

I wonder how the cvt is going to hold up when doing this

[@clintonrice525]

Glad to see the work on tough lines, it’s always good to see someone else testing those limits before I do so myself. My own experience with mine has been pretty tame, with some gravel and dirt forest roads…decent ruts, but about 13 degrees max incline, just learning how the systems work. My biggest learning: turn off the Rear Assist Braking on overgrown roads, or it will interpret every bit of mid-track grass as a potential collision and constantly slam on the brakes.

[@ilyaw.3081]

love the new course!

[@cdnbrit]

With the Rav4 you'd probably still be on the first challenge.

[@wildbill23c]

I'd have to agree with that for sure. The RAV4 is only a on-road car, more car than crossover honestly. Haven't been all that impressed with all the RAV4 video reviews if they take them off pavement, they struggle quite a bit.

[@martinr8278]

I would agree with you 100% but they look great on a freeway 😂

[@robertc6712]

Are we anticipating any substantial changes with the new 2023s? They're starting to show up on the lots now.

[@drivingsports]

Nope. Carry-over.

[@KenCheng]

Awesome testing! You guys are one of the main reasons why I recently picked up a 2023 Outback Wilderness! 😊 👍 But I have a off topic question for you... What frame rate were you guys recording with? Just curious because you can see the rain really good.

[@CalmCompass-db5dd]

Not that you’d want to daily some aggressive mud tires. But I wonder how this car would have done if equipped with some.

[@treborheminway3814]

Looks fairly capable even with those tires. It looked like the exhaust system was oddly exposed though.

[@pacattack81]

Nice video. I would have loved to have seen what it could do on the first challenge if it was dry and not muddy. Do you think it would have made it up easier if it wasn't rainy and muddy?

[@drivingsports]

It would have walked up. In this video we took the same climb in the dry with our Crosstrek Sport which has the exact same powertrain as the Forester. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYmaanaIncembqs

[@mariss.2908]

can you make more subaru vids. And btw love all your vids

[@terryeyland5305]

Is there a big difference in capabilities of the Forester Wilderness vs the base forester if they had the same tires?

[@SteveC-Aus]

It's a real shame it was raining for this test, if it was dry I think the car would perform just as well as other 4x4 tested. May be we can get a round 2 in the dry!

[@drivewayhero]

Look at TFLs testing of the Subaru with the CVT transmission. They do real testing and actually made subaru mad because It fell flat on its face. CVT weak point, it slips and overheats and causes it to go limp mode. Too bad. Subaru not what it used to be, just a glorified grocery hauler now.

[@drivewayhero]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKbEZmSCdtmajK8

[@BaldKiwi117]

​@@drivewayhero it's fine for what it is

[@matthewqtran1318]

Nice video. Really didnt think you would make it over that first obstacle. It looked steep in the video so would have been a proper climb IRL. If all else fails, send it 😅😅

[@12345678927164]

This guy managed to get paid for muddin’. Big ups.

[@FuryfistX]

I think everybody wants to see this with proper a.t tires like falken wild peaks.

[@levskitoronto]

The thing is, this is a car first, designed to be driven mainly on road. By putting heavy offroad tires you trade away its road manners and MPG for offroad traction. It is a personal choice, but these Yokohama's are actually pretty good for what they are. I had them on an Outback and later on a Land Cruiser 100, the tires did really, really well in many conditions (snow, slush, sand and offroad) and yet give you very good road performance. They are not mud tires but the Forester is not a mud buggy. I would think any tire, short of Mud tires, especially with street pressure would have difficulties with the conditions in the video. My 2 cents.

[@adamblakeley5865]

Just a quick second comment. I know you get a lot of requests for videos, but one I would be super curious to see would be a TRD-OR RAV4 on the Peninsula Course. I was seriously shocked at how middling even arguably poor its off-road performance was on the last review of it. Hard to believe that Toyota would badge something a TRD-OR that was borderline poor performing off-road. I’m hoping that maybe the R4 was just not feeling well that day. Lol. Thanks.

[@davidmahan4160]

Great video, love the forester wilderness, how about taking the outback wilderness next. 😊

[@jajesamsigurno1002]

Still CVT ?

[@liamh2001]

I have to wonder how it would change things if you packed it full of stuff, like you would on a road trip. Or had a bull bar

[@robervin9107]

Awesome job ry and nick love ya

[@JSS75]

Ryan, I’ve watched everything you’ve had on the Outback and Forester Wilderness. Does one stand out to you as more capable? I can’t pick it out just from watching your videos! I personally for more than just capability have preferred the Forester in person.

[@drivingsports]

The short wheelbase of the Forester and shorter front overhang (IIRC) make it more capable than the Outback. The Outback Wilderness does have a "high speed X Mode" (third mode) but I think that's not going to be a defining difference for most buyers. Having driven across the country in the Outback Onyx XT, I'm not sure the Forester is quite as comfortable for long hauls... but it's close.

[@JSS75]

@@drivingsports thanks Ryan! I was willing to give a bit of comfort for the forester because I am a bit skeptical of the long term use of the big tablet screen. Simple functions like turning off lane departure warning goes from a physical button to 4-5 menus to dig through.

[@rolexr]

These ground conditions are way too slippery - I bet it would be hard to get up the first hill with a Wrangler! But all in all the Forester did really GREAT !!!