Subaru Outback Wilderness In Terrible Winter Conditions

[@Doc1855]

We had a snowstorm last week. It was falling so quickly that we couldn’t keep our private road clear. I called my wife telling her that I didn’t think she’d be able to get home. After turning off the snow covered county road, she put her Outback into X Mode and drove up our road and into our garage. The snow was so deep that she was literally pushing it with her Outback. The snow was literally up to her hood, but her Non Wilderness Outback had no problems getting her home.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

nice!

[@wildbill23c]

I'm thinking of getting the Outback Wilderness for the added ground clearance plus the dual X-Mode and turbo charged engine and transmission cooler as well as the lower gear ratio.

[@katsm-wo9704]

I have a 2023 outback not wilderness edition as I wanted the features in the Premier model and it works great in winter never had an issue. It is excellent for snow and ice compared with any other vehicle I have had in my 56 years

[@stevemckeown-zn3nk]

Great to see Claus in the real world it always makes me laugh with your comments. Keep up the good work and merry Christmas.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

merry christmas to you too!

[@TheBigCat2001]

You have a great cabin in a beautiful setting. Canada looks amazing. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with me. I wish you happiness and good health.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

thank you!

[@dashanced]

Golly Claus, you got more snow than Alberta!

[@robertflint4115]

Subaru !! What the hell you waiting on. Give this man a sponsorship. Merry Christmas Kellerman and Rock on 🤘😎

[@Mr.P.Griffith]

My friends are always amazed at how well my 2016 subaru legacy 3.6 hooks up when I giver in the winter.

[@ronl1633]

That is the cream of the crop 2016 with the 3.6.

[@sgtbigtoe7640]

Nice, you have the “Big Block”

[@coachesmagic2886]

Subarus are tanks in the snow. Put a couple 50 or 60 pound sand bags in the front of the trunk ahead of the wheel wells for additional traction; you can strap them in to for safety. And change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles if you want to keep it for a long time

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Good tips! Thanks for sharing.

[@jonhansen4745]

The old front wheel drive Plymouth minivan you met on the way to the dump didn't seem to have any issue with the icy road... 🤣

[@2ndAdvent888]

I have 2016 Outback 108k miles. With snow tires never had an issue in any condition. Great video

[@martinr8278]

X mode in yours? Just curious since I have a 16 forester but no xmode. Haven’t had much snow since I bought her here in ne Ohio Not really sure how it’ll handle if we get a good snow dump

[@r.h.7633]

Fantastic place you have there, Claus. Thank you for sharing it. Have a wonderful Xmas.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thanks, you too!

[@vypir313]

I believe what you wanted for that hill climb was just snow/dirt mode. Deep snow/mud is made to allow more wheel spin, which is why you got a lot of slipping. To be fair, you probably could have done it without even using xmode.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

good points

[@jussinviherpalvelut149]

Greeting from Finland with another Outback owners. 4wd + good winter tires + ground clearance = no problem at all.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

greetings!

[@floppinfish]

*AWD

[@MaryPoppins-d1k]

On my 1st Crosstrek and love it. It’s great on ice and snow. Better than a truck.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

They’re fun to drive!

[@rolfalive2821]

I remember the Xterra it got featured in a couple of videos! Looks like a great place to live. Enjoy be happy

[@henrikimmelmark9246]

Merry Christmas Claus. Have a nice day and drive safe.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thanks, you too!

[@gavinc74]

Same tyres I have on my old Land Rover. I find them a good compromise on and off road. Good to see them working for you.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

yes they are great

[@Jerry-k4n]

Although I live in Virginia, I’m up high on a mountain. I usually don’t get a lot of snow and ice but when I do, I’m trapped. This year is one example I just sold my Dodge pick up truck and it looks like I’m going to get a Subaru thanks to you. Thanks for a very informative video. my road looks just like yours right now.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Sounds like you made a good choice. Good luck with the new car!

[@rallysauruswrex]

Great video! These cars are very capable for what they are. FYI at 2:30; if you turn on your rear windshield washer in reverse, it washes the camera as well

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thanks for the tip!

[@katsm-wo9704]

I will have to try that. Is it on the outback or just the wilderness edition?

[@rallysauruswrex]

@ it is on all the subaru SUVs

[@GreggGooled]

BTW, rear view camera has a windshield nozzle when you clean the rear window, it also cleans the rear view camera. OBW’23.

[@timothydooley1550]

Great video!!! Everything is spot on.... I love my '25 OBW.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

I’m glad you’re enjoying yours too!

[@tomwitte6369]

Back in the good old days, five speed, maybe four on the floor, rear wheel drive, modulating the clutch and go fast peddle, drifting the curves and finishing with a proper donut or three in the parking lots before the plows came through. No computer assisted all wheel drive training wheels for us boomers in our formative years! Nice retreat you have there. Merry Xmas to all!

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

I remember those days!

[@glendree1]

Liked your video , great car and lovely cabin. Greetings from snowy Finland. Subie Forester with Nokia hakkapelit studded wintertyres will take you anywhere. Outback Wilderness must be a beast

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thanks for watching!

[@P_E_P_1966]

Great video - WOT a cliff hanger - Merry X-mas

[@rodrigotiagopacheco898]

A true adventurer Claus. It's good to know that your services are relyable.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

yup

[@michaelking42]

Fun video, thanks for sharing. Subaru's AWD is exceptional and has saved me from wrecks on icy roads. You make a great point about stopping on slippery roads. I've had 9 Subarus in my life. X mode is the twilight zone, by the way.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

I've got to admit, I love my Subaru. It really is a great vehicle for winter conditions.

[@tonyk438]

MN USA here. 2001 Subaru Forester does great in snow. Bonus is I can fix pretty much everything myself except for major engine / transmission issues. Negative... the old boxer engines are prone to oil leaks on cylinder heads.

[@kajrosenqvist9165]

What a great hiding place you got. These condinitions are Subaru philosophy at purest. Not offroader, but to get you home anywhere and any condinition. Still you really can push forester to places where it needs tractor to get it back.

[@marcovalenzuela-rk7ff]

That was really cool mate, you are a lucky boy!!.

[@FordEnthusiast413]

What an awesome video sir!! Absolutely love, love, love the Subaru Outback! Had a 2018 that I regret selling to this day! My next vehicle is going to be an Outback Wilderness in either Geyser Blue or Ice Silver. Happy New Year!!!

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Happy New Year, I agree, the Outback Wilderness is a fantastic vehicle, you'll love it!

[@carbonbased1943]

There is a difference between making it just, and the confidence that Subarus can give you. Driven many cars in my life, done thousands of miles on roads like this. (Just doing it these days.) All those cars could do it with proper tyres. Just. My last change was a Subaru. I don't think I want to have anything else from now on. It feels safe and sound. You won't feel it until you drive one. Thanks for the cheerful video. (Icy roads out there. Everything is quiet, no traffic at all. I am just off to do the shopping with my Subaru Crosstrek, and looking forward to it.)

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

you are exactly right. you won't understand until you drive one.

[@Scott7-z3g]

Excellent review I absolutely love mine I have the 2022 outback wilderness bought it new I've been on trails off road and logging roads and some snow we don't get much snow here anymore glad to see it does excellent I'm in South Central Ohio it's absolutely amazing where it will go mine is stock I put front mid and rear dif skid plates that is it

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

i love mine too!

[@pvtmadmike]

Wow I have the exact model 2024 we just got snow here in southern Ontario And drive to my daughters about 2 hours north where we used to live. they have an out back sport and I watched my son in-law tare a round in his and it wouldn't let him slide. . My wife is so impressed with her new cross trek . she is always trying to get it to spin out :) Great video our daughters place looks like yours out in the woods. Man I cant wait to get back up home. Take care Claus have a happy new year.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thanks for sharing.

[@mikemrha9013]

Hey Claus, I have a 2024 black wilderness with 6300 miles w/all the options & cladding available plus I had the windows tinted with the rear seat shades. Am in Tulsa, retired in July love this car for all weather road conditions. Appreciate you teaching me the xmode, we're expecting snow in January. I spent a lot of time in Kanata & Ottawa for work meetings, love Canada & Canadian culture. Thank you!

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thanks for the comment buddy!

[@KOS762]

We have cattle guards in Arizona. They help keep the cattle off the highways. Also, we don't have snow, but we do have a ton of dust.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

dust mode for X mode?

[@RFK579]

Love your video’s, helped me a lot in deciding on a Geyser OBW, we LOVE it. This video was really interesting to watch.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thanks buddy

[@dylandog1289]

Claus, the rear camera should have a washer function if you spray the rear window, it should spray the camera as well. (at least my wilderness crosstrek does this).

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

I'll try that

[@victorpirsoul3979]

You can also remove any debris from it with a towel or spray some distilled white vinegar on it before you get in the vehicle

[@PeatyR]

I was going to say the same thing. This has been the design for a while. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5OTh2RrYrFmmposi=fSH9eJYoLA_kfOC7

[@doc650adventures]

This is a great down to earth video! I have a 2024 Outback Wilderness and I love it. Not much if any snow here but it’s nice to see how it would perform. Thanks and Cheers!

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thanks! 👍

[@davidmoore8741]

Yes we need more rants, like real rants of Klaus gettin pissed off

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

coming soon

[@bkstarkey]

Why I love Subarus. I’ve gotten my 16 legacy to fishtail in deep snow but I had to really work at it.

[@saltsea9499]

Best of luck to you on that engine, and turbo.

[@dm285]

a boxer engine and the turbo are problematic after 3yrs or so. Thats why I ended up going with a Rav4 hybrid AWD and with snow tires it does as well as any Subaru, but without the major potential engine issues down the road. That said yes the Subaru is a lifted sedan and being such, its comfortable to ride in, and great vision all around and ok vehicle in normal driving.

[@sundownstudios502]

You have a rear camera washer that works great in removing snow. Just activate rear washer/wiper

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

thanks for the info

[@Def_01_RG]

Claus, you have a beautiful life there and place man. 😊

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

thank you!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Great video demonstration.. 12:13 X-Mode/dual mode does not cut out at 25 kilometers(more to the point, 25mph). This was something that happened in the Subaru Outback Onyx edition, and other Wilderness editions(Forester, Crosstrek)but Subaru rectified that with the Outback Wilderness edition.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thanks for the info!

[@cielvt]

Yeah found out AFTER getting a 2024 outback onyx ed. That said, it's been game changing in central Ontario.

[@hansdahlberg7105]

I live in Sweden! The best tire here for icy roads are studded tire. I got a Audi quattro with studded tires in the winter time,and i have traction like its on dry asphalt

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Sounds great!

[@craigyoung4025]

This was before all the fancy "help me drive modes". Took my wife's Subaru Outback out to play in a 14in snowfall. Quickly took it back home because there was no challenge to it ... boring. Went back out in my F150 4x4 to play to make it harder. Subaru's love snow.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

It is fun to play in the snow! With a Subaru!

[@cpavs8304]

My Subaru ob wilderness is far superior to my F150 lariat in the snow

[@annihilatedbutcomingback1119]

I have a 24 OBW I live in the Sierra Nevadas we get a lot of snow these cars are beasts up here , I call them the beasts of the Sierras 😂

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

nice!

[@RedEyedITguy]

If you spray the rear windshield washer, it will clean off your reverse camera as well (the fluid, not the wiper). Its just a drip with barely any pressure but it'll clean off a little snow/road spray/salt/dirt easily.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

That’s a great tip, thanks for sharing!

[@sgtbigtoe7640]

Beautiful home Claus, thanks for the video, we have a 2017 crosstrek, 2” lift and all terrain tires, haven’t tried it in the snow yet but maybe in a few days I’ll try it out in the hills when it snows

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Sounds like fun!

[@botmac2694]

Love that weather...love that nature. Greetings from Germany and Merry Christmas for you and your family! Try that with my VW ID4 😅

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Happy holidays! Thanks for the nice comment!

[@mserdarisik]

Winter tires would have made a big difference i believe. Nice video. Thx.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

I think you are right.

[@Farmhand2k]

Blizzaks rule in winter!!!

[@ChattanoogaDave]

I had a 2016 Forester and it never let me down. I even did donuts in the snow! So much fun! These cars are wonderful. It did eat oil but hey, that's okay. Enjoy eh and Merry Christmas!

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Sounds like it was a good car for you.

[@sanderkan3796]

Just had my first spinning with my Subieblu Outback 2016 in a big snowdump here in the Alps in Switzerland on a very steep road between the chalets. I only have one x-mode, put it on and it drove itself up without a lot of problems in 30cm of freshies with some power to the paddle!😅

[@Azmodan3000]

Kellerman got his present 🎁 and now he is showing off ! 🎉

[@MisakiLeasim]

7:38 I also felt that grunt getting back in the car 😂

[@MIkegrimm2]

Subaru's are awesome snow cars!

[@timleaning6695]

Great video .. Here in UK that scene would be declared a national emergency. Enjoy the season. Cheers

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Light weights!

[@grizz474]

Good demonstration of AWD, Subaru does a nice job with their version of it. Truth be told most modern makes with AWD are smarter than your average driver and would perform equally as well. After AWD, it's the tires you have...bad tires = bad performance. 😎

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Exactly. I'm finding these tires I have are "good enough" to handle everything so far.

[@robertvonschumann7297]

Really nice place for a cabin you have, its a like a dream. With that car you can drive almost everywhere, you only need good tyres.

[@avlisk]

As a guy who moved to snow country from Arizona, I was amazed at how much of a difference good snow tires made over all-seasons. It made the difference of being able to get out and being snowed in.

[@robertvonschumann7297]

@@avlisk all-seasons tyres are shayt, the best is to have good snow tyres and as we say, summer tyres and we changed them twice a year. From 15th november to 15th of march is a snow tyre season, rest of the year is summer or all season tyres. Bur in the summer all season tyre dont perform very good

[@avlisk]

@@robertvonschumann7297 It was a learning experience for me for sure. Summers are so short and winters so long here in Maine, that I left my snow tires on all summer, (July and August). I drive less than 3,000 miles a year now anyway. (Retired)

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Very true!

[@simonrosconi8060]

FYI - Your reverse camera has a nozzle that cleans it with winshield juice...

[@paulkuras18]

Thank you very much my friend also from Canada I bought my wife a Forrester 2024 this was one of the best honest reviews I’ve ever seen your own car your own Road and your own technology well done my friend

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thanks buddy

[@ThomasThomsen-i5j]

😊 Letztes Wochenende mit Ganzjahresreifen (BRIDGESTONE) einen vereißten Berg rauf und runter gefahren, null Probleme !👍

[@minnesnowtan9970]

"Spiked" tires - spiking a drink usually means alcohol was added. If you are in a position where you only get wheel spin, try pouring windshield washer fluid (low temp) on the TOP of the tire. it will lear out the treads somewhat and possibly help melt ice under the tire. Bring about 3-4 gallons if this is likely to happen to you.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Interesting, thanks for the tip!

[@r.h.7633]

About tyres. For icy roads studded winter tyres are the best when starting and also stopping. But they are more slippery on tarmac compared to non-studded winter tyres. Any winter tyres is far better than summer tyres in winter and quality brand winter tyres are far better than budget winter tyres.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

yup you covered about all the possibilitiew

[@christiantanner6327]

In Switzerland, we only say Alpenporsche for Subarus. Farmers, foresters and people in the mountains drive Subaru. Best price performance.

[@briankenison7995]

Nokia hakkapeliitta 10 hands down the best winter tire

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

my geolanders work great with the AWD

[@minnesnowtan9970]

I would trust Finland for winter tires as well as tyres. Nokian also makes studded bicycle tires. Be careful what you buy, "tires" are better for the left side of the road and "tyres" are better for the right side. Never mix them.

[@fraghead9813]

I coukd have drove my motorcycle on them roads. What was bad about it?

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Bring your motorcycle to Canada in January and give it a try...

[@fraghead9813]

@clauskellermanpov3004 can't be much different than northern Michigan 🤔 im down to try in that little bit of slop

[@Gossamer2]

Great video Claus! I just bought a 2025 Subaru Outback and absolutely love it. I bought winter tires for it too (Hakkapeliita R5), which I probably didn't need, but, whatever! :) On your next video, could you show us the Car Info screen when you're going up a steep hill so we can see the angle and such? Thanks!

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

good point. i have to look for the angle. never noticed yet

[@GamerAddictFrank]

Lovely area to live. Beautiful country side drive in snowy weather. Having a great reliable vehicle with GOOD tires makes all the difference.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

I may have to get some snow tires if the snow keeps falling

[@paulpuglia8480]

From Michigan, I have a 2022 Forester Sport, and I love it. Did you know your rear window washer also cleans your rear camera lens.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

thanks for pointing that out!

[@williamescolantejr5871]

Merry xmas Claus

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

thank you

[@michaelholycross2633]

...And that's why I moved down South. Lol. Merry Christmas Claus!

[@jornschneider2723]

...need a tank..?

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

yes

[@minnesnowtan9970]

That tracks.

[@r.h.7633]

That's a bladdy interesting video you made, very engaging.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thank you kindly!

[@wes2460]

My 2017 Crosstrek leaves all my other friends suvs stuck I don't know why. Most my friends have hyundai tucson awd and Ford escape all wheel drive. Theres gets stuck every time I don't know why but they do. The Awd setup is very differnt in Subaru than the others I don't know what it is but its there.

[@andersh6227]

You need real wintertyres with spikes on ice to be able to stop faster. We have iceroads 4 months of the year and only spikes works.

[@myauctionaddictionestatesa7451]

I live in back country locations as well, with steeper hills and Subarus are useless on the hills ( no center diff lock) and neighbors wear them out after a few years. We only drive proper back country vehicles, all solid axle and triple locked. Grenadier, Power Wagon. Winch is also important on each vehicle.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Nice. This Subaru is for adventure on public roads, not extreme off-roading.

[@gcardell1967]

Love my Subaru. Currently on my 3rd. Next will be the wilderness.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

You'll love it!

[@richardtrude7562]

I miss that kind of adventure. Around here they close the schools for less than 1 inch of snow. In Wisconsin, they have snow plows on school buses, or they used to.

[@minnesnowtan9970]

So the kids arrive at school already plowed? So much for education....

[@vanvan-oc4nj]

So you don't need snow-chains on your tires Claus ?.......

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

nope

[@harrisonwickham7426]

snow then ice then snow can make a very bad set-up...seems to always take longer to melt.i agree with "the bigcat 2001" you have quite a beautiful place.Oh yeah MERRY CHRISTMAS

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Happy New year1

[@Brutuz62]

enjoyed watching this

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

thanks

[@trikylan4385]

Claus how many houses you own ? That's not the same one you remodeled this year I think . Also , do you keep a manual air pump in the back in case your wheels take a random HE shot lol ?

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

yes an air pump that plugs into the 12V outlet int he car

[@johnfranktullo3463]

Claus I saw some good bushes where u could hide and spot for ur team

[@wingman1936]

Merry Christmas Eve day to everyone. Ahh the challenges of winter, Great video Salute!! After thought, maybe get a pocket level, shows the incline, My F-150 has an off-road setting that has elevation. so just a thought.

[@hdvades]

At the fourteen-minute mark, I'd like to see if the car can back up that hill.

[@user-bo2mk3sh7k]

rearview camera can been cleaned from inside

[@karolnakielski7076]

Great car and video I traded my 2023 Subaru Outback XT for 4 runner need more space . Remember there are no gears in the out back. It’s a cvt transmission . The x mode is great . However I pushed the car hard going up a winding steep hill in the Summer one day and I smelled burnt transmission smell . Be careful with that cvt…..

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

thanks for the info. the wilderness has an added transmission cooler. that's why the tow rating is higher.

[@rickmuha4278]

I just bought a Subaru not happy with the tires that came with it. What type of tires do you have on yours? I’m looking for a good set of snow tires!

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

The none Wilderness trims do not come with tires that can handle any winter conditions. Best to get winter tires to be safe.

[@keithlea6804]

One thing about the Yokohama geolander ats. They really come to life at low air psi. Once I get my crosstrek wilderness broke in I'm going to find out just how little air I can run. Just in case it gets that bad out. As for ice Firestone weather grip or if you have deep pockets Bizaaks are the best.

[@rickflare6736]

Good job old timer! I wish everyone your age could drive like that. 😂

[@The_Uncle_Cookie]

Did you get the downed trees cut up for firewood? Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

not yet!

[@obscurity8415]

I think I missed it but did you say you had sheer ice!

[@FTL83781]

10:20 Actually, Real winter tires will stop any vehicle on ice better than even all weather tires because of the compound staying soft at below freezing temps. Like your video. Looking at the road you are driving on, I'm thinking what fun it would be to have studded snow tires on your Subaru. Looking forward to more content.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

You are right the winters will be better stopping on ice. But everything except studs slides on ice. Would be fun to bomb around on studded tires. That would be rally racing!

[@Zugh3]

I'm SHOCKED at the performance of that vehicle on icy, snowy roads!

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

it was shocking!

[@zippome]

Great car! Needs an "EBR" sticker on the back.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

never!

[@dharma7471]

Me on KZbin : Hey, a video with a german title "Subaru Outback Wilderness bei schrecklichen Winterbedingungen" - and dude with a german name "Claus Kellerman". and then ... a dude speaking english about a japanese car - thanks KZbin !

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

lol. welcome to the channel!

[@dharma7471]

@@clauskellermanpov3004 yeah I am kidding, I am actually interested in the Subaru Outback as a car for hunting & fishing. I had an older Forester and I met people who like the outback better.

[@davao0506]

stock tires?

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

yes

[@borisscepanovic1684]

Honestly,I'd put winter tires just to prevent that CVT working too hard.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

may have to get some. trying my first winter with the stock tires

[@ClancyMoped]

You should have got the optional Patton turret. Looks lovely there. My Bro lives in Penticton. Not too far away methinks.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

nice!

[@williamadair1260]

Great video. Never snows much here in North Carolina. You in Canada? Merry Christmas

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Merry Christmas! I am in Canada.

[@cowsaresocute1012]

I don’t see the rainbow sticker.