Toughest trail ever? Let's take the Subaru Forester offroad and see what it can do!!

[@lexal7]

Best video I've seen! No compassion with silly off roads, by far the the hardest off road! Congratulations!!

[@MarcsMotors]

Wow thanks for the comment! I'm getting more confident with pushing it even harder but at the same time it's my daily driver so to me this trail was pretty extreme. Thanks for watching!!

[@jarrodrobertson7607]

Just got myself a Forester Sport and looking forward to testign it out on the backroads soon.

[@MarcsMotors]

Awesome! I love my sport and I'm sure you will too!

[@ashakham]

Nice to see a video of what the Sport model is capable of in an off-road environment. Thanks for sharing :)

[@MarcsMotors]

Yeah, other than the ground clearance, it's very capable! All terrains tires will be coming soon as well

[@doktorava2265]

Im a Forester SJ XT owner myself. Maybe you should give a little more time to the awd system to figure it out and find traction. Steady on gas with x-mode on, low revs, and not breaking as soon as you spin a little. Of course i don't mean to do that when there is risk to damage your car with rocks , roots or trees in a close distance. Many greetings.

[@MarcsMotors]

Yes totally I need to give it more time. I am really new to letting xmode take over. 80k miles on this car and I am FINALLY getting some real off road practice. I will be sure to keep these tips in mind. Thanks!

[@ronbonofiglio7654]

Does The Forester slow you down via transmission, or is down hill via breaks only ?

[@doktorava2265]

@@ronbonofiglio7654yes you can switch to "manual shifting " with the paddles and apply mechanical breaking

[@ronbonofiglio7654]

@@doktorava2265 paddles ??

[@doktorava2265]

⁠@@ronbonofiglio7654Shift paddles

[@JTucker010]

Good video. A note on the tires, Michelin cross climate tires have a v-tread pattern on them. They are really great at displacing things like snow and rain from under your tire to get to you bare road contact. They are also great at displacing sand and digging a hole! I learned this the hard way on my '04 Forester by getting stuck on the beach. You have to have the right tires for the job.

[@MarcsMotors]

Yes I totally agree. That's why I emphasized how well the Forester did even with these tires but once these get a few more miles on them, I'll be replacing them with all terrains 😁 . Thanks for stopping by and the info!

[@phillyeweezy]

Well Done Sir. Big Fan. Can't wait till you drop your next video.

[@MarcsMotors]

Thank you! Your loyalty is appreciated!

[@MDZac2024]

Excellent video footage with the drone. I think pair of A/T tires would go a long way for you on these trails. Love your roof top basket. What model is that?

[@LeoZhou0424]

Australia doesn't have the wilderness version so I lifted my Outback with 2inch Ironman ATS. Plus 6mm skid plate, AT tyres. It is pretty much unstoppable on the beach

[@seancordasco7595]

I have the 2023 outback wilderness and I love it

[@gregjones1867]

Good job on video. Impressive performance on the Forester, especially for the non-wilderness version.

[@MarcsMotors]

Thank you! Yeah I wish the wilderness model was available when I bought this but I am beyond happy and seriously considering a set of all terrain tires to maximize it's ability

[@e.garcia9940]

I like the look of the sport better truthfully and as for the wilderness it’s not much of a difference. Most people I’ve seen change out the main two things in the wilderness the suspension ( iron man kit ) and the tires . Great video .

[@SandShark350]

Wilderness model, they're really the main difference is a few inches more ground clearance

[@gregjones1867]

@@SandShark350 The CVT launch gear and transcooler, increased towing, are more notable

[@OffRoadRoos]

Great vid Marc! I hope you join us on our adventures!!! We're frequently in those areas.

[@MarcsMotors]

Hey there! Just checked out your channel and joined your FB group as well. I'm going to try joining one of your next trips!

[@OffRoadRoos]

@@MarcsMotors Excellent!!! See you out there!

[@suvamghosh6069]

I own a Subaru crosstreck 2024. The AWD X-Mode system definitely needs a bit more time before you brake. Keep the gas input steady and have X-Mode on and trust me these vehicles can go over almost anything.

[@keithbrown9512]

Great video. The wilderness package would have been perfect for this trail.

[@robbyeickhoff]

Nice video. I’m about to get rid of my 2020 Forestar and trying to decide which model to get. It’s between a wilderness and the sport so been watching all sorts of Subaru videos! Bet having some proper trail tires would have made quite a difference. Thanks for the video!

[@MarcsMotors]

Thanks! I had All Terrain tires on my 2015 Forester with a 1" lift as well and it was a beast, but sadly it had no Xmode and it was a manual transmission which was not great for me on the trails. I know if the Wilderness was available when I was in the market, I totally would have gone that route. Good luck to you whatever trim you get and thank's for stopping by!

[@loklokoppa9255]

Mechanically speaking, the Sport model is just looks. Everything else is the same compared to your 2020. I have a 2021. But if you're looking at 2023 or 2024, then nevermind this message :)😁

[@gbrl30188]

Get the wilderness, i had a sport. It was a great car but the wilderness is better, by far.

[@KingsleyAgyemang-zw8up]

Good video best driving never gives up on an obstacle keep it up

[@angusmacdonald5300]

Nice video - I have the same model but a 2024 which hasn’t changed much since your video. Wondering if you had any issues with the transmission overheating?

[@MarcsMotors]

So last summer I noticed my oil temperature light on the dash started turning on, took it to the dealer and they replaced a bad thermosenser under my extended warranty. Not sure if it was due to any off roading but recently I did get a notice that this part is being replaced as needed under a warranty extension so I'm thinking it could be related to this. Did you see the 2025 sport that was announced? I have a video for it and I like the subtle changes

[@mike_ddd]

Thanks for the video! A lot of fun. We just got a 2023 sport in white. And I haven’t taken it off-road yet :). What’s an average combined mpgs are you getting ?

[@Fredsreviews58]

Do you like the Cross climates better than the stock tires for everyday driving?

[@MarcsMotors]

Yes I certainly do. Didn't get to use them in much snow but they handled better in rain for sure

[@Fredsreviews58]

@@MarcsMotors Thanks for the reply!

[@martinr8278]

Hopefully you will install your off-road tires, so that way we can really see a difference of the performance in your Forester. I find it interesting. I see so many videos on the Subaru brand off roading, all various years practically from Brand New to early 2000s but rarely do I see Honda CRV‘s, and Toyota RAV’s trying the same thing as the Subaru’s

[@rallysauruswrex]

Nice vid! Keep up the great work

[@MarcsMotors]

Thanks! I have another video going online soon!

[@berserkerusmc7613]

You're letting up on the throttle way way way to soon. That is not allowing time for xmode/ traction control to do it's job. Also, nothing wrong with using momentum to get over obstacles. Lastly, you're driving like you're afraid to break something. Just gitsum and have fun. Nice drone choice.

[@OldBadger1]

Yup

[@abrahamelias95]

Great video, nice off roading. Just wanted go let you know since it seems you made an effort to block your plate (which idk why you did) that it shows around min 2.45

[@MarcsMotors]

Thanks for that!

[@martyvenida]

Also at 6.29 Awesome video! Thank you for the upload. I drive a '20 Sport myself. Same exact colour. ☺️ Edit: this is blue, right? 😅

[@nismosr]

Nice video , i see an NJ plate where is this trail?

[@wordupp18]

Hey man!!! I live in Jersey and would love to know where this is so I can take my jeep out there!

[@MarcsMotors]

It's off of Reed road in Jackson NJ. It's right behind the safari at six flags great adventure. Hope to see you out there sometime!

[@AmirSharon]

I have Sport 2021 ,if you want to drive off road i recommande to install a cooler gearbox oil immidiatly,you'll burn your transmission very soon.I had a gear failure on road. the wilderness has a coolet gear and a lift and a better gear ratio, i did 2 inch lift kit (Pritive Racing with King spring,rear locker from Torqmasters ind,oil cooler gearbox and BF Trail Terrain 17 inch tyres. Rival skid plates)The heat exchanger failes to cool the gear box transmission. pls by an OBD connenct to your car and start to measure your trans temps. you will see above 200°F ,the cooler will save your transmission. Subaru tells to spin the wheels with X-mode but do not give any info on the Temps on the transmission therefore you have to be aware...

[@alexandermendoza336]

Hey I notice we’re from the same state, just wondering where these trails are. I’ve been trying to find some off road trails myself but no luck. Think you could help me out with some info? Thanks

[@jasondonnelly6966]

Im familiar with that area. Bring that thing up to north jersey ill get you some footage

[@MarcsMotors]

I'd love to find some new spots, thanks! Shoot me an email at [e-mail] when you get a moment

[@amtrobia]

Great video

[@MarcsMotors]

Thanks! I truly appreciate it!

[@freiduumforall8843]

Thanks for sharing your exploits....what tyre pressure are you using when on these trails? I have an Outback and am building the confidence to do similar trails. Thanks again.

[@WilliamIsCool15]

I drop to 13psi in sand. Go to silver lake sand dunes in Michigan

[@freiduumforall8843]

I'm in Australia...thanks for your reply...most helpful@@WilliamIsCool15

[@m-cw7er]

Awesome video

[@MarcsMotors]

Thank you! It's greatly appreciated!

[@Doc1855]

Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires are NOT designed for off road use. Use Falken Wildpeak tires for the terrain where you’re at.

[@MarcsMotors]

Lol, of course not. That's why I make a point hope capable the subaru is without all terrains. Checkout the latest video, the Michelins do even better

[@Doc1855]

@@MarcsMotors we have Michelin Cross Climate 2 on both our Outback and Forester. For off roading we take our 4X4 pickup

[@Albuermeduardo]

were you playing around with the x modes level 1 and 2?

[@MarcsMotors]

Yes I was using both but not really sure what worked best in some situations. Just starting to figure it all out. Thanks for watching!

[@hunterswartz3160]

Thank you great video

[@MarcsMotors]

I appreciate you stopping by and checking out the video!

[@Garpot]

What all season tires /size di you run?

[@AmirSharon]

It will be good for your Forester if you'll install a anoil coller gear box.

[@yankeedoodle2801]

Where is this place? I'd love to take mine there too

[@MarcsMotors]

I don't want to bring too much attention to these trails so Send me a DM on IG @JURASSIC__MARC and I'll let you know where

[@timeisfleeting1947]

Get some AT tyres , will make a world of difference

[@HowardLovekraft]

Good point. Most of these obstacles could be easily overcame with good AT tires, Cross Climate ones are not intended to any off-road at all.

[@MarcsMotors]

Yes totally! It's on the wish list but there are also cons to having all terrain tires as well on a daily driver and my goal is to show how capable this is stock. Had A/Ts on my last forester and might upgrade come spring

[@tdublove9558]

Smells like New Jersey pines 🤷 it's nice over by Chatsworth and Apple pie Hill

[@PakmanR3]

What tire pressure are you running?

[@bradskrypto9212]

Is this Batsto by any chance ?

[@Mpompi315.]

Stay in throttle!!! System has to think. Could of easily gotten over that root.

[@MarcsMotors]

Check my newer video, I did just what you said and it was so much easier! Letting the car do more takes some getting used to. Thanks for coming by!

[@Mpompi315.]

@@MarcsMotors it was a good video! I’ve owned a few different AWD systems and Subaru is definitely the best. People don’t realize how smart the systems are.

[@Mike-gz4xn]

Is this bad for the cvt?

[@Mike-gz4xn]

Funny the license plate is blurred when we see hundreds every day

[@keithbrown9512]

Yes, but not his😂😅.

[@JoeyTajan]

get a different set of tires for this type of terrain and make another video!

[@MarcsMotors]

Stay tuned! That's probably going to be happening sooner than I originally planned 😅

[@nickch_80]

Thanks for the video! But Dude, Get a wilderness !

[@yuriaddison]

What size of tires u got?

[@MarcsMotors]

225/55 R18 Michelin cross climates

[@martinb.770]

X-mode, ESP, ASR etc. might be great for dynamic driving conditions, but for offroading, obviously, there's only one answer, that e.g. Mercedes got 60 years ago: 3 diff-locks (combined with low-gear or torque converter). Any other solution is a joke, like: breaking the spinning wheel will need double the torque needed on the diff and changes the whole set of momentum in the drive train.

[@MarcsMotors]

Not sure if you've ever used xmode but it's far from a joke. Thanks for stopping by!

[@martinb.770]

@@MarcsMotors Don't take me wrong - I'm a big Subi fan, but practically any video of "modern" road-based cars and SUVs in such conditions suffer the same effect: the moment one wheel starts spinning, the driver has to wait for some electronics recognizing it and slow it down, but obviously can do so only by fully stopping it, which means, that the torque needed to redirect motion to the non-spinning wheel, rises, while the other wheel gets twice the rpm, but half the possible torque. Also, the moment the break stops the spin, there is some shock momentum in the drive train. On the other hand, watching an Unimog/Mercedes G unter similar conditions: they don't waste time, effort and momentum to dynamically distribute torque at walking speed, they just throw in full diff lock (in advance) and go ahead, as far as the tires can go. X-Mode, active torque distribution etc. are for be great in fast, slippery and dynamic situations, but watching them stumble between spinning and blocking, doesn't convince me for off-roading. There are a lot of diff locks on the market, passive and active ones, and not all are suited for this kind for on- AND off-roading. But ASR/ESP-based solutions seem even less convincing.

[@serbou007]

use x-mode on this test??

[@勇张-j9z]

What's the color of this car

[@MarcsMotors]

Dark gray metallic

[@MRDFOX45]

Those tires are bald!!!

[@MarcsMotors]

Not at all, they're just all weather tires, not all terrain. They have maybe 15k miles on them at the most but they still did an excellent job to my surprise. Thanks for stopping by!

[@jordanyang3066]

Its all about tires. Get some good ATs and you wont beleive what a subie can do

[@marksgoogle4360]

Not a lot:)

[@MarcsMotors]

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your opinion!

[@alfonsoazabache6140]

Me da cosas ver como maneja, para eses pruebas debería manejar uno que si sepa y demuestre lo que es capas , las he visto y no saben de lo que es capaz la subaru, miren otros videos , este da pena el piloto

[@OggyDoggy458]

Thanks for the video, what a disappointment, I was so wrong thinking Forester is great off road. Dacia Duster or similar less than half priced vehicle is much better. With less than average off road performace, reliability issues and poor quality transmition colapsing after 100k km Forester is not going to be my choice. Thanks one more time

[@MarcsMotors]

Thanks for your opinion. While I've never heard of a Dacia Duster, I've had 3 subarus all over 100k miles and no real issues besides typical maintenance. Very reliable in my experience and certainly no transmission issues in either of my foresters

[@inthewoods6111]

Nice job for a Jersey boy. What county were you off road in? I grew up in Ringwood.

[@MarcsMotors]

Thanks! This was in Monmouth County. This is the only place I know of but I'll need to find more trails for future videos. I appreciate you stopping by

[@MarcsMotors]

Monmouth county!

[@johncitizen5377]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJuwiZKVmLWbe8k Toughest trail ever. Ok.