We take the Subaru XV, Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester Off-Road - Car Keys

Over the past year or so we have driven almost every car Subaru has in its range. But with Subaru still being an off-road, 4x4 orientated brand, we wanted to put some of its most capable and rugged models to the test in some seriously challenging conditions.
Subaru’s three key off-road players are the XV, Outback and Forester, each of which is aimed at a slightly different customer.
But are these so-called mud-plugging SUVs all talk? We put them to the test on the Grange Farm off-roading circuit to find out.
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[@RudinBrodic]

I'm from Serbia. I own Subaru Forester 2.0 petrol 2008. There is not a thing I haven't done to it and a place I haven't climbed with it. After 100.000 km I ended up changing all four shock absorbers (rear absorbers are expencive 1100€/pair) and clutch set. That's it. I am so pleased with this car that I'll never change it. I think it's alive and has a soul :-)

[@moonsapling]

That's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru. They are the friend you can always rely on.

[@MrPaddy51]

I live in the south of the South Island of New Zealand, and I’m on my second Outback now. For me it’s the perfect compromise. Car like to drive for the 90% of the time I drive on normal roads, but very capable when I go off road or in winter with snow and ice. It’s no surprise New Zealand has a high ownership rate of Subaru.

[@berthosquire]

Very useful thanks. X-mode standard on all new XVs in Australia. Minimum ground clearances of current Australian models: XV - 220mm, Forester - 220mm, Outback - 213mm.

[@theosev]

My 2016 Outback crosses the Nullarbor (Australia) twice a year in great comfort and 7.8L/100km; and goes up outback roads and along beaches with ease. Great all-rounder.

[@Caniewaak]

Have a 2008 Outback, never had a problem driving it in Canadian winters. Looking at getting a 2017 Forester now, and I think this helped convince me that's the right move.

[@frankbreuer8849]

If you live in Australia, Off-road in the real world would mean to buy a capable Prado because off-road means "expect the unexpected". Yet, to Subaru's credit, the Outback and the VX are highly drivable on road plus you can take them on any dirt road with confidence without snapping your glossy front spoiler. Very practical as far as I can tell from a couple of test drives. I love my Prado to bits, but my next vehicle will be a VX or outback, because "been there done that" and I'm not doing crazy stuff anymore. I need something around driving in the city plus weekends away, and I look forward to put my hands on a Subaru .

[@Jmanmadness23]

You should do a 1st crosstrek vs 2nd gen crosstrek (with x-mode) once it has been released.

[@AscendingBliss]

That was probably the most solid car review I have seen in a very long time.

[@stevieb777]

That is a good review. I have never owned a forester or XV as yet. My first subaru was a 1984 L series estate, with a 2wd/4wd lever. It worked brilliantly in the snow and ice where I lived in the Mendip hills in Somerset UK. I actually owned two citroen cars before buying this subaru. The citroens constantly broke down and had more lights on the dash glowing than blackpool. So when I read an early 1990s "which" magazine, I read some very confident reviews ref subaru, so I traded my young citroen (XM) for a much much older but tougher L series subaru Estate. I kept me safe and climbed all the roads the citroen couldn't. As time passed, I bought a legacy, justy x2 ( my wife still states the justy (gen2 4wd) has been to date the best car for her). I am now onto my third outback (gen3) . Having gen 1 and gen 2 previously. My gen3, a 2006 3L automatic is by far my favourite and stress free car. Last winter, I couldn't afford winter tyres, and yet my outback didn't flinch once where other cars couldn't go. I do believe the auto box is a safer car for the winter. My gen 1 outback was auto, never crashed on snow. My gen 2 outback was manual and I did slide a few times, either on ice, mud, snow, mainly due to me changing gears whilst going around corners/ roundabout thus causing a bit of kick. I got 270,000 miles out of this outback before I had to change to an auto due to an injury to my ankle. The auto box doesnt kick out whist gearing up/down, it runs smooth, which is perfect on dangerous roads, when weather is bad etc. My son owns an 2008 impreza rx manual. So far so good, but it is lacks a few things that my outback has. Such as heated seats,( although some impreza do have better comfort specs) and doesn't feel as solid on the inside, like the plastics inside / dashboard etc are hard. This wouldn't stop me buying an impreza, but after having an outback, it would be a little step down. However, the winner for the subaru range is its AWD system, traction, electronic brake force distribution etc, which I have seen my car use recently in fields during a festival after a heavy downpour, where other cars either slip/slide or just get totally stuck. My car, outback 3L auto, keep driving in a straight line through mud. Occasionally I heard my brakes give a little squeal although I was crawling through the quagmire . I thought my brakes were binding, but I found out later that it was the traction control etc that was gently braking the odd wheel that was about to spin faster than the others, hence why my car drove happily in a straight line. I am thinking maybe of buying an xv (gen1) when the time comes to retire my 3L outback. Its a tough one, between getting a forester, xv or outback. Either way, I won't panic , I'll research the pros/cons, but I know 100% that it will have a subaru badge.

[@JacobAAllen]

My 2012 Forester goes off road no problem. I been to place were while others where getting stuck in the mud. I got out no problem. I then pulled over to give a push to the ones who were stuck in the mud. It's always good to help those who have troubles.

[@talkychris]

On my 4th Subaru. Currently on 2004 Legacy estate 2.5 manual with low ratio gear select. Had it years but no plans to replace it anytime soon. Also have a Hilux which has the ground clearance for serious off road use. But the Subaru's AWD system & boxer engine set up is just superb for traction on roads in all weathers.

[@lauriejamesmackeson]

What they can do well and truely compensates for how they may look. Just got my 4th Subaru - 2003 Forester X

[@willveasey9374]

I am a 2013 manual transmission Subaru Outback owner, it has never been stuck, will climb a mountain (literally), and has a few "off road add-ons" to give it a "beefier" presence. I do wish though that Subaru would go back to its roots to the rally/baja times. What I really want them to do is bring back a propper truck to their fleet.

[@CarKeysUKOfficial]

We had no problems with the steep hills and bogs either Will, it's a powerful off-roader!

[@majortom5299]

WILL VEASEY I can get it stuck. No worries mate!

[@Jason99942]

Have you had any excessive oil consumption problems with your manual trans. Outback?

[@schizofennec]

The baja is a ute which is a truck ;)

[@JJ-cg3rn]

Impressive, wow! I wasn't familiar with the X mode and what it could do, very informative, thank you.

[@bencarpena]

Took my 2015 subaru forester xt offroading at New Mexico. Performed extremely well! XMode is a life saver and a very impressive feature. And to think I haven't put on my AT tires doin this makes it all the more impressive!

[@twrecks4598]

Our Desert Khaki Crosstrek isTHE perfect vehicle for my wife and I.. and also our Golden.. he loves it!

[@sawyerhaupt]

Crosstrek is for small life style and outback is for medium and made to do amazing on a gravel road at high speeds and forester is the one to take more in the woods.

[@philryan7254]

the Subaru Forester has always been the choice of people like vets particularly large animal vets that need go off road are on farms to check the herds. it would be the car of choice for me cheers Phil

[@CarKeysUKOfficial]

You're right there! Funnily enough Phil, we named this our 'Best Car for a Pet Owner' in 2016...

[@andrey.3562]

Love your vlog. Thank you.

[@bosse641]

Forester is my pick. ...so nice.

[@radzer0966]

Would love to see a remake of this one including all the 18 vehicles. Since the new XV has x-mode as well.

[@Adrian-ml5bv]

Seems that the color of that forester is unique. Where or how did you managed to get that kind of color?

[@keno77]

All this Subaru's are fantastic, but they did one mistake when they put the CVT transmission in them, they should have gone with a reliable 6speed automatic transmission instead and they would be perfect. The CVT can be very expensive to replace ($ 6-8k) and it happens a lot unfortunately.

[@vink6163]

How many times have you had to replace the CVT in your Subarus? I've been doing research and can't seem to find it happening beyond a few isolated cases.

[@wayniexagt]

love my outback... best all round car ever

[@ahmadzuhairi]

Is the XV 1.6 or 2.0 version? I am wondering if the 1.6 have just enough power to move.

[@nchia]

Looked like fun.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Picking up a nearly new Outback tomorrow. Waited seven years for a Subaru !

[@sacadosify]

Interesting discussion. The 2018 Forester and Outback models in the USA both have the same ground clearance of 8.7 inches. We test drove both and chose the Outback because it is quieter, a bit more comfortable and offered a few extra features (e.g. rear vents) for the same trim level. It's working very well so far in our heavy snow even with the stock all-season tires. We also felt the wheelbase was a bit narrower in the Forester for its height, which makes it feel a little less stable when cornering.

[@Jason99942]

Did you purchase the 2.5i or 3.6r engine? So far, have you noticed excessive oil consumption issues. Some Subaru owners are still citing oil consumption issues with their 2016-2018 models.

[@sacadosify]

Jason99942 We have the 2.5i. At 3,000 miles or 6 months we are supposed to have the oil checked. We've only had it a little over a month, so not sure about the oil issue others are supposedly having as of yet.

[@Jason99942]

Well - new car is exciting, hopefully it's a trouble free experience. Apparently you can use 5w-30 which is a thicker oil, if you do end up having issues.

[@sacadosify]

Jason99942 I'll be checking the oil every few months just to make sure it doesn't drop too low.

[@misaelramos5442]

What sorta tires are you using?

[@adamwright9741]

What trim is Hill descent starting on?

[@jcrtaylor4299]

love my 2016 outback never been stuck yet

[@spawn11]

even my WRX never got stuck lol. Outback taller wagon shouldn't get stuck either. With decent snow tires these cars are unstoppable on unshovelled roads. Actually prefer those back roads as they have less traffic and more fun in winters

[@dam30707]

id love to buy a forester i just cant get past the lack of exterior detail. but i am so in love w the performance and function that ill wait until the next generation. if all else fails ill just buy a 2018 terrain

[@CarKeysUKOfficial]

We thought it looked great in green. This model had tan interior too which was a shock at first but we felt it actually made the interior look a lot more up market :).

[@greenman7126]

2018 xv has x mode and 220MMS ground clearance!

[@otienobolivers3085]

I love forester!

[@miguellavenant3369]

Que modelo outback es el mas confiable? Tengo un 2011 y me ha salido con algunos problemas de consumo de aceite y vibraciones en ralenti. Algun consejo para comprar otro modelo o si es conveniente reparar mi ob 2011

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

Now the crosstrek sport not only has xmode, but dual x mode.

[@izakrobles2873]

So which bear is best?

[@samueln3630]

I am trying to decide between an XV(GP7) and a forester (SJ5). Both are 2016 units. What's the fuel economy on these two cars?

[@adildaniel63]

Love the forester it's the best

[@johnfretz1938]

Who is the artist for the opening song?

[@natecurrier]

Love my 2016 Forester XT

[@CarKeysUKOfficial]

Us too Nate! Thanks for watching.

[@ianbarney5053]

Nate C How good is ? I'm thinking very very hard about getting an XT

[@ianbarney5053]

Car Keys UK would you choose a Subaru XT or a Toyota RAV ? Both brand new ?

[@agencialt9633]

subaru forester xt obviously... toyota rav 4 does not even come close.

[@77darkghost77]

If you plan some off road....then Forester of course !

[@HurricaneNello]

I went with the outback no regrets also getting 36 miles to the gallon on the highway

[@robertschoenjones]

HurricaneNello thanks hurricane!

[@philipkefford5644]

Living in Australia, it is the Outback every time. The Forester, a capable 'bush basher' - figuratively and literally, it is the choice of the lady who wears comfortable shoes....however the Outback enjoys greater ground clearance and boot storage. Not to mention on-road manners, which are excellent. Outback every time.

[@stephenbartholomew2143]

The Forester is also the choice of anyone who wants a very good blend of on-road and off-road ability. Outback is great if you need the extra space, and Forester is great if you don't. Forester has more ground clearance than the Outback (220mm vs 213mm) according to Subaru website. I've owned two Outbacks from new and also a Forester from new and would happily buy either again. It would just depend if I needed the extra space or not. If off-road intentions, the Forester has better approach & departure angles so this should be considered as well.

[@sacadosify]

Interesting discussion. The 2018 Forester and Outback models in the USA both have the same ground clearance of 8.7 inches. We test drove both and chose the Outback because it is quieter, a bit more comfortable and offered a few extra features (e.g. rear vents) for the same trim level. It's working very well so far in our heavy snow even with the stock all season tires. We also felt the wheelbase was a bit narrower in the Forester for its height, which makes it feel a little less stable when cornering.

[@nelduncan8316]

hahaha love the comfortable shoes comment! Tossing up between the two, think I'm going for the outback. I like nice shoes!

[@SulCoCrazy]

For being a crossover - these things kick. I have a '15 forester 2.5i 6m and its about as good as a Jeep Liberty.....which is a more dedicated off road vehicle with a solid axle rear and 2:72:1 low range so yea - the subie is decent off road.

[@Jason99942]

Hi Craig: (1) have you had any issues at all (minor or major) with excess oil consumption with your 2015 6mt Forester? (2) how's the power output? I've heard there is considerable difference between cvt and the 6mt. (3) you lack the X-Mode, but perhaps that's a moot point with a manual trans.? I don't mind topping up a quart or so, between oil changes - but excessive topping up would deter me from buying a Forester, or Outback. What year(s) Forester would you consider to lessen the chances of having oil consumption issues that we hear about?

[@Adam-sl3vp]

The 2014 was the last year they were supposed to have excessive oil consumption. I have the 2014 manual and it uses most oil when cruising in 6th on the highway. I only get 1500km and then need to top up 1 litre of oil. In the city I get as far as 3000km before I top up. Luckily I still have warranty to get a second engine replacement..... As for power it does lack low end torque so you do need to rev it out 3-5k rpm to get going fast. This is likely due to its bore being larger then it's stroke. Overall though power is sufficient when driving alone. I'd imagine with a family and full gear it would be sluggish. I've pulled 1500lbs with it and the acceleration at higher speeds is very slow. I pretty much drove 70kph everywhere to ensure I could brake in time. I bought this car as a practical efficient vehicle that could do everything (light towing, fun manual, spacious interior, very capable winter driving, high safety standards, light weight handling)

[@user-yx5gl4xx4e]

Владею subaru-xv 2015 г. проходимость просто великолепная. Едет везде и грязь и снег.

[@Brian-dd2df]

I dunno how it works outside the US but X-Mode does not come standard on Foresters or Outbacks, only higher trim Premium and Limited models have them. If you don't know Subaru is infamous for stripping all the good stuff out of the base models. Usually labeled as the Outpud(i) ex - 2.5i is the base.

[@ks10308]

that was the case for 14-16; limited and touring had X mode while premium and base did not. now 17+ all CVTs come with X mode

[@Brian-dd2df]

ks10308 I was inches away from buying a 2017 base forester. No x-mode.

[@ks10308]

you're right, my mistake. Only the premium got the addition of the x mode.

[@25gwolfable]

yes I approve so much so that I have one and I love it very much I got a Subaru Forester and I love it

[@newielad]

I have a nov 2016 2.5 na s and its a ripper..

[@unitelanka]

So despite the Outback being the more expensive option, the Forester is a better off-road vehicle?

[@helomech1973]

Would like to see a better test. My driveway is worse than anything in this video, and my 2 wd rav 4 never got stuck. I have a 2018 forester now, but still have the Rav.

[@marvingonzalez6345]

You can't compare the toyo 💩 to a subaru. Toyo 💩 is selling the toyo 86 wich is 99% subaru brz. The will be also selling the solterra subaru elactric.

[@helomech1973]

@@marvingonzalez6345 LOL, I never compared the toyota to the subaru. I said the 2wd toyota can get through anything in that video. BTW this is 2 years later and the toyota is long gone, still have the subaru.

[@kernowrock555]

why do we get the 'naff' name 'XV'!? why can't it be 'Crosstrek' like in USA ?

[@carvertcal]

what 4k set up do you use?

[@Nardiumms]

sonnnnggg??!!! pleaaaseee

[@arnoldtabor3767]

Where are the manuals

[@handicapitation3250]

3:49 Why the video edit on this crucial part? I'm trying to make an informed decision on how well a Subaru can handle situations like this and you freaking edit it out.

[@shradhey]

I think it's not an edit but a zoom in. The video cuts at 4:00.

[@handicapitation3250]

@@shradhey Pay attention to where the wheels are. Before the "zoom" all 4 wheels are in the water, then the camera "zooms" and all 4 wheels are magically 75% the way up the hill. It's pretty clear that this was an edit. Not to mention, right before the video cuts, you can see the back tire spinning in place like it got stuck (hence why they edited).

[@BsOnK1969]

So all cars has same ground clearance?

[@mathurinkerbouchard8931]

The Subaru Forester and XV has 220 mm ground clearance while the Outback has 213mm.

[@christianrivas8144]

Now that the 2018 xv has xmode, it is far better offroad

[@symmetry08]

Crosstrek needs X-Mode

[@CarKeysUKOfficial]

EVERYTHING needs X-Mode :)

[@lithium270]

symmetry08 all the Automatics get it in the new 2018 XVs.

[@bronking8809]

Crosstrek HAS X-Mode now!!

[@arefeshghi]

If only they could enhance their exterior design!

[@kuffs06]

Aref Eshghi they are being redesigned now. Impreza is already done and the rest of the lineup next year. New shape, frame and Apple and android car play. Many new videos on 2018 Impreza

[@arefeshghi]

Nice! :)

[@daveg8480]

At least the trade off is better visibility!

[@abdulbukhary2372]

XV has 221mm of GC NOT 200!

[@indunaross]

I just wish the styling would be updated to something a bit less 'japanese' looking

[@CarKeysUKOfficial]

Fair point Ross, but it's down to taste. I suppose it's part of the allure for some people to buy a 'Japanese looking' car from Japanese manufacturers.

[@indunaross]

True - beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that. I think another thing is that the physical identity of the 3 cars is a bit muddy. Unless you were a car/Subaru person, many might be hard pressed to tell the difference between them. Perhaps a stronger identity would help...

[@CarKeysUKOfficial]

I'm sure plenty of people would agree with you Ross. Thanks for watching 👍

[@RichardJoashTan]

AND YOU ARE A BULLSHIT!

[@oddities-whatnot]

Ross Thomas I have no difficulty telling them apart for the simple reason is they all look totally different! What are you on?

[@NothingMaster]

You are to be commended for your epic choice of the most horrid music in a car video, ever. Such degree of bad taste and audience irritation capability definitely takes special talent.

[@subie2021]

Not very off-road. Any modern cuv can go through this

[@richardedwardpay]

Annoying music

[@medicineman7278]

Thats not off road my mum's hyundai getz could get through that terrain.... jesus what a waste of time

[@shaman2762]

Uk is Not the country you test a car😂🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️its like giving kid do a men,s job

[@g00dfeeling]

Good cars, but so ugly for 21st century.

[@RichardJoashTan]

and you are a BULLSHIT!

[@g00dfeeling]

Are you blind

[@Mamo878]

Yes, because having sex with a sexy car is so very much more important than how a car actually _drives_. Freak.

[@RichardJoashTan]

MamoDad AND YOU ARE A BULLSHIT!

[@agencialt9633]

looks good to me.