Subaru needs to pay you handsomely. I just bought a forester pretty much just because of your videos, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Thanks for the quality content.
I can't get enough of these FW videos. I bought mine in May 2022 and I can say it handles exceptionally well in the backcountry. I live in Vancouver, BC the the forest service roads here are pretty rugged - I have taken it up some difficult routes and it is sooo good! It probably has a higher capability than what I feel comfortable pushing it through.. but am very curious to see how it handles in snow! I did so much research on capable on road/off road crossovers and am super happy with my purchase.. (and fully drunk on subie cool-aid haha). Well done on the vid.. :)
I’ve been looking for a used low mileage Forester Touring. No serious off roading for me, so I don’t need the Wilderness. Yesterday 12/11/22, we drove to Carter Subaru and bought a 2019 Touring. It has only 4,700 miles on it and bought it for less than $3K of KBB. We had to go over Snowqualmie and Blewitt Passes to get home. There were places of snow and ice but the Forester didn’t even know it. It’s a gorgeous Sephia Bronze with perfect Brown interior. Keep the great reviews coming Ryan !
I used to dread Chicago winters in my little Hyundai Elantra. I just picked up a FW in September, and of course it has not snowed at all yet. I have never looked more forward to getting snow. (shakes fist at the sky) Just freaking snow already! I wanna play!
I just love my 2018 Outback. It's a beast on snow and ice with studded snow tires. I entered a parking lot in the forest for cross country skiers today. There, a T. Model S AWD was stuck in the snow. While they were digging it out, I could not help myself but to choose the way around it where the snow was at it's deepest. To my Subaru, this was no challenge what so ever.
I just took my Subaru Sti out to the snow and I got stuck. I basically powered thru it, I let the symmetrical awd do its job and I was out free! They’re amazing vehicles!!
Ryan, bought one of these this past week in part because of your very good videos. I’m scouting out some off roading to get it started with, pretty excited. On road manners are really good in this vehicle, 25.6 mpg in my first tank, mixed driving in 36 degree Wisconsin. Thanks for the videos, and all the great info!
“best” in what category? Besides pure off road abilities, then yes, it’s at or near the top of the segment. The RAV4, CRV, and Mazda CX-5 are better in most other categories. CX-5 only negatives are less passenger/cargo space, and a little less “tech” inside the vehicle.
@@rallysauruswrex RAV4 Hybrid DESTROYS the Forester Wilderness when it comes to fuel economy, power/acceleration, reliability, and tech features like an available 10.5” display, wireless AppleCar Play, etc.
@@lennygarrison6836 Hybrid's a different category altogether. And when it comes to off road, I don't think any other compact SUV beats the Forester in snow/mud/light off road.
Honestly I'm just glad that Subaru kept that absurd visibility the Forrester has always had, or close to it anyway. This is some proper old school Subie fuckery, thank you all for keeping that spirit alive.
Very well presented Ryan. I initially thought this test is a bit extreme for the design of the vehicle but there are people who live in areas where their roads may be like this. Good to know you won't get stuck.
It's overblown. Same as all offroad vehicles review videos "oh a small puddle illl pull to the side of the highway and put it into rain snow mud puddle mode and go through it at 5mph" I'm a master subaru technician you wouldn't believe the shit people do with these cars off road. We have rich people coming in all the time with their "beater subaru" with bent rims, popped beads, bent suspension because they were rallying like Ken block in a 10 na forester. I would have done the same course in my 12 legacy with 0 hesitations.
Pro tip... the last thing you want is wheel spin on snowy/icy roads.. dedicated winter tires have compounds that make the snow stick to them because snow grips better against more snow than it does rubber. Look up how winter tires are engineered and you'll notice they all tend to have snow that sticks to them much better than a regular tire for this reason.
@@mrkennya80 I guess A Google User hasn't seen enough of his videos. He keeps mentioning it but I guess not often enough..gee...maybe some written disclaimers should come with these youtube videos to dispense with useless comments
@@kevinstarski1598 no, the google user is correct. In the video, he puts in it xmode+ to "give more wheel spin and fling the snow"... You don't want to fling the snow. Snow sticks to snow/ice. You want zero wheel spin, if possible, and tires loaded with snow is a good thing.
@mtbrdude so then why is xmode 2 called deep snow? You mean to tell me millions of dollars on research got it wrong. But a random TH-cam comment is right. Damn subaru messed up big time on this one.
Love your videos, very thorough and thoughtful reviews. I actually purchased my Onyx Xt outback based on your long term review. It’s even the same blue color and I love it.
here where i am in Canada we call studded snow tires " ice skates" not a lot of us use them around my area. better off without the studs in my personal experience
@@obliviousthunder I used Blizzaks for 5 or 6 years, they do pretty well. Then I got some Nokians with the double studs and it DESTROYS the Blizzaks on ice. I'm curious what kind of ice results in studs skating on top instead of digging in. Must be that hard Canadian ice, haha! But really, it's a proven fact that studs work better on ice, so your experience is anecdotal or a placebo effect from not hearing studs slipping on the ice perhaps. In fact, the first video I found when searching for a comparison has them using the exact Nokian tires I have. th-cam.com/video/gQxrXHdalE8/w-d-xo.html
@@obliviousthunder on snow there is not much difference, but on ice like in this video where the car slides down studded tires are just so much better.
Love my Forester is 7 years old has spent a lot of time on rough off pavement roads and it rides just like it did the first time I drove it when it was new.
9:27. Angel Ryan walking the path of righteousness lol 😂 9:41 Ryan reflected on his amazing friendship with nick and how blessed he is in his job 11:27 the dramatic music lol 😂 Angel Nick you captured angel Ryan perfect in my favorite parts And the sun. Your doing a magnificent spectacular job Love you both. Ryan please take nick on a small road trip with you. That would be epic.
Ryan, these videos are very informative, yet a bit repetitive. In order to raise the bar I think it's really worth comparing a wilderness with another vehicle with TORQ locker. This will introduce creative and cost efficient solution to current owners, and really help Subaru to produce better vehicles. AWD is awesome, but the locker brings this car to the next level. The video with the locked Outback was a fresh video with much more interest than a standard Wilderness.
I love that you are doing these tests even if it is after I made my purchase. I had my own test when I first got it because North Texas got hit by a snow storm. It was interesting what I could do with it. Had more control than my older car but I did push it a little much and ended up almost sliding into a pole. So I learned something about all wheel drive on ice.
The lesson is AWD doesn't negate physics and every car has its limits even if symmetrical AWD limit is higher than most other vehicles.and also the driver has their limits
Have seen a lot of 4 Wheel drive vehicles in New York ditches. People think just because they have AWD and 4 Weeel they can drive like crazy. On black ice all bets are off, not going to save your ass.
Hi everyone, I live in the Province of Québec/Canada where we get our fair share of snow storms every winter. Had my Crosstrek Sport 2019 for 3.5 years and never had the need to use X-Mode even in 30+ cm/12 in of snow. Don’t forget, winter tires are mandatory here from Dec 1st to March 15. Now own a Outback Touring 2023, we had our major snowstorm a few days ago and no need for X/Mode yet.
I think the subaru wilderness trims are great. I think this review was more a review of the tires' capability rather than the car. The car was willing but those tires couldn't do it.
I’d love to see you do a video like you did with the Outback, where you drive it across the country, in the Forester. I’d love to know how they compare, and I love the style of your videos.
Thank you Ryan for another "wilderness special". As far as offroading go, are the differences between the Forester wilderness and Outback winderness (notably half inch of ground clearance, special X-Mode with higher speed) significant in real world situations? Thanks!
I think it's worth noting that the Outback Wilderness ALSO has a more powerful engine 260 hp vs 182 hp in the Forester. I thought that both vehicles had dual X mode; google seems to agree with me but I didn't dig too deep on this. As far as off-road prowess, I would think that increased ground clearance and better approach/departure angles would be more "significant in real world situations" however. Of course, a lot depends on how you'll be driving the vehicle the most!
How about Wilderness having fixed 50:50 split option like in Sti vs the variable 60:40 split? so you have more control like a 4x4. Don't have to have be fancy menu selection, a simple push button would do imo.
So, I hate to be 'that guy' but you're doing it wrong. You don't want extra wheel spin to fling the snow off the tires. Snow sticks to snow. Zero wheel spin and tires covered in snow is actually a good thing, especially if you don't have proper snow tires.
Great video Ryan! I've had my SFW 9 months now and still love it. Too bad the X-Mode doesn't stay engaged over 25 mph (like the Outback), I wonder if Subaru could accomplish this with a simple software update?
Xmode on OBW may show “on” above 25mph but other than starting from a dead stop, it’s not doing anything, just shows on. Other than these type of driving courses, you don’t need to use Xmode. I never bother.
I live in Southern California and my forester is my daily car. I have the sport version bought an eibach lift kit spring it gave me 13” off the ground.
There is definitely less snow in the Kittitas than there is out here in the eastern Scablands. That underlying ice has gotten worse and since the first hard snow dumped in early November.
Subaru’s are great. Safe and stable in all weather if you drive them that way. And if you want to get crazy, they have no issue getting crazy with you.
Good studless winter tires are orders of magnitude better in these conditions than those geolanders. My ‘18 Forester XT had those exact geolanders when I bought it. They are BARELY all-terrains, essentially the least aggressive, most pavement oriented option in the segment
I looked at a Forester Wilderness before buying my Touring. For a daily driver, the touring is better suited for my needs. For off roading we take our 4X4 pickup.
Production line can not handle the extra 4”? Maybe use in plant only wheels that are 4” shorter and install production tires at the end. Or compress the springs then put a clamp on to hold them compressed. Or maybe they looked at these solutions and neither would work for whatever reason. Sure would be nice to get those extra 4” but wife says it’s fine as it is.
Yes, "Dirpy" looking! I mean, looks aren't everything, and I had a bugeye Impreza when people thought that was ugly. But I really wish they'd work on the design a bit. In the meantime, I'll stick with my Crosstrek, and wait to see what the Wilderness version of that looks like (if it ever comes out). But who knows, I could end up with a Forester Wilderness in the future, due to its capabilities.
The “cruise” speed for the X-Mode would be nice and they could easily integrate that with the cruise buttons already on the steering wheel. You’ll never use adaptive cruise at the same time as X-Mode so that would keep the controls separate while not adding more buttons or switches to the car.
@@WildernessForever correct, so there’d be no mix up if you used cruise controls to change speed for X-Mode. The same control could be used for both systems with zero overlap.
After watching all your videos, I have ordered my Subaru Forester Wilderness here in Montreal! 🥳 However, I am not sure if those Yokohama Geolandars will be good to go even though we are experiencing a quite warm winter here 🤔
Man that looked like loads of fun. Sure it’s not a perfect suv and May have it’s struggles here and there but I’d feel much better in a Subaru tackling these trails then the other competitors that are in the same segment of a Forester. If I really had a choice I would definitely want to purchase this! Viva Subaru. No thanks Toyota and Honda.
I personally really like the Wilderness. My issues with it are the silly bronze color they put on the outside, not offering cooling seats, and having a CVT. It's truly a great vehicle in a lot of other ways, and I'd easily take this over a Rav4 TRD.
FWIW, Subaru reprogrammed the CVT in Wilderness editions to be more off-road capable/friendly. I've driven a fair amount in a base model Crosstrek with the "original" CVT functionality and I have no complaints. I know it's a popular complaint against modern Subarus, but I just think most people making those complaints haven't actually driven a Subaru with a CVT. Because it's fine. Better than fine in fact! For reference, and comparisons-sake, my personal daily driver is a 2005 Outback with a 4 speed auto, and I also do spend time racing small cars with manual transmissions.
I do use vented/cooling seat function in my ‘20 OB but not as much as I’d like, it’s not that effective and the fan in seats sound like jet engines, way too loud.
@@atmartens Totally get that. I probably would too. But I haven't driven a newer Honda/Acura or Toyota in some time though. I think the folks I was thinking of in my original comment are those who refuse to consider Subaru's other good qualities that might make it a good choice because they only think the CVT is going to be terrible. I personally just don't think it's a bad transmission. Now, don't get me started on Subaru's new infotainment/ control tablet. THAT thing drives me bonkers. haha.
I have an 02 forester on a 2 inch lift and toyo open country tires and a 4 speed auto, I'm thinking about just slapping a wilderness sticker on it in spite.
Could you please try doing these obstacles with the new Sportage/Tucson cuz both manufacturers claim excellent snow/ice driving capabilities. Obviously Non hybrids models
I see nothing wrong with this Forester. Yes, it got defeated by ice, but even with winter studded tires, that climb would have been dangerous. Love your content Ryan ! Especially off-road stuff :)
I get a sense a lot of people fall for tire marketing. Snow peak rating for example. All it means is 10% better traction in snow. That’s it. Lots of tires can get this rating. Not all snow peak tires are the same.
Curious; i have one not the wilderness though and could walk 50m to find out but also fun to ask: does the x-mode Hill decent function also work when reversing, like you did when no more grip at all up-hill?
These vehicles perform better on rough conditions such as snow , mud and uneven road. Sadly for me I have all this x-mode I don’t even use because I live in Southern California 😢😅
Bro, I could of done the same thing with a mitsubishi mirage with snow tires. A forester with worse gas mileage to do the same that any fwd car with snow tires could do. The subaru might do it better but even a legacy would be good.
CVT has infinite gears :) But it does a very good job of faking shifts to avoid the droning and around town the average driver won't know the difference.
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
Subaru needs to pay you handsomely. I just bought a forester pretty much just because of your videos, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Thanks for the quality content.
I can definitively confirm that you were not the only one
Same only because of his videos i bought mine
I am another one swayed by his videos, and I'm very happy with the choice
Same and I was a Chevy/GM guy for my whole life. Awesome car. Got the Hardon Karmon speakers and can’t wait to use this car in the snow/off-road
I second this, bought 3 Subarus based off of your reviews. Happy to send VINs to SoA if you need it! Let’s get Ryan paid.
Love love love how you guys keep testing the wilderness editions
I can't get enough of these FW videos. I bought mine in May 2022 and I can say it handles exceptionally well in the backcountry. I live in Vancouver, BC the the forest service roads here are pretty rugged - I have taken it up some difficult routes and it is sooo good! It probably has a higher capability than what I feel comfortable pushing it through.. but am very curious to see how it handles in snow! I did so much research on capable on road/off road crossovers and am super happy with my purchase.. (and fully drunk on subie cool-aid haha). Well done on the vid.. :)
I’ve been looking for a used low mileage Forester Touring.
No serious off roading for me, so I don’t need the Wilderness.
Yesterday 12/11/22, we drove to Carter Subaru and bought a 2019 Touring.
It has only 4,700 miles on it and bought it for less than $3K of KBB.
We had to go over Snowqualmie and Blewitt Passes to get home.
There were places of snow and ice but the Forester didn’t even know it.
It’s a gorgeous Sephia Bronze with perfect Brown interior.
Keep the great reviews coming Ryan !
I used to dread Chicago winters in my little Hyundai Elantra. I just picked up a FW in September, and of course it has not snowed at all yet. I have never looked more forward to getting snow. (shakes fist at the sky) Just freaking snow already! I wanna play!
I was impressed by last year's snow test. Ice is just nasty.
I just love my 2018 Outback. It's a beast on snow and ice with studded snow tires. I entered a parking lot in the forest for cross country skiers today. There, a T. Model S AWD was stuck in the snow. While they were digging it out, I could not help myself but to choose the way around it where the snow was at it's deepest. To my Subaru, this was no challenge what so ever.
Do you really think 5:33 is decent behavior for this car? Am am not sure
I just took my Subaru Sti out to the snow and I got stuck. I basically powered thru it, I let the symmetrical awd do its job and I was out free! They’re amazing vehicles!!
Ryan, bought one of these this past week in part because of your very good videos. I’m scouting out some off roading to get it started with, pretty excited. On road manners are really good in this vehicle, 25.6 mpg in my first tank, mixed driving in 36 degree Wisconsin. Thanks for the videos, and all the great info!
The Wilderness Forester is imo probably the best compact SUV in its segment today.
“best” in what category? Besides pure off road abilities, then yes, it’s at or near the top of the segment. The RAV4, CRV, and Mazda CX-5 are better in most other categories. CX-5 only negatives are less passenger/cargo space, and a little less “tech” inside the vehicle.
@@lennygarrison6836 the rav4 isnt even that good. Besides long term reliability, everything else just feels cheap
What about the broncos sport
@@rallysauruswrex RAV4 Hybrid DESTROYS the Forester Wilderness when it comes to fuel economy, power/acceleration, reliability, and tech features like an available 10.5” display, wireless AppleCar Play, etc.
@@lennygarrison6836 Hybrid's a different category altogether. And when it comes to off road, I don't think any other compact SUV beats the Forester in snow/mud/light off road.
Honestly I'm just glad that Subaru kept that absurd visibility the Forrester has always had, or close to it anyway.
This is some proper old school Subie fuckery, thank you all for keeping that spirit alive.
Very well presented Ryan. I initially thought this test is a bit extreme for the design of the vehicle but there are people who live in areas where their roads may be like this. Good to know you won't get stuck.
It's overblown. Same as all offroad vehicles review videos "oh a small puddle illl pull to the side of the highway and put it into rain snow mud puddle mode and go through it at 5mph"
I'm a master subaru technician you wouldn't believe the shit people do with these cars off road. We have rich people coming in all the time with their "beater subaru" with bent rims, popped beads, bent suspension because they were rallying like Ken block in a 10 na forester. I would have done the same course in my 12 legacy with 0 hesitations.
Pro tip... the last thing you want is wheel spin on snowy/icy roads.. dedicated winter tires have compounds that make the snow stick to them because snow grips better against more snow than it does rubber. Look up how winter tires are engineered and you'll notice they all tend to have snow that sticks to them much better than a regular tire for this reason.
Yes you are correct. But he’s testing the vehicle in stock form. The way a customer would receive their forester from the dealership.
@@mrkennya80 I guess A Google User hasn't seen enough of his videos. He keeps mentioning it but I guess not often enough..gee...maybe some written disclaimers should come with these youtube videos to dispense with useless comments
@@kevinstarski1598 no, the google user is correct. In the video, he puts in it xmode+ to "give more wheel spin and fling the snow"... You don't want to fling the snow. Snow sticks to snow/ice. You want zero wheel spin, if possible, and tires loaded with snow is a good thing.
Pro tip. Since your a pro. Let's see your TH-cam channel, since your such a pro.
@mtbrdude so then why is xmode 2 called deep snow? You mean to tell me millions of dollars on research got it wrong. But a random TH-cam comment is right. Damn subaru messed up big time on this one.
Happy to see the hard buttons for heated seats and not in the touchscreen.
Got my wilderness through a road trip through New Mexico going from north to south with no issues in the snow dirt and mud!
Impresive. Subarus have a good AWD system
Man, I love the snow videos. Actually, I love all your videos.
Love your videos, very thorough and thoughtful reviews. I actually purchased my Onyx Xt outback based on your long term review. It’s even the same blue color and I love it.
You need to do the course again but with studded winter tires to see the difference 😊👍
here where i am in Canada we call studded snow tires " ice skates" not a lot of us use them around my area. better off without the studs in my personal experience
@@obliviousthunder I used Blizzaks for 5 or 6 years, they do pretty well. Then I got some Nokians with the double studs and it DESTROYS the Blizzaks on ice. I'm curious what kind of ice results in studs skating on top instead of digging in. Must be that hard Canadian ice, haha! But really, it's a proven fact that studs work better on ice, so your experience is anecdotal or a placebo effect from not hearing studs slipping on the ice perhaps. In fact, the first video I found when searching for a comparison has them using the exact Nokian tires I have. th-cam.com/video/gQxrXHdalE8/w-d-xo.html
Oh and of course Engineering Explained did a test with a proper Subaru :) th-cam.com/video/SsmmRXsCTm8/w-d-xo.html
@@obliviousthunder on snow there is not much difference, but on ice like in this video where the car slides down studded tires are just so much better.
Love my Forester is 7 years old has spent a lot of time on rough off pavement roads and it rides just like it did the first time I drove it when it was new.
I have a 2018 and a new Wilderness....love the 2018 more
@@WildernessForever
Your kidding think I would love a Forester Wilderness.
Good review boet. Close call . I had to chuckle when you insisted on walking the course after that .
Love this! I'm anxious to see the Crosstrek Wilderness. I know it won't function much different but here's hoping it's more affordable.
💯
9:27. Angel Ryan walking the path of righteousness lol 😂 9:41 Ryan reflected on his amazing friendship with nick and how blessed he is in his job 11:27 the dramatic music lol 😂 Angel Nick you captured angel Ryan perfect in my favorite parts And the sun. Your doing a magnificent spectacular job Love you both. Ryan please take nick on a small road trip with you. That would be epic.
I don’t see a big reason to get the wilderness. The drop in mpg is crazy, you could do this in a base forester with good tires.
Nice review. Personally I think the 2004-2007 Forester STI was the most extreme Forester ever built.
For icy roads, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV Studded. The ultimate tire!
Ryan, these videos are very informative, yet a bit repetitive. In order to raise the bar I think it's really worth comparing a wilderness with another vehicle with TORQ locker. This will introduce creative and cost efficient solution to current owners, and really help Subaru to produce better vehicles. AWD is awesome, but the locker brings this car to the next level. The video with the locked Outback was a fresh video with much more interest than a standard Wilderness.
Best channel for off road reviews. Love from Greece 🇬🇷
That was fun. Buying a set of wheels off a Wilderness to put on my sport tomorrow. Excited.
I love that you are doing these tests even if it is after I made my purchase. I had my own test when I first got it because North Texas got hit by a snow storm. It was interesting what I could do with it. Had more control than my older car but I did push it a little much and ended up almost sliding into a pole. So I learned something about all wheel drive on ice.
The lesson is AWD doesn't negate physics and every car has its limits even if symmetrical AWD limit is higher than most other vehicles.and also the driver has their limits
Have seen a lot of 4 Wheel drive vehicles in New York ditches. People think just because they have AWD and 4 Weeel they can drive like crazy. On black ice all bets are off, not going to save your ass.
I think the forester is really nice, I did go with the outback because of the turbo and it’s more roomy in my opinion
Hi everyone, I live in the Province of Québec/Canada where we get our fair share of snow storms every winter. Had my Crosstrek Sport 2019 for 3.5 years and never had the need to use X-Mode even in 30+ cm/12 in of snow. Don’t forget, winter tires are mandatory here from Dec 1st to March 15.
Now own a Outback Touring 2023, we had our major snowstorm a few days ago and no need for X/Mode yet.
I like it, i just receive mine last week. I'm really happy. I think something can really help offroading is a locking rear diff.
The forester one of the best compact suv specially in off-road
I bought my black FW based mostly off these videos, I just love the darn thing
I think the subaru wilderness trims are great. I think this review was more a review of the tires' capability rather than the car. The car was willing but those tires couldn't do it.
Could you do a review on the Nissan frontier whichever model you have access to and do a snow test? Thank you for your content
I’d love to see you do a video like you did with the Outback, where you drive it across the country, in the Forester. I’d love to know how they compare, and I love the style of your videos.
Thank you Ryan for another "wilderness special". As far as offroading go, are the differences between the Forester wilderness and Outback winderness (notably half inch of ground clearance, special X-Mode with higher speed) significant in real world situations? Thanks!
I think it's worth noting that the Outback Wilderness ALSO has a more powerful engine 260 hp vs 182 hp in the Forester. I thought that both vehicles had dual X mode; google seems to agree with me but I didn't dig too deep on this. As far as off-road prowess, I would think that increased ground clearance and better approach/departure angles would be more "significant in real world situations" however. Of course, a lot depends on how you'll be driving the vehicle the most!
How about Wilderness having fixed 50:50 split option like in Sti vs the variable 60:40 split? so you have more control like a 4x4. Don't have to have be fancy menu selection, a simple push button would do imo.
Agree 100%
I want to do that test course! I am so close and own an Outback Wilderness!
I always like your videos!
Close call. And great use of the word Schnike's when you're careening off a slope.
I think Subaru is one of the best brands in the market today
So, I hate to be 'that guy' but you're doing it wrong. You don't want extra wheel spin to fling the snow off the tires. Snow sticks to snow. Zero wheel spin and tires covered in snow is actually a good thing, especially if you don't have proper snow tires.
Good video Ryan. I still want to see Subaru make an Ascent Wilderness edition.
just as long as the electrical grounding bolt is fastened correctly lol.
Great video Ryan! I've had my SFW 9 months now and still love it. Too bad the X-Mode doesn't stay engaged over 25 mph (like the Outback), I wonder if Subaru could accomplish this with a simple software update?
Xmode on OBW may show “on” above 25mph but other than starting from a dead stop, it’s not doing anything, just shows on. Other than these type of driving courses, you don’t need to use Xmode. I never bother.
Great video again, be safe Ryan !
I live in Southern California and my forester is my daily car. I have the sport version bought an eibach lift kit spring it gave me 13” off the ground.
There is definitely less snow in the Kittitas than there is out here in the eastern Scablands. That underlying ice has gotten worse and since the first hard snow dumped in early November.
Subaru’s are great. Safe and stable in all weather if you drive them that way. And if you want to get crazy, they have no issue getting crazy with you.
Looking at getting a cross track. I have a Subaru Forester and ready to trade it in. It's currently a 2014 and like your thoughts on the Crosstrek
Love the music bed that creeps in when things get sketchy…
Don’t feel bad about the wheels! It’s these exact videos that convinced me to purchase one. They should cut you a check!
Good studless winter tires are orders of magnitude better in these conditions than those geolanders. My ‘18 Forester XT had those exact geolanders when I bought it. They are BARELY all-terrains, essentially the least aggressive, most pavement oriented option in the segment
I looked at a Forester Wilderness before buying my Touring. For a daily driver, the touring is better suited for my needs.
For off roading we take our 4X4 pickup.
Production line can not handle the extra 4”? Maybe use in plant only wheels that are 4” shorter and install production tires at the end. Or compress the springs then put a clamp on to hold them compressed.
Or maybe they looked at these solutions and neither would work for whatever reason.
Sure would be nice to get those extra 4” but wife says it’s fine as it is.
Would love to see you guys test out the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk in snow! Recently got mine after watching your video on it! 😁👍
I just traded my Tacoma for one last weekend. Love it so far.
Yes, "Dirpy" looking! I mean, looks aren't everything, and I had a bugeye Impreza when people thought that was ugly. But I really wish they'd work on the design a bit. In the meantime, I'll stick with my Crosstrek, and wait to see what the Wilderness version of that looks like (if it ever comes out). But who knows, I could end up with a Forester Wilderness in the future, due to its capabilities.
The “cruise” speed for the X-Mode would be nice and they could easily integrate that with the cruise buttons already on the steering wheel. You’ll never use adaptive cruise at the same time as X-Mode so that would keep the controls separate while not adding more buttons or switches to the car.
I understand that X mode functions only at low speeds????
@@WildernessForever correct, so there’d be no mix up if you used cruise controls to change speed for X-Mode. The same control could be used for both systems with zero overlap.
After watching all your videos, I have ordered my Subaru Forester Wilderness here in Montreal! 🥳
However, I am not sure if those Yokohama Geolandars will be good to go even though we are experiencing a quite warm winter here 🤔
Excellent report but how would these Subarus handle your testing with weight inside the vehicles.👍
Man that looked like loads of fun. Sure it’s not a perfect suv and May have it’s struggles here and there but I’d feel much better in a Subaru tackling these trails then the other competitors that are in the same segment of a Forester. If I really had a choice I would definitely want to purchase this! Viva Subaru. No thanks Toyota and Honda.
Love watching your videos! Have you considered an off-road video with the Forester VS Tiguan? That would be COOL!
Tiguan с легкостью победит ведь у него DSG а у Forester слабое место CVT и плохой оппозитный мотор.
I personally really like the Wilderness. My issues with it are the silly bronze color they put on the outside, not offering cooling seats, and having a CVT. It's truly a great vehicle in a lot of other ways, and I'd easily take this over a Rav4 TRD.
FWIW, Subaru reprogrammed the CVT in Wilderness editions to be more off-road capable/friendly. I've driven a fair amount in a base model Crosstrek with the "original" CVT functionality and I have no complaints. I know it's a popular complaint against modern Subarus, but I just think most people making those complaints haven't actually driven a Subaru with a CVT. Because it's fine. Better than fine in fact! For reference, and comparisons-sake, my personal daily driver is a 2005 Outback with a 4 speed auto, and I also do spend time racing small cars with manual transmissions.
@@ragweedmakesmesneeze I’ve driven it, and personally can tell you I prefer the automatics in Honda/Acura more, and Toyota.
I do use vented/cooling seat function in my ‘20 OB but not as much as I’d like, it’s not that effective and the fan in seats sound like jet engines, way too loud.
@@LugsyTL they may be loud but on hot days, it cools down so much faster.
@@atmartens Totally get that. I probably would too. But I haven't driven a newer Honda/Acura or Toyota in some time though. I think the folks I was thinking of in my original comment are those who refuse to consider Subaru's other good qualities that might make it a good choice because they only think the CVT is going to be terrible. I personally just don't think it's a bad transmission. Now, don't get me started on Subaru's new infotainment/ control tablet. THAT thing drives me bonkers. haha.
Thanks for another in-depth review, Ryan. Are you coming out to the 48hrs of TriState?
To me, i dont find a forester an off road suv. More like a crossover
I have an 02 forester on a 2 inch lift and toyo open country tires and a 4 speed auto, I'm thinking about just slapping a wilderness sticker on it in spite.
Does it come with a Subaru Jacket ?
I’ve waited for this!!! 🎉
Could you please try doing these obstacles with the new Sportage/Tucson cuz both manufacturers claim excellent snow/ice driving capabilities. Obviously Non hybrids models
When it’s safer straddle the ruts. Or tracks as it may be. Where you can. It’s pretty narrow on some places and sketchy for sure.
Please review the Outback Onyx 2.5 2023
I would love to see a head to head with this vs the 2023 RAV4 Woodland.
Does Subaru added an extra cooling system on their CVT transmission like tehy did on the 2024 crosstrek wilderness ?
i would love to bring my 2023 outback Xt with snow tires and see how it does! im also local "portland"
You sure do know your way to a subaru lovers heart.
Ryan you constantly subject Subarus to the most gruelling tests 😂
Wasn't expecting a random WINDMILL in this video ! >>> 5:19
How would you compare the cabin noise of both cruising at highway cruising speeds, say 65 -70mph? I can't seem to find this info anywhere on the web.
Awesome vid 👍🏽👌🏽💯
Should I get a true 4x4 instead? Like a grand Cherokee?
Ford Bronco Sport Badland is still the best crossover SUV by far.Eric
This makes me miss my OBW, traded it in for a different car and now I miss it.
Hola! Maybe a cool test could be showing vehicle suspensions on the worst paved road surfaces you can find? 🤔🤷🏻♂️😊👍🏼
I see nothing wrong with this Forester. Yes, it got defeated by ice, but even with winter studded tires, that climb would have been dangerous.
Love your content Ryan ! Especially off-road stuff :)
Ryan, Does the string quartet ride along in the back seat or are they located on the side of the hill out of camera shot? 😉
They live in the glovebox.
@@drivingsports 😁
I get a sense a lot of people fall for tire marketing. Snow peak rating for example. All it means is 10% better traction in snow. That’s it. Lots of tires can get this rating. Not all snow peak tires are the same.
Better is better but as we can see - not magic.
Are these CVTs reliable?
No issue so far and I've personally owned a couple.
Will you do anymore videos with the bronco sport?
Isn’t the ground clearance difference a result of the outback having a 65 side wall when the forester has 60.
Curious; i have one not the wilderness though and could walk 50m to find out but also fun to ask: does the x-mode Hill decent function also work when reversing, like you did when no more grip at all up-hill?
Hey Ryan,
Just curious, have you ever slid off the hill or flipped a vehicle during your review’s?
Not while filming.
@@drivingsports 🤣, Years ago I flipped my 84 4X4 HiLux in SE WA.
These vehicles perform better on rough conditions such as snow , mud and uneven road. Sadly for me I have all this x-mode I don’t even use because I live in Southern California 😢😅
Bro, I could of done the same thing with a mitsubishi mirage with snow tires. A forester with worse gas mileage to do the same that any fwd car with snow tires could do. The subaru might do it better but even a legacy would be good.
Do you know what the engine RPM is when you're cruising at 65 MPH?
Just curious: would Forester benefit from huge (for it) 20" wheels and the widest possible tires?
Great video and very relaxing during lunch. Thanks
Thanks to Subaru for NO heated steering wheel on the WILDERNESS model. Makes sense right?
I want a 8 or 10 speed auto vs the CVT than I’d buy one
CVT has infinite gears :) But it does a very good job of faking shifts to avoid the droning and around town the average driver won't know the difference.