I just purchased a 2024 Subaru Ascent . I replaced a 2018 Outback. I looked at other vehicles, but always came back to Subaru. They just can’t be beat when it comes to driving in the snow. This past week, it snowed 11 inches here in the Texas panhandle, and the Ascent did so well I kept my other vehicles, a Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road pickup in the garage. Zero wheel spin and zero slipping. Wonderful vehicle.
I have owned two Subaru vehicles. The first was a Legacy which did great in the snow. My second and current vehicle is an Outback which is a beast in the snow. My driveway is a hill and it will go up the driveway before I even shovel it with no problem at all. I cannot imagine driving anything but a Subaru! Highly recommend them to all my friends!
2015 Outback did awesome in the snow.. Current 2020 Forester sucks in bad weather. I don't know if it's the wheel base or what, but I've never felt confident driving in even rain with it. In fact, when it snows, I've been driving a BMW convertible with their xDrive system, because it does better than my Forester.
Alex,. I advised my dealer, #1 Cochran Subaru, of your channel. All dealers should advise their customers of your channel to better enhance the Subaru experience. Ive been drivinng over a half century, and in 2020 got my first foreign car, SUV, and all wheel drive car - the Crosstrek. Now on my 2nd Crosstrek, and haven't looked back. Thanks so much for all your productions. I've learned so much great stuff. "The JJ, SW Penna.
I had a 2000 Outback sport, that thing was a beast, it was literally plowing through snow higher than its hood in unplowed roads in a horrible storm in the early morning hours and it just wasn’t going to be stopped, will always have a Subaru
I have a Subaru Outback Wilderness 2024. We have 7" of snow. I take my Lab out every morning weather permitting. This is the highlight of her day. I am the 1st one on the road. this morning. I am driving on pavement and gravel. It has not problem with the snow and this morning we had some ice on the road. As long as you drive on the road and don't wind up in the field everything is fine. I live 30 mile SE of Memphis, so you know we don't get a lot of snow. I sold my 2010 3/4 T. Silverado diesel 4x4 and bought a Subaru. I love my Subaru. I bought my Subaru with the express purpose of being able to drive my Lab out in the country.
When I had my ‘18 Forester Touring, and was in KCMO in Jan ‘21, several inches of snow had fallen. Our place was on a hill, and the snow plows hadn’t come down the street. I was headed out to run errands, and I used X Mode for the first time, driving that car in snow for the first time, down a hill. It was great. I stayed within the accelerator parameters, and eased down. I will never not have another Subaru as long as I am driving. Now have a ‘21 OB TXT. 😊
Michigan resident here. When things are expected to get really hairy I have my blizzacks mounted & go out joy riding in my 2014 forester. Even great traction on a foot or greater show or a skating rink conditions. Can't wait to see how my new Legacy performs. That was a fun video!
The Bizzack's on 16 inch rims works great for mom's 22 Impreza sedan. I have the same tires on my 2015 VW Passat TDI and the traction difference is stunning between the FWD and AWD on the impreza. The concern about the legacy is that the tires are about the same width as my passat, so will there be traction issues because of the wide tires on a minimum of 17 inch rims?
I have a 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring . It was in storage for three and a half years while I was overseas working. It only has 24,000 miles on it as of today , original factory Bridgestone Dueler AS tires ( total junk street tires ) but because of the awesome Subaru Symetrical AWD system it just tractors through the snow and icy covered Michigan winter roads even with crappy tires on . This car only has the regular Xmode ( no deep snow/mud feature ) but if I turn off traction control , turn on Xmode , shift into manual mode, paddle shifting to 2nd gear it’s the same as if it had deep snow/ mud feature 😉 a little trick I learned from some fellow Subaru TH-camrs here .
Having lived in Canada all my life. I've learned to drive in the snow. I would say driving in snow is probably 50%, or more, the driver. I have a 2018 Subaru Crossteck with the all-year Yokohama's. For the time I lived in Toronto, the snow clearing there is so well done that I never even thought of getting snows, except when going north of the city. When I did, I inevitably saw vehicles in the ditch or on their roofs by the side of the road, I rarely saw Subarus, but lots of AWD and 4WD pickups and SUVs with drivers who did not making allowances for the snow. Even if you have snow tires and AWD - slow down. I haven't had to use the X-mode yet, but that looks like a good tip, thank you.
Correct. AWD doesn't help you stop. It is for traction to get moving. Too many people think they are invincible because they have a 4x4 truck or SUV. That's why you'll see tons of them in ditches during a snowstorm.
Here in Estonia, when learning to drive, we had snow/ice driving as part of training. If I remember correctly (this was 20 years ago), I passed my exams in late summer, got an initial 2 year license, then did a snow driving course next winter, which was required to get a permanent license.
"Even if you have snow tires and AWD - slow down." This. I lost traction with my Outback on a snowy corner yesterday and the traction control and ABS kicked in. You can get overconfident with these cars sometimes 😅
I've had my crosstrek wilderness for just over a year now. Made many videos of it in the snow and up in the mountains/ snow and lava fields. This car is nothing short of incredible. I've absolutely been thrilled with it.
I have a Ford F-150 4x4 four door. I have a Subaru Ascent. (had Outbacks from when they first came out and put over 200K on all of them). Guess what I took yesterday in the snow of NW NC? The Ascent!!! Didn't slip a bit! Damndest snow vehicles I have ever been in.
I drove home this past week during this snow storm all through Georgia and Tenn in my 2017 Crosstrek.I do have snow or winter tires on my Car but its very nice being able to go slow but not slip and slid like everybody else was, pack mentality develops .There were two outbacks and two more crosstreks following me. I signal them to stop and we all chatted two of them were women with kids trying to get back home and a older couple. I thought we should all stay together just to be safe they agreed.I recall being very very little and there was a brutal freeze it got like 25 below(83-84) zero in Knoxville our car gas line froze up, A trucker saved us from freezing to death, I was really worried about those kids.
Took our new 2024 Ascent Touring to Beech Mt NC. Snow, ice and 5 degree nights at 5500 ft elevation. Never thought twice. Strongly recommend you give the Subaru’s serious consideration.
FIRST!! I had to buy a new car in the late summer of 2024, i had a 2012 subaru legacy, and i wasn't planning on getting another subaru. But i ended up getting the Subaru Legacy touring xt 2025, and we been getting snow in Maryland, and im kinda glad i stuck with Subaru lmao. I been watching people with front wheel drive cars struggling to get out of parking spots or just get around, and rear wheel drive cars are even funnier. AWD baby!
Really liked my 2018 Subaru Impreza Hatchback when I bought it. I fell in LOVE when it walked with ease out of 3 feet of snow my first winter 😂 simply nothing like it and I don't know if I'll ever be able to own another car brand
We had a bad snow and we had to dig out the ex’s Buick. We got to my 86 gl wagon and I just knocked off the snow, made sure the air intakes were clear, and hopped in to turn on 4wd and drive out of the bank it was packed in. The ex was horrified and thought we had to dig it out too. Ye of little faith. I let it warm up and just went right through the heaps of snow. He was shocked. I just laughed and said this was one of the reasons I loved my Subaru! I’d love to drive another 86, but these days we have 2017 and 2021 OB. I’ll never have anything else.
Being a Subaru dealer, you should know that most if not all of those Subarus have windshield wiper deicers so you don’t have to leave them up in the air.
I just bought a used (2022) Forester Wilderness. I am coming from many years of Jeep ownership. I really like the AWD continuous feature on my Subaru. So far, the handling in snowy conditions has been excellent.
Tires make a big difference and if you don't want the added expense (and hassle) of changing your wheels and tires every spring and fall, consider a great set of All-weather tires (that have the 3 peak mountain for winter rating). The latest versions of those tires are almost as good as winter tires but you can run them year round. They are MUCH better than a traditional "all-season" tire (which is really just a three season tire as they typically aren't that good in the winter). Ground clearance is another, which Subaru crossover all have an excellent amount of. Of course, lastly the AWD system. However, what makes the Subaru AWD one of the best ones out there is that it is always on. Your vehicle is always operating in AWD mode, so it isn't a FWD (or RWD) that has to react to changing conditions (often called the "slip and grip" design). A proactive system is also better than a reactive system. The other advantage of the Subaru AWD system is the axles are all the same length (hence the "Symmetrical" name). This eliminates torque steer and helps the car track properly in challenging conditions where most other vehicles may fight staying straight (want to pull to the right or left).
Years ago I had a Outback and I put on Nokian all-weather tires. The car was a nightmare - the ABS brakes engaged constantly and the car wouldn't stop on ice and snow. I had so many near misses with other cars, lamp posts. piles of snow, and sliding into intersections on red lights. Since then I've had 2 Volvos and they were a godsend - no stopping issues on ice even with just all-season tires. A friend had an Outback and they loved it, which was why I got one, but they didn't have the same problems I had.
@@DevilishAbstractions It sounds like those weren't great tires. Tires have come a long way in the last few years. I have been using Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires for over 3 years now and they are really good. The new Pirelli tires are also highly rated. You can see some great testing videos of various brands on the channel "Tyre Reviews". Of course, it also depends on where you live. If you live in a 10/10 region (the most extreme areas), get winters. If you search that channel for videos, keep in mind their "All Season" tires are what we call "All Weather" tires in North America (they are in the UK).
You are spot on about the importance of tires. I live in a U.P. snow belt. I run all-weather tires during not-winter, and dedicated winter tires during winter. The all-weather tires cover me for when I am late getting my winters on or early getting them off. Tires are #1. AWD and 4WD are gravy.
@@DevilishAbstractionsI had an old 1990 Volvo 240dl wagon I bought back in 2000. I owned that thing for 21 years, and had dedicated snow tires every winter. Used Firestones, Dunlop, Goodyear & Bridgestones over the years. The Bridgestone Blizzaks were the best, with the Dunlops being a close second. The Firestone Winterforce tires I found to be quite disappointing, I think I only ran them for 2 seasons. I have a Crosstrek Limited now, but that old Volvo was a tank. Never got hung-up one time in the 21 years I had it.
I live in an area that averages over 200" of snow. I love my Forester, and besides sliding a little when turning on slush, I haven't had any problem with the weather.
As always, a very informative video. I'm fortunate enough to have a 2024 Outback Touring, like Louisville we had 18" of snow, the Outback performed as expected and exceeded my expectations. I felt comfortable using X mode (for the first time) because of one of your previous videos, thank you Alex.
On my 4th Subaru right now. I live about 45 minutes from Alex‘s dealership so we also have 11 inches of a ❄️ 🧊 ❄️ sandwich. My ‘24 Crosstrek has been able to sail smoothly through all of the snow and roads that aren’t cleared in most neighborhoods. My coworkers and neighbors were very impressed, as some couldn’t make it out of their driveways in their cars. Another in who is in the market for a new car from her 2009 Toyota Camry says she is going to go to the Subaru dealership this weekend. 😊 💙🤍💜 my Subaru. It has never failed me in ❄️❄️❄️
I've been driving Subarus since 2000. Living in the upper Midwest we get a lot more snow that what you have there as well as ice, and in the spring we get slush and mud. They work great, I can't think of once where I got stuck. And that includes making semi-regular trips out in the country where I'm driving on poorly maintained gravel roads. And I've got a plain old 2015 Legacy.
So true. I used to watch car reviews to consider my next car and still watching them sometimes, now when I look at other cars, my decision is immediately "no" or "hell no".
BS! I know more than a few people that had a Subaru.. I'm getting ready to join them. Subaru can say what they want about "Symmetrical" AWD, but its just marketing. It's just a full time AWD setup and they've dumbed in down over the years. What they've done is basically made it a FWD system by only allowing 10-20% power to the rear, unless it feels slip. If you're doing that, why not just go with something like Toyota where it's FWD till it's feels slippage? What Subaru needs to do is allow a part time 4WD lock like they provided years ago. They also need to offer a LSD in the rear as an option, like they used to do. Because these days, they're setup is basically like most AWD setup.. power to the front, until it feels them slip, at which point they can push up to 50% of power to the rear.
@@crabjoe My Crosstrek its always the rear wheels that spin first then the front. But my car is a 2017 and with 170k miles on it . I have not had any issues with it. I wonder if it needs to be looked at ...
The statement’s absurd. I started with Subaru, went to 2 Audis, had 3 BMW’s and now I’ve got a new Golf R and a new Prius AWD. I routinely drive new Subarus and first they have idiotic transmissions, second they have different systems depending on the model, and even in the video you can see how slow the all wheel drive is to react.
Live in Montreal Canada and I bought a 2020 Outback XT off lease 2 years ago and I love driving this car in the winter. I don't even bother clearing the snow in the front of the car anymore. Best car I ever bought. Love watching your videos, very informative.
I test drove a Subaru wrx premium with summer tires a few days ago here in the Midwest and loved it! I needed to turn around at the dealership and there was a giant snow bank. It definitely struggled to get traction, but I got out! I went from summer tires (Michelin pilot sport 4) to cross climate 2’s in my front wheel drive car and it has been life changing. I can stop, turn, and accelerate. Those tires on a Subaru wrx would be godly.
Subaru (s)is are very practical vehicles for reasonable and sensible individuals. Plus Dealership experience is far superior compare to other mainstream brands. We had a crosstrek and now acquired a 2025 Forester.
We got an incredible 14” of snow in Southern Maryland last weekend. All in a 24 hour window. Took my Outback XT out on the roads to run errands. People slipping and sliding everywhere I looked and they were all driving way under the speed limit trying not to spin out and get stuck. Most of them unsuccessfully. The Subie just plowed through it all at the speed limit and never lost traction. Not once. It is a phenomenal vehicle in any kind of inclement weather but snow just makes it happy..😂😂
Thank you so much for your informative video! I do live in CO and have a Sub Outback. Your explanation on Xmode is so good. Your videos make me even happier with my decision to buy my first Subaru in 2022. Your videos show me more about what a great car I have !
I love that AWD is standard on all Subarus (except BRZ). For other SUVs where it's optional few are equipped with it where I live in the Dallas area. It was great having it over the holidays driving in our '23 Ascent in Colorado over the snowy mountain passes to / from the ski area. The thing that would be even better is if it was equipped with all weather tires. I can't justify the expense and hassle of snow tires where I live. I put Michelin Crossclimate 2s on our '16 Legacy when it needed new tires - likely will do the same once the factory Falkens need replacement.
Not sure why people are surprised by the Impreza’s ability to deal with snow. I live in Western NY, where my city averages 100” snow a year. And I park on the street, so I deal with both the snow fall and being plowed in by the city plows. I may occasionally have to roll my 2015 Impreza sedan back-and-forth to get out of snow/ice pile, but it’s never gotten stuck. It makes driving through sleet or a snowy incline a breeze. I am thinking of getting a new car and am really excited about the Crosstek hybrid.
Hey, Alex! Nice demo. Born & raised in Luavull, but have lived in Iowa and Vermont for the past 30 years; so LOTS of winter driving time. Haved owned 7 Subarus, so far (my first was a Justy!). I can 100% vouch: Absolutely nothing compares to a Subie in the snow/ice!
We experienced the same series of storms, with snow and ice, here in Lexington and our street is not even on any city plow priority. I was able to back out my long unshoveled driveway and drive up hill with no issues at all. Love our Outback!
Learned something new about the x-mode. At least i hope it's the same for the 2021 Forrester that you don't need to turn it off when your speed increases.
Remember those days of snow removal. As I worked 10 years as a courtesy shuttle driver a Subaru dealership in PA. Now living in Charleston area of South Carolina. I’m still a driving a Subaru Ascent even in a mainly non snow area.
I used to carry a big snow shovel in car for such situations. Used to spend few minutes clearing way out of parking spot and sometimes had to skip some unreachable parking spots. That was before I bought a Forester. Now, with a Forester, I still carry shovel just in case, but haven't actually used it. I can also use parking spots that aren't cleaned, which other drivers can't use. Currently we have similar amount of snow, with big layer of ice below it. Absolutely no issues in Forester.
At video point 4:10 the center console shows an AWD button; what does that do? I have not been able to find an explanation in the Operators Manual or online.
That’s incredible! Just shows how reliable and long lasting Subarus are if you take care of them. Hope no one saw your comment that drives a Toyota or Honda…..they tend to get a bit jealous and upset when Subarus out do them 😂😂🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆❤️
Great video Alex! I have been a fan of Subarus since I test drove a 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT in a snow storm. I bought it the same day. Unfortunately I sold it and have regretted doing it to this day. I have since owned a couple of Foresters and an Outback 3.6R. Looking now to pick up either a Legacy Sport or Outback Wilderness. Subarus handle the best in all weather conditions!!!
I have a 2025 base model Forester that does not have X-Mode and I'm encouraged that the non X-Mode Impreza broke out of the ice with no problems at 7:35. 🙂
Thanks for showing me the features for crosstrek wilderness. Bought it last year but hasn’t try beyond typical camping trails. Excited to try it on a few inches of snow next week!
I have the Impreza base 2023 and it gos through snow unbelievably good on continental pro contacts. It also gos up snow hills with no problem. I just wish it had more ground clearance. So I’ll probably get the Crosstrek soon.
Here in Western WA we get occasional snow storms but the issue is not the snow...it is the ice! The winters here are pretty mild compared to Wyoming where I went to college. In Wyoming, it was mostly a dry powder, even my old 1964 Malibu did great...but here in the lowlands of PNW it instantly turns into a thick sheet of ice below and above the snow layer! I Can't wait to try out my 2024 Crosstrek Sport in the ice/snow if we get any this year...
@debbiekendall4915 yeah its barely even frosted this year... I guess I could always go up to one of the mountain passes, but I don't have time for that with my 6 night work week lol. Got my Crosstrek end of January last year, still waiting for snow... how are you liking the outback?
@@Greaser_Gaming I love it. I almost got a Crosstrek, but I wanted more room to go exploring. It's also great for all the rain we have been getting. And to think i almost got a Camry😄. After reading everything about Subies, I figured I could not go wrong, plus that Crimson Red nabbed me. I am curious how it will do on the PNW ice.
Thank you for the info, I have a 2021 Subaru Forester without x mode. Looking forward in getting some snow so I can see what my Subaru can do here in Iowa.
Thank you for always providing insightful information We are 175 miles from you so we also have snow Our daughter has a 2022 Ascent and my wife has a 2023 Outback Touring XT. Nice to know that snow is not a problem for Subaru. However, the Outback stays in the heated garage until the snow melts.
I need to add some irony. I bought a Subaru Outback for the snow. I do love it, so this is not intended to be a negative. The first time there was a few inches of snow, I was looking forward to trying out the handling. I got to my destination fine, but did have one sliding incident. When I got home, the car got stuck in my driveway. It took my son and I about a half hour to dig it out. What you are showing is starting from the a fairly clearled surface. AWD is great, but it is not perfect!
I bleed Toyota but cannot stop raving about my wife’s new Outback Wilderness. Went out in the deep snow and the car is just amazing. The safety features are top-notch. I can’t stop talking about it. And the best part: super easy oil changes with the filter on top and a full spare with the matching rim, so 5-tire rotations. I completely agree with others on here that I am now all about that SubieLife. My only complaint (shameless plug coming) is that I now to wait forever until my early model 4Runner stops running to get my own Subie.
Well, you'll be driving that Toyota for a while yet then, I've got a '98 4 Runner Limited. I ordered a new Crosstrek Limited in late 2021. That's the easiest way to cure your quandary ... just have one of each.
First off, I DID buy my 2021 Crosstrek in winter when it snowed, and will never change to any other make than Subaru, I'm totally sold on it, and BTW my previous car was a VW Passat which did not have the option of turning the traction control off ! so I was always getting stuck going uphill in snow
We have 3 subarus between me and our 2 daughters. Subies are number 1 now with consumer reports. I'm liking the 2.4T motor in my 24 legacy sport. AWD in subaru is the best.
Subaru has their AWD system dialed in, they've been doing it for years, and its active all the time unlike other vehicles that are front or rear wheel drive based until traction loss is sensed and then a computer will decide if and when you get any additional AWD input. The Outback Wilderness is what I've been looking at for a new vehicle given the somewhat snowy nature of where I live, I'll take less fuel economy and a better AWD system over a questionable AWD system with more fuel economy...in the real world, fuel economy isn't going to matter if the vehicle can't get out of its own way in bad weather. I'm not sure if I'll buy new or get a certified pre-owned Subaru but definitely want the Outback Wilderness. I like to go camping, so the Outback has more room, and ground clearance to handle the backroad excursions.
My Impreza and Crosstrek both have snows on them. The Impreza is just as good in the snow as the the Crosstrek even though it sits much lower. We're in a snow belt in Peterborough, but these vehicles both do well in inclement weather conditions.
Great video Alex. I just picked up a 2024 Premium Crosstrek in late Oct & I'm waiting to drive in some heavy snow here in Chgo to check out the features you described. Your excellent & informative videos helped me jump from a dedicated 40 yr Toyota buyer to a new Subie buyer. Your videos helped me get familiar with my new car. Thank You. 👍👍
I live in the upper midwest and we get a lot of snow up here. I had a 2024 Crosstrek Sport with the 2.5 for a few months but was quite disappointed with the gas mileage and traded it in. 21 mpg was about the best I could get even driving like a granny. My previous vehicle was a 2016 Crosstrek Limited with the 2.0 engine. It did much better in that regard. That extra half a liter was not worth the milage hit, IMO. I also had something weird going on with the collision avoidance system on the '24. I would be driving along and all of a sudden it would detect an obstacle when there was absolutely nothing there. It happened several times. I have coworker with a newer Outback. She says the same thing happens to her, At any rate, I now own a Toyota Hybrid which accomplishes AWD by means a dedicated electric motor on the rear axle. I am most impressed with it's abilities in snowy and icy conditions. Under normal driving, it applies torque to the rear wheels to help you get going and then disengages unless slip is detected. To me, this seems like an efficient way to implement AWD on a day to day driver.
I have a 2021 Crosstrek Limited I ordered new. I'm right in the neighborhood of 32 - 34 mpg in the 3 years I've owned it. That includes a few 500 mile trips each way running 80 mph on the interstates. I also run mid-grade &or Premium fuel most of the time. The cost doesn't really bother me, I'm used to it. My other 2 vehicles require Premium fuel anyway.
We had a 97 wagon that was up to a depth of about 1 foot. The low to the ground body seemed to bog down in higher amounts of snow! Hopefully they have made the necessary adjistments. I live on rural central New Mexico and its not unusual to get 2 feet of snow!
My 2024 Forester Wilderness was down for 3 days because of my wheels being out of balance because of all the snow and ice buildup, not easy to melt it off when it’s in the single digits. I am going to cut plastic and fashion skirting, and then I’ll have a heater blowing under there. I was really bummed about this. Last winter my tailgate was inoperative because of just a little ice buildup on the bumper, had to get a heater on that also.
Someone told me to never leave the wiper arm up, because that would weaken the spring, so you would have less pressure on the windshield, can this be true?
I have a 2024 Crosstrek base model. It sucks in the snow. Nobody told me I needed snow tires. I never had to buy snow tires for my Jeep XJs. They came with all terrain tires. I have to see if I can find all terrains for the Crosstrek. Maybe I will trade it in for a Wrangler.
We had to replace a 2008 car recently. Long ago I had considered a Subaru outback but wound up with a used 2022 Crosstrek with Limited trim. Had to do interstate snow storm driving yesterday and the AWD made a difference. We stopped to check the windshield fluid and noticed there was a bit of ice slush on the battery and on other underhood components. I was surprised, or rather hubby was surprised. Road slush should not get up there. How would it? Any ideas? Is it serious? Thanks. Your videos made the such a difference in adapting to this “747” amounts of switches and indicators. Our next vehicle will also be a Subaru.
My guess would be the tires throwing snow/water/slush/ice up under the hood at high speed driving like that all that stuff is getting kicked up everywhere on, in, and around your vehicle. Just because the hood is closed doesn't mean your engine compartment is going to be water tight.
How do the underbodies of the newer Subarus do with salted road conditions? I did an entire underbody oil treatment including the seams in the doors, hatch and hood. With proper maintenance, I think these could last ages as long as the winter spraying stays at bay.
Based on what I see I'd expect just about any car to get around pretty decently - but I do have to say I do like the handling of my 2024 Outback on snowy and icy roads. Quite surprising as usually the tires that come on a car from the factory - well - suck. However, it's almost like the roads are dry - handles very well.
Want to add, tires make a huge difference in snow. For both my Subarus i have a set of winter tires and summer tires. Winter tires are NOT all terrain tires but true snow tires. In the mountains it does make a difference. I do not use studs as when yoy get onto dry pavement, which is most of your time, they are loud and actually have less traction. True snow tires are the way to go. That and a Subaru of course.😅
Alex, you should check out the Michelin Cross Climate 2 for all Subaru's. I have them on my outback. You get 35% more traction in rain and snow. Nothing in Kentucky stops my Subaru.😂😂
I always tell people it’s not about drive modes/4-wheel/all-wheel drive it’s about traction, period. If your tires aren’t gripping whatever surface you’re driving on it’s doesn’t matter. That’s why people who live in snow environments switch over to snow tires with aggressive/cross channel treads during winter season. If you have all seasons and they are below 7/32 nds tread, forget it. Stay home. Don’t let a drive train make you over confident. More than anything, if you don’t have to be on the roads then don’t. Good judgement is more important than a cars drive train. Be safe everyone.
All the snow in Georgia where they don't salt and sand the roads as much My 2014 outback 3.6r drove the 3+ inches of snow with ease ,while front wheel drive cars struggled and trucks mostly spun wheel
Thank you for the video. I'm curious: is there a recommended time to start Subaru in snowy conditions? For example, should I warm it up for 3 minutes or 5 minutes or more?
I have a Subaru crosstrek. Love it. I live in Vermont and i think half the cars in Vermont are Subarus. We get a lot of snow. I have all season tire not snow tires and never have a problem. Snow tires will help you go but really don’t help you stop. I am retired so if roads are really bad I can just stay home. Typically if there is a storm and roads are bad they are cleared by next day.
"Snow tires will help you go but really don’t help you stop." Not at all true. There are numerous tests showing that snow tires stop in much shorter distances on snow and ice compared to all season tires, and my own personal experience supports that - there's really no comparison when you've had both.
On our 2nd Outback...this one with the Wilderness trim...both awesome in the snow...only car I've had that was better was an Audi A4 with Blizzacks all around
Alex, love your very informative videos!! Question: in areas like up in the mountains here in Oregon where they require us to carry chains or traction devices, in the event that we HAD to install them, should they go on the front wheels or the rear?
Good video I have watched a lot of your videos. But I do have a question. So when you hit the command button and say set cruise control to whatever you want, it will bring up a different screen that has several different cruise modes sitting. What is the best on to use? I have the 2024 Subaru cross track
I just purchased a 2024 Subaru Ascent . I replaced a 2018 Outback. I looked at other vehicles, but always came back to Subaru. They just can’t be beat when it comes to driving in the snow. This past week, it snowed 11 inches here in the Texas panhandle, and the Ascent did so well I kept my other vehicles, a Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road pickup in the garage. Zero wheel spin and zero slipping. Wonderful vehicle.
It snowed in Texas?
I bout my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek a few days after the snow after having an accord for years. Shocked at how well the Crosstrek handled in the snow
I have owned two Subaru vehicles. The first was a Legacy which did great in the snow. My second and current vehicle is an Outback which is a beast in the snow. My driveway is a hill and it will go up the driveway before I even shovel it with no problem at all. I cannot imagine driving anything but a Subaru! Highly recommend them to all my friends!
2015 Outback did awesome in the snow.. Current 2020 Forester sucks in bad weather. I don't know if it's the wheel base or what, but I've never felt confident driving in even rain with it. In fact, when it snows, I've been driving a BMW convertible with their xDrive system, because it does better than my Forester.
Alex,. I advised my dealer, #1 Cochran Subaru, of your channel. All dealers should advise their customers of your channel to better enhance the Subaru experience. Ive been drivinng over a half century, and in 2020 got my first foreign car, SUV, and all wheel drive car - the Crosstrek. Now on my 2nd Crosstrek, and haven't looked back. Thanks so much for all your productions. I've learned so much great stuff. "The JJ, SW Penna.
I had a 2000 Outback sport, that thing was a beast, it was literally plowing through snow higher than its hood in unplowed roads in a horrible storm in the early morning hours and it just wasn’t going to be stopped, will always have a Subaru
I live in Colorado, where we fondly refer to Subaru's as the "Colorado State Car" because you see so many of them
Saw a lot of AMC Eagles back in the day…up in the mountains.
Smart state! You see a ton up in Vermont and Maine. They’re hard to beat in the snow
Minnesota also❄
See a lot in Montana as well...
I have a Subaru Outback Wilderness 2024. We have 7" of snow. I take my Lab out every morning weather permitting. This is the highlight of her day. I am the 1st one on the road. this morning. I am driving on pavement and gravel. It has not problem with the snow and this morning we had some ice on the road. As long as you drive on the road and don't wind up in the field everything is fine. I live 30 mile SE of Memphis, so you know we don't get a lot of snow. I sold my 2010 3/4 T. Silverado diesel 4x4 and bought a Subaru. I love my Subaru. I bought my Subaru with the express purpose of being able to drive my Lab out in the country.
When I had my ‘18 Forester Touring, and was in KCMO in Jan ‘21, several inches of snow had fallen. Our place was on a hill, and the snow plows hadn’t come down the street.
I was headed out to run errands, and I used X Mode for the first time, driving that car in snow for the first time, down a hill. It was great. I stayed within the accelerator parameters, and eased down. I will never not have another Subaru as long as I am driving. Now have a ‘21 OB TXT. 😊
Michigan resident here. When things are expected to get really hairy I have my blizzacks mounted & go out joy riding in my 2014 forester. Even great traction on a foot or greater show or a skating rink conditions. Can't wait to see how my new Legacy performs. That was a fun video!
The Bizzack's on 16 inch rims works great for mom's 22 Impreza sedan. I have the same tires on my 2015 VW Passat TDI and the traction difference is stunning between the FWD and AWD on the impreza. The concern about the legacy is that the tires are about the same width as my passat, so will there be traction issues because of the wide tires on a minimum of 17 inch rims?
We love watching your videos. I'm a first time owner of a Subaru and really enjoy discovering these videos. Thanks for taking the time and doing this!
I have a 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring . It was in storage for three and a half years while I was overseas working. It only has 24,000 miles on it as of today , original factory Bridgestone Dueler AS tires ( total junk street tires ) but because of the awesome Subaru Symetrical AWD system it just tractors through the snow and icy covered Michigan winter roads even with crappy tires on .
This car only has the regular Xmode ( no deep snow/mud feature ) but if I turn off traction control , turn on Xmode , shift into manual mode, paddle shifting to 2nd gear it’s the same as if it had deep snow/ mud feature 😉 a little trick I learned from some fellow Subaru TH-camrs here .
Having lived in Canada all my life. I've learned to drive in the snow.
I would say driving in snow is probably 50%, or more, the driver.
I have a 2018 Subaru Crossteck with the all-year Yokohama's.
For the time I lived in Toronto, the snow clearing there is so well done that I never even thought of getting snows, except when going north of the city.
When I did, I inevitably saw vehicles in the ditch or on their roofs by the side of the road, I rarely saw Subarus, but lots of AWD and 4WD pickups and SUVs with drivers who did not making allowances for the snow.
Even if you have snow tires and AWD - slow down.
I haven't had to use the X-mode yet, but that looks like a good tip, thank you.
@@arrjay2410 I agree with you. The car can only do so much. Especially when you’re up against ice.
Correct. AWD doesn't help you stop. It is for traction to get moving. Too many people think they are invincible because they have a 4x4 truck or SUV. That's why you'll see tons of them in ditches during a snowstorm.
Driver and the tires make a difference in snow/ice.
Here in Estonia, when learning to drive, we had snow/ice driving as part of training.
If I remember correctly (this was 20 years ago), I passed my exams in late summer, got an initial 2 year license, then did a snow driving course next winter, which was required to get a permanent license.
"Even if you have snow tires and AWD - slow down." This. I lost traction with my Outback on a snowy corner yesterday and the traction control and ABS kicked in. You can get overconfident with these cars sometimes 😅
I've had my crosstrek wilderness for just over a year now. Made many videos of it in the snow and up in the mountains/ snow and lava fields. This car is nothing short of incredible. I've absolutely been thrilled with it.
@@Amberdogproductions fun little Subaru for sure!
I have a Ford F-150 4x4 four door. I have a Subaru Ascent. (had Outbacks from when they first came out and put over 200K on all of them). Guess what I took yesterday in the snow of NW NC? The Ascent!!! Didn't slip a bit! Damndest snow vehicles I have ever been in.
HEY Tar Heel , from NC but live in ohio and I love my subaru too
Hey I’m in Boone. I went everywhere this weekend and live up a mountain and got all the way up. My legacy couldn’t but never had snow tires on it.
I drove home this past week during this snow storm all through Georgia and Tenn in my 2017 Crosstrek.I do have snow or winter tires on my Car but its very nice being able to go slow but not slip and slid like everybody else was, pack mentality develops .There were two outbacks and two more crosstreks following me. I signal them to stop and we all chatted two of them were women with kids trying to get back home and a older couple. I thought we should all stay together just to be safe they agreed.I recall being very very little and there was a brutal freeze it got like 25 below(83-84) zero in Knoxville our car gas line froze up, A trucker saved us from freezing to death, I was really worried about those kids.
Took our new 2024 Ascent Touring to Beech Mt NC. Snow, ice and 5 degree nights at 5500 ft elevation. Never thought twice. Strongly recommend you give the Subaru’s serious consideration.
FIRST!! I had to buy a new car in the late summer of 2024, i had a 2012 subaru legacy, and i wasn't planning on getting another subaru. But i ended up getting the Subaru Legacy touring xt 2025, and we been getting snow in Maryland, and im kinda glad i stuck with Subaru lmao. I been watching people with front wheel drive cars struggling to get out of parking spots or just get around, and rear wheel drive cars are even funnier. AWD baby!
@@RoBDeeZL42 it works so well! Very pleased with mine
I have a 2011 legacy 3.6r in MD as well!
2009 Impreza hatchback, awesome car. Like a Timex, takes a lickings and keeps on tickin.
I would love to be able to buy one of these new 2025 Subaru especially the outback or crosstrex, with the x-mode and all the bells and whistles
I wish someone had told me I needed snow tires. My good old Jeep never did.
Really liked my 2018 Subaru Impreza Hatchback when I bought it. I fell in LOVE when it walked with ease out of 3 feet of snow my first winter 😂 simply nothing like it and I don't know if I'll ever be able to own another car brand
We had a bad snow and we had to dig out the ex’s Buick. We got to my 86 gl wagon and I just knocked off the snow, made sure the air intakes were clear, and hopped in to turn on 4wd and drive out of the bank it was packed in. The ex was horrified and thought we had to dig it out too. Ye of little faith. I let it warm up and just went right through the heaps of snow. He was shocked. I just laughed and said this was one of the reasons I loved my Subaru! I’d love to drive another 86, but these days we have 2017 and 2021 OB. I’ll never have anything else.
Being a Subaru dealer, you should know that most if not all of those Subarus have windshield wiper deicers so you don’t have to leave them up in the air.
Well yea but I still do...Hense "oldskoold!" LOL
As a snowboarder, I leave it up not to keep the wipers from sticking but for ease of snow removal.
@ I don’t know I’ve always liked that feature and a lot of Subie owners don’t know about it. Great feature 👍
I just bought a used (2022) Forester Wilderness. I am coming from many years of Jeep ownership. I really like the AWD continuous feature on my Subaru. So far, the handling in snowy conditions has been excellent.
Tires make a big difference and if you don't want the added expense (and hassle) of changing your wheels and tires every spring and fall, consider a great set of All-weather tires (that have the 3 peak mountain for winter rating). The latest versions of those tires are almost as good as winter tires but you can run them year round. They are MUCH better than a traditional "all-season" tire (which is really just a three season tire as they typically aren't that good in the winter). Ground clearance is another, which Subaru crossover all have an excellent amount of. Of course, lastly the AWD system. However, what makes the Subaru AWD one of the best ones out there is that it is always on. Your vehicle is always operating in AWD mode, so it isn't a FWD (or RWD) that has to react to changing conditions (often called the "slip and grip" design). A proactive system is also better than a reactive system. The other advantage of the Subaru AWD system is the axles are all the same length (hence the "Symmetrical" name). This eliminates torque steer and helps the car track properly in challenging conditions where most other vehicles may fight staying straight (want to pull to the right or left).
@@jeffer1101 all great points! I appreciate your elaboration on each
Years ago I had a Outback and I put on Nokian all-weather tires. The car was a nightmare - the ABS brakes engaged constantly and the car wouldn't stop on ice and snow. I had so many near misses with other cars, lamp posts. piles of snow, and sliding into intersections on red lights. Since then I've had 2 Volvos and they were a godsend - no stopping issues on ice even with just all-season tires. A friend had an Outback and they loved it, which was why I got one, but they didn't have the same problems I had.
@@DevilishAbstractions It sounds like those weren't great tires. Tires have come a long way in the last few years. I have been using Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires for over 3 years now and they are really good. The new Pirelli tires are also highly rated. You can see some great testing videos of various brands on the channel "Tyre Reviews". Of course, it also depends on where you live. If you live in a 10/10 region (the most extreme areas), get winters. If you search that channel for videos, keep in mind their "All Season" tires are what we call "All Weather" tires in North America (they are in the UK).
You are spot on about the importance of tires. I live in a U.P. snow belt. I run all-weather tires during not-winter, and dedicated winter tires during winter. The all-weather tires cover me for when I am late getting my winters on or early getting them off. Tires are #1. AWD and 4WD are gravy.
@@DevilishAbstractionsI had an old 1990 Volvo 240dl wagon I bought back in 2000. I owned that thing for 21 years, and had dedicated snow tires every winter. Used Firestones, Dunlop, Goodyear & Bridgestones over the years. The Bridgestone Blizzaks were the best, with the Dunlops being a close second. The Firestone Winterforce tires I found to be quite disappointing, I think I only ran them for 2 seasons.
I have a Crosstrek Limited now, but that old Volvo was a tank. Never got hung-up one time in the 21 years I had it.
I live in an area that averages over 200" of snow. I love my Forester, and besides sliding a little when turning on slush, I haven't had any problem with the weather.
As always, a very informative video. I'm fortunate enough to have a 2024 Outback Touring, like Louisville we had 18" of snow, the Outback performed as expected and exceeded my expectations.
I felt comfortable using X mode (for the first time) because of one of your previous videos, thank you Alex.
On my 4th Subaru right now. I live about 45 minutes from Alex‘s dealership so we also have 11 inches of a ❄️ 🧊 ❄️ sandwich. My ‘24 Crosstrek has been able to sail smoothly through all of the snow and roads that aren’t cleared in most neighborhoods. My coworkers and neighbors were very impressed, as some couldn’t make it out of their driveways in their cars. Another in who is in the market for a new car from her 2009 Toyota Camry says she is going to go to the Subaru dealership this weekend. 😊 💙🤍💜 my Subaru. It has never failed me in ❄️❄️❄️
I've been driving Subarus since 2000. Living in the upper Midwest we get a lot more snow that what you have there as well as ice, and in the spring we get slush and mud. They work great, I can't think of once where I got stuck. And that includes making semi-regular trips out in the country where I'm driving on poorly maintained gravel roads. And I've got a plain old 2015 Legacy.
Once you buy Subaru You never go back to nothing else top notch
So true. I used to watch car reviews to consider my next car and still watching them sometimes, now when I look at other cars, my decision is immediately "no" or "hell no".
BS! I know more than a few people that had a Subaru.. I'm getting ready to join them. Subaru can say what they want about "Symmetrical" AWD, but its just marketing. It's just a full time AWD setup and they've dumbed in down over the years. What they've done is basically made it a FWD system by only allowing 10-20% power to the rear, unless it feels slip. If you're doing that, why not just go with something like Toyota where it's FWD till it's feels slippage? What Subaru needs to do is allow a part time 4WD lock like they provided years ago. They also need to offer a LSD in the rear as an option, like they used to do. Because these days, they're setup is basically like most AWD setup.. power to the front, until it feels them slip, at which point they can push up to 50% of power to the rear.
@@crabjoe My Crosstrek its always the rear wheels that spin first then the front. But my car is a 2017 and with 170k miles on it . I have not had any issues with it. I wonder if it needs to be looked at ...
The statement’s absurd. I started with Subaru, went to 2 Audis, had 3 BMW’s and now I’ve got a new Golf R and a new Prius AWD. I routinely drive new Subarus and first they have idiotic transmissions, second they have different systems depending on the model, and even in the video you can see how slow the all wheel drive is to react.
Boloney - you are such a troll. Had an Outback, sold the outback.
Live in Montreal Canada and I bought a 2020 Outback XT off lease 2 years ago and I love driving this car in the winter.
I don't even bother clearing the snow in the front of the car anymore.
Best car I ever bought. Love watching your videos, very informative.
@@joeyhornyak8349 didn’t even have to clear my driveway with the snow. Just hop in and go!
Just bought a used OB Premier XT in 🇨🇦 Driving for 28 years and by far the most capable and fun to drive vehicle I’ve had
I test drove a Subaru wrx premium with summer tires a few days ago here in the Midwest and loved it! I needed to turn around at the dealership and there was a giant snow bank. It definitely struggled to get traction, but I got out! I went from summer tires (Michelin pilot sport 4) to cross climate 2’s in my front wheel drive car and it has been life changing. I can stop, turn, and accelerate. Those tires on a Subaru wrx would be godly.
Tires make a big difference! Fun to slide around a bit in the snow. Especially if you can find an empty parking lot 😁😂
Subaru (s)is are very practical vehicles for reasonable and sensible individuals. Plus Dealership experience is far superior compare to other mainstream brands. We had a crosstrek and now acquired a 2025 Forester.
We got an incredible 14” of snow in Southern Maryland last weekend. All in a 24 hour window. Took my Outback XT out on the roads to run errands. People slipping and sliding everywhere I looked and they were all driving way under the speed limit trying not to spin out and get stuck. Most of them unsuccessfully. The Subie just plowed through it all at the speed limit and never lost traction. Not once. It is a phenomenal vehicle in any kind of inclement weather but snow just makes it happy..😂😂
Thank you so much for your informative video! I do live in CO and have a Sub Outback. Your explanation on Xmode is so good. Your videos make me even happier with my decision to buy my first Subaru in 2022. Your videos show me more about what a great car I have !
@@marthabradas8873 thank you!
I love that AWD is standard on all Subarus (except BRZ). For other SUVs where it's optional few are equipped with it where I live in the Dallas area. It was great having it over the holidays driving in our '23 Ascent in Colorado over the snowy mountain passes to / from the ski area. The thing that would be even better is if it was equipped with all weather tires. I can't justify the expense and hassle of snow tires where I live. I put Michelin Crossclimate 2s on our '16 Legacy when it needed new tires - likely will do the same once the factory Falkens need replacement.
Not sure why people are surprised by the Impreza’s ability to deal with snow. I live in Western NY, where my city averages 100” snow a year. And I park on the street, so I deal with both the snow fall and being plowed in by the city plows. I may occasionally have to roll my 2015 Impreza sedan back-and-forth to get out of snow/ice pile, but it’s never gotten stuck. It makes driving through sleet or a snowy incline a breeze. I am thinking of getting a new car and am really excited about the Crosstek hybrid.
Hey, Alex! Nice demo. Born & raised in Luavull, but have lived in Iowa and Vermont for the past 30 years; so LOTS of winter driving time. Haved owned 7 Subarus, so far (my first was a Justy!). I can 100% vouch: Absolutely nothing compares to a Subie in the snow/ice!
We experienced the same series of storms, with snow and ice, here in Lexington and our street is not even on any city plow priority. I was able to back out my long unshoveled driveway and drive up hill with no issues at all. Love our Outback!
Learned something new about the x-mode. At least i hope it's the same for the 2021 Forrester that you don't need to turn it off when your speed increases.
Remember those days of snow removal. As I worked 10 years as a courtesy shuttle driver a Subaru dealership in PA. Now living in Charleston area of South Carolina. I’m still a driving a Subaru Ascent even in a mainly non snow area.
I used to carry a big snow shovel in car for such situations. Used to spend few minutes clearing way out of parking spot and sometimes had to skip some unreachable parking spots. That was before I bought a Forester.
Now, with a Forester, I still carry shovel just in case, but haven't actually used it. I can also use parking spots that aren't cleaned, which other drivers can't use.
Currently we have similar amount of snow, with big layer of ice below it. Absolutely no issues in Forester.
At video point 4:10 the center console shows an AWD button; what does that do? I have not been able to find an explanation in the Operators Manual or online.
Subaru is best all wheel drive out there. I have a 2016 Forester XT, 2.0 turbo, 290,000 miles and runs like new. Lots of Subarus in Minnesota!
there is no turbo for forester.
@@sanotyobe In 2016 there was on option for turbo. Not on the new ones though.
That’s incredible! Just shows how reliable and long lasting Subarus are if you take care of them. Hope no one saw your comment that drives a Toyota or Honda…..they tend to get a bit jealous and upset when Subarus out do them 😂😂🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆❤️
Great video Alex! I have been a fan of Subarus since I test drove a 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT in a snow storm. I bought it the same day. Unfortunately I sold it and have regretted doing it to this day. I have since owned a couple of Foresters and an Outback 3.6R. Looking now to pick up either a Legacy Sport or Outback Wilderness. Subarus handle the best in all weather conditions!!!
I have a 2025 base model Forester that does not have X-Mode and I'm encouraged that the non X-Mode Impreza broke out of the ice with no problems at 7:35. 🙂
I bought my base model 2025 Subaru Forester on 12/26/2024. Glad to see that too.
Thanks for showing me the features for crosstrek wilderness. Bought it last year but hasn’t try beyond typical camping trails. Excited to try it on a few inches of snow next week!
I have the Impreza base 2023 and it gos through snow unbelievably good on continental pro contacts. It also gos up snow hills with no problem. I just wish it had more ground clearance. So I’ll probably get the Crosstrek soon.
Here in Western WA we get occasional snow storms but the issue is not the snow...it is the ice! The winters here are pretty mild compared to Wyoming where I went to college. In Wyoming, it was mostly a dry powder, even my old 1964 Malibu did great...but here in the lowlands of PNW it instantly turns into a thick sheet of ice below and above the snow layer!
I Can't wait to try out my 2024 Crosstrek Sport in the ice/snow if we get any this year...
I would be surprised if we got any this year, it has been really mild. But I know what you mean, I got a 24 Outback last April and want to test it.
@debbiekendall4915 yeah its barely even frosted this year... I guess I could always go up to one of the mountain passes, but I don't have time for that with my 6 night work week lol.
Got my Crosstrek end of January last year, still waiting for snow... how are you liking the outback?
@@Greaser_Gaming I love it. I almost got a Crosstrek, but I wanted more room to go exploring. It's also great for all the rain we have been getting. And to think i almost got a Camry😄. After reading everything about Subies, I figured I could not go wrong, plus that Crimson Red nabbed me. I am curious how it will do on the PNW ice.
I have a 2018 outback. I love it. I haven't had much snow in the area to test it. This winter might be different.
Thank you for the info, I have a 2021 Subaru Forester without x mode. Looking forward in getting some snow so I can see what my Subaru can do here in Iowa.
Thank you for always providing insightful information We are 175 miles from you so we also have snow Our daughter has a 2022 Ascent and my wife has a 2023 Outback Touring XT. Nice to know that snow is not a problem for Subaru. However, the Outback stays in the heated garage until the snow melts.
I need to add some irony. I bought a Subaru Outback for the snow. I do love it, so this is not intended to be a negative. The first time there was a few inches of snow, I was looking forward to trying out the handling. I got to my destination fine, but did have one sliding incident. When I got home, the car got stuck in my driveway. It took my son and I about a half hour to dig it out. What you are showing is starting from the a fairly clearled surface. AWD is great, but it is not perfect!
I had a chance to drive mine in the snow earlier this week. Didn’t even have to use the x mode. It was kind of fun.
Thank you. This was great to see.
55603. Nothing beats Subaru!
I bleed Toyota but cannot stop raving about my wife’s new Outback Wilderness. Went out in the deep snow and the car is just amazing. The safety features are top-notch. I can’t stop talking about it. And the best part: super easy oil changes with the filter on top and a full spare with the matching rim, so 5-tire rotations. I completely agree with others on here that I am now all about that SubieLife. My only complaint (shameless plug coming) is that I now to wait forever until my early model 4Runner stops running to get my own Subie.
Well, you'll be driving that Toyota for a while yet then, I've got a '98 4 Runner Limited.
I ordered a new Crosstrek Limited in late 2021. That's the easiest way to cure your quandary ... just have one of each.
Haha! You are spot on! I have a 10 SR5 and she’ll be around a long time. Absolutely love her but I do sigh as I walk by the Outback each day.
First off, I DID buy my 2021 Crosstrek in winter when it snowed, and will never change to any other make than Subaru, I'm totally sold on it, and BTW my previous car was a VW Passat which did not have the option of turning the traction control off ! so I was always getting stuck going uphill in snow
Thank you! Helpful for my older car. I was wondering how the xmode worked.
The Subaru symmetrical AWD is awesome
We have 3 subarus between me and our 2 daughters. Subies are number 1 now with consumer reports.
I'm liking the 2.4T motor in my 24 legacy sport. AWD in subaru is the best.
This is why I love my Subaru!
You do that smart little kick thing to get snow off your shoes that I do!
@@johnbarnes5845 yes! It’s fun too 😂
Subaru has their AWD system dialed in, they've been doing it for years, and its active all the time unlike other vehicles that are front or rear wheel drive based until traction loss is sensed and then a computer will decide if and when you get any additional AWD input.
The Outback Wilderness is what I've been looking at for a new vehicle given the somewhat snowy nature of where I live, I'll take less fuel economy and a better AWD system over a questionable AWD system with more fuel economy...in the real world, fuel economy isn't going to matter if the vehicle can't get out of its own way in bad weather.
I'm not sure if I'll buy new or get a certified pre-owned Subaru but definitely want the Outback Wilderness. I like to go camping, so the Outback has more room, and ground clearance to handle the backroad excursions.
@@wildbill23c i got the crosstrek wilderness and am often WAY out in nowhere with it. It has been amazing.
love my outback xt
@@Amberdogproductions Yeah, I'm thinking the Outback Wilderness just for the added cargo space, and the occasional camp in the car excursions LOL.
Just in time. The back roads to my neighborhood are the last to be cleared and I need to hit the road today.
@@sfomanssp1334 stay safe out there!
My Impreza and Crosstrek both have snows on them. The Impreza is just as good in the snow as the the Crosstrek even though it sits much lower. We're in a snow belt in Peterborough, but these vehicles both do well in inclement weather conditions.
Great video Alex. I just picked up a 2024 Premium Crosstrek in late Oct & I'm waiting to drive in some heavy snow here in Chgo to check out the features you described. Your excellent & informative videos helped me jump from a dedicated 40 yr Toyota buyer to a new Subie buyer. Your videos helped me get familiar with my new car. Thank You. 👍👍
I put snow tires on my Legacy. It will go anywhere, as long as it doesn't get too deep. The CVT had to be fixed and of course it is rusting.
I lost a mud flap on my 2011 forester with blizzaks on it but it made through any humps we had here in Kansas city last week..
Hand held leaf blower works well blowing snow off.
I live in the upper midwest and we get a lot of snow up here. I had a 2024 Crosstrek Sport with the 2.5 for a few months but was quite disappointed with the gas mileage and traded it in. 21 mpg was about the best I could get even driving like a granny. My previous vehicle was a 2016 Crosstrek Limited with the 2.0 engine. It did much better in that regard. That extra half a liter was not worth the milage hit, IMO. I also had something weird going on with the collision avoidance system on the '24. I would be driving along and all of a sudden it would detect an obstacle when there was absolutely nothing there. It happened several times. I have coworker with a newer Outback. She says the same thing happens to her, At any rate, I now own a Toyota Hybrid which accomplishes AWD by means a dedicated electric motor on the rear axle. I am most impressed with it's abilities in snowy and icy conditions. Under normal driving, it applies torque to the rear wheels to help you get going and then disengages unless slip is detected. To me, this seems like an efficient way to implement AWD on a day to day driver.
I have a 2021 Crosstrek Limited I ordered new.
I'm right in the neighborhood of 32 - 34 mpg in the 3 years I've owned it. That includes a few 500 mile trips each way running 80 mph on the interstates.
I also run mid-grade &or Premium fuel most of the time. The cost doesn't really bother me, I'm used to it. My other 2 vehicles require Premium fuel anyway.
Love&respect from Milan, Italy. I personally own a Legendary Edition STI, mountains our natural playground. Audi and Porsche just look and cry
Timely video, thanks Alex!
I have a 2021 Impreza sedan and love it❤ will own no other! so far no problem managing in the snow ❄️ 💪.
Put some all season or winter tires on a wrx and its perfectly capable in the snow as well. Ground clearance is the only issue.
Just came back from a snowy black road. No problem for the Outback :)
The rubber compound used on my 23 obw is much more slippery than my 15 Forester came with
We had a 97 wagon that was up to a depth of about 1 foot. The low to the ground body seemed to bog down in higher amounts of snow! Hopefully they have made the necessary adjistments. I live on rural central New Mexico and its not unusual to get 2 feet of snow!
My 2024 Forester Wilderness was down for 3 days because of my wheels being out of balance because of all the snow and ice buildup, not easy to melt it off when it’s in the single digits. I am going to cut plastic and fashion skirting, and then I’ll have a heater blowing under there. I was really bummed about this. Last winter my tailgate was inoperative because of just a little ice buildup on the bumper, had to get a heater on that also.
Someone told me to never leave the wiper arm up, because that would weaken the spring, so you would have less pressure on the windshield, can this be true?
I have a 2024 Crosstrek base model. It sucks in the snow. Nobody told me I needed snow tires. I never had to buy snow tires for my Jeep XJs. They came with all terrain tires. I have to see if I can find all terrains for the Crosstrek. Maybe I will trade it in for a Wrangler.
We had to replace a 2008 car recently. Long ago I had considered a Subaru outback but wound up with a used 2022 Crosstrek with Limited trim. Had to do interstate snow storm driving yesterday and the AWD made a difference. We stopped to check the windshield fluid and noticed there was a bit of ice slush on the battery and on other underhood components. I was surprised, or rather hubby was surprised. Road slush should not get up there. How would it? Any ideas? Is it serious? Thanks. Your videos made the such a difference in adapting to this “747” amounts of switches and indicators. Our next vehicle will also be a Subaru.
@@suem6004 happy to hear you’ve enjoyed your Crosstrek! Not sure how snow would get up there. Maybe through the grille vents?
My guess would be the tires throwing snow/water/slush/ice up under the hood at high speed driving like that all that stuff is getting kicked up everywhere on, in, and around your vehicle. Just because the hood is closed doesn't mean your engine compartment is going to be water tight.
I want a wilderness outback so bad but sheesh. The car payments.
How do the underbodies of the newer Subarus do with salted road conditions? I did an entire underbody oil treatment including the seams in the doors, hatch and hood. With proper maintenance, I think these could last ages as long as the winter spraying stays at bay.
Based on what I see I'd expect just about any car to get around pretty decently - but I do have to say I do like the handling of my 2024 Outback on snowy and icy roads. Quite surprising as usually the tires that come on a car from the factory - well - suck. However, it's almost like the roads are dry - handles very well.
A day late for my subaru in yesterday's storm 😭 Thanks tho since i can use these tips in the future!
Awesome video! Thank you!
Want to add, tires make a huge difference in snow. For both my Subarus i have a set of winter tires and summer tires. Winter tires are NOT all terrain tires but true snow tires. In the mountains it does make a difference. I do not use studs as when yoy get onto dry pavement, which is most of your time, they are loud and actually have less traction. True snow tires are the way to go. That and a Subaru of course.😅
Alex, you should check out the Michelin Cross Climate 2 for all Subaru's. I have them on my outback. You get 35% more traction in rain and snow. Nothing in Kentucky stops my Subaru.😂😂
Just put those on my 21 Forester and already loving them!
@@chucklangwell6927 what’s the source of the 35%?
I love my Legacy, but I found out the hard way you still need winter tires in snow
I always tell people it’s not about drive modes/4-wheel/all-wheel drive it’s about traction, period.
If your tires aren’t gripping whatever surface you’re driving on it’s doesn’t matter. That’s why people who live in snow environments switch over to snow tires with aggressive/cross channel treads during winter season.
If you have all seasons and they are below 7/32 nds tread, forget it. Stay home.
Don’t let a drive train make you over confident. More than anything, if you don’t have to be on the roads then don’t.
Good judgement is more important than a cars drive train.
Be safe everyone.
All the snow in Georgia where they don't salt and sand the roads as much
My 2014 outback 3.6r drove the 3+ inches of snow with ease ,while front wheel drive cars struggled and trucks mostly spun wheel
Thank you for the video.
I'm curious: is there a recommended time to start Subaru in snowy conditions? For example, should I warm it up for 3 minutes or 5 minutes or more?
I have a Subaru crosstrek. Love it. I live in Vermont and i think half the cars in Vermont are Subarus. We get a lot of snow. I have all season tire not snow tires and never have a problem. Snow tires will help you go but really don’t help you stop. I am retired so if roads are really bad I can just stay home. Typically if there is a storm and roads are bad they are cleared by next day.
"Snow tires will help you go but really don’t help you stop." Not at all true. There are numerous tests showing that snow tires stop in much shorter distances on snow and ice compared to all season tires, and my own personal experience supports that - there's really no comparison when you've had both.
that was very enjoyable Alex, I don't like the snow but I love my 2015 ForesterXT Touring with Goodyear Assurance Comfortdrive Tires 👍💯
Thanks! 😊
I backed my 2019 Impreza out of a similar snow drift here in Missouri this morning. I'll never drive anything else than a Subaru.
On our 2nd Outback...this one with the Wilderness trim...both awesome in the snow...only car I've had that was better was an Audi A4 with Blizzacks all around
Alex, love your very informative videos!! Question: in areas like up in the mountains here in Oregon where they require us to carry chains or traction devices, in the event that we HAD to install them, should they go on the front wheels or the rear?
Nice video… love my 22 forester sport
Good video I have watched a lot of your videos. But I do have a question. So when you hit the command button and say set cruise control to whatever you want, it will bring up a different screen that has several different cruise modes sitting. What is the best on to use? I have the 2024 Subaru cross track
I got the 2024 subaru outback. My only complaint is the screenb is very slow and it can take multiple attempts to connect your phone.
How does it compare with Hyundai’s “H-Trac” all wheel drive system?
Really impressed