How to use Subaru paddle shifters 

Great job. Love the 'not testing airbags today' comment at 2:15.

This is a very informative video showing how to get the most out of a great transmission. I have been driving a 2015 Outback with the CVT and paddle shifters for the past year. I offer the following comments based on my experience using both manual mode and full CVT or D mode:In Manual Mode:(1) Shifting from first to second in manual mode is not that smooth. I find that manual mode is best on rural, country roads from 2nd gear and above.(2) When upshifting in manual mode, I find it a bit smoother to momentarily take my foot off the accelerator when I upshift.(3) Keep in mind that by design the paddles turn with the steering wheel. If you are using manual mode when cornering or making very sharp turns where the wheel moves more than 90 degrees, you may find it difficult to shift.In CVT mode:(1) During hard accelerations, the CVT uses shift points. So the transmission feels like it is upshifting from one gear to the next without that rubber band feeling as with other CVTs.(2) There are very good reasons to use the paddle shifters in CVT mode to downshift. If you hit a downhill or a section of slowing traffic, you can blip the left paddle to downshift and gain the benefit of engine braking. The transmission will maintain that lower gear until the car slows sufficiently. The transmission will then shift back into regular D mode. The transmission in the video shifted out of manual mode within 5 seconds because there was no reason for it to be in manual mode (i.e. no downhill).(3) Based on my experience, when accelerating to pass in CVT mode, the paddle shifters are useless and may even slow you down. The computer controlling the CVT is quicker and more precise at adjusting the necessary engine speed.Driving in snow:In my view, starting in regular CVT mode works best. The CVT applies the right amount of acceleration and torque to get the vehicle moving replicating "winter mode" as referenced in some of the other comments.Once I am rolling, downshifting with the paddle shifters helps to maintain the right engine speed.Again, thank you for an informative video.

My 2018 Subaru Outback is the third Subaru that I have owned in the last 10 or so years and, like each of the others, it is the best car I have ever had at the time. I particularly LOVE the CVT. Kudos to Subaru for producing such a fine vehicle.

That’s much more intuitive explanation of using the paddle shifters than what my sales rep gave me . I’m still learning how to use everything on my 2018 Outback 3.6R Touring .

I’m going to have to watch this a few more times. I drove a stick shift for 40 years and hated to give it up. I’m on my third Subaru and had no idea what the paddle shifts were. (I asked the sales guy at the dealer; he had no idea.) I live in MN, and just today woke up buried in 8.5 inches of snow and unplowed roads. I need this!

Thank You for this helpful video, especially explaining that a "downshift" while in "D" will automatically (no pun intended) revert to "D."

I knew about the paddle shifters but I still learned something! Brilliant tutorial!!

The #1 thing I use manual mode for is on the highway to lock it into the fastest gear so that the engine revs don't go up and down on small hills/undulations, and so I can floor it to get reasonable acceleration to pass someone without the engine revving like crazy. If it's not goin' places quickly enough then I can always hit a downshift, but in general I like to stay in top gear as much as possible and use the torque.

Groove Subaru. Paddle shifters use was definitely excellently explained. My wife has never used them and cares not to so it don't comical driving but I'm showing her this video anyway. Bennett

I'm car shopping now for hopefully another Subie but newer than I'm used to and having to get an automatic, with over 30 years of driving 5 speeds, and I love this feature for an automatic. Great video - very helpful!!

Very well explained. I’m driving my cousins 2023 CrossTrek while I’m in Colorado for 3 weeks and taught myself about all of these cool features as I was driving for the past 2 weeks, but finally decided to watch a video. Yup, pretty much everything you explained here confirms what I discovered. Thanks for a simple explanation and clarifying the few questions they I did have about the paddle shifters. Very well put together. Good job. 👍 I told her how much I love her Subaru and she said I’ll have to show her what all the buttons do cuz she’s never even used them. LOL. 😂 😂

Thanks. Picking up my new 2021 Legacy Premium at the end of this week in CT. Very helpful.

"CVT Transmission" = Continuously Variable Transmission transmission Just like ATM machine = Automatic Teller Machine machine

It would be helpful for you to demonstrate how to go from a stop light to 35 or 40mph in snowstorm, with both the regular D and the paddle shifters, and also how to slow down in snow with the paddle shifters. Thank you.

We just purchased a 18 after owning a 16 outback. I know how to drive a stick and could never comprehend how to use the manual buttons. I would love to see the dash while your shifting and a little more example on snow driving and useing it. I live in PA with very bad roads in the winter. Also I never really understood how to use the auto 4 wheel drive. I’m use to locking hubs and all that. So if it’s snowing and your on a bad roads, I don’t do anything? Thanks this video was very helpful I’d just like to learn more.

The thing you stray away from actually explaining is why being at different RPMS matters for which gears you should decide to switch into etc

This was a great video! I have been driving a manual since I was a kid and now that I'm shopping around for an SUV I was kind of dreading giving up my ability to downshift in order to save my brakes or drive in snow. I still don't like the idea of having a computer doing all this thinking for me but I guess I should get with the times.

Thanks, I had two questions and you answered then very well,. I now feel confident to try using the padddles.

This is a correction about driving in snowy conditions: In snowy conditions you would normally want to start in 2nd gear because it would lower the amount of torque driven to the wheels. This means your wheels has less tendency to slip while accelerating form a stop. If you had a 4wd car, you would not put it in 4LO, you would put it in 4HI. 4LO will just make you spin in place and is normally used for dense terrains like mud. Aside from that, very informative video. Thank you for posting!

Nice tip to shift into manual using the paddle down a gear before merging to rev the rpm and then slam it when it kicks back over. Can’t wait to try that tomorrow.

Nice video. I tested one in my market and I found that I preferred to keep in D and just shift if I needed to. Unlike tip-tronic which I would forget in M it would just go back when not needed on its own. I also loved that in D if I shifted to a lower gear to save brakes on a down hill it would hold that gear as long as I wanted. It would only go back to D if I accelerated. Only transmission that ever make me think a manual was obsolete. Pity there is no performance XV/Crosstrek version with turbo.

Excellent explanation for snow and mountains both of which we have here in Pennsylvania and both of which my Subaru dealer never explained!

Thank you so much for an informative video. Just got a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek

I have paddle shifters on my Toyotta Corolla MMT and I love them. I also appreciate being able to shift with the stick. The MMT actually has regular gears, so it feels just like a manual when you're shifting; just there's not clutch pedal. I'll never have an automatic again where I have no control.

Thank you. I have been wondering what are these two "shift paddles" are. The manual may not be organized well. It would be better to have one or two pages listing all the buttons, handles, paddles and their position/location. Then indexed all those. So, it will be easier to know what they are and easy to find the details of these items.

Being able to "downshift" and use engine braking on ice is my favorite use of the paddle shifters in an​ MN. winter

Your explanation tells me that you understand the operation of a manual transmission well.

I was watching this for my Subaru Legacy! And then I noticed the back ground and your driving super close to where I’m from😂 Awesome video!

Wouldl like to see this in use with snow and ice, as that driving is different than driving in normal conditions. Thank you.

I'm a very critical SOB while watching instruction Videos. This is one of the BEST I have seen.... Great Job.

My 2011 F-350 has that same thing, only its on the column. It works nicely especially when the load weighs roughly 2200lbs going down a steep hill.

Just an FYI, it automatically up shifts in manual mode right when it gets close to the red zone of RPM, my 2013 Crosstrek sure does ;)

thank you so much~ i feel more confident about using the paddles now :)

i didnt know i could use the paddle shifts while in D mode??.. maybe i will try it today in the forester.

I have a 2019 Outback Limited 3.6R with these paddles. I have also had 5 other vehicles over the years with paddles. Never ONCE used them. Oh well. Maybe next trip over mountains I may try them.....but till then, the dust piles up.

Own a 2016 Subaru Outback. Tried out my paddle shifters for the first time the other day. We were coming down a big 8.200 Ft mountain. My question, is it ok to help the car slow down faster while also using paddle shifters to downshift? Paddle downshifting was slowing it down, but not enough to go through some of the curves safely, at times. Car was occasionally picking up so much momentum, at times, coming down the mountain. I'm new to this so I appreciate any info. Totally enjoyed the experience. Thanks in advance.

Great video, thanks..been driving a manual most all my life ..driving a 2014 Mitsubishi Out. Sport manual..nice ride actually for now..like the Subaru Paddles , maybe whe i get older..

My 2008 Nissan Maxima with a CVT, will automatically shift gears in manual mode when RPM's hit redline. I also have a 2018 Forester XT. This was a good video. Thanks.

Very helpful. Just got a Crosstrex and was wondering correct way to use them. Pretty much like shifting in the old days.

So, what's the best way to save gas. When you're just driving around. I'm still learning mine I just got a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

Going to pick up my 2019 crosstrek today I'm so excited. It didn't even have the film peeled off from delivery. 😍

If u don't wanna paddle shift the stick shift in manual mode is better, especially in the conventional auto-manual transmission I'm not sure how the CVT works.

great explanation! i can now see how it can be useful. other manufacturers paddles do not have some of these features.

Why wouldn't you put it in X-mode? Turing off traction Control sounds terrible.

My son stopped at a stop sign and I think when turning the turn signal hit the paddle and he said he heard a grinding noise and car was in reverse. Is this possible to do?

Thanks for explaining that. I'm shopping for a used Subaru & since I live in a snowy, icy & hilly area, when looking at cars online & I don't see a way to downshift for going down hills, it made me look elsewhere.

So many Subaru videos! I'm excited to learn this stuff. Thanks guys!

This was such an amazing explanation! So incredibly helpful! Thank you

I found downshifting in my 16 outback causes it to burn through engine oil. So I stoped using the paddle shifters and since doing so I havent had the oil light come on!

2015 Outback Premium with CVT / paddle shifters. I use the D-Drive mode (*rarely manual*) and use the paddles on almost every stop to slow down. 127,000+ trouble free miles on mine. What's not to like. Oh, and I'm still on the same original brake pads. YMMV

You mention using the paddle shifters downhill and that works okay, but what about uphill? I haven't seen any real benefit on our 4 cylinder Outback. The boxer engine is okay on flat ground, but up a mountain incline it struggles, and there is no real options for a lower drive on this car, (no D1, D2 or D3, etc.) just a loud struggling engine running at higher RPM. It's either drive (D) or the paddle shifter. The motor doesn't even appear to shift gears to compensate on a hill, where you hear the engine rev and the RPM's fall. The RPM just increases until the car appears to max out (basically floored) and you cannot increase your speed. It scares me thinking what this could do to the engine.

We live on the side of a volcano. Every trip to town is a long downhill run. Is downshifting on this long descent safe for the transmission? Will it cause premature transmission failure if used daily? And what about downshifting as you approach a Stop sign? More premature failure or not.

A nice explanation of how the paddle shifters work!

Best video yet! Thanks! 🙏🏽

I also have a manual GM pickup. My brain occasionally thinks my Subaru brake is the clutch. Dumb, of course, yet true. Paddle mode is why I buy Subaru.

Good video man like the way you explain things in the way you use your wording keep making videos where's the STI review I'd love that haha

Did I hear him correctly. Take traction control off in snow?

dude, i've always driven an automatic. i have no idea what you're talking about and frankly, this is making my head hurt. why do we have to overcomplicate things? i'm thinking of buying a '20 forester and it has these paddle things. hoping i can just have them ripped out.

So you downshift to speed up? 🤔

Great video, very helpful! Thanks for uploading and sharing your knowledge!

Thanks for the information on paddle shifting Great video

Excellent video that answered every question I had.

Good for slowing down in slick, slushy, snowy intersections.

Thanks for the tips. Does the car have turn signals?

Fantastic presentation, thanks for posting.

I love my Subaru

Helpful??!!! Are you kidding me??!! I'm so grateful...after ALL these years...I FINALLY understand how a manual transmission actually functions!! [I'm a 'car guy,' so...I was always afraid to ask..hehehe!]. And I'm also grateful that you delayed the side impact air-bag test till AFTER you safely explained and demystified what we "NEED to KNOW." [stay safe! save THAT demonstration for last! haha]

Is there any downside using the manual mode? I live in a LA area with moderate traffic and love using manual mode but fearful if I'll mess something up. Thanks in advance!

How much more acceleration can you get using the paddle shifters? I had a Nissan Leaf that could swiftly merge into fast traffic and quickly maneuver around potential hazards. Most Subaru models range from a somewhat lackluster 8-10 second period for 0 to 60. How much can that improve using paddle shifting, particularly for passing cars, merging onto highways, etc?

Hmnn...the Malaysian model version has no manual Drive. We only have auto. Not sure how do we use the paddle shifters

I just bought a 2013 Subaru Outback. On the highway it doesn’t seem to shift into Overdrive. Is it supposed to do so automatically or do I have to use the paddle shift to shift into overdrive?

Great tutorial about paddle shifting but probably not something I'll ever use. I drove stick shift for about 10 years and was happy to get away from it. Depending on where you live this might be very useful but I wonder how many Subaru drivers actually use this option and why it couldn't be an optional feature.

RE: driving in the mountains: cruise control will also engine brake to stay at the set speed when going downhill, won't it? Or have I heard incorrectly?

great explanation!

Paddle shifters in a CVT are pointless. CVT’s are specifically designed to keep the engine RPMs consistent at all times(better fuel economy)which is better than your standard automatics and manuals.

5 shift on manual mode? and 7-speed on automatic? is that how it works? thanks groove for the video.

If I was going about 35 mph and then hit the left down shift 2-3 times. Did that damage my transmission or engine?

Paddles suck bc you can’t turn and shift. Bring back gearshift shifting?

do subaru legacy2012 shows gears on da dashboard screen during shifting while driving

I love my forster xt 2.0 I put it in 4 months ago

Does that mean you should be using this driving on sand using the same mindset for snow driving?

Most people call these cars slow because they don’t understand that the cat is trying to provide you with the best gas mileage. Learn to use the manual mode and you can downshift with the best of them. My car can fly if I control the rpm’s in manual mode.

I am wondering if these paddle shifters and the CVT mode is similar to a sport mode or ECO mode seen in other cars? I am wondering if that is what I use when on a highway and need to pass with some extra power, or on long drives when I want the car using the most fuel efficient mode. I will have to give these a try!

Thank you 🙏🏻

Why would you turn off traction control in deep snow ? That makes no sense

Why doesn’t it let you shift into OD? I noticed that I can’t go above 60 unless I put it into D

Great explanation for my forester xt paddle shifters

Can they be removed? My fingers keep getting stuck under them. Also wtf is the point when it's a CVT anyway. I always hit them by accident

At what rpm do you recommend up and downshifting

When using the paddle shifters in drive, does the characteristics of the "gear" changes alter according to the style of driving by the driver. Eg, when shifting down aggressively to round a corner, does the transmission hold the gear longer when exiting the corner before shifting up to a higher "gear".

Hyper blue crosstrek,that's what I am talking about!!!😍😘😗

This was such a helpful video!

Every time I use manual mode going up and down a mountain, I find I loose gallons of gas is just a few short minutes.

At what speeds in manual do yo go from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, and so on?

I felt a bit of lag when i changed from M to D...and in the morning, after the engine has heat up, and i drive within 50kmph, the engine shuddered few times..as if its does not receive enough power..im not sure whether it is because of the type of fuel i used..at that time i use RON95. Now, I change to RON97..have less problem with the shuddering now..do you think Higher RON will maximize engine power for XV? another question: when going down a steep hill, and I engaged the X Mode, do I also change the gear into M? And if I brake during X Mode, will it disturb the system? Because, when I went downhill in X Mode, the car was going pretty fast....so i hit the brake and change into M in Gear 1...

How does the CVT handle constant changing down in the gears can it take that sort of work especially if you have a trailer on the back of your vehicle will the CV tea last

Please, which mode is good for towing with the outback?

When I drive a automatic transmission vehicle and I put it in manual mode and I shift gears do I let go of the gas ?

Hmm.. can anyone explain proper way to engine brake? Do I do it froM D mode or do I shift to M when driving in a slippery area (snow)? I.e. driving 40mph and want to slow down. Please help. Thank you

Omg thank you