Subaru AWD vs. Everyone Else 

I love the fact that he says the Nissan Murano has an unusual cvt trasmission, when nearly all the Subarus now have them.

I laughed so hard when the Honda did the slalom. Dude just SENT IT.

7:50 “Nissan Murano has an unusual continuously variable transmission” Subaru in 2020 : Am I joke to you?

No one: RU-vid: hey heres a car video from 14 years ago

"these aren't professional drivers they're Subaru salesmen" lolololol

I just bought a used 2004 Subaru Outback. It's my first AWD vehicle. I've not driven it up any 35 degree grades yet, or on icy roads, but it does perform better in traffic than any other car I've owned. I've had to make some quick, sharp turns with it and it performs with no problems. I am so glad I went with a Subaru. This is going to be my road trip vehicle.

Every winter in wisconsin I continue to pull an average of 4 or 5 newer AWD cars out of the snow with my 04 wrx. Never fails to amaze me how well it performs in slippery conditions

I've done the dirt hill climb is Subaru's before. My father used to sell them and his dealership used to have a cool dirt and gravel track off on the side of the property. He told me to put the car in 3rd gear and man did that Forester zip up the steep hill without a problem. Down was just as fun. I used to have a 95 Legacy and it was the best car I ever drove in the snow and other crappy conditions! It was like a mountain goat!

I posted this AND I was there and drove the vehicles myself. I definitely didn't want to look bad and didn't know what each vehicle was capable of when climbing the hill. Each person was able to see for themselves the differences. Keep in mind most of the Subaru dealers at that time were partnered with other brands in the same store. Most of the consultants sold more brands than just Subaru and in higher volumes (hence more allegiance due to bigger paycheck). These exercises were eye opening.

This was an event hosted by subaru in which subaru sales associates participated. The assicuates reported THEIR findings. Subaru did not report that they were the best. It was the sales associates. And as someone who has driven other cars in the snow and now owns a WRX (2005), I watch trucks slide down hills in winter tires that I then climb easily in all-weather tires. Severe winter conditions, Maine. EDITED: I changed 'consultants' to sales associates for clarity. Whilst it was an all in-house event, the results speak for themselves. You don't need to fake it when you win easily without cheating.

They travel back in time and record this in the 90s?

I've owned a 2006 XC70, took it on a frozen lake, had impeccable control and grip. I've just bought a 21 Crosstrek. Also great control and grip, though it mostly comes to tires at the end of the day, which is how they get results to favour one car over the other.

Subarus AWD system is amazing. I took my STi on a jeep road to 11000ft in telluride, people in their lifted Jeeps were looking at me like i was crazy. With the right tires, its unstoppable in the snow, ive plowed through 3 foot snowdrifts while jeeps, tahoes and x5s were rolled off the side of the road. Even on sheets of ice uphill, the car just goes up, all 4 tires spinning, sliding sideways uphill...its fun as hell. and it brakes amazing in the snow, turns awesome, and outaccelarates anything

That's that most propaganda I've ever seen in 10min

Just bought an '06 Outback this summer and shortly after hit some fairly deep, muddy dirt roads around Farmington, NM while looking for my campsite. That's when I fell in love with this thing... it handled great in the mud.

We used to drive Toyota’s. We desperately needed an AWD vehicle for my wife, as we live 5 miles from town up in the mountains and 25 miles from the city. We get 5-7 feet of snow every winter and we have to plow and maintain our private road ourselves. On all of our Toyota’s AWD vehicles we had to put studded tires on for winter traction. My wife wanted an Outback for her birthday so I bought her one. We drove on the factory tires year round until they wore out. We then installed Michelin Cross Climate tires. They’re Awesome tires for dry, snowy, wet, slushy roads. I was so impressed with the traction of her Outback that I decided to replace my 11 Rav Limited 4WD with a Forester Touring last December, (2022). I miss the 269hp 3.5 V6 in my Rav, but the traction, comfort, outward visibility, safety of our Subie’s are awesome. After buying our Subaru’s and selling our Toyota’s our insurance premiums DROPPED by $300 per year per Subaru. I asked my insurance agent why our premiums dropped and we were told it’s because of the safety, accident avoidance, traction control system and that Subaru’s are less likely to be stolen. So far our Subaru’s have been flawless. Both of our Subaru’s are 2019 year models. My wife’s Outback had only 5,600 miles on it in 21 and my Forester had 4,700 miles. My wife’s Outback now has only 28K miles and my Forester has 11K miles. Our Subaru dealership has a poor service department in Wenatchee, WA so we take our Subie’s to H&D Auto in Wenatchee who only works on Subaru’s. When the Outback hits 30K miles I’ll take it in for the 30K mile maintenance. Subaru wants $600, but H&D wants only $350. I have the oil and filter changed every 5K miles with Kirkland full synthetic oil. Kirkland (from Costco), flows quicker in cold temperatures than Mobile One. I’ll have our mechanic change the front and rear differential, transfer case, bleed the brakes, change the cabin filter and everything else that needs to be replaced. Our mechanic recommends replacing the CVT fluid every 60K miles, so that will be done as well.

This was a recap for all of the people that got to drive each vehicle for themselves. The only people meant to see this were the ones that actually were able to experience the differences.

I am a pretty die-hard Subaru fan... owned an Impreza and now a Forester, but this video is pathetic. It is quite obvious that the Volvo was chucked harder on the skid pad..... and the hill climb seemed fishy to me. I doubt they had their foot hard down. All this video does is make a good brand seem like they need to lie to seem better. No disrespect to the other brands. Volvo and Toyota are both fantastic in my mind as well.

A highly excellent, scientific, objective, and convincing video. Like it!

Glad that the algorithm was kind enough to grace me with this video Also, super interesting that during the 2nd test, the icy hill simulation, every single vehicle's passenger front wheel stays almost completely still. Not really sure why - it's clear some of them have sufficiently advanced TC / torque management to get past the classic open-differential-on-ice problem, so if those rollers were particularly sticky it should just pick up and go.

I'd like to see one done by a car magazine or something, not by a specific manufacturer trying to sell their shit. Every manufacturer will rig the tests to suit their cars best

A very good comparison video indeed. We need more like these.

Thanks for being on my feed 16 years later. Wish for a modern take on this.

I'm in love with all of the Subarus I've owned. Fun video!

The B9 Tribeca was absolutely a competitor for the XC90. The XC90 was the most cross shopped vehicle at the time. The B9 Tribeca was very comparable in stats and amenities.

The Volvo XC70 shouldn't have handled like that on the wet test - it's ESP system should have controlled that behaviour. Far be it from me to speculate that it may have been deactivated for the purposes of making the Subarus look better

I love how this video shows so many different subaru's and not just one just to show they can all do it

Omg! I'm heading to the subie dealership right now. This totally unbiased video has changed my mind about everything, lol.

I have a SVX for almost 20 years and was one of the first Subaru´s to have the electronic traction control. still a great car.

Yeah, at 5:00 the Subaru was going at 35 mph, but I bet you the Volvo was going at min. 50 mph. This is way too biased.

Great video. I've been interested in Subaru's for a short while now. I'm definitely looking to have one in the future.

I’m glad this was recommended to me so I can now watch it 16 years later!😂

Love Subarus but this is total bullshit

This was the first time Subaru used the rollers as an exercise. In this instance they had low traction. In subsequent videos they are used as having zero traction or full traction.

I found the 35°+incline was doable up but extremely difficult with the hill holder feature kicking in on the descent.

I think this was kim jong un his first propoganda project on school

But wouldn't you agree, having a lock mode and 2wd mode also give more incentive to buy the car? Like if I was a buyer (currently looking for a midsize suv) I would like that option if it was available.

I do like subaru and Volvo but I must say. This a video made BY SUBARU so this is like the government saying that you make a 100 grand a year.

And it's only gotten better since this video was made!

Wow! impressive, Very nice video 👍

One of the many reasons finding a used Subaru is so hard. And when you do they hold their value.

Notice in the roller test both Subaru vehicles were fitted with the active center diff. If the standard system on the Forrester in the first test were used the result would have been very different. I own both a Subaru outback and a Lancer Ralliart and can say with 100% certainty that the bone stock symmetrical AWD system in the Subaru is far inferior to the more advanced active + limited slip diff system in the Mitsubishi on slick surfaces. Not to mention the tenancy of the Subaru system to under-steer under power instead of over-steering on semi slick surfaces, I know under-steer is considered "safer" but I find it to be much less predictable in snowy conditions.

I've had a 2005 Subaru outback LL Bean edition and it's extremely capable. The AWD is one of the best around. I have a 2012 JKU and on certain things it can pose a challenge where as the Subaru outback did it effortlessly. Like a top layer of slick mud.

When I see a video title like this I know it's always the first thing beating everything else

Some tests were professional drivers. Even when their were sales consultants in the car, there was a professional driver in the passenger seat giving instructions. Over 2,000 people drove the cars on the hill. They didn't know what to expect. They took turns in the competitive vehicle and then in a Subaru. No one wanted to look bad by not making it up the hill in either vehicle. Some vehicles made it and some didn't. It was an eye opening experience for the attendees.

50/50 lock is still useful in snow and off road conditions, not sure how hard it could be especially if they put paddle shifters on a CVT forester. Subaru AWD is good, but having a system like the nissan I think is much better, gives you the option e.g 2wd, auto (subaru awd mode) & lock(50/50)

First got my 08 forester right before a snow storm in the south east where no one can handle snow, plowed right through and hills ice banks or snow. Love it

I had a 2006 Forester for 12 years and no problems with it. It performed better in the snow than my previous Toyota and Ford pickups. I live in the NE and had zero rust on the car. I bought a 2019 Forester 3 years ago. Love it too.

You may think this is a "biased" review, but you should all read about AWD systems as they ARE NOT equal. Honda "AWD" is mostly FWD with a tiny bit of power being sent to the rear wheels AFTER detecting slip. It's not nearly as capable as the Subaru mechanical AWD systems, particularly found in manual transmission models. The Volvo and VW 4Motion systems (excluding the Touareg), are also electronic AWD systems which only divert power AFTER slip and can not completely disperse power to any particular wheel. Audi Quattro systems, found on all longitudinal cars (excludes A3, TT, etc) are rear biased 40/60 split mechanical systems similar to Subaru and can divert up to 49% to the front. The reason they didn't test an Audi mechanical torsen Quattro system is because it would ALSO be able to perform like the Subaru. The Acura SH-AWD system would ALSO be able to perform like the Subaru in this video, as well as the ATTESA system in the Nissan GTR, and perhaps the torque vectoring system in the Nissan Juke. Don't think that just because the Subaru's outperform the FWD adapted systems in this video means they are perfect. Having a mechanical AWD system comes with some disadvantages such as weight, cabin space eliminated though beefier differentials, lower fuel economy because the system is "always" on, and more mechanical wear and tear. The last systems you should know about are ones designed from RWD based cars such as the systems found on Lexus, BMW, and Infiniti models. These systems are RWD biased and perform similarly but opposite to Honda, Volvo, Nissan, etc. They are primarily in RWD mode UNTIL slip occurs and then can divert some of the power to the front wheels. In summary, the "truest" and most capable AWD systems are those found on Subaru's with manual transmissions, Audi Quattro mechanical setups, Acura SH-AWD, and Nissan ATTESA system.

I have driven most awd cars, including Audi, and am currently long term testing three models of Subaru and can say without a doubt I will be owning a Subaru all my life. Best car for your money bar none...

I get recommended an ancient video of an old Subaru, filmed on something probably now obsolete. Excellent.

This is awesome! Between the commentator sounding like the NFL Films guy, and the Volvo flying all over like cracked out Tasmanian Devil, I'm laughing so hard!

Subaru used to sell over 1,500 - 2,500 Tribecas a month back in 2005-2007. When Outback went through the roof, Subaru pulled back on Tribeca production and pulled all factory incentives.

I wonder how the current CVTs in the outback and forrester would work on the hill climb?

I miss my 2000 Forester. I went from that to a big RWD sedan and wow the difference in dirt or snow is insane

the nissan murano is not intended to be an off road vehicle it was made for tarmac only, but it has an low range mode that will help in some uphill situations as this one

Subaru should include a towing strap or cable as standard factory accessory to help out all the other AWD drivers! LOL

Also, the Forester in that test was the only vehicle to make it over the rollers with 3 wheels on rollers at 42:48 of that video.

0:53 it was funny seeing the exact car that i drive going around the slalom perfectly. i can attest to this, the tribeca is pretty quick and handles AMAZING.

4:53 "Whoa. Was the driver in control or was the car?" LOL

thanks YT for giving me this random 16 year old video :)

Subarus are great 4wd machines for the price with very good power, handling and reliability, my only concern is about the dated style of all the line. I can remember some futuristic ones as the tribeca, but they are gone. I hope next gen subarus will be better on this point.

were on our 5th sub wagon just short of 40 yrs..8 months seattle and 4 months BC canada skiing...we have seen the everyday test ...well everyday

the uphill part is frustrating because they will not let the wheels spin on the honda and others because if they did the awd systems would kick on like they are supposed to it depends on wheel spin

Man it's just makes me want to go out and buy Murano for hill climbing LOL

biased as hell...if you want us to believe you put the sound to hear the engines on the hill climb...that will tell us if they are struggling or just not given enough gas

The roller climb was in part due to the symmetric drive train allowing power to actually be split even.

I’m sure this is a helpful video for many, nice work. Subaru is definitely the best AWD for the money and safety, although NOTHING beats Audi AWD, I have driven LOTS of cars and I own an AWD BMW (that I absolutely love for the sporty driving) but again Audi AWD cannot be beat.

again the drivers are not giving the competition any gas. why don't you let us hear the sound.

8:55 says it all LOL! Theses are.. ............. ...... AT THE WHEEL

Used up 03 forester with 200k on it did so good with traction on all the ranges and 30+% inclines I went on, engine being the only sketch thing. Was a very good choice for first car.

i can say in my 98’ outback impreza i had, it was the best car i’ve ever had for the snow. never had an issue with it getting stuck. so i gotta give that to em

i love my "suebs" they are the only ones with real full time awd, but who ever made this must have had a big set against Volvo's haha

Hmmm I wonder if This was biased???? Umm yes it was big times

I currently drive an ‘08 forrester (Forrest green too I love it) and it’s very interesting to see and feel how it compares to other cars in bad conditions

It's amazing to see how subaru acts in this kind of conditions

Great to see an unbiased review of Subaru and it's competitors of 2006!

I feel this video is pretty accurate but they fail to mention in the video. Not all Subaru AWD systems are the same. The Foresters, Crosstreks and regular Impreza use a 90:10 split then go 50:50 when slippage is detected.Although It's an active system. The 3.0R and the 3.6R use a different center diff. It's 45:55 split until it detects slip which it'll go 50:50. It's a proactive system. I believe the WRX and the STI use a similar center diff. Not sure which ones but the STI's also have a LSD rear diff as well as well as the DCCD control knob. You don't want to be anywhere hard on the gas when you're turning and slipping at the same time, else your car is going in the direction that the front end is pointed. Good in straight line. Takes some learning when it comes to corners. A Subaru doesn't have fancy torque vectoring between side to side.

suddenly on everyone's recommended💀

Good update on the state of technology 12 years ago.

Kind of wish I hadn't sold my AWD Kizashi......thing took corners like a champ, seriously impressive for the size of car it was.

I've driven/owned CRV, RAV4, Mercedes GLK, Audi Q5. My SUBARU FORESTER is the best of the bunch. Good gas mileage, practical, roomy interior, comfortable seats and ride quality, no durability or reliability issues in 50k and it's BEST ON ICE OR SNOW!

Nice video. So my Subaru Legacy 3.0R Spec. B can do this too, although it has a visco clutch? It is still totally original and a have it since 2015. Regards from the Netherlands and Belgium.

my mom had two Tribecas, a 2006 and 2011 and even for being kinda Big Bertha vehicles they were very quick on their feet considering their size

is it just me or do these seem rigged?

'These are Subaru sales people at the wheel' - 'test' ended right there... from a Subaru fan...

As a passenger in an older wrx that a friend owned, on a wet roundabout when turning with excellent handling tyres in very good condition still felt like we were going to hit a gutter. Hate to know what that would've felt like in a 2wd.

My question is: are all of the vehicles riding on the same tread? Preferable brand new m&s tires? Or are the volvos and toyotas on all season tires? I swear by my subaru but I've never owned a toyota or Volvo so I'm curious.

i love subaru but this was crap

love the guys on the hill getting half way up and then just letting off on the gas. "oh looks like it can't get up" haha. Yeah it won't get up unless you give it some gas. I mean that CVT had no chance in hell, but the volvo? haha that dude is the worst driver i'v ever seen. 8:34 worse than my girlfriend xD

Who else got this recommend this 16 years later

I have a 2004 Subaru Forester XT and haven't done anything crazy, but I was going to a dump site to recycle Oil and where everyone was going I think it was a 30 degree slope. I don't know the angle of it, it was just steep enough to watch pick-up and semi-trucks slide and spin wheels on the moist dirt. Me and the guy that was marking down the bottles of oil just watch a good 15 minutes before I decided to have a go at it. I was able to clear it with ease with no wheel slip. Also the boxer engine has great low end torque plus short gear ratio.

I drive a subaru wrx woud'nt change it for anything else. Except the STI version ^^

The 12 year old Volvo XC90, amazingly, just got a 'good' score on the IIHS's new "Small Overlap Crash Test". Volvo now has 4 'good' scores for 4 models tested--100% with 'good' scores. The only car company to accomplish this. Subaru has done well also, with 8 models tested - 3 'acceptable' scores, and 5 'good' score. Not bad, but not as good as Volvo.

I was 3 when this video came out. That's insane.

I believe the subaru's are great but I'd like to see a control with the same brand new tires. we don't know the condition of the tires in the test.

@8:55 you say "These are Subaru Sales People at the Wheel. Not Professional Drivers"! Shouldn't it be the other way about for an unbiased and proper test?

Why did this video suddenly hit everyone's homepage?

alot of this is also subjective to the type of tire on each car. especially when putting traction to the test on water and harsh maneuvers, as well as the dirt traction.

LOL 4 wheel rollers will get you absolutely nowhere in any car, You can see the Front Right wheel doesn't move as much this is effectively a 3 wheel roller with a front bias (The easiest kind to test AWD Performance). In the Tribeca "With only a little bit of effort" REALLY NIGGA? He power climbed (Gained Momentum) if that is "only a little bit of effort" then all cars are Subarus....