Great review Ryan ! Let everyone know that Subaru no longer installs metal or aluminum skid plates on Any Subaru vehicle. Rallitek does offer them, however.
I just checked with corporate and you are correct. No longer available from their supplier and they haven't decided if they're going to replace them. I'll mention that in my next Wilderness video.
The shortage is from them being built in russia. Until they give up in their invasion of ukraine aftermarket is the way to go. Primitive Racing makes a nice set
I’d love to get that wilderness edition…..wayyyy out of my price range. Definitely a very well engineered vehicle for just about anything you want to do
Since Subarus retain their value so well, and the company's "guaranteed trade-in" bit is one of the most generous such programs out there, a way to get into an OBW is to start with, say, a Premium, especially if you can get a low or 0% APR on financing, pay it down to less than $10k owed, then trade it in and get enough to pay it off and still have enough left over to put an even bigger down payment on the OBW than you did on the Premium. You could very well end up with payments about the same as the Premium (or, at the very least, still within manageable territory), especially depending on what interest rates are doing at that point. It's how I managed to step up to the '24 OBW from the '20 Premium after just shy of three years of payments. And that's with a *higher* interest rate on the OBW than I had on the Premium.
I love my Outback Wildernes. LIttle gas hungry, but plenty of power and good ground clearance, plus looks much more muscular than regulat outback...which I would never buy lol. Thank you for showing people what this car can do.
I have this car, too. In the cluster over the large infotainment screen, you can modify the content that shows in JUST the top portion of the screen. One choice is ... the percentage of up/ down grade as a display. Doesn't show the gauge with percentage of front/ back AWD, but does show the up/ down of the gradient the car is at. I can't quite remember if you can have the front camera on PLUS this feature but I THINK it can show both. I'll check now that the question arises. An example of when you needed it in this video is at 11:18. You turn on the front camera and so you turn off the vehicle stats. But ... one portion of the infotainment screen at the very TOP is still visible. THAT PORTION can be changed and show the percentage gradient while the camera is on.
But then you can't have the XMode toggles accessible. Since Mode 1 shuts off at speeds over 25, we need to keep an eye on it to confirm it's on. But outside of that, very good point.
When the front camera is activated, the top portion of the screen always displays the X-mode buttons, regardless of what you have it set to otherwise. I normally have the angle up top as well, I just use the front camera button as a shortcut to pull those buttons up without having to scroll over.
I love your videos! My OBW has been modified (lift, tires, skidplates, etc.), and I'm in WA, too. Im out every weekend, but I wish I could visit some of your trails!
Ryan, I am a huge fan! I have a 2022 Outback Wilderness in Crystal White. Now I seriously doubt that colour has anything to do with it, but I found that the AWD system learns, as strange as that seems. First time in deep snow @ 1,700 kms (1,000 miles) it didn’t seem nearly as sure footed as it does now, 14,000kms (8,700miles). It’s almost as if the system has to learn. I would be interested to see if a higher mileage Outback Wilderness would do better on the course or whether I am just imagining things.
I really like your off road tests. I cross shopped the OBW and the Bronco Sport Badlands, after previously owning two Subaru's and ended up ordering the BS for it's better approach and departure angles plus I hated the touch screen on the OBW. I'd like to see The Bronco Sport Badlands on this course.
You made a good choice R West. I’d say the Bronco Sports badlands is the most capable AWD vehicle in 2022, dethroning the iVTM4 Hondas. Glad Ford and Honda are competing for the top spot, but it’s only ford that offers something in the compact segment that’s capable.
Alway surprised how well the subie does with X mode on, continues to impress, though if you don’t have it ‘on’ the ‘normal’ mode doesn’t look like it works very well at all. Great video!
I got the 2020 Premium in September of 2020, and I immediately started hoping for a decent snow event that winter to really test it out. While I waited for the seasons to pass the rest of the year, I put some Falken Wildpeak AT Trail tires on it. Now, the thing about living in the south is that significant snow is an exceedingly rare occurrence, and even then, it might amount to no more than 4-6 inches. But, that winter, we ended up with not one, but two 10" snowstorms one day apart with no melt-off in between. I took my Premium with its 8.7" of ground clearance everywhere, including up the steepest streets we have in my city (and they can get *very* steep). I would even come to a complete stop on them, just to see if it could take off again. It made it up every single 10" or deeper snow-covered hill I tried, and I didn't once have to turn on X-mode (and it only had the single snow/dirt option if I would have, being just the Premium trim). All that's to say that, with some decent tires, X-mode is likely not even needed in the vast majority of adverse driving conditions in which Outback owners might find themselves. Now that I have an OBW with even more ground clearance and a much more powerful engine, I have no doubts about how well it will perform in any conditions I might ever encounter. Driving the Premium in all that snow was effortless and drama-free. I'd never had so much fun in such weather.
Love your reviews on Subarus! By any chance you will be making more content on the Subaru Ascent? Would love to see if the Ascent can go through your courses
I love my ob wilderness, but the first thing I did to it was upgrade the tires, the ones that come stock aren't the greatest a/t tire. Took it offroading the day I got it to a trail I do all the time in my 2018 crosstrek, and failed on obstacles I've never had issues on. Replaced the tires the next day to the 245/65/r15 toyo open country AT3s and went back to the same trail and smashed it.
I'd love to see how the Ford Explorer Timberline does on your course along with other off road leaning SUVs. I remember you didn't seem fond of the Timberline during your last review but I have one and I absolutely love it.
We've finally gotten these in Australia. Placed an order as soon as pricing was announced, supposed to be here in a months time. Watching these videos is helping me get through the waiting game. I notice that you never air down the tyres at all, is that to keep it a level game or just to showcase the X-mode tech working without any external assistance?
Subaru did a better job with the wilderness and the CVT’s- the non wilderness models even with x mode would cut power from the engine significantly while trying to get over obstacles and it just really wasn’t cut out for any off road work
Love the video ! thank you for always making great content I would love to see the Subaru Crosstrek Sport VS the Outback Wilderness off road capability ...
I use hill decent on my icy dirt roads roads all winter. It works good with proper tires. The oem tires on the touring xt were a challenge on ice. Really wish it could fit chains like my truck for bad ice.
@@drivingsports I'll be interested to see that. The Honda has actual clutch packs to redirect power, not just wheel braking like the Subaru, which is theoretically better. But I always wonder whether or not it works better in the field. Will there be obstacles that the Honda can handle that an OB Wilderness can't manage? It would make for an interesting comparison.
I really want to see subaru produce a version to truly compete with the 4runner and other SUVs in the off-road category so a true modified off-road suspension and a slightly better approach and departure angles and lower gearing for less momentum driving.
I think its a Pretty car and would I doubt we will be going anywhere rougher than what is in this video. So to me it looks like that Subaru will take a person far enough off the beaten path to get a decent camp site. If someone plans to do harder offroading get a hardcore offroader. Although they may be giving up some comfort and fuel economy.
Forester Wilderness due to the shorter wheelbase, better approach and break-over angles. It had plenty of power for what it is. I liked it so much, I asked Subaru to give us one for a few months so we could do even more adventures with it. They agreed (coming soon).
New trail! Gotta test out all the other SUVs on it! VW Atlas, Jeep Grand cherokee Laredo (compare the basic quadratrac system to Subarus x-mode system) that would be nice to see. But yes...those tires are garbage.
Subaru are great cars, and 4wd system👍😊, but could do with more modern engines, in my country, they came with a 156hk 2 litre Nat engine, not very fast, and should have had the same 6 speed Aisin auto transmission as, let say a Suzuki S cross, and same engine also, 1.4 Turbo. Subaru have stopped selling gasoline models all together, where I live. It's all EV mode here unfortunately... 😏😏 the new Subaru Is called Solterra, same car as Toyota BZ4x, but with better 4wd system. cheers from me in Norway
Not a Toyota guy at all but this system, coupled with its CVT just seems clunky and slow. My ‘05 Land Rover’s traction management system seems to be much quicker and strong than this 2022 system from Subaru. I could be wrong but this seems more on par with my Honda Pilot’s system. Decent but not the best.
@@drivingsports 👍😁.Ok good. But passeport note pilot !;)) .because the passeport being in my list for a new vehicule in 2023; I'll rule it out if it still overheats during testing. thank you. Honda should fix this problem.
When I can get skid plates on my touring xt I will be off the dirt roads I live on. But the skid plates are still out of stock. All ready ditched oem tires. Could not stand the interior of the wilderness.
@@drivingsports too heavy I drive 105 miles aday for work. Just a tire change has me down to 26 mpg highway. NM insurance issue in a crash . Company truck had a crash with an aftermarket brush bumper winch. Lawyers fighting about was bumper crash tested etc. Did the after market parts increase the damage and injuries.
@@Wrang15 I just spoke with Subaru corporate and the skid plates are discontinued, unfortunately, due to a supplier issue. It will take some time to recertify a new design (if they even decide to do so) so no ETA.
Put proper ATs on these. Its not showing what the vehicle can do as its limited by its tires. A simple tire change and you have a whole different video.
Not allowed by car makers with standard car loans, unfortunately. We do have a long-term Forester Wilderness coming (3-month loan) and we can do whatever we want with it.
Deflate your tires and you’ll have drastically better results. You also can’t drive a Subaru like a rubicon. Subarus aren’t crawlers, but they will get up crazy terrain if you know how to drive it. Momentum is your friend
Then you watch Donut Media put 2 engines in the same wrx, as well as two new cars 😂 I love watching Subaru capability, but not for long term ownership... Unless the wife says otherwise...
This channel has HEAVILY influenced our decision to purchase the OBW and we have not been happier. It’s perfect for what we do in the PNW. Even getting us out of a very very sketchy snowy ditch situation on Mt. Hood. Long story short I called roadside assistance only to be told it would be 4+ hours to get to us. That definitely would not work. I thought surely the car could do this, that’s why we bought it. So I hopped in the car, switched to deep snow/mud, floored it and held that to let the car work it out and BAM we were out! All I had to do was trust the car and we were off to continue our adventure. Later that week I upgraded the tires to the Falken Wildpeaks. Now the car is perfect.
That's awesome that you were able to self-recover. 4+ hours is a ridiculously long wait time to get help. I'm not a Subaru guy, but Ryan's reviews of Subaru products on this course have given me the insight that a Subaru quite possibly might end up in the driveway in the near future. My only experience with Subaru was back in the old 80's 4WD GL wagons that had an actual 2 speed transfer case. Another review channel bashes Subaru every chance they get to the point Subaru won't even let them have vehicles to review which is fine, they still can't grasp how these AWD systems work unlike Ryan that lets the system figure it out by keeping constant throttle.
@@wildbill23c I'm guessing your talking about TFL. And sometimes they can give good information, but sometimes Roman can get on my nerves with his childishness. Roman seems so in love with EV that I wonder if he owns stock in some electric company or something. But he hate's Subaru with a Passion to the point I doubt his credibility on anything Subaru related. Sometimes his kid seems more mature than he does.
@@tritchie6272 Exactly the channel I was referring to, and I agree with you. I have nothing against Subaru, but its a really good example of why you have to listen to multiple sources before bashing a brand, or not looking at a brand just because of 1 review. Ryan is doing great with his tests of the Subaru AWD systems, giving me much more confidence in the brand that I would have otherwise overlooked.
I really enjoy these videos seeing how the AWD systems work! I will say what sold me on Subarus AWD system was seeing it in action. I was in Baja and a lady got stuck in an older mid 2000s forester (on street tires). This car was in deep sand and on a steep hill. This terrain was so steep that I wouldn't have attempted the hill with a Tacoma or wrangler, let alone a forester on street tires. We aired down the tires and With a few people pushing to get it moving, it literally climbed up this steep and deep sandy hill. I couldn't believe it! You could see the AWD system sending power to each wheel and it just crawled up. No x mode needed!
I love these stories! I mean, they are completely fake, but entertaining. Subaru's not getting out of something a wrangler couldn’t, facts. Subaru is also way better built, more comfortable, more efficient, and will offer more room. No need to pretend they are crazy off-roaders, but are simply a little better than your average cross over.
I agree, Ryan does an awesome job showing off what a vehicle can actually do when given the chance, and isn't afraid to get them dirty but knows when to stop before causing serious damage. He also isn't afraid to give his personal opinion on stuff either which is what a potential buyer needs to hear, rather than the paid advertisers that you see so often saying nothing but its amazing, I wanna know the good and the bad so I know before I go checkout a vehicle.
I have always liked and appreciated your content. You never try to test a vehicle in a place that it is not designed to be. I have watched reviewers put Subarus on Jeep trails high in the Colorado Rockies, then complain that they just did not cut the mustard. One thing that many reviewers never mention (nor can they demonstrate) is the Subaru's safety rating. I had a 2022 Outback Wilderness. I LOVED that car. I was t-boned in an intersection, rolled and landed upside down. I walked away from the wreck. People who witnessed the accident were amazed that I was able to crawl out of the wreckage. Yes, there may be some better soft roaders out there, and definitely better hard core trail rigs, but the combination of capability, safety and economy is difficult to match.
Some automotive Journalist are idiots. I watched a woman review a minivan years ago and complain about it's cornering. I think each vehicle should be reviewed for what it is. For example, don't expect a minivan to handle like a sports car, and don't expect a sports car to haul people like a van or crossover. And don't expect either to tow like a truck.
THIS is the #1 channel for Subaru Wilderness model content. Ryan, if at all possible, I'd LOVE to see you do a head to head between the Outback Wilderness and the (hear me out) Ford Maverick Tremor. As I consider my next vehicle selfishly (I have a 2015 Outback), I'd like something modestly more capable, but not something to the level of a 4Runner or Taco (too expensive for my liking and not as practical as a daily driver.) Someone like me who likes the idea of a truck bed looks at the Maverick Tremor and sees it as potential competition to my Subaru Outback wagon for daily driving, but also mildly soft off roading.
I agree as well. Although if I picked a Maverick I'd just get the Fx4 model...and retain the 4K tow package, the Tremor drops the 4K tow package option, and doesn't really give you much more usefulness. I'm starting to like these Wilderness package Subarus but I'd love that little Maverick truck for so many things.
I agree 💯 % Ryan should rename this channel “Subaru Sports TV”. The Maverick tremor will be in another league. The base model Maverick AWD will be closer competition. Watch the video Ryan did of the outback wilderness vs. Ford Maverick FX4. On the final obstacle, the Maverick completed the obstacle in normal mode. The Outback couldn’t make it in Normal or xmode 1, but I believe it made it with xmode 2 with some momentum.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring great comment, I've seen that video but forgot about that aspect. In this case then, I'd like to see if the Maverick Tremor CRUSHES the Outback Wilderness. :)
Would love an updated Ascent challenge with the 2023 since it has dual x mode-for those of us who still need 3 rows, but want to get off the pavement and into the mud.😊
The 9 inches of ground clearance is what is drawing me to this vehicle...we occasionally get some decent snow here in southern Idaho, so a vehicle with ground clearance is a must...the AWD system is capable, but in many cases with different vehicles you are let down by the lack of ground clearance.
glad to see you point out more specifics on how xmode works, especially reg dirt/snow, too many reviews for these cars have popped up the last year where as soon as wheel spin happens people let off the throttle and try again. you just gotta give it the beans!
HAHA, I've caught that as well in every other tester video, and one particular channel comes to mind with any AWD vehicle they test as soon as a wheel slips they stop and act as if the vehicle is a piece of crap rather than they're lack of brains is the problem. Subaru just keeps on getting better, wish they'd offer a little truck again like the Subaru Baja or something similar....right now I'm kind of looking towards the Maverick, but the same time the growing want to get into a Subaru for the first time since well...the old 80's GL 4WD Wagon era LOL.
Another excellent video, aimed at the non-pro who may want to occasionally check out wilderness trails. Itsa 10! Good job, Ryan, again and again and again!
@@drivingsports I have to admit that your testing/reviews of them seem more fair, sensible and better explained than most I've seen. I like that you review crossovers and hope someday you can review AWD vans as well. Someday I may get me a crossover to camp in. At least that's what I'm currently leaning toward doing when finances allow. And while I'm at it I want to address something I've seen used in alot of comment sections as an insult. Grocery getter. Well, I like to eat. And when it's time to get groceries I don't want weather to prevent that. Also. I work nights. I want to get home when its time no matter the weather. Where I live don't consistently get snow like Y'All get, but when it does snow it can sometimes take abit of time for certain roads to get cleared.
Random comment! I would love to see you test out a BMW X3 M40i on some of these off road trails -- based on the few videos that are out there on youtube it seems like the x3's brake vectoring is actually pretty good at getting power to the right places so I'm curious to see how it does compared to these dedicated soft roaders.
It’s worth noting impressive chassis rigidity. When the vehicle gets a wheel up in the air like that and he opens the door and gets out it’s a real testament to the strength of the chassis.
Subaru and these companies need to get used to a press vehicle getting damage and get over it. It makes the content not as enjoyable when you have to worry about every little scratch on it.
@@RollerCoasterLineProductions 3 out of 4 auto infotainment systems suffer the same complaints, no matter how expensive the vehicle. And I agree with you.
It is SO FRUSTRATING to watch your videos. I really do try. Because you do the things I wanna see. I'm looking to get an outback. But DAMN do you drive like a grandma, and you talk SO much. For the love of God, STOP slamming the brakes every 3.25 feet and getting out to run around the car or going into some documentary about what you're doing or about to do. THE FRIKIN TREE IS 10 FEET AWAY! YOU HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM!
