Subaru AWD VS Mazda AWD

Cross track VS CX-3

[TechnologyCatalyst]

Funny how they disable traction control on the Subaru. That means they're disabling the system that actively transfers torque, meaning the only way to get torque to the rear tires is through viscous coupling of the center differential, and that won't happen without getting enough speed difference between front/rear of the center diff, meaning as long as they keep the spinning slow enough it'll never move forward. They couldn't have rigged this any more. Oh well, Subaru has nothing to prove. They've already earned their chops in the real world.

[Eternal_Lens_Media]

One thing they did not do fairly is the traction control was obviously turned off on the subaru but not the mazda. In subaru's traction system it should have hit the brakes on the spinning front wheels sending power to the rear. Also if this was the manual it would have had a rear LSD which would have made it even easier for it to climb it.

[deere]

I drive a crosstrek and it performs so well in the snow.  You can do all the roller testing you want, get in the real snow and watch the mazda fade away.

[Hordano]

Let me explain the results for all of you to understand what's happening. First and foremost the test is not Fake, but the situation is very unlikely to ever happen since we will never drive on slippery/low traction conditions with the steering wheel fully cranked to the right or left. Why Mazda is doing this demonstration is to mislead people in thinking Subaru's are not full time AWD, which is false! Since Subaru's are Full Time AWD they employ a safety mechanism (for the driver and drivetrain) when the wheels are fully cranked not to send equal power to the rear wheels to prevent wheel hopping (Think locked diffs on 4x4, travel distance of the outer wheel is more then the inner wheel while turning). Power is still being sent to the rear wheel but not enough to climb the hump with the little power the demonstrator is applying. This is the only situation which the Mazda AWD system will look superior and this is why they are showing it. give both vehicles some speed, snow or any adverse conditions then ask the driver in which vehicle did t hey feel the most confident.

[x.tests.on.rollers]

I tested Subaru XV (Crosstrek) on rollers with front wheels turned to maximum - it has no problems (video is on my channel).

[dimekoza]

In this case the Mazda AWD reacts quicker than the Subaru. Subaru on the other hand has a few different systems on different vehicles, depending on the transmission type. Manual transmission cars have a permanent 50-50 AWD system, while automatic (CVT cars) have a reactive system. I am sure that the manual car XV would have reacted instantly without any delay whatsoever. Also, Subaru's AWD can shift power front and rear up to 100% to one axle, while other systems like Mazda's can go up to 50% at the rear. I think it's great that Mazda is improving, since I am a huge fan of both brands, and Japanese cars especially, but, at the end Subaru's system is still superior to any other system out there.

[markspeer]

Although i think mazdas are great looking, fun to drive, great interiors, and a great buy, you set yourself up for serious scrutiny when u perform a silly test to compare yourself to arguably one of the best awd systems. I live in washington state where we have severe snow, ice and numerous mountain passes. the mazda does do well in most cases, BUT it is not as sure footed and capable as the subarus. i think you would do yourself more justice just promoting your cutting edge design and interiors.
ps i own a mazda and a subaru

[jwkpov]

I know it's subaru's marketing and research but I still believe Rally and 24hr nurburgring winning AWD system.

it's biased test. I hope to see individual reviewer to test AWD system.

Each car has pros and cons. I prefer Full time AWD than Front Wheel drive switching to AWD.

XV in that video is CVT with 60/40 torque split with out LSD.
I have XV and I was very happy with rough Calgary Weather. as long as you know your cars limit, you should be happy with any AWD system. A set of Winter is must not choice.

[tarokawainyc]

Why did you put Subaru's traction control off?

[Bestswat]

This video gives me the giggles to say the least.

1) Sure, this cx-3 won this specific test but why these guys just attempted this specific scenario? I'm going to guess probably because it's the only one it could win.

2) Subaru does market their AWD capabilities because that is just what they are supposed to do, it's only natural. Just how the folks at Mazda are doing the same in this video. However I don't recall Subaru calling out a specific car and nit-picking at it. This display is actually laughable.  

3) "Subaru is widely regarded by a lot of customers" The best part, Subaru has earn that respect from customers because their AWD system has proven itself time after time after time. This has been proven by third parties countless times, what they say and show is true and it's hardly debatable. This video shows different and it is debatable.

4) Mazda, rally much?

[mattusapparatus]

I love coming to this comment section 6 years later when Mazda has put a cigarette out on Subaru 😂

[haydenwalstrom]

I've had my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek Limited w/Eyesight for almost a year, not a single problem. The AWD is great, it never once let me down, even in some tough off road situations where I had two wheels off the ground in wet dirt/mud and rocks, even steep, loose mountain terrain. I will agree that the CVT is a performance sucker and the 2.0 boxer is anemic on power but I once got 40.2mpg on a 150mile stretch of highway, so I can't complain. Subaru power distribution is split 60/40 on CVT models and 50/50 for manual transmissions. Power will ALWAYS go to the wheel with least resistance, no matter how power is distributed. They turned the VDC (traction/stability control) off or removed the VDC fuse on the Subaru Crosstrek so it couldn't send power to the wheels with better traction. Let's face it, ANY and every manufacturer will find a way to cheat another company and trash talk them to get buyers, just like they did in this one. Remember, no AWD/4WD system is created equal, and no dealer will be completely honest with you.

[yitzhakbenmoshe]

Mazda is not a bad brand, but Subaru is definitely the way to go.

[x.tests.on.rollers]

Connection between wipers and AWD control was used by Subaru in 1981...

[LtSeasonbroff]

This Subaru is CVT and non LSD and has the traction control turned off. With it turned on the Subaru responds immediately. Also AWD isn't standard on the Mazda its a $1250 option

[siowkiat]

Subaru earned its reputation on the field and rallies over the years and not on crappy customized bias test like these where condition is an optimize scenario for Mazda electronics pre programmed "AWD" system. There might 1% of situations where Madza programming works better... but most 99% of situations a robust real world tested mechanical AWD in a Subaru is your reliable partner.

[DaftDrunk]

"Why is the wheel turned?"

"It's the only way we could get the subaru's computer to send less power to the rear wheels... umm I mean because silly, you're sliding so your wheels are turned...."

[TiagoRuivo]

WOW I'm amazed... Incredible... Unbelievable... Spectacular.. Now just for test, take the Mazda off road... I really want to see that working... I'm amazed by the amount of S.H.I.T we can find these days on the internet... By the way, Subaru has one of the best records regarding crash tests of small SUV's... regarding all models... the same as Volvo! Facts!!!

[ballisonfargo]

As a proud Subaru owner, I will give props to Mazda for building a creative system that actually works. It sounds like it is more computerized rather than mechanical like a Subaru. Many of the other so called AWD systems out there are a complete joke. From what I have read, the BMW XDrive is also very good but I have not driven one.

[paulchisun]

Limited Slip Differential for Mazda is not an additional option to buy. This Intelligent AWD comes just like that. You don't need to pay more money for It.