Subaru Ascent: AWD diagonal test in DEEP SNOW! I'ts X-MODE time!

Yep, we already did a full review of the new Subaru Ascent! And a lot of you requested the diagonal test! But here in Québec winter was so fast that it's full of snow everywhere already! So a few pointers before you judge:

1- That Subaru Ascent is equipped with non-studded Toyo OBSERVE GSI-5 winter tires. We could equip it in time with Nokian's Studded tires but that's gonna be for another time!

2- This is NOT a 50/50 AWD system, it's Active Torque Split AWD! This system employs a multi-plate transfer clutch that maintains a 60/40 front/rear torque split and uses a range of sensors to automatically adjust this split on-the-fly as conditions warrant, creating more predictable handling. The Active Torque Split AWD places the focus on ease of operation, fuel efficiency, and reliability.

3-- It never gave up, a lot of AWD system will give up after 30 secs to 5 min of testing. This one hold on like the Millenium Falcon over time!

4- X-mode définition: X-MODE controls the engine output, transmission, AWD torque split and braking system to help tackle the trickiest of conditions and bring even more rugged capability into sharp focus

5- Snow condition: You can't see it, but it was slippery as hell! Black ice under 3-10 cm of fluffy light snow and ultracold temperature! Our cameraman froze its fingers in a few minutes outside.

6- That hill: More than 6' hight at the top, big banking that can send a car rolling! So getting sideways in it is not a good idea!

7- Break-Over angle, with so much ice, physics send the Ascent sideways and we don't want to have the top of the hill in that middle point where we would get stuck! We don't like to call for help with a Subaru!

8- In 2019, we will do a regular diagonal test on a tarmac to be fair, expect similar performance to the Subaru Outback!

So check out our about the Subaru Ascent AWD diagonal test in deep snow with X-mode!

Car Question Ranking Chart:

Competition in Crossovers / SUV'S segment:
Mazda CX-9 | Dodge Durango | Dodge Journey | Ford Explorer | Ford Flex | Nissan Pathfinder | Toyota Highlander | GMC Acadia | Honda Pilot | Hyundai Santa Fe XL | Kia Sorento

2019 Subaru ASCENT Playlist:

1st Part: 2019 Subaru Ascent The Good and the BAD:

2nd Part: 2019 Subaru Ascent Review:

3rd part: 2019 Subaru Ascent Acceleration test | 0-60mph / 0-100kmh

4th part: 2019 Subaru Ascent Acceleration test in the COLD | 0-60mph / 0-100kmh

5th part: 2019 Subaru Ascent Diagonal and Snow Test

6th part: 2019 Subaru Ascent Hooning in the snow!

7th Part: Fishing Salmon adventure in Nova Scotia

8th Part: Towing 5000lbs on a muddy boat ramp with the Subaru Ascent

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[CarQuestion]

Yep, we already did a full review of the new Subaru Ascent! And a lot of you requested the diagonal test! But here in Québec winter was so fast that it's full of snow everywhere already! So a few pointers before you judge:

1- That Subaru Ascent is equipped with non-studded Toyo OBSERVE GSI-5 winter tires. We could equip it in time with Nokian's Studded tires but that's gonna be for another time!

2- This is NOT a 50/50 AWD system, it's Active Torque Split AWD! This system employs a multi-plate transfer clutch that maintains a 60/40 front/rear torque split and uses a range of sensors to automatically adjust this split on-the-fly as conditions warrant, creating more predictable handling. The Active Torque Split AWD places the focus on ease of operation, fuel efficiency, and reliability.

3-- It never gave up, a lot of AWD system will give up after 30 secs to 5 min of testing. This one hold on like the Millenium Falcon over time!

4- X-mode définition: X-MODE controls the engine output, transmission, AWD torque split and braking system to help tackle the trickiest of conditions and bring even more rugged capability into sharp focus

5- Snow condition: You can't see it, but it was slippery as hell! Black ice under 3-10 cm of fluffy light snow and ultracold temperature! Our cameraman froze its fingers in a few minutes outside.

6- That hill: More than 6' hight at the top, big banking that can send a car rolling! So getting sideways in it is not a good idea!

7- Break-Over angle, with so much ice, physics send the Ascent sideways and we don't want to have the top of the hill in that middle point where we would get stuck! We don't like to call for help with a Subaru!

8- In 2019, we will do a regular diagonal test on a tarmac to be fair, expect similar performance to the Subaru Outback!

So check out our about the Subaru Ascent AWD diagonal test in deep snow with X-mode!

[NeutralGenericUser]

Damn, that is honestly really impressive.

[ZakElbas]

This suv looks really good and outperforms so many cars and suvs

[weizhouwayne]

Thank you, thank you! That video explains it all. One strong machine.

[jmc]

What a beast! So thankful my family and I have this exact same vehicle.

[fadiskaf]

Great video and respectable performance from the Subaru.

[nismotech]

Best AWD in business. Other than 4WD with locking differentials of course.

[paulhenry]

X-mode on TC off- Best combo for deep snow. Same as new Forester's dual stage X-mode

[adventureforesterblog]

Well done Subaru! Thanks for the video. If possible, it would be to interesting see how the new Forester performs.

[p.jeffreyungar]

These videos clinched it -- I ordered and just picked up a 2020 Ascent! Thanks/Merci, Car Question!

[ALTNNRG]

Nice demo and test! Looks good for climbing up snow covered on ramps.

[ericpullen]

Man this guy make the best videos in the world but I still have to say light work for the power of the Kia sorento😎

[watchr]

Forester needs that new engine and X-mode 🤩🤩🤩

[darkstar]

You mention that the system didnt give up. I actually experienced this last winter in Manitoba with my 18 Kia Sorento. After being stuck for like 5 minutes in deep snow, the awd system quite literally shit the bed and I was left with a fwd car only. So pissed.

[johangaldamez]

That’s why I have an Ascent they are awsome cars and can’t wait to try it on the snow also looks like fun

[tjenissa]

My wife own this car.. like wow I’m going put lots of mods this summer 🏋🏿‍♂️

[Honestandtruth]

WOW, very impressive test and Great AWD system Subaru...👍💪👨‍👩‍👧‍👧💟

[QuadView]

That creaky snow. It’s cold there. I own one and love it.

[TheKingkingg]

Leonel...my 2017 Ridgeline is like really amazing in Northern Ontario, all year and Nokian A/T tires make IT like invincible

[I-LOVE-EARTH]

Nice! I wonder how much better it would do with real snow tires?