Subaru AWD Comparison Test

Subaru AWD Comparison Test

[skwetgt]

I think people aren't realizing that having all four wheels spinning doesn't magically make it a good awd system. The subarus allow a precise amount of slip to maintain momentum and they direct power to individual wheels with the most traction. None of these other systems do that.

[ahudson]

Why does everyone hate on Subaru? Its better, doesn't matter on the tires the system is still better and obviously it knows how to distribute power more efficiently. The other tests probably were not as short as they were made out to be on camera, they probably had a few good tries before giving up. Subaru has been the epitome of awd, rally and performance for years and then companies come out with thier own AWD so Subaru has to make youtube videos for people to see how good they are and EVEN THEN, people talk the product down because they think there is something being done behind the scenes. Fuck sakes.

[Clearanceman]

I don't know, I have an old Legacy and I've had it in snow that was deeper than the bottom of the car and I didn't get stuck even with all season radials.  

[melhugh]

It has something to do with the programming of traction control and the AWD itself. Subaru traction control is superior. It's so sensitive that my subaru traction control icon lights up just going over a firehose.

[DirtbikesNDirtRoads]

Nothing can compare to the Subaru systematical awd. It's science and engineering. There are good traction control systems out there, but the base of the system is way better designed by Subaru point.

[vkoptchev]

assuming equal tires (which I'm not sure) this shows that the subaru's traction control is superior. I wouldn't go any further than that conclusion from this test alone.

[Cjaiceman]

I think all this test showed was the Subaru had better tires... to make this a TRUE test, they need to put the exact same tires on each vehicle, and make them weigh the maximum weight (vehicle + cargo) allowed by their ratings. 

[lisamuel]

Subaru just has a better all wheel drive system .that simple ～

[MononcFranky]

Test was done with unmodified factory specs. 

[mtlock]

Granted, few people will take their vehicles to these extremes, but as a consumer I would feel assured that a vehicle can tackle thru these mild to medium obstacles. I'm not a Subaru owner, but I'm impressed with their SYMMETRICAL AWD system, which is similar in perfomance to Audi's Quattro. Their Boxer engines are similar in configuration to Porsche's, allowing for a lower engine mount in the chassis, thus achieving a lower center of gravity which translates into better stability when pushed to its limits vs. its competition.

They must have done something right, for the Forester to have won: a) 2014's Motor Trend's best SUV of the year. b) 2014 Consumer Report's best small SUV of the year.

Subaru used to build ugly cars, I didn't consider them at all, they were not even on my test drive list. Since Toyota bought a stake in the company, I guess the Capital Infusion must have helped them design better looking cars. After Toyota killed its V6 in their CUV segment, there were hardly any sporty/fun/reliable CUVs on the market. Now I would consider a Forester XT, when the time comes to replace my Toyota RAV 4 V6 AWD. (265 HP)

[artchiu]

hope to c a video comparing the subaru system vs the lexus, audi, bmw, acura, benz, land rover...

[consaka]

Lol this was a lame test. This was a tire traction issue. Some of those other rigs had all 4 tires turning as well. I'd have loved to do that with my full size van. Probably wouldn't even have to lock the diffs.

[lukem]

You can see all 4 wheels spin on the Mazda so it's awd works good but tires don't grip. I guess these cars use different tires. I drive a Forester and it's not that great off road. If one front tire has no traction, it will spin and the car doesn't move.

[videoguyla]

Other videos confirm this test.  The only car in a higher price class that competes is the Audi or VW which use same type technology.   Not clear this was done before XMode introduced.

[spaced-cadet]

There's no science here. How are we supposed to know that each tire is the same for each vehicle? Clear bias is clear.

[teotoniobass]

Are the tires the same on all of the cars and they did not challenge the Dodge Journey with awd

[francisflores]

How about the Mitsubishi Outlander awc?

[afranca]

All the viewers whining about bias, and how Subaru is favored is a bunch of shit. If you're so skeptical about the drivetrains before you make a claim with confidence test the vehicles out on your own. Subaru is known for their exceptional AWD systems, so give it a try before you make a comment knocking it.

[dennyhuang]

anyone else annoyed all the cars were black except the Ford Escape?

[skirmich]

None of the "Fail Cars" have the Traction Control enabled it can be confirmed on how the wheels never try to brake the slipping wheel but Amazingly it can be noticed on the Subaru Forester!! I for one can attest of this behavior in the CR-V as VSA will lock a Slipping wheel almost instantly.