What Is Subaru X-MODE and How It Works
Subaru X-MODE enhances the already excellent Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive technology on your Subaru. In today's video I show you how Subaru X-MODE works on my 2023 Subaru Outback Onyx and when you would want to use Subaru X-MODE. X-MODE can help you regain traction and get your Subaru out of situations when your symmetrical all-wheel drive system has lost traction. X-MODE also adds a feature called Hill Descent Control, which will automatically apply the brakes for you when going down steep hills.
If you have questions about Subaru X-MODE, comment below!
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I found out today how fast the crash avoidance works on my 2024 Forester Wilderness. A guy cut across three lanes right in front my me as we were do 55 mph, he quickly slowed down and the wilderness decelerated and the crash avoidance started blinking on the upper screen along with beeping. Had I been in one of our other vehicles it would have been game over.
Same here, I was quite skeptical at first until someone cut out in front of me very closely, the car reacted faster than I ever could and saved from a collision. I can comfortably say I'm a decent driver and react quickly but my subaru was alot quicker
But that has nothing to do with X-Mode.
@@tommymas1 Hi ya Tommy - sometimes there isn't a convenient current video to post these things and people want/need to post their experiences.
@bruceobrown534 There are a ton of avenues include forums and FB groups to post and learn about these things.
That's very strange..my 2024 Crosstrek saved my bacon in the very same way yesterday😅
Every time I watch one of Alex's videos, I learn something new. I love this!
I have had my 2024 forester sport for less than 2 months and already put over 7000 miles on it. honestly i never saw myself buying a Subaru, not until the morning i bought it. the car has been amazing i especially love the adaptive headlight when driving on a curve road. never felt as save as i feel in this car.
My 2024 Forester has the dial for Xmode, lower down right in front of cup holders. No big screen on my car, and I'm glad.
I hate that car manufacturers have been moving to giant screens. An 8" screen is plenty big, imo.
Ditto on my 2024 Wilderness.
I agree
why is it a negative?
AR glasses instead of big screens
I purchased a 24 Crosstrek Wilderness. Unfortunately not all the features were explained. Your videos are awesome. I’ve binged watched several videos and been able to apply lots of them. I appreciate your content and your detailed explanations. These videos are awesome.
Upvoted for the nice doggie demonstrating for us how to climb a steep hill! Oh, and X-Mode is pretty cool too lol.
Thanks, Alex. I understood the theory of the Xmode, but showing how it works in reality is very helpful.
You're welcome! Glad you found it helpful
The eyesight can really save your bacon, as the rear emergency braking does too
@@alexpmo What are you driving? outback onyx XT?
@@akethtm9942 close! I have the 2023 Outback onyx. But non-turbo option.
@@Quince828 may have used those a time or two myself 😅
Loved Cleo’s cameo
Nicely done! Direct and informative as always!
Love Alex's videos. Very educational.
Dude, you are the best!! Thanks for all the knowledge.
Thank you Alex. Forever grateful for your videos. I absolutely adore my Outback, incidentally same colour and model as yours! In appreciation, Amanda from Australia 😊
Wow, I do have this feature in my 2022 Outback, and I have never really known anything about the features. Thanks a million for this video!!! Enjoy your trip too!
It is like you were reading my mind. I've had my Subaru for a week and wanted to go back to the manual to look up more about X-Mode you made this easy to understand. Thank you! Now I will go binge watch more of your videos.
I love the way that you explain all Subaru features. I'm a subscriber from now on.
Bought a 2021 Outback because of Alex and his YT videos. Grateful for the help.
Same here 21 outback.
Exactly right, Subaru Symmetrical AWD one of the best out there 👍👍
Yes, I like it because it's AWD 100% of the time. While other brands are only AWD when the computer decides
I rolled my 2013 Outback in 2020 (bought it new) heading down a steep, snowy 160-yard Air BnB driveway while on a ski weekend. Had no X-mode then and the car broke away, slidwent off a 15 foot cliff, rolled over one and half times, and ended up, driver's side down with my son's family (two little kids) in their Grand Cherokee behind me. He almost lost it too. BYW I had not one bruise. I broke a tooth apparently from clinching my jaw so hard while tumbling.. Air BnB paid for the tooth, but not the Subaru. What did I do? I bought a used pristine 2015 Outback that was loaded. Yes, it had X mode. Best car I have ever owned, driving it now for 4 years, with 117,000 miles on it. Keeping my eyes open for a 2023 to upgrade a bit. Love Outbacks.
Remember if you're driving down a steep slope use the paddle shifters (or selector) to drop down a couple of steps/gears so the engine braking works (& does the braking) & you don't have to use your brake foot peddle which is what will cause you to slide out of control
Like to see a video on the paddle shifters. Not sure my forester has them.
@@mrgarrison3516 OMG I used the paddle shifters once on a steep snowy hill (downhill) and they were worthless. NOTHING like the old school “Drive 2” and “Drive 1” settings on an automatic transmission. It didn’t lead to an accident or anything luckily, but that taught me that those paddle shifters are not at all like controlled hill decent
Hi Alex, I always wanted to have SUBARU - now I have The 2021 Outback for nearly 2 years. Your vidoes improve my skills. Have a nice day from Slovakia 👍👊
I just had an incident in my 2019 Sport where I lost traction on the interstate due to snowy conditions. Wish I had seen the video beforehand as I would have had the car in Xmode. Luckily I didn’t hit anything but sure was a scary situation!
It disables after 25mph I think it is. It's really best for off roading or if you are more stuck. Honestly the regular awd is much better on a highway. As you will get more grip anyways
I found turning off traction control allows for fast driving through the snow (cause traction control is only useful when the car is on a sealed surface with only water over the road at most). But sand, snow, mud, gravel at high speeds .... traction control OFF 👍
@@mrgarrison3516 maybe in deep snow, sand, or mud, but in light snow, say up to the point where you start to plow with your front bumper, leave traction control on. In gravel you definitely want it on. All you do is spin and kick up gravel on your car if you turn it off. XMode, if you have a Subaru with single-mode XMode, in those lighter situations gives you much more control. I'm driving my 6th Outback, the 4th with XMode, so I've learned quite a lot about it. My current Outback, a 23 Wilderness has 2 XModes which does disable traction control, but only when set to Deep Snow/Mud.
I'd love to get a Subaru Forester Wilderness, just can't afford one right now. I've watched several different reviews of the Wilderness models, and the Forester I think would be fine for me as I don't haul around passengers very often...and I like the additional ground clearance of the Wilderness. I'm impressed how quickly the AWD system works in the Subaru VS other brands. I live in Idaho, so the roads can get tricky in the winter and I think a Subaru would be great, plus I like to venture out on backroads occasionally as well as camp, so the Forester Wilderness eventually will end up being a replacement to my well aged 1987 Ford Ranger, which is only 2WD so a Subaru wouldn't have any trouble getting into the places I like to go since the Ranger does it just fine LOL.
You will NOT be disappointed with a Forester Wilderness. We're in Idaho too.
@@WildernessForever Thank you.
Alex - just a thank you, as always, for your wonderful channel and information. Just picked up a 24 Outback Touring XT, my 4th Outback and 8th Subaru. I would have purchased from you in a heartbeat if I was anywhere close. Also have a 22 WRX GT, which I love. All the best to you!
thanks Alex, that was very good 👍
My experience x mode best on descending icy road, for uphill and stuck traction off is best, rolling down the mountain manual mode.
THANKS again Alex for another AWESOME EDUCATIONAL vid 4 all us SUBARU OWNERS ❤ YOUR TIME is VERY VALUABLE 2 us & SO GRATEFUL 🙏 I go to look at your vids FIRST B4 my minimal or calling my dealership 😂 THANK U 😅
Amazing helpful video, thank you very much !!!
Love your videos!
Thanks for the information on X mode. I understand it much better now. I hope you would consider posting a similar video explaining how to use the S and I drive buttons. Thanks again for all you do.
Thank you! I've touched on S/I drive previously in other videos but haven't made a dedicated video for this. Thank you for the recommendation! As a brief description, S is "Sport" mode and I is "Intelligent" mode. Sport mode is going to be a little quicker off the line while Intelligent mode is going to be more gradual and fuel efficient.
Alex, Thank you for your videos. I am learning a lot about my 2021 Subaru that I'm picking up in a couple hours. I've been with Toyota for over a decade and am making the switch! My 2022 Camry is just too painful to sit in. I tried the Rav4 but the seats were no more comfortable and I didn't like the driving dynamics. When I first sat in the Outback I couldn't believe how comfortable I was. And the drive, was smooth as butter on the NY (Rochester) roads! I purposely went over some very deep potholes and we didn't even feel them! And Ii couldn't believe how quiet the ride is! (yes there's some throttle noise, but thats ok). This decision was after test driving or test sitting the Mazda cx50, the Buick Encore GX and Envista, and MANY other vehicles! I even rented a Rav4 and I hated that thing! So thank you for your videos!
Nicely done video! It would be fun to see a repeat of the video with snow on that steep road. I'm in Florida, so I'll likely not ever need X-mode! But I love my Onyx XT!
l learned alot thank you for these help videos.
Good information.
Alex, this was a great video. WOW! I learned a lot with your video. Thank you!
Thank you!
Wish I knew this last week. I god stuck going over a mound of dirt. Took a few tries to get over it. I didn’t think to hit the x mode. I will next time! Thanks 😊
I was planning to buy a 2025 Forester Premium but instead have ordered a 2024 Outback Onyx. Had no idea what the Xmode is for, so I thank you for this video. :•)
Thanks, Alex, for all of your assistance in getting aquainted with our 2023 Outback Limited which we purchased several months ago. May I ask you to consider doing a video on setting up the presets on the AM & FM radio stations. We have found the manual to be a bit slim on details.
Thanks, Alex, nice presentation. Crosstrek (2020 and 2024 Limited) owner just under 4 years, and have had to use X-Mode twice in snow. Outstanding feature. Nice bonus getting the family on video. All the best! "The JJ" SW Penna.
Next time you're in snow, try just turning the traction control off. It will allow u to drive through the snow faster than the x-modes allow
@@mrgarrison3516 Appreciate the tip. Thanks for the speedy reply. All the best to you.
I recently purchased a Crosstrek after months of comparing vehicles and found the value for money very good. I also watch a lot of your videos to see what I was buying. As a reference, I am in Canada, and I think it would be interesting if you made videos comparing the models on both countries. For example, I have an Onyx, which is the Sport in the U.S. The differences are interesting. The Onyx comes with moon roof, RAB and cross traffic detection as well as well as 10 way power seat with lumbar support. It also has heated steering, which should be on Models sold in Northern states. The last thing is the choice of colours. The Onyx has offshore Blue which the sport does not, and across all trim levels, there is no surcharge for any of the colours.
Gatlinburg? Welcome to TN!
Thank you, that was very helpful. How about doing a video on the snow and mud mode. That one really has me confused.
Same action as regular X mode only "Deep snow and mud' X mode allows the wheel braking loose (slipping) to continue to spin on and off in pulses to move the car out of a getting stuck situation. That could be up to all wheels performing this action sequentially
As soon as I saw those roads I thought of the Gatlinburg area, I follow Everything Autos on you tube and watching you back up down the hill Jeff who runs a towing company winches out a bunch of tourist that back off the driveways. Can't say I have ever seen him pull any Subaru's though.
It was a narrow drive! And we arrived at night so that was fun 😅
Hi Alex, Thank you for all the informative and great videos. I am a new Subaru owner. I purchased a new 2023 WRX Premium last August. I was wondering if you could do a video talking about the WRX? I looked through your video library and didn't see much about the WRX. I was hoping maybe you could talk about some of the features, or maintenance, or hidden things with the media screen or connect an android phone to it? I really appreciate all that you do, and your videos have certainly made me extremely pleased and comforted with my purchase. I hope your dealership is giving you a big raise for all this work on youtube because I promise it is helping first time buyers and potential buyers.
Alex is my favoritist Subaru Sensei on the internet.
Thanks!
You’re welcome!
Hi Alex, Big follower of your videos, they are great-thank you, I've learned a lot! I'm a Subaru owner from the old "Loyale" days back in the 90s. I just watched this video and am trying to figure out why your X-Mode has the various options and mine doesn't. I have a 2023 Outback Touring XT, and I don't have the various mud, snow etc. X-Mode options. Before this video, I thought those were only available on the Wilderness addition. but I don't think yours is? (correct me if I'm wrong. thank you!
Touch screen X-Mode as well?? Screw that, I’m so glad that I got into a Forester before next year where even those switch to the huge screen that controls everything. IMO the knobs and buttons are cooler. Lol I love old “Outdated” setups, hell I remember years ago when the turn knobs for 4X4 were considered to be a lame change by the people in my circle…and they were all trying to get in while you could still get the manual stick 4X4 operation, before it was “Ruined” by the knobs lol. I also hate push button start, love the key turn. I’m an old head!! I come from a generation that used to walk uphill both to and from school 😂
Thank you for all your helpful tips! Cute kitty💕 I have a 2017 Outback. Is there any way to turn down the volume on the turn signal?
Hill Descent Control doesn't just use brakes, it also uses the CVT. Also, Hill Descent Control is active any time cruise control is active.
Thanks for your videos, very good job. Could you please talk about the radio playing anytime i start 2023 forester. Is there any way to fix that? I've seen some videos from other people, tune to satellite channel 0, shut it off before shutting down the engine. But these are not solutions, can you get in touch with subaru decision making people and relay the complaints. For what i see, I'm not the only one annoyed by this. Thanks.
Alex can you make a video about the Subaru solterra touring features and everything about it please?
When your rear passenger wheel was spinning, did the Driving Statistics display show that wheel in a different color or somehow show you it was the wheel losing traction? Thanks for the video!
Cleo in x-paws mode 🐾
My 2024 Crosstrek limited has the same interior. I never knew it would do xmode in reverse but I noticed when I put mine in reverse the xmode screen shows on top. I also like how it resumes xmode after slowing down again.
Do you have a video or can you do one for the cruise control
I recently updated the software for my 2020 Outback and didn’t notice any change. Nothing like yours. That’s for sure.
Did you have a scary voice for Siri?? Sounded like a dying old woman. Only lasted for 24 hours from the update … now back to previous voice.🤷🏻♀️
We live in NW Georgia mountains. Haven’t had to use this yet, but I know better understand its importance
Thanks for the video. I have a very early 2023 Outback Limited XT. It does NOT have Dual Function X-Mode. I had been told that Dual Function was only available in the Wilderness trim. I want to ask someone (at Subaru) whether a.) I should have DF X-Mode, or b.) I can "upgrade" (i.e. get the car programmed) to have Dual Function X-Mode. If you could point me toward such a person, I'd appreciate it.
Did the X mode engage the Hill Descent control? Or does it come on automatically when at certain angle/degree?
X-mode from my understanding locks the diffs 25% (i read in 2018 somewhere) & now with the sand/snow/mud in the newer cars ....adjusts the sensitivity of the x modes . That's just what I've told people in the past 😬
i have a question but its not x mode related..i'm living here in japan and i recently bought a 2023 forester advance trim..my question is about wiper blades because i want to change my graphite wiper blades to silicon wiper blades but the auto shop here says it will hinder the eyesight..can i still change it to silicon wiper blades or am i stuck at my graphite wiper blades? thank u very much! ✌️
I would buy I WRX Wagon, as is available in other markets except North America. Not found of handling of a SUV due to raised center of gravity from additional ground clearance. Driving a Impreza 2017 hatchback.
Subaru mostly uses the brakes to simulate "differential lockers", and is controlled by the computer. The same thing with the downhill brake assist.
I had a 22 Forester sport that had a maintenance issue with the ventilation system that couldn't be fixed. I'm now in a 24 Sport
Yesterday for the first time, the crash avoidance came on as some knucklehead in front of me on the highway came to a dead stop because he missed his exit.
Hi Alex, thank you for all your well informed posts. Could you, please, show us how to adjust the nozzle of the windshield washing liquid? Mine is pointing quite low and at higher speeds, it barely sprinkles all over the windshield. Regards, Valentin Cudric
Hey Alex, where is a suitable location for a dash cam on the new 2024 Crosstrek? The 3 eyesight cameras are so massive!
What about CVT issues. Looking at getting a 2024 Forester, but have been hearing a lot of negative stuff on their CVT
I have a crosstrek 2014 prem. Any videos of those?
Whats Your take on Subaru 's CVT !!
If you don’t have dual x mode just turn off traction control in regular x mode. Same thing.
Yes, or you can do that!
It's still a bit different
My 2023 Subaru Outback Limited XT only has xmode on or off no deep snow setting. Is this common plus what would be the correct octane of gasoline should i use in the XT model? Thanks
This winter was unusually cold in Estonia, with lots of ice and snow. Surprisingly, never needed to use X-mode, even in very slippery snow covered ice. My Forester handled everything like a champ, where other cars were either struggling or not being able to drive at all. Though we don't have steep hills.
Is there any way to shut off the gesture control on my 2024 Forrester touring?
Looking for a video on how to update software on star Link on 2023 Crosstrek Limited do you have one made?
Just last Sunday I went 4WDriving with the club, I went down this steep gravel road on a wet day with ball bearing gravel and the XV (Crosstrek) slid down part way with X-mode. I was worried about how to go up the hill, the XV did it, but I had to make several attempts, the uphill was several hundred metres like a sine wave. For the first time I used manual on first. The car sometimes lost traction on the peaks, I just rolled down about 5 metres or so and try again at a different angle and I made it up to the top without assistance. It only has a 2L engine, the Outback has a 2.5L engine but I wonder if a more powerful engine helps or does it just make the wheels spin faster? I had let air out of the tyres and I had AT tyres.
Does this mean if you turn traction control off while in X-mode it will work the same if you don’t have dual X-mode?
A quite detailed video, thanks! Can I turn XMode on while a car in D mode? Or is it possible to turn Xmode on only in Parking mode?
You can turn Xmode on in Drive or in Park. It won't let you turn it on once you've exceeded 25 mph
Thanks Alex - excellent as always. On a different yet annoying matter, is there as way to permanently disable the auto start/stop function? That is the only "feature" of my 2022 Outback Limited that I absolutely despise.
'20 Outback with it too and I put the eliminator kit in. In my experience, when I turn off Auto Start Stop and shut the car off and start the car again, Auto Start Stop stays off after having the eliminator kit installed, but you can still use Auto Start Stop if it's turned on. I haven't noticed any specific features regarding my Outback being disabled too.
You can add an "In-a-nutshell" episode from now on Alex where topics are explained in KISS [keep-it-simply-short]
That's a pretty steep hill/driveway. Do you have a hard time getting up it when it has snow or freezing rain?
Not sure why, but my 2021 Touring XT does not have the features that your screen shows for the different x mode options. It seems to be just a single button on the screen to turn it on and off. Is there something I'm missing or don't have enabled?
X mode is great for sand, too.
So, in bad weather, is it a good idea to just have X mode on all the time I’m driving? I’m in Texas so we get frequent heavy thunderstorms in spring.
I have a 2023 limited and Xmode only has on and off. Why don’t I have the other modes like your model?
My 23 Outback Limited doesn't have the dual X-Mode. Is there something I need to get updated to get that?
Mine either…..
How does it work on a 2015 manual transmission?
Ĥow to turn on ,the blindspo light in my crosstrek sport plaease hel me
Hi Alex do the subaru eyesight i t automatic work on the city driving and how close to the car in the front the auto btrake system will work ? Thank you
It works in stop and go traffic and will even come to a full stop but it's not predictive like a person would be. It works well if traffic is simple but definitely avoid using it if there is cross traffic or make sure you're paying attention in case someone pulls out in front of you.
Since it automatically goes into standby mode, any reason why we shouldn’t always drive in x-mode when on a trail/hilly surface? 24 Solterra Owner
is there any dates on the hybrid engine for Outback?
Not yet. The Forester hybrid will be first and that’s expected to arrive in about a year. Outback will be after that but no definite date yet
My 2020 Outback does not have dual function X-Mode. X Mode on mine shuts off after 25 MPH and I usually have to slow down to approximately 10-12MPH to turn it back on again.
Which trim level do you have?
@@alexpmo Limited
Alex, my '20 Outback is in the Limited trim.
@@zachh6951 just looked it up and it appears dual xmode is only on the Outback Onyx and Wilderness. Limited unfortunately doesn’t have it
I have x mode but it’s just on and off on the screen. No snow or other areas. Must of been a 2023 upgrade. I have a 2020 Outback limited.
So all X-Mode 2 does is turn off traction control. On older models that don't habe X-Mode 2, just turn off the traction control switch. Has same effect.
When you slow back down, does xmode turn back on automatically?
Yes, shuts off at 25 mph and back on when you slow down to about 22 mph.
❤SUBARU # 1 ❤️🥳👏🏼
Why did Subaru decide to only give limited Crosstrek only hill decent. Sucks I do not have all the modes.
The one feature that I would have gladly paid extra for (if it was an available option) when I had my ‘24 Forester base model built from the factory. Don’t really understand why here in America the base models didn’t get X-Mode and black interior carpet and seat color as options, but for our friends in Canada X-Mode comes standard and black interior color is optional. But nonetheless, beyond pleased with my Forester and have no time.
Thanks for this video. My cousin who had a Bronco Sport Badlands says he has the better AWD system.
I rode in one at the Chicago auto show! They’re nice!
@@alexpmo yes but Outback I think overall is a more comfortable vehicle. Wilderness probably just as capable as the Badlands
My dog doesn’t have X Mode
I hate the touch screens in these modern cars. You tap and it doesn't register. So tap again and again and eventually it gets there. It's dangerous as it takes your eyes off the road for too long