Impressive setup. For an independent channel to have its own course is great. Thumbs up! All this shows is anyone wanting to go in this type of terrain should never bother with these type of vehicles. But great to see that even the Crosstrek can struggle through it if absolutely you had to get through something like this terrain.
@@EricTheRed122 I actually disagree with that, i think both of those vehicles could go up it easier if you just go a little bit faster. I get there suppose to be testing how good the AWD is, but still, you can really make it through anything if your going fast enough. and you dont have to go so fast you break something, just give it a little more speeeeeed
These videos are gold. No manufacturer would ever show legit tests of their vehicles like this. It makes my purchasing decision so much more clear. Excellent video!
as a Subaru driver for the last 15 years I will say that you need to approach hills like these with a bit more speed and it will do it easy peasy, my Forrester does hills like those in the desert mountains here in sw NM ..
He was showing the difference between brake vectoring and torque vectoring. With enough speed and momentum anything 2 or 4 wheel drive can get through obstacles.
Yes he was but at the same time he was showing the caipability as well so not a fair test in my eyes. Where he had trouble I would have it with ease with the crosstrek@@dannyv2335
Love my CrossTrek but some of these courses are going pretty far beyond just how off-road the CrossTrek is intended to be capable of. Can it do it...sure...but you're pushing its intended design capabilities. That being said, props to you guys for recognizing, given its design and price point, it did well enough. Most reviews don't even bother to give that credit.
Not in the Northwest. These are normal everyday logging roads for hiking and climbing. I like my Crosstrek but disappointed in asymmetric Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.
@@djk9324 i have a Forester and mind you, SAWD is just a marketing gimmick. For real, symmetrical drive you need triple differential lock. That said, with X mode is good value for the money for a polivalent SUV. The car's book clearly states the car is not a hardcore all terrain vehicle. The use in this video clearly exceeded the design intention.
Nobody is going to do these crazy things 99% of the time. It's a good enough off-road vehicle, just like the Ford Bronco Sport is for being a small SUV.
Agreed. I feel that this comparison was decent but the Bronco is clearly more of an off-road vehicle than a Crosstreck. Meanwhile the Outback Wilderness is for this type of terrain. Also, I bet if you looked at the difference in fuel economy that might put things in even better perspective.
I'm surprised at how well the Crosstrek did. I'm not as familiar with the Bronco Sport since it's a relatively new vehicle, but I've been following Crossstreks for a while. This is an absolute torture test for a Crosstrek, and as much as people want to argue it, the Crosstrek just isn't an off-road vehicle. It's great for gravel, hardpack, dirt roads, mud and snow. But it's not a rock crawler or a serious off-road machine. It just doesn't have the ground clearance, tires or transmission for such tasks. Despite all that, it did surprisingly well in this test which is, in my opinion, a worst-case-scenario for someone in a Crosstrek.
And the interesting part is, that i think crosstreck is expencive i think. In europe i bought XV/crosstreck for 24 000 something. and bronco is 40000 still. so i think 16k difference is alot .. like a new car difference. So still i think subaru did just fine. So im happy, now i want to see outback, because i have it :D
Yeah im getting the 22 limited crosstrek and I have an 09 limited outback and I have put my outback through some rugged trails in maine and it actually managed pretty well for 190k miles all original parts...subarus aren't beasts but for the price you can't find any other vehicle that competes with the crosstrek right now and all the tests I've seen are on loose dirt while they handle deep snow like a truck because of the wheel spin they dig down and get the traction they need and if the ground it relatively solid under those tires they can climb but if you got them going up a loam pile with no traction those wheels are obviously going to keep digging...but also with that ground clearance you can get a running start without having to worry about compression of the springs...I've never driven that slow on trails and I've never been stuck or broke anything
Why people take these crosstrek for more hardcore off-roading is beyond me. However, they're great for lose dirt, rain, snow and light mud. Had a blast driving mines on a sandy beach.
i own the first gen crosstrek with pretty standard tires and stock ride height, took it to an OHV park camping last weekend and it blew me away. mines a 5spd manual so it requires a bit more finesse but this little car shocked me
Agreed, they can handle small washouts and sippy holes, but are far from what id call an offroader, i think soft roader at best, but really more of an all weather on road vehicle, and am sure its great at that, but honestly if you want an offroader buy an old beater like an old blazer or a first or second generation nissan pathfinder and mod it a little and go party
@@idkwhattonamemyself5513 what's principally different between the latest Crosstrek and Outback? Other platform than what Subaru started calling SGP? Boxer engines? The so-called "symmetrical AWD"? CVTs? Suspensions?
Having some off road experience in my past I just want to say if you stop while trying to climb a hill It is really hard to get started again. It can also be deceiving as to where you stop and start so don't know how accurate the test is.
That's this dudes whole schtick on every video.... Stop the vehicle, fiddle with a bunch of dials and settings play with his infotainment screen for 30 seconds and then sit there spinning tires, while talking about it being a tricky situation. Anyone who's ever driven a Subaru or any other vehicle "off road" knows that you use momentum to maintain forward progress in quite a few situations and it's part of the skill set of wheeling to recognize how to approach various obstacles before you get to them. Like the "show areas where Subaru can improve" at the end.... He literally comes to a stop during a turn on a incline just so he can say that. Keep in mind this is the kind of guy who thinks driving on a forest road with 6" of snow is "off roading"
@@pulda015 I couldn’t have said it better! I drive off road for a living being an earth mover and I own a plain Jane cross trek. I know it’s limitations and yet can do a lot more than this vid failed on. At work most of us have standard issue 2WD trucks that do way more just because we know how to drive them.
L1 and S mode as well. Yet another test without using the car to its full capability. Also with the tires being different the test is void. Those tires function completely different on that terrain. If anything the Crosstrek handled it better given the tires were worse 😂
If there's one thing I've realized about this channel it's that the guy that does the driving really can't drive for shit..... And because of his ignorance these test results are often skewed one way or another.
I also believe it was more than a bit unfair to run the Bronco first over every course and let it chew the course up before the Crosstrek. But, that may be the Crosstrek owner in me. I am just happy the Crosstrek finished every course 👍😃👍
@@maeganb1091Wheels played no part in it having any kind of advantage. It had different tires that were slightly more off-road capable, but really in the terrain that they're in didn't offer that much more of an advantage. Winter or wet driving or in mud. They would have offered a lot better traction
@@nozopoke1782 Cost of fuel mainly. My pickup gets horrible mpg. And I'm getting tired of driving a big vehicle. Still need something capable in snow though.
I have the base model 2021 crosstrek with a manual transmission. I have taken it down hydro access roads in northern Ontario and I must say it does surprisingly well. However a truck is definitely ideal but my Subaru has never let me down.
The truth is the truth. the FBS ate the road much easier than the Crosstrek( and I own a Crosstrek just like that one). The Subi did the job but it did struggle. The good thing is that I am not planing on driving mine on a road like that “ever”.
I have a Forestor and live and CO and I would never take my Sube up the things he was doing and I am on mountian roads all the time. Also - for $40k you could buy a Toyota TRD Tacoma and putting $40k into a 1st gen Ford is a bad investment. That thing won't be in the road in 5yrs
@@gh7213 I own a heavily modified 98 Wrangler, a 2010 Forester, and 2012 Impreza and also live in CO. As much as I adore my TJ (Wrangler), both of those Subies are very capable vehicles. I've taken both down Hotel Gulch and some other rocky trails, like this guy was attempting, with no issue. I went fully expecting my follow-ups to have to rescue me. Smart driving/line picking combined with Toyo ATIII's they both handled extremely well!
@@hannibalhamlin4375 awesome! It usually just me out there alone with my dogs and my biggest fear is getting stuck so I take it pretty conservative. That's awesome that you are pushing the Forester with no issues. I also have a wrangler that we enjoy as well.
@@gh7213 that's really smart when you're on the trails alone. I wish more people (including myself the first time out ever off-roading, in the Jeep no less 😑) would be more conservative when they're alone. It's just safer. One of these days you should drag your Subi out with some people and see what that baby can do! It's not a Wrangler, they're still a lot of fun 😊
@@hannibalhamlin4375 I have to agree with you when it comes to tires, a big difference. My wife in her 08 RAV4 V6 limited was almost able to follow me and my 06 4Runner in MOAB primarily because we have the same brand of tires (Hercules Terra Trac ll AT ) on our rigs plus knowing which line to take also makes a difference when it comes to having fun and exploring.
The Badlands is $35K which is only $6K above the Subaru. A Bronco Sport 1st edition is top of the line and no longer available. Both the Badlands and 1st edition are also much better equipped (off-road bits and features in general) than a Crosstrek Sport
@@luisinhoens90 was going to say the same thing, the first edition is basically a top of the line Badlands with all the options... You can get a Badlands for 35... Might not have all the leather etc but the offroad stuff is there
The theory I’ve heard is that Subaru allows additional wheel spin because braking the spinning wheels too hard would exceed the allowable torque at that speed for the CVT. I’ve seen similar behavior with other CVT based cars too.
and i think that is the error of subaru, i think they should use something better for offroad type cars. but i get it, because XV is a small crossover for country roads and some gravel.
My Badlands cost 33K which has the same off-road functions as the First Edition. The FE has all the luxury items which raises the costs more. 33K is still more than the 29K but it is much closer in price range which would put them closer is price for people to consider between the Subaru. Thanks for showing the capabilities of each-good video!!
plus you get led vs halogens....crosstrek is too small....im personally shopping bs, full bronco with manual and used outback with manual....would buy outback wilderness tmmw, but dealer is 6hrs away, warranty work would be pita
with the Subaru .he kept lifting his foot off the accelerator stopping momemtum ..and virtually was stop starting instead of getting into it ..poor driving skills ..
No he actually wasn't. That's just the way the system limits you in that vehicle. It wasn't poor driving. It's a poor power management system in the vehicle
The Bronco Sport gets way more hate then it deserves. I think it's the perfect modern Bronco 2 and it does what it was built for perfect, being practical and capable
@@bwaters698 ignorant comment, overpriced right of the bat yes, but just because it's made by a certain brand doesn't mean it won't last or be reliable. Don't be ignorant.
@IA Vagabond Only 1 being ignorant Is You ,You Know Nothing about me or how many ford's I have owned or my family I have over 50 yrs of owning vehicles of all makes That's probably longer than you have been alive ,So you're the only 1 being ignorant ,Have nice day
@@bwaters698 get called out for terrible logic get mad lol, I don't care about you all I know is right off the bat you're argument is ignorant logic. Have a good day
Not that the video needs it, but it would have been nice to have some type of "control" scenario. Like maybe have the 4runner drive up to show it is possible to make it up these obstacles easily.
He’s done the tests with his 4Runner already in his videos when making the course. It’s very safe to assume when he designed the course he used the 4Runner as a baseline
I haven’t checked yet, but it’d be nice if he did an ‘intro to the course’ using the 4Runner. I’d assume it can just crawl up this but after seeing the Baby Bronco struggled, I’d imagine even the 4Runner would have a bit of slippage.
@@rediron44 I live near death Valley. Once you get past a certain point up in the mountains all you see are Jeeps. I used to have a 4Runner and loved it but now I have a Jeep. No comparison. However, if I did more highway driving I would definitely prefer the Fourunner. But it's okay, I tow my Jeep with my F-350 which is comfortable.
At the end of the day the Subaru is a car which makes it great at car stuff not as great at rock crawling. I’d bet that the Subaru is better on road than the Bronco Sport. My money would be on the vehicle that suited my needs best. Like most people I spend 99% of my time on paved roads.
I wouldn't form that kind of opinion on just one video, especially one where the competition had clear advantages such as better tires and allowed to go on the fresh course first
I have the Bronco Sport Badlands and the car is fantastic on the road. I made a 3500km road trip and the seat are confortable and the car drive by itself on the highway with only the fingers on the wheel. Super good on country road, highway, off road and the entertainment system is very good with good speakers surround sound, big sunroof, 400w inverter. Very good car.
It seems like he goes to slow and stops on steep ground to only get stuck. Who stops halfway up the hill when trying to overcome? No to mention Traction Control
Subaru has been designed for much higher speed, when you're driving a rally course or if you like to drive dirt roads with a lot more control. The CrossTrek is in fact built on the chassis of the Impreza, so maybe it could be compared with the Outlander.
Go look for the video of the Bronco Sport that rolled down a hillside. See how the passenger cabin remained intact, very impressive and worthy of itʻs safety rating.
True, except Subarus will still have their traditional fwd-type platforms with long front overhangs (and long rear overhang, as well, with the Outback), neutralizing some of the ground clearance benefits. I'm no Ford fan, but the Bronco Sport Badlands just looks right, off-road, and doesn't have the liability of a relatively-fragile CVT. The Crosstrek looks like it's being abused, here.
This is one of the best UA-cam channels out there! I always appreciate how sincere you are. Great job! Any chance we'll see you review the Santa Cruz soon?
@@ropersix yeah looks pretty cool, its supposed to have the same Torque Vectoring AWD that the adventure or the Limited, but would really love to see how capable is that rav4, honestly is way better looking than the bronco or any suv in its class (in my opinion), i’m currently owning a Limited Hybrid but would love another vehicle to play around
@@robertoavalosjr.2529 My wife just bought a TRD Rav... It does have the torque vectoring AWD, Falken Wildpeak Trails, has more ground clearance to with the offroad suspension... It's very nice but really haven't been able to test it doing anything special
@@FusionBoost2.0 i saw a video from TFLcar, where they put 3 wheels in rollers and just one with traction and it managed to get out, but if I’m not wrong it has the same clearance of 8.6 inches as the adventure or the limited
I get where you're coming from, but I think the key thing about these kind of videos is consistent/controlled variables. She might have a different driving style that could've changed the outcome of the tests. Just a thought 🤷🏻♀️
Another great review,i have a 2021 crosstrek limited with same wildpeak i have been on very rough road and its a perfect tire for a 2-3 time a year offroad ! Keep up the good work !
@@jcollins0615 Actually thanks, i don't have the full knowledge how this works, i just remember reading about Focus awd using only break vectoring, but if there is rear axle with clutches, why they say it has break controlled system?
This comes across as an unfair test, especially knowing full well the Bronco had the more off-roadie tires than the Subie, which clearly kicked up the dirt loosening the surface, why wasn’t the Subie allowed to go through the course first?
I think you had a slight oversight. The driving style I think needed to change more between the two vehicles. Also would like to see you dropping gears as well. The rock garden and the first hill would have been easier with the crosstrek had you put it in first gear manually to ensure it kept the torque of the lower gear. Of course just my opinion. Great video!!
the problem with the crosstrek is the CVT is gonna burn out if you're constantly having to stand on the accelerator with no wheels spinning like that. it's just not a good design for anything other than slippery pavement or packed flat dirt roads
@@BMW_DAILY the issue is not engine power, the issue is the transmission cuts power to the wheels when multiple wheels slip. doesn't brake them, just cuts power ua-cam.com/video/gVliavE6-tc/v-deo.html
@@chir0pter I have an '18 manual... and it shames the CVT versions it's really a crime that subaru still forces CVT on so many upper models. Subaru has really thrown their reputation into the mud in search of MPG gains with CVT. Subaru really needs to make an 8-10spd auto and allow higher HP engines on Manuals.
After reading and watching so many Subarus vs. true 4x4 vehicles with locking differential, the Subarus are truly outclassed. I’m a diehard Subaru owner but they just aren’t as capable as a 4x4 like this Bronco Sport. Wildness mode or not, they just struggle more and don’t perform at the level of their competitors.
The Soob is basically aimed for a different market. It isn't a serious off-road mountain goat, but it is light-years more capable than most compact sedans in its price class. So is the Impreza. My need is for a long distance highway cruiser with room for two medium-size dog crates and the ability to get home if the weather turns nasty.
Did this dude not give the bronco the beans with the "Imma go in rock crawl and lock the diffs" and then go over to the subaru and be like "oh well, let's just get that snow/dirt mode" when it has the stage 2 x-mode.
I love the tires on your Crosstrek. They're on my 09 Outback. Absolutely perfect for a daily/weekend warrior rig. I'm really excited to see a shootout between a bronco sport badlands and Forester Wilderness when you're able to get your hands on one. That seems more apples to apples
I’d rather have the Crosstrek Sport for $28,000, and then take the $12,000 you save and buy an old Grand Cherokee with some cheap mods that will outperform both, and that you won’t mind dinging up on a trail.
I would like to see one of the 1.5L trim Bronco Sports on the course. Everyone has the badlands (top trim) what about the lower trims? I'll lend you mine (outer banks trim), just don't break it. :)
That trim level is not designed for off road. They point that out in many ways. Even the cross-bars have different designs for the "on-road" versions and the "off-road" versions.
I love my crosstrek because it’s perfect for the city life with occasional camping trips. Tow hitch and roof rails added for exterior storage. Broncos are really great cars for off-roading but I don’t want to daily one with its gas mileage
I'm glad you addressed the momentum factor. I knew that you were crawling because this is a test, under test conditions, but I felt it needed to be mentioned. Momentum (not to be confused with speed) would be the way to get through any of this with no trouble in either vehicle. Neither one of these is a true off road vehicle, they are off road capable commuters. For most people this is a better way to go. Sure, you can buy a 4 Runner for $40k if you get a great deal on a base model, but you will spend thousands more in gas over the time that you own it. My wife and I recently purchased a Bronco Sport and we love it. I haven't tried it off road yet, and when I do it will be pretty tame. Just enough to get us to our camping destination. Living in the Denver area means that we would lose a Subaru in a parking lot because it would just disappear in a sea of Subarus.
Just ordered a Bronco Sport for $39k when I could’ve got a 2 door base Sasquatch for $40k only problem is my BS comes in a couple of weeks while the big bronco had at least another year wait.
@@marlo738 Yeah, if you need a car now the Bronco is a tougher choice to go with. I was planning to get one because it is the best 4WD/AWD vehicle for the money with a manual transmission, but with all of the delays I'm looking into other options as well.
@@r.j.bedore9884 yeah man I’m not gunna lie it’s really hard to pass up on the 2 door Base Sasquatch for the price but the Bronco Sport with a slightly bigger tire should be plenty enough for me and about 90% of people.
I have a 2.0L Trek with 2in lift, no sway bars, and BFG KO2s. I've taken it on many trails harder than these and I've honestly never had to use Xmode. Even the USFS guys out on the trails were impressed when they saw
I think the natural contender for the bronco sport is the subaru forester, because of price, size and motorizations. I really want to watch that comparizon!!! Great channel by the way!!! Congrats!!!
Oh awesome! Can you add more soft-roaders like the Renegade Trailhawk. They’re regularly 25-28k and would slot in nicely here. I’m sure Jeep will send one your way.
I had a Renegade Trailhawk and drove it regularly on stuff like this in Southern California. It was well designed and handled roads like this easily, but it was built like an absolute piece of shit. There isn't enough space to describe the giant epic problems I had with it. Granted it was a 2015 and first year, but damn it was the worst built car I've ever owned. Ironically I now have a Crosstrek (with the same Falkens as in the video) - nowhere near as good as the jeep off road but it hasn't left me stranded yet in 36k miles.
@@stilllifewithguitar184 yeah, I heard the same horror stories about the first few years of the Renegade, not just the 2015. They did some pretty nice revisions in 2019 and swapped to a new turbo motor - from what I can tell people love it now.
@@shassabo I've read similar stuff. I really wanted to love mine - it was the perfect car for me, but I had such bad issues not only with the car itself but with the dealerships and corporate. Just beyond awful. I love jeeps, and while I might forgive a lemon, I can't forgive how I was treated, so never again.
Sub Forester 2.5i is maybe the best dual purpose car. Body on frame cars are much better off roaders but they are huge, heavy, burn a lot of fuel and they are dismal on road. I still dream for Suzuki Jimnny 4-door version but ...yeah dreams.
The comparison at the beginning of the video, he says it's the tires but in typical Subaru fashion it just bogs down and stops putting any power down, whereas the Ford was definitely moving power around but it didn't look like it ever just fell flat on its face like Subarus always do. Back when Subaru relied on mechanical torque vectoring solutions they were amazing off road, now they just bring you to a stop..
of all the videos I've watched, the Bronco Sport (badlands specific) is the best crossover style off-roader. the twin clutch rear is a game changer, and the system just works.
I would to see the same test with equal tires. Put the same tires that were on the Crosstrek on the Bronco Sport and then see if the more aggressive tires made the difference.
I like this test. It shows how incredibly good the „urban“ Subaru can keep up off-road with a real off-roader like the Bronco. Both cool cars but i would go for the Subaruy
This channel is great ive been watching TFL a lot but these test are a lot more consistent and look more demanding on the vehicles without causing damage of course.
The father and son from TFL sucks! I stop watching them. They have it against Subaru and it is so obvious that it really bothers me. One thing is for anyone to dislike a brand and another thing is to have an agenda against that brand. Brian is so professional that he give you confidence with any vehicle.
Can't wait until there are more AWD EV crossovers tested with motors front and rear, as it gets rid of the need for a locking transfer case and low range gears, since EVs should crawl well with their excellent torque.
It'll be a new era. All that low end torque with no need for a center differential at all for super slow crawling? It'll as good as or better than a standard 4x4 setup.
@@johnbainbridge9034 my thoughts exactly, the question I have is how they will tune the driving modes for slow and controlled application of the EV torque
It's a shame the Subaru limits the CVT so much. The longitudinal layout is just so much more superior to the transverse engine / PDU set up on the Bronco Sport.
Great content. The Subaru having sensible tires for a crossover was a good choice imho even though that made a performance difference. Was into buying an 4wd Impreza, but now I know that the crossover is also not just a city toy. Subbed, liked, deserved! Chuck Norris would be proud ;-)
I have enjoyed your videos on the Bronco Sport. As a recent new owner who hasn’t did any “off-roading” in our 2022 Bronco Sport Badlands yet it gives me assurance that it will handle what we will need it to do. 👍🏻
My 2018 Crosstrek got totaled by a falling tree last month and insurance is paying me what I paid for it new in 2017. They really hold their value. That being said I may be using the money to buy a Bronco because I dig the boxier design, higher sitting position and a bit roomier interior. Loved that Crosstrek though. Doesn’t look like you can go wrong with either one.
Has nothing to do with its value. Most insurance companies pay for a new car if it's 3 years or newer. How can someone that can afford a new car don't understand insurance?
@@stuartpickles6907 Actually it has everything to do with the value, because the car was technically older than 3 years and they did a 12 page valuation. But thanks for the snarky know it all comment.
Had a 91 Bronco and now I have a 21 crosstrek sport ,I'm rooting for both lmao. My 91 was badass it at Skyjacker nitros, but the crosstrek is obviously way newer and more reliable, best of all worlds for me tbh
Appearance and interior materials. And if you can get the actual price of the vehicle (like with the X-Plan from Ford) you can get it for 38,000 like I did. It's still more but 2000 is worth it when people are paying 10,000 over that to get one used because they only made 2,000 of them.
I think on the first test, if you kept the throttle on, the shifting wheel brake would have worked... letting up is when the subaru got stuck... (my guess comes from watching years of Matt's off road Recovery lol) Let the kit work how you designed it, let tracktion work how the vehicles programed it...
The Bronco is made for this. The Subaru is built for driving in the snow on pavement or light off road. The fact that the Subaru was even competitive at all, and the fact that people even consider competitions like this, is a testament to the quality and abilities of the Subaru.
Yo, great video, love your new course. Woupd be cool to see the Ford bronco sport vs the Honda passport since they both have torque vectoring and seem to be the same size. Plus any other small crossover with torque vectoring like the Jeep Cherokee.
So what your saying is buy the crosstrek, throw on a ssd strut tower brace, ironman 2" lift and primitive racing skid plates, still be 10ish thousand less and get better gas milage?! 🤔🤔🤔
I love my crosstrek especially in the winter (I live in PA so we get a lot of winter weather). IMO the crosstrek is a great daily driver for my life style, but I would not consider taking it off roading or rock crawling like some of these tests.
I’m glad you mention about the use of momentum and what it tests. There are so many commenters (Subaru owners) attacking TFL for not knowing how to off road and tells them to use momentum.
To be fair TFL also compares Subarus to Ford Raptors and says they can't off road because they can't climb 2 ft tall boulders. There's honestly a lot of silly stuff there.
This can't be a very good vs video because he's using his wife's car and was worried all the way through about breaking something, both of those cars could've easily gone through the different terrain selection. Going up hills you should have a little more momentum and of course your not going to do well going a tenth mile an hour up hill in loose dirt, more speed and both would have done those easy easy
"In this video, we expedite the inevitable failure of the Subaru's CVT." They're acceptable for road cars (well, not when they're in a Nissan) but for offroading, not so much. If you could find one, it would be really interesting to see an OG Bronco II on that trail. I remember when they were new, and they were actually pretty damn capable. No electronic doodads to help people who don't know how to drive, just old school analog 4X4.
Good honest video Ryan and Karlina! Ford really strategized loaning out only the most top of the line badlands version of the Bronco Sport. Which is mechanically similar to my Honda Passport. The Bronco sport badlands has a twin clutch rear differential, but it’s not a mechanical locker. It’s a limited slip differential that has two independently controlled clutch packs, one on each side. Thanks for showing us how amazingly effective it is. Many people have not grasped the concept of how it works, so I guess I can’t fault Ford for calling it a rear locker. I’d love to see you compare a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with its true rear locker against a Bronco sport badlands. God I love your channel. Buying land and making my own course is end goals! Can I visit one day? 😃
A water crossing section should be added to the course. I feel like I've put my Crosstrek through worse... But I'm pretty sure I would have gone though those sections 2x as fast and momentum carry me. Curious how the Falken Wildpeak at3w compares to the Continental Terrain Contact A/T.
No doubt. That's Jeep speed when you have knarly tires and lockers front and rear. It would do it without wheel spin. I'd give these guys some more speed to carry the momentum.
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T's are more comparable to the Wildpeak A/T Trails, not the A/T3W's. The A/T3W is geared more towards actually off-roading, where as the Continentals and A/T Trails are more for mild (pushing it, low moderate) trails and everyday driving (although, the A/T3Ws are good for everyday driving as well).
Have the premium 22. It shows some struggle, but be aggressive with her and smart and she will get through, absolutely a beast in the 2-3 feet of snow we had. Little slidey, but with factory tires and no chains.
Impressive setup. For an independent channel to have its own course is great. Thumbs up!
All this shows is anyone wanting to go in this type of terrain should never bother with these type of vehicles. But great to see that even the Crosstrek can struggle through it if absolutely you had to get through something like this terrain.
We have Tommy a TFL car mocking this course. TFL has become annoying of late.
@@arunmaroli5946 what episode?
@@arunmaroli5946 Yes, I'd love to know which ep as well
Yes I agree with most of your comment, but both vehicles can be made to be able to go through these obstacles easier, just not from factory.
@@EricTheRed122 I actually disagree with that, i think both of those vehicles could go up it easier if you just go a little bit faster. I get there suppose to be testing how good the AWD is, but still, you can really make it through anything if your going fast enough. and you dont have to go so fast you break something, just give it a little more speeeeeed
These videos are gold. No manufacturer would ever show legit tests of their vehicles like this. It makes my purchasing decision so much more clear. Excellent video!
yes, like don't buy either one unless you want to do an engine replacement soon.
He said you could buy a 4 Runner for 40k. Please tell me where this 4 Runner is located. I’ll buy it.
@@thefix2573 it would be the transmission going out first without 30k mile fluid changes. engines on both of these vehicles are solid.
@@tommyh.8391 Negotiate it down to 40K? They're selling at $40,500 MSRP. Dealer fees and delivery aren't an issue with the smallest effort.
Agreed, the video with the outback wilderness on the snowed in trail was something I would never see from dealers/manufacturers
as a Subaru driver for the last 15 years I will say that you need to approach hills like these with a bit more speed and it will do it easy peasy, my Forrester does hills like those in the desert mountains here in sw NM ..
Yeah something didn't seem right about this. Even my old 2004 Legacy does pretty well on icy slopes.
He was showing the difference between brake vectoring and torque vectoring. With enough speed and momentum anything 2 or 4 wheel drive can get through obstacles.
My Corvette got over plenty of obstacles with speed. But that's not what this test is about
Yes he was but at the same time he was showing the caipability as well so not a fair test in my eyes. Where he had trouble I would have it with ease with the crosstrek@@dannyv2335
Love my CrossTrek but some of these courses are going pretty far beyond just how off-road the CrossTrek is intended to be capable of. Can it do it...sure...but you're pushing its intended design capabilities. That being said, props to you guys for recognizing, given its design and price point, it did well enough. Most reviews don't even bother to give that credit.
Not in the Northwest. These are normal everyday logging roads for hiking and climbing. I like my Crosstrek but disappointed in asymmetric Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.
@@djk9324 i have a Forester and mind you, SAWD is just a marketing gimmick. For real, symmetrical drive you need triple differential lock. That said, with X mode is good value for the money for a polivalent SUV. The car's book clearly states the car is not a hardcore all terrain vehicle. The use in this video clearly exceeded the design intention.
He is in washington eastern
Nobody is going to do these crazy things 99% of the time. It's a good enough off-road vehicle, just like the Ford Bronco Sport is for being a small SUV.
I’d love to see a bronco sport vs outback wilderness. They seem similar in price and it looks like it has been more capable than a crosstrek
@@nomadmav7040 that’s what I’m saying though. The bronco sport is $40k and so is the outback wilderness. Better comparison
Agreed. I feel that this comparison was decent but the Bronco is clearly more of an off-road vehicle than a Crosstreck. Meanwhile the Outback Wilderness is for this type of terrain. Also, I bet if you looked at the difference in fuel economy that might put things in even better perspective.
Forester Wilderness will be an even better one because the price and size will be comparable
Check out the Bronco Badlands version and save 5k with all the off-road hardware.
@@FriENTlyFire that forester is going to be awesome! I wish they put the turbo in it though. Missed opportunity.
I'm surprised at how well the Crosstrek did. I'm not as familiar with the Bronco Sport since it's a relatively new vehicle, but I've been following Crossstreks for a while. This is an absolute torture test for a Crosstrek, and as much as people want to argue it, the Crosstrek just isn't an off-road vehicle. It's great for gravel, hardpack, dirt roads, mud and snow. But it's not a rock crawler or a serious off-road machine. It just doesn't have the ground clearance, tires or transmission for such tasks. Despite all that, it did surprisingly well in this test which is, in my opinion, a worst-case-scenario for someone in a Crosstrek.
And the interesting part is, that i think crosstreck is expencive i think. In europe i bought XV/crosstreck for 24 000 something. and bronco is 40000 still. so i think 16k difference is alot .. like a new car difference.
So still i think subaru did just fine. So im happy, now i want to see outback, because i have it :D
Yeah im getting the 22 limited crosstrek and I have an 09 limited outback and I have put my outback through some rugged trails in maine and it actually managed pretty well for 190k miles all original parts...subarus aren't beasts but for the price you can't find any other vehicle that competes with the crosstrek right now and all the tests I've seen are on loose dirt while they handle deep snow like a truck because of the wheel spin they dig down and get the traction they need and if the ground it relatively solid under those tires they can climb but if you got them going up a loam pile with no traction those wheels are obviously going to keep digging...but also with that ground clearance you can get a running start without having to worry about compression of the springs...I've never driven that slow on trails and I've never been stuck or broke anything
Why people take these crosstrek for more hardcore off-roading is beyond me. However, they're great for lose dirt, rain, snow and light mud. Had a blast driving mines on a sandy beach.
i own the first gen crosstrek with pretty standard tires and stock ride height, took it to an OHV park camping last weekend and it blew me away. mines a 5spd manual so it requires a bit more finesse but this little car shocked me
Agreed, they can handle small washouts and sippy holes, but are far from what id call an offroader, i think soft roader at best, but really more of an all weather on road vehicle, and am sure its great at that, but honestly if you want an offroader buy an old beater like an old blazer or a first or second generation nissan pathfinder and mod it a little and go party
Would like to see how the Outback Wilderness can handle the course!
Same as that XV more or less. Same drivetrain plus more power but minus longer wheelbase and weight. And similarly horrendous overhangs.
I second that! The whole Wilderness line: Outback, Forester, and the others as they come out.
@@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461 Totally different drivetrain
@@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461 they did cut down the overhang on the wilderness but it’s still pretty big
@@idkwhattonamemyself5513 what's principally different between the latest Crosstrek and Outback? Other platform than what Subaru started calling SGP? Boxer engines? The so-called "symmetrical AWD"? CVTs? Suspensions?
Having some off road experience in my past I just want to say if you stop while trying to climb a hill It is really hard to get started again. It can also be deceiving as to where you stop and start so don't know how accurate the test is.
That's this dudes whole schtick on every video.... Stop the vehicle, fiddle with a bunch of dials and settings play with his infotainment screen for 30 seconds and then sit there spinning tires, while talking about it being a tricky situation. Anyone who's ever driven a Subaru or any other vehicle "off road" knows that you use momentum to maintain forward progress in quite a few situations and it's part of the skill set of wheeling to recognize how to approach various obstacles before you get to them. Like the "show areas where Subaru can improve" at the end.... He literally comes to a stop during a turn on a incline just so he can say that.
Keep in mind this is the kind of guy who thinks driving on a forest road with 6" of snow is "off roading"
@@pulda015 I couldn’t have said it better! I drive off road for a living being an earth mover and I own a plain Jane cross trek. I know it’s limitations and yet can do a lot more than this vid failed on. At work most of us have standard issue 2WD trucks that do way more just because we know how to drive them.
Yep all these modes (Nannies ) are momentum killers.
I love that he mentions the price difference. I see a lot of videos comparing the Crosstrek to vehicles that are $10000 to $20000 more.
Make sure to disengage traction control when using x-mode in difficult terrain.
Agreed. Also helps to put cvt in L.
L1 and S mode as well. Yet another test without using the car to its full capability. Also with the tires being different the test is void. Those tires function completely different on that terrain. If anything the Crosstrek handled it better given the tires were worse 😂
He should have used Xmode 2, it helps allow more soon and even more aggressive braking. I think given a 11k difference, it still did pretty good!
If there's one thing I've realized about this channel it's that the guy that does the driving really can't drive for shit..... And because of his ignorance these test results are often skewed one way or another.
How is this done? Disengaging traction control?
Can’t wait for this terrain in winter time. A whole new game!!
The Bronco has more options with its AWD system, thus it will still do better in the snow.
Subaru is fail
I was thinking the same thing! Bring on the snow!
Subaru fail harder in snow🥺
@@JRs-guitars that Subaru will be f***** in the snow.
I also believe it was more than a bit unfair to run the Bronco first over every course and let it chew the course up before the Crosstrek.
But, that may be the Crosstrek owner in me. I am just happy the Crosstrek finished every course 👍😃👍
agreed! especially the crosstrek was already at a disadvantage given the fact that the bronco had better wheels
Not bad for the crosstrek besides it’s disadvantages.
@@maeganb1091Wheels played no part in it having any kind of advantage. It had different tires that were slightly more off-road capable, but really in the terrain that they're in didn't offer that much more of an advantage. Winter or wet driving or in mud. They would have offered a lot better traction
Honestly, I came more for seeing your new track than for seeing these two soft roaders. Great content you guys!!!
😆🤣🤣 💀 I drive a soft roader 🙁
I so agree, great content!
Id love to see the Rav4 TRD on this course. And of course Karleena Gore 😍
These videos are so useful for me as someone considering moving from a proper 4x4 to an AWD. Thanks! Hope to see more like this.
Why do that move ?
@@nozopoke1782 Cost of fuel mainly. My pickup gets horrible mpg. And I'm getting tired of driving a big vehicle. Still need something capable in snow though.
@@NothingCoherent that makes sense
Crosstrek aftermarket keeps getting better. Add skids, winch, rear locker, and AT Trails. Keep the 30+MPG hwy.
@@NothingCoherent fuel will go down once this idiot is out of office. :)
This is not a joke lmao. Great work guys, that’s some impressive trail work, not the easy stuff we always see.
I have the base model 2021 crosstrek with a manual transmission. I have taken it down hydro access roads in northern Ontario and I must say it does surprisingly well. However a truck is definitely ideal but my Subaru has never let me down.
The truth is the truth. the FBS ate the road much easier than the Crosstrek( and I own a Crosstrek just like that one). The Subi did the job but it did struggle. The good thing is that I am not planing on driving mine on a road like that “ever”.
I have a Forestor and live and CO and I would never take my Sube up the things he was doing and I am on mountian roads all the time.
Also - for $40k you could buy a Toyota TRD Tacoma and putting $40k into a 1st gen Ford is a bad investment. That thing won't be in the road in 5yrs
@@gh7213 I own a heavily modified 98 Wrangler, a 2010 Forester, and 2012 Impreza and also live in CO. As much as I adore my TJ (Wrangler), both of those Subies are very capable vehicles. I've taken both down Hotel Gulch and some other rocky trails, like this guy was attempting, with no issue. I went fully expecting my follow-ups to have to rescue me. Smart driving/line picking combined with Toyo ATIII's they both handled extremely well!
@@hannibalhamlin4375 awesome! It usually just me out there alone with my dogs and my biggest fear is getting stuck so I take it pretty conservative. That's awesome that you are pushing the Forester with no issues. I also have a wrangler that we enjoy as well.
@@gh7213 that's really smart when you're on the trails alone. I wish more people (including myself the first time out ever off-roading, in the Jeep no less 😑) would be more conservative when they're alone. It's just safer. One of these days you should drag your Subi out with some people and see what that baby can do! It's not a Wrangler, they're still a lot of fun 😊
@@hannibalhamlin4375 I have to agree with you when it comes to tires, a big difference. My wife in her 08 RAV4 V6 limited was almost able to follow me and my 06 4Runner in MOAB primarily because we have the same brand of tires (Hercules Terra Trac ll AT ) on our rigs plus knowing which line to take also makes a difference when it comes to having fun and exploring.
A guy who gets his own off-road courses built for reviews. Now that's impressive!
Is the Bronco $11 thousand better than the Subie? Don't think so
The Badlands is $35K which is only $6K above the Subaru. A Bronco Sport 1st edition is top of the line and no longer available. Both the Badlands and 1st edition are also much better equipped (off-road bits and features in general) than a Crosstrek Sport
@@luisinhoens90 was going to say the same thing, the first edition is basically a top of the line Badlands with all the options... You can get a Badlands for 35... Might not have all the leather etc but the offroad stuff is there
The Subaru was pathetic. It couldn't even get up the road leading out of the obstacle.
@@luisinhoens90 Depends on much option is loaded onto the Crosstrek Sport. I got mine brand new for $24K, so the price difference remains at $11K.
It is kind of funny that Subaru AWD always makes the hardest of terrain look "easy".
You obviously didn't watch very closely did you? It tended to make the most simple terrain look very difficult
@@jasonmorehouse3756 2 years to late mate. You sound like someone's wife bringing up an old conversation.
The theory I’ve heard is that Subaru allows additional wheel spin because braking the spinning wheels too hard would exceed the allowable torque at that speed for the CVT. I’ve seen similar behavior with other CVT based cars too.
and i think that is the error of subaru, i think they should use something better for offroad type cars. but i get it, because XV is a small crossover for country roads and some gravel.
I've always liked Ryan's reviews but paired with Karleena they're even better. Nice job guys!
if they come out with a Crosstrek wilderness it would be more evenly matched (Or even with the Forrester wilderness)
Bronco Sport is the clear winner here - damn that AWD system seem as good as a true 4WD!
Clicked on this at the speed of light.
My Badlands cost 33K which has the same off-road functions as the First Edition. The FE has all the luxury items which raises the costs more. 33K is still more than the 29K but it is much closer in price range which would put them closer is price for people to consider between the Subaru. Thanks for showing the capabilities of each-good video!!
plus you get led vs halogens....crosstrek is too small....im personally shopping bs, full bronco with manual and used outback with manual....would buy outback wilderness tmmw, but dealer is 6hrs away, warranty work would be pita
100%
Add rear locker on the badlands.
@@Sworksfsr that's standard on badlands
I mean the base crosstrek is also nine grand cheaper than the tested model
Karleena is back 😍
What a great way to spend my lunch time, watching one of her videos, and Ryan is cool too.
😍is right! She’s so cute….
@@cornbread70s4 Yes sir, she is. 😃
with the Subaru .he kept lifting his foot off the accelerator stopping momemtum ..and virtually was stop starting instead of getting into it ..poor driving skills ..
No he actually wasn't. That's just the way the system limits you in that vehicle. It wasn't poor driving. It's a poor power management system in the vehicle
He drove the Subie like an idiot.
Baloney, you could hear him lift off the gas at all the wrong times.
never seen so few views... oh wait it was posted like 3 minutes ago. I've never been so early!! Can't wait for this one
The Bronco Sport gets way more hate then it deserves. I think it's the perfect modern Bronco 2 and it does what it was built for perfect, being practical and capable
I just said this. It is the bronco 2.
There's hate for the bronco Because it's way Over priced and it's a ford and won't last!!
@@bwaters698 ignorant comment, overpriced right of the bat yes, but just because it's made by a certain brand doesn't mean it won't last or be reliable. Don't be ignorant.
@IA Vagabond Only 1 being ignorant Is You ,You Know Nothing about me or how many ford's I have owned or my family I have over 50 yrs of owning vehicles of all makes That's probably longer than you have been alive ,So you're the only 1 being ignorant ,Have nice day
@@bwaters698 get called out for terrible logic get mad lol, I don't care about you all I know is right off the bat you're argument is ignorant logic. Have a good day
Not that the video needs it, but it would have been nice to have some type of "control" scenario. Like maybe have the 4runner drive up to show it is possible to make it up these obstacles easily.
totally agree
He’s done the tests with his 4Runner already in his videos when making the course. It’s very safe to assume when he designed the course he used the 4Runner as a baseline
I haven’t checked yet, but it’d be nice if he did an ‘intro to the course’ using the 4Runner. I’d assume it can just crawl up this but after seeing the Baby Bronco struggled, I’d imagine even the 4Runner would have a bit of slippage.
Then use a Jeep.
@@rediron44 I live near death Valley. Once you get past a certain point up in the mountains all you see are Jeeps. I used to have a 4Runner and loved it but now I have a Jeep. No comparison. However, if I did more highway driving I would definitely prefer the Fourunner. But it's okay, I tow my Jeep with my F-350 which is comfortable.
At the end of the day the Subaru is a car which makes it great at car stuff not as great at rock crawling. I’d bet that the Subaru is better on road than the Bronco Sport. My money would be on the vehicle that suited my needs best. Like most people I spend 99% of my time on paved roads.
Not to mention $11,000 is a huge difference in price.
I wouldn't form that kind of opinion on just one video, especially one where the competition had clear advantages such as better tires and allowed to go on the fresh course first
They should have used a forester. I have one & it flys up this stuff no problem all the time.
@@austin_baxtermusic remember everything looks super flat and easy in videos, guaranteed its far harder terrain than it appears to be in the video
I have the Bronco Sport Badlands and the car is fantastic on the road. I made a 3500km road trip and the seat are confortable and the car drive by itself on the highway with only the fingers on the wheel. Super good on country road, highway, off road and the entertainment system is very good with good speakers surround sound, big sunroof, 400w inverter. Very good car.
It seems like he goes to slow and stops on steep ground to only get stuck. Who stops halfway up the hill when trying to overcome? No to mention Traction Control
Subaru has been designed for much higher speed, when you're driving a rally course or if you like to drive dirt roads with a lot more control.
The CrossTrek is in fact built on the chassis of the Impreza, so maybe it could be compared with the Outlander.
Go look for the video of the Bronco Sport that rolled down a hillside. See how the passenger cabin remained intact, very impressive and worthy of itʻs safety rating.
We need the Badlands vs Forester Wilderness. Would be a great video.
Forester or Outback Wilderness versus Bronco Sport Badlands would be more of a fair comparison ...
True, except Subarus will still have their traditional fwd-type platforms with long front overhangs (and long rear overhang, as well, with the Outback), neutralizing some of the ground clearance benefits. I'm no Ford fan, but the Bronco Sport Badlands just looks right, off-road, and doesn't have the liability of a relatively-fragile CVT. The Crosstrek looks like it's being abused, here.
@@kenhoward3512 agree! The Ford BS should be compared to the Cherokee TH
This is one of the best UA-cam channels out there! I always appreciate how sincere you are. Great job! Any chance we'll see you review the Santa Cruz soon?
Take the Rav4 TRD there too! The 2021 with the skid plates to see how capable it is!!
Saw one of those the other day in a parking lot. It at least looks VERY capable.
@@ropersix yeah looks pretty cool, its supposed to have the same Torque Vectoring AWD that the adventure or the Limited, but would really love to see how capable is that rav4, honestly is way better looking than the bronco or any suv in its class (in my opinion), i’m currently owning a Limited Hybrid but would love another vehicle to play around
@@robertoavalosjr.2529 My wife just bought a TRD Rav... It does have the torque vectoring AWD, Falken Wildpeak Trails, has more ground clearance to with the offroad suspension... It's very nice but really haven't been able to test it doing anything special
@@FusionBoost2.0 i saw a video from TFLcar, where they put 3 wheels in rollers and just one with traction and it managed to get out, but if I’m not wrong it has the same clearance of 8.6 inches as the adventure or the limited
@@robertoavalosjr.2529 Yup just 8.6
Tires are everything. We see this over and over and over... The commercial "because so much is riding on your tires" is so incredibly true.
you should let Karleena drive the Subaru. it's like watching someone not sharing their toys.
I’m pretty sure the Crosstrek is his wife’s vehicle 🤷🏾♂️
I get where you're coming from, but I think the key thing about these kind of videos is consistent/controlled variables. She might have a different driving style that could've changed the outcome of the tests. Just a thought 🤷🏻♀️
@@GrullaMustang16 good point
Another great review,i have a 2021 crosstrek limited with same wildpeak i have been on very rough road and its a perfect tire for a 2-3 time a year offroad ! Keep up the good work !
By the way, the "rear locker" is a tuned version of the limited slip differential in the focus performance model.
It maybe uses the same component, but Bronco has true vectoring axle, Focus is break based just like Subaru
@@tallll70 he means the focus RS which has a rear clutch pack to transfer to work same as the Bronco Sport Badlands
@@jcollins0615 Actually thanks, i don't have the full knowledge how this works, i just remember reading about Focus awd using only break vectoring, but if there is rear axle with clutches, why they say it has break controlled system?
Which is better in snow? The 3 Subaru's I owned and the hundreds I rented are phenomenal in snow and ice.
The Bronco Sport "feels" more capable in the snow. But I chalked it up to the AT tires and less wheel spin.
This comes across as an unfair test, especially knowing full well the Bronco had the more off-roadie tires than the Subie, which clearly kicked up the dirt loosening the surface, why wasn’t the Subie allowed to go through the course first?
Came here to say the same. The lesser equipped vehicle should always be first.
Correct
well then equip the subi with better wheels! also he flattened and reput the dirt back on the track
Plus he drove the subi slower. And more careful. Didn't want his wife yelling at him
I think you had a slight oversight. The driving style I think needed to change more between the two vehicles. Also would like to see you dropping gears as well. The rock garden and the first hill would have been easier with the crosstrek had you put it in first gear manually to ensure it kept the torque of the lower gear. Of course just my opinion. Great video!!
I agree with driving style, it seems like he let off the gas whenever either vehicle would start to move.
the problem with the crosstrek is the CVT is gonna burn out if you're constantly having to stand on the accelerator with no wheels spinning like that. it's just not a good design for anything other than slippery pavement or packed flat dirt roads
The crosstrek just isn't strong enough. The Outback Wilderness would destroy this course
@@BMW_DAILY Nah, it's let down by the CVT just like the crosstrek
@@chir0pter not with the extra power and using manual mode, plus the trans cooler is very effective since its used in the Ascent for towing 5k lbs
@@BMW_DAILY the issue is not engine power, the issue is the transmission cuts power to the wheels when multiple wheels slip. doesn't brake them, just cuts power
ua-cam.com/video/gVliavE6-tc/v-deo.html
@@chir0pter I have an '18 manual... and it shames the CVT versions it's really a crime that subaru still forces CVT on so many upper models.
Subaru has really thrown their reputation into the mud in search of MPG gains with CVT. Subaru really needs to make an 8-10spd auto and allow higher HP engines on Manuals.
After reading and watching so many Subarus vs. true 4x4 vehicles with locking differential, the Subarus are truly outclassed. I’m a diehard Subaru owner but they just aren’t as capable as a 4x4 like this Bronco Sport. Wildness mode or not, they just struggle more and don’t perform at the level of their competitors.
The Soob is basically aimed for a different market. It isn't a serious off-road mountain goat, but it is light-years more capable than most compact sedans in its price class. So is the Impreza.
My need is for a long distance highway cruiser with room for two medium-size dog crates and the ability to get home if the weather turns nasty.
Did this dude not give the bronco the beans with the "Imma go in rock crawl and lock the diffs" and then go over to the subaru and be like "oh well, let's just get that snow/dirt mode" when it has the stage 2 x-mode.
Fantastic video as always! I really enjoy seeing these off road tests giving these AWD systems fits. Keep them coming, please!
I love the tires on your Crosstrek. They're on my 09 Outback. Absolutely perfect for a daily/weekend warrior rig. I'm really excited to see a shootout between a bronco sport badlands and Forester Wilderness when you're able to get your hands on one. That seems more apples to apples
I’d rather have the Crosstrek Sport for $28,000, and then take the $12,000 you save and buy an old Grand Cherokee with some cheap mods that will outperform both, and that you won’t mind dinging up on a trail.
💯
I would like to see one of the 1.5L trim Bronco Sports on the course. Everyone has the badlands (top trim) what about the lower trims? I'll lend you mine (outer banks trim), just don't break it. :)
3 cylinder engine is scam. Lol.
It will shake like hell after few years
Definitely not hard to break a Ford especially a first year.
@@swampssa you have fallen for the scam that Subarus are actually reliable lol.
@@swampssa I've owned mine for a year. Clearly you aren't able to speak on the integrity of the Bronco Sport.
That trim level is not designed for off road. They point that out in many ways. Even the cross-bars have different designs for the "on-road" versions and the "off-road" versions.
Just took delivery of a Bronco Sport Badlands, in large part to this video. Thanks so much for what you do. I liked and I am subscribed!!!
CVT transmissions are just not suited for offroad driving like this. Bronco for the win 💪🏻
I love my crosstrek because it’s perfect for the city life with occasional camping trips. Tow hitch and roof rails added for exterior storage. Broncos are really great cars for off-roading but I don’t want to daily one with its gas mileage
Great course but I don't see any of the owner of those soft-roaders using them that way. But it's good what they can (can't) do.
I'm glad you addressed the momentum factor. I knew that you were crawling because this is a test, under test conditions, but I felt it needed to be mentioned. Momentum (not to be confused with speed) would be the way to get through any of this with no trouble in either vehicle.
Neither one of these is a true off road vehicle, they are off road capable commuters. For most people this is a better way to go. Sure, you can buy a 4 Runner for $40k if you get a great deal on a base model, but you will spend thousands more in gas over the time that you own it.
My wife and I recently purchased a Bronco Sport and we love it. I haven't tried it off road yet, and when I do it will be pretty tame. Just enough to get us to our camping destination.
Living in the Denver area means that we would lose a Subaru in a parking lot because it would just disappear in a sea of Subarus.
I think for the money I would get a well equipped 2 door Bronco rather than the Bronco Sport.
Just ordered a Bronco Sport for $39k when I could’ve got a 2 door base Sasquatch for $40k only problem is my BS comes in a couple of weeks while the big bronco had at least another year wait.
@@marlo738 Yeah, if you need a car now the Bronco is a tougher choice to go with. I was planning to get one because it is the best 4WD/AWD vehicle for the money with a manual transmission, but with all of the delays I'm looking into other options as well.
@@r.j.bedore9884 yeah man I’m not gunna lie it’s really hard to pass up on the 2 door Base Sasquatch for the price but the Bronco Sport with a slightly bigger tire should be plenty enough for me and about 90% of people.
Love a review without a clickbait title! ❤️
I have a 2.0L Trek with 2in lift, no sway bars, and BFG KO2s. I've taken it on many trails harder than these and I've honestly never had to use Xmode. Even the USFS guys out on the trails were impressed when they saw
They were impressed you still had the original motor and it wasn't broke down, yet.
@@thefix2573 the 2.0l are hardy. It would be likely other components fail before the engine would.
I think the natural contender for the bronco sport is the subaru forester, because of price, size and motorizations. I really want to watch that comparizon!!! Great channel by the way!!! Congrats!!!
Oh awesome! Can you add more soft-roaders like the Renegade Trailhawk. They’re regularly 25-28k and would slot in nicely here. I’m sure Jeep will send one your way.
great idea. Rumors of the 4xe Renegade Trailhawk coming out in the USA too. Would love to see that tested.
I agree
I had a Renegade Trailhawk and drove it regularly on stuff like this in Southern California. It was well designed and handled roads like this easily, but it was built like an absolute piece of shit. There isn't enough space to describe the giant epic problems I had with it. Granted it was a 2015 and first year, but damn it was the worst built car I've ever owned. Ironically I now have a Crosstrek (with the same Falkens as in the video) - nowhere near as good as the jeep off road but it hasn't left me stranded yet in 36k miles.
@@stilllifewithguitar184 yeah, I heard the same horror stories about the first few years of the Renegade, not just the 2015. They did some pretty nice revisions in 2019 and swapped to a new turbo motor - from what I can tell people love it now.
@@shassabo I've read similar stuff. I really wanted to love mine - it was the perfect car for me, but I had such bad issues not only with the car itself but with the dealerships and corporate. Just beyond awful. I love jeeps, and while I might forgive a lemon, I can't forgive how I was treated, so never again.
I found that in my Subaru turning off traction control helps more than x-mode
Sub Forester 2.5i is maybe the best dual purpose car. Body on frame cars are much better off roaders but they are huge, heavy, burn a lot of fuel and they are dismal on road. I still dream for Suzuki Jimnny 4-door version but ...yeah dreams.
The comparison at the beginning of the video, he says it's the tires but in typical Subaru fashion it just bogs down and stops putting any power down, whereas the Ford was definitely moving power around but it didn't look like it ever just fell flat on its face like Subarus always do.
Back when Subaru relied on mechanical torque vectoring solutions they were amazing off road, now they just bring you to a stop..
One thing i would like to see is how the crosstrek does with dedicated off road tires
of all the videos I've watched, the Bronco Sport (badlands specific) is the best crossover style off-roader. the twin clutch rear is a game changer, and the system just works.
Anyone remembeebwhen even the tiny Suzuki samurai and jimneys were formidable off road vehicles and costs less than 20G?!
I would to see the same test with equal tires. Put the same tires that were on the Crosstrek on the Bronco Sport and then see if the more aggressive tires made the difference.
I like this test. It shows how incredibly good the „urban“ Subaru can keep up off-road with a real off-roader like the Bronco.
Both cool cars but i would go for the Subaruy
At $12K less, yeah.
This channel is great ive been watching TFL a lot but these test are a lot more consistent and look more demanding on the vehicles without causing damage of course.
The father and son from TFL sucks! I stop watching them. They have it against Subaru and it is so obvious that it really bothers me. One thing is for anyone to dislike a brand and another thing is to have an agenda against that brand. Brian is so professional that he give you confidence with any vehicle.
Can't wait until there are more AWD EV crossovers tested with motors front and rear, as it gets rid of the need for a locking transfer case and low range gears, since EVs should crawl well with their excellent torque.
Battery life will be dismal tho. TFL tested a JEEP hybrid...it went 8.5 miles off road in pure EV mode.
@@mikefoehr235 that’s expected the phev range is already abysmal.
It'll be a new era. All that low end torque with no need for a center differential at all for super slow crawling? It'll as good as or better than a standard 4x4 setup.
@@johnbainbridge9034 my thoughts exactly, the question I have is how they will tune the driving modes for slow and controlled application of the EV torque
EV yuck. No thanks lolol
It's a shame the Subaru limits the CVT so much. The longitudinal layout is just so much more superior to the transverse engine / PDU set up on the Bronco Sport.
Thank you on the boxer, way superior!
Great content. The Subaru having sensible tires for a crossover was a good choice imho even though that made a performance difference. Was into buying an 4wd Impreza, but now I know that the crossover is also not just a city toy. Subbed, liked, deserved!
Chuck Norris would be proud ;-)
I have enjoyed your videos on the Bronco Sport. As a recent new owner who hasn’t did any “off-roading” in our 2022 Bronco Sport Badlands yet it gives me assurance that it will handle what we will need it to do. 👍🏻
My 2018 Crosstrek got totaled by a falling tree last month and insurance is paying me what I paid for it new in 2017. They really hold their value. That being said I may be using the money to buy a Bronco because I dig the boxier design, higher sitting position and a bit roomier interior. Loved that Crosstrek though. Doesn’t look like you can go wrong with either one.
Has nothing to do with its value. Most insurance companies pay for a new car if it's 3 years or newer. How can someone that can afford a new car don't understand insurance?
@@stuartpickles6907 Actually it has everything to do with the value, because the car was technically older than 3 years and they did a 12 page valuation. But thanks for the snarky know it all comment.
@@stuartpickles6907 shut up stuart
You are doing such a good job with this channel. Congratulations. You deserve millions of subscribers.
I would really love to see some of these tests using a manual transmission.
Why? Why tf would you want a manual off road?
Loool
@@norincofan1949 for better control and not having to rely upon electronics.
@@clemonallison488 have fun replacing your clutch every year lol
@@norincofan1949 oh, I don’t go off road much, so I won’t need to do that for some time to come.
Had a 91 Bronco and now I have a 21 crosstrek sport ,I'm rooting for both lmao. My 91 was badass it at Skyjacker nitros, but the crosstrek is obviously way newer and more reliable, best of all worlds for me tbh
Great review! How about gas mileage? My Sport gets 35 Mpg on highway. One of the main reasons I bought it over the Wilderness..
"Do I have about 1 inch?"
"No, you have about 6 inches."
Would love to see a 5th Gen Toyota RAV4 on this vs the Subaru Outback Wilderness!
Motor Trend recently tested these two off road. You should be able to google the results
Bronco Sport has surprised me more and more, I'd definitely pick one up if I were looking for a vehicle in this class.
mine is in production next week, can't wait toget it!
As soon as he switched AWD modes the CrossTrek shot right through the rock course. The vehicles seem to perform pretty equally to me
First edition is the same as Badlands in terms of feature/capability (nothing more than appearance). So it's actually $5000 less than $40000!
Appearance and interior materials. And if you can get the actual price of the vehicle (like with the X-Plan from Ford) you can get it for 38,000 like I did. It's still more but 2000 is worth it when people are paying 10,000 over that to get one used because they only made 2,000 of them.
I think on the first test, if you kept the throttle on, the shifting wheel brake would have worked... letting up is when the subaru got stuck... (my guess comes from watching years of Matt's off road Recovery lol) Let the kit work how you designed it, let tracktion work how the vehicles programed it...
The Bronco is made for this. The Subaru is built for driving in the snow on pavement or light off road. The fact that the Subaru was even competitive at all, and the fact that people even consider competitions like this, is a testament to the quality and abilities of the Subaru.
Yo, great video, love your new course. Woupd be cool to see the Ford bronco sport vs the Honda passport since they both have torque vectoring and seem to be the same size. Plus any other small crossover with torque vectoring like the Jeep Cherokee.
So what your saying is buy the crosstrek, throw on a ssd strut tower brace, ironman 2" lift and primitive racing skid plates, still be 10ish thousand less and get better gas milage?! 🤔🤔🤔
I love my crosstrek especially in the winter (I live in PA so we get a lot of winter weather). IMO the crosstrek is a great daily driver for my life style, but I would not consider taking it off roading or rock crawling like some of these tests.
My Subaru is a 2018 Crosstrek limited btw
Yeah exactly, Subarus are made for snow and a little mud, not for hardcore offroading.
I’m glad you mention about the use of momentum and what it tests. There are so many commenters (Subaru owners) attacking TFL for not knowing how to off road and tells them to use momentum.
To be fair TFL also compares Subarus to Ford Raptors and says they can't off road because they can't climb 2 ft tall boulders. There's honestly a lot of silly stuff there.
That poor Subaru was on the struggle bus
That Subaru was just plain terrible. Not sure why they even bothered.
This can't be a very good vs video because he's using his wife's car and was worried all the way through about breaking something, both of those cars could've easily gone through the different terrain selection. Going up hills you should have a little more momentum and of course your not going to do well going a tenth mile an hour up hill in loose dirt, more speed and both would have done those easy easy
"In this video, we expedite the inevitable failure of the Subaru's CVT." They're acceptable for road cars (well, not when they're in a Nissan) but for offroading, not so much.
If you could find one, it would be really interesting to see an OG Bronco II on that trail. I remember when they were new, and they were actually pretty damn capable. No electronic doodads to help people who don't know how to drive, just old school analog 4X4.
You somehow deliver on every random question I have in my mind lol I love this channel
The CVT’s in the Subaru just plain aren’t good for any off road use
They aren't meant for what he did. I own one and it gets me further into the woods than I should. Bad comparison here.
they’re not good at all lol
Good honest video Ryan and Karlina! Ford really strategized loaning out only the most top of the line badlands version of the Bronco Sport. Which is mechanically similar to my Honda Passport. The Bronco sport badlands has a twin clutch rear differential, but it’s not a mechanical locker. It’s a limited slip differential that has two independently controlled clutch packs, one on each side. Thanks for showing us how amazingly effective it is. Many people have not grasped the concept of how it works, so I guess I can’t fault Ford for calling it a rear locker. I’d love to see you compare a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with its true rear locker against a Bronco sport badlands. God I love your channel. Buying land and making my own course is end goals! Can I visit one day? 😃
We did cover the design of the rear “locker” system in the original review of the Bronco Sport. ;)
@@drivingsports I watch mostly all of your episodes, but I’ll admit, I haven’t watched all of them 😃. I’ll go back and check it out Ryan. Thanks!
A water crossing section should be added to the course. I feel like I've put my Crosstrek through worse... But I'm pretty sure I would have gone though those sections 2x as fast and momentum carry me. Curious how the Falken Wildpeak at3w compares to the Continental Terrain Contact A/T.
No doubt. That's Jeep speed when you have knarly tires and lockers front and rear. It would do it without wheel spin. I'd give these guys some more speed to carry the momentum.
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T's are more comparable to the Wildpeak A/T Trails, not the A/T3W's. The A/T3W is geared more towards actually off-roading, where as the Continentals and A/T Trails are more for mild (pushing it, low moderate) trails and everyday driving (although, the A/T3Ws are good for everyday driving as well).
Exactly. They were stopping on the steepest and softest part of the trail. You have to carry your momentum.
Have the premium 22. It shows some struggle, but be aggressive with her and smart and she will get through, absolutely a beast in the 2-3 feet of snow we had. Little slidey, but with factory tires and no chains.