Two new features that makes 2015 Outback a true outdoor-oriented vehicle

The Subaru Outback has always been known for its off-road features that sets it apart from other all-wheel-drive wagons. But the 2015 Outback comes with two new features that makes it even more out-door oriented than the outgoing model. The new fifth-generation Subaru Outback comes with unique fog lights. Now fog lights are not new to the Outback, but the new Steering-Responsive Fog Lights are new. What sets these fog lights apart from the rest?

All 2015 Outback models equipped with Subaru’s safety system called EyeSight, will come with new Steering-Responsive Fog Lights. The new fog lights act independently from each other and turn with the vehicle as it’s making a turn. These work like steering-responsive headlights, but these give even more illumination when needed for off-road and extreme conditions like fog and heavy snowfall.

Maximum illumination on the trail

Subaru says the new fog lights work only when the fog lights are turned off, and it activates the left or right fog light independently, depending on vehicle speed and steering angle, to provide enhanced illumination in the direction of the turn. The fog lights are pre-aimed for maximum coverage in corners.

If you’ve ever been off-road at night, this can be a huge help in seeing what’s around the corner. Or if you are in a blinding snowstorm in the mountains, it gives extra visibility when the headlights are making the snow look like a blinding moving wall of white. This feature can make the difference between staying on the road or trail, or ending up in the ditch, or even worse, sliding down the mountain side. Many Outback owners will be using their new wagon for recreation and this new Steering-Responsive Fog Light feature will be extremely beneficial.

X-Mode offers enhanced vehicle control in extreme situations

And Outback also comes standard with another new feature for off-road use. All 2015 Outback models now come equipped with the X-Mode system, which debuted on the 2014 Forester. It can be engaged by simply flipping a switch on the console. How does it work? You won’t find Subaru owners sitting on the couch watching extreme sports. You will find them in their new Outback in the back country and on the way to the ski slopes. They will encounter high mountain passes that are covered in snow and ice and X-Mode will get them there safely.

X-Mode optimizes engine output and CVT ratio position, increases Active All-Wheel Drive engagement and uses enhanced control logic for the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to reduce individual wheel spin. Outback owners will be able to enhance vehicle control by engaging X-Mode which also activates the new Hill Descent Control, which uses engine braking to help maintain a constant vehicle speed when the Outback is traveling down a steep mountain trail. New Incline Start Assist helps to momentarily minimize forward or backward vehicle rolling on inclines, and the electronic Hill Holder System holds the vehicle in place until the driver presses the accelerator pedal on a steep mountain trail.

On unpaved and slippery roads, torque is not distributed evenly to all four wheels and one or more wheels can begin to slip and the vehicle can lose traction and get stuck in the snow or mud. X-Mode is designed to be used easily and can be engaged with a flip of a switch. The X-Mode will allow any driver regardless of skill level, to escape any extreme situation they may encounter. Many families who buy the 2015 Outback may live in harsh climates around the globe and family members can engage the system easily.

For those buyers with active lifestyles, the new 2015 Subaru Outback with standard X-Mode is the global vehicle that will handle any extreme conditions its owner will encounter. The Outback with 8.7-inch of ground clearance and X-Mode has the durability needed to make the Outback a true out-door oriented vehicle.

Other 2015 Subaru Outback stories of interest.
Why 2015 Subaru Outback won’t be messing with successful formula