What The X In Subaru's X-Mode Really Stands For

How do the Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek relieve stress? There's a new X stress-relieving mode, and you may not know about it. Check it out and have fun.

In a previous report, I covered why a dirty Subaru is a happy Subaru. In this report, I will cover the X stress relieving mode in the Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and Ascent models. You may have heard about it, but you need to figure out what it does. It's called X on the X-Mode feature, and some trims have double stress relieving ability with the dual-function X-Mode. 

What does the X in X-Mode stand for?

X means eXtreme fun and eXcitement. You bought your Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, or Ascent to have fun. You will have more fun and eXcitement in X-Mode and relieve the stress of getting stuck. Here's why and how it works.

Have you been off-road with your vehicle and were afraid to go further because you might get stuck? That's where X will take you further for more stressless fun. You don't have to worry about getting stuck and stranded without a way to return.

How does X in X-Mode work?

Pressing the X-Mode switch activates five different forms of control to limit slipping tires:

1. Engine Throttle

In everyday driving, the engine throttle opens up when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal. However, X-Mode is designed so the throttle doesn't open too quickly. If the driver presses the accelerator further, the engine delivers torque faster. X-Mode employs unique settings that provide torque gradually at first but then make it come on stronger.

2. Transmission

X-Mode keeps the transmission in a lower gear so that engine power can be delivered more powerfully. While X-Mode is ON, this shifting pattern lets the driver make the most of the available power.

3. All Wheel Drive

AWD control is improved by raising the front/rear coupling force when X-Mode is ON, which helps the driver get power more evenly between the four wheels. This maximizes the traction of the tires.

4. Vehicle Dynamics Control System

The VDC system, when X-Mode is ON, includes a specially-tuned "Enhanced LSD Control." For example, if the left and right wheels behave differently, the system only applies brakes to wheels that are slipping. Compared to ordinary operation, the brakes are used a lot earlier when X-Mode is ON, resulting in LSD control activating much faster.

5. Hill Descent Control

At low speeds (under 12 mph), Hill Descent Control helps maintain the vehicle's starting speed for safer maneuvering--the car manages the throttle and braking, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering entirely.

There you have it. X in X-Mode will enable you to go further off the grid in your Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and Ascent models to have more stress-relieving eXtreme fun and eXcitement. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru X story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• You Would Use Your New Subaru X-Mode All The Time If You Knew This
• Subaru Forester’s New Dual-Function X-MODE; Why Adventure-Seekers Want It
• Next-Gen Subaru Crosstrek Gets A New Feature Outback Wilderness Doesn’t Even Have

Check out: Subaru Outback Wilderness Dual XMode Dirt and Rock Off-Road Test YouTube video 

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru