Skip to main content

You Would Use Your New Subaru X-Mode All The Time If You Knew This

The Subaru X-Mode feature in the new 2020 Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent is not just for extreme off-road adventures. See how to get the best use from it every day by using this Subaru X-Mode guide from Torque News.

Like the steering wheel paddle shifters in your new 2020 Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek or Ascent, most owners don’t use the vehicle’s X-Mode feature much if at all. The problem is, you have seen the button on the console, but you aren’t really sure what it’s for. It’s one of the best safety features for winter driving, and you will use it more after reading this.

Not everyone who owns a Subaru vehicle uses the car to go off-road or uses it for extreme off-pavement adventures. With the X-Mode system activated, the vehicle is better able to capitalize on the traction available and provides sure-footed-ness over and above what is afforded by Subaru's symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive. Here is a brief explanation of how the X-Mode system works and how to get the most from it in everyday use.

2020 Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent comes with X-ModeSubaru X-Mode can get you to winter sports activities safely

Keep safety in mind when thinking of Subaru X-Mode, especially when doing winter sports activities. The system controls the engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive torque split and braking system when road conditions are challenging and there is a need to capitalize on the grip. It uses the CVT transmission to better direct power to the wheels that need the most traction. This is useful in every day driving where there is snow, ice, mud, or wet conditions on the road.

X-Mode also increases hill driving capability. The Hill Descent Control maintains a constant speed when traveling down steep declines. This can be useful when you are on a steep icy road or coming to a stop sign. The system reads the road conditions for you and automatically applies the needed traction to each wheel independently. This allows the driver to focus exclusively on steering, keep their foot off the brake and concentrate on negotiating curves in the road.

X-Mode enhances the Subaru all-wheel-drive system to get the most gripX-Mode can be used to negotiate steep curves in the road

Another useful way to use X-Mode is when you are backing out of a steep driveway that is icy or covered with snow. Because of the all-wheel-drive torque split, the uphill wheel will slip without X-Mode being engaged. As soon as you engage the system, it will direct power to the wheels that need the most traction, and you can easily back the Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, or Ascent out of the slippery spot.

Most Subaru owners won't take their vehicle off-road or use it for extreme off-pavement adventures. X-Mode will help you in every day driving to capitalize on the traction available and provide sure-footed-ness over and above what is afforded by Subaru's symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive.

How do I engage X-Mode on the new 2020 Outback?

If you are looking to use the Subaru X-Mode on the new 2020 Outback consider this. On your 2020 Subaru Outback touchscreen, touch the X-Mode screen from the scrollable top menu, then press the X-Mode on or off button. When X-Mode is activated an indicator will appear on the meter information display.

You Might Also Like: The Best AWD SUVs Are Still The New Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, And Ascent

Denis Flierl has invested nearly 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on FacebookTwitterInstagramSubaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates!

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru USA, Subaru Canada, Subaru Russia

Comments

Carole Beck (not verified)    January 9, 2020 - 11:45PM

Good to know especially with the snow storm coming. When I bought the Forester the sales person said it was just for 0ff roading. Didn't say anything about using it in snow/icey conditions.

David Platt (not verified)    January 10, 2020 - 12:06PM

X mode = snow bank mode.
X mode + manual = fun
Regular symmetrical awd drive is for road going winter.
The awd on a Subaru doesn’t need x mode.
Drive normally in the winter without it.
But when in x mode consider using manual as well.
I’m still blown away by how little mention of x/manual mode there is.
A truly great Subaru Easter egg.

hflax1 (not verified)    February 9, 2021 - 11:17AM

Can you drive at highway speed with X-mode engaged, say if you're on a road with stretches that are clear, but areas that may be snow covered or slush covered?
What is the effect on the car's performance (other than improved traction) of having X-mode engaged while driving on a heavy snow day?

Norm passow (not verified)    December 13, 2022 - 7:30PM

Can I drive at about 75mph in snow country with xmode on ? Not real familiar driving on freeways in blizzard like or snow conditions on freeway

Chengoss (not verified)    May 7, 2023 - 7:34AM

If your country does not have access to this application, the CharmDate website provides an in-depth phone flexible framework that makes mobile browsing more comfy. Frankly talking, several of the evaluations look more like ordered ones but some people state that they don't like the website whatsoever. You may check out only few images totally free. Come and have a look if you are interested in. In conclusion, regarding I am concerned, Qpid Network is reliable, which is been worthy of to rely on, due to the fact that it is risk-free, efficient, specialist, and has enough options for you to pick. Qpid Network problems coupon codes a little bit less regularly than other internet sites. If you desire to login to Qpid Network Site, after that there is a really simple way to do it. CharmDate is an international dating solution possessed by the Qpid Network (Latam Date & AsiaMe), that concentrates on connecting Eastern European ladies to guys from around the globe.

Guys are welcomed to acquire credit ratings to enjoy all the available functions of this platform. This dating system is owned and also ruled by the Qpid Network but it has its special attributes. Besides, there are many withdrawal options offered on this platform. Make certain, you will find someone to speak to as well as obtain acquainted with, there are a great deal of members on the internet and you will not be lonely. If you have the believed to locate your fan online, you can sign up and undertake. And also I hope that you can. I can inform you personally, that 200 for flowers in BS in Ukraine. Presents and blossoms delivery. If you are looking for a hassle-free as well as efficient dating website with profiles of Latin girls, you can try LatamDate out. In this section, we'll inform you about who has a tendency to join this dating site. What does make it special and also why do women as well as males join this internet site? When ladies and guys were delighted that they managed to fulfill thanks to this fantastic resource, checking out the evaluations the experts might locate a lot of positive testimonials. This is a preferred feature amongst both ladies as well as guys.

On discovering likable females on CharmDate application or web site, all you require to do resembles the individual and send them a message to start connecting. The site guarantees all ladies have actually informative, confirmed, as well as appealing accounts since they'll have greater chances of finding their soulmates by doing this. Live conversation. You will certainly have the ability to chat with the ladies in the conversation. The website lets you produce the profile, add girls to faves, surf the profiles free of charge. The site supplies all the devices for members to understand each various other better. See below descriptions of the most effective solutions that permit individuals to interact better. When individuals sign up, they get a couple of coupons as well as vouchers that promote messaging on CharmDate. A great deal of users regret that just few photos are offered. Nevertheless, you can be certain you to a couple of thousand women participants generally be found online virtually all the moment. It is unbelievably hassle-free since you can get acquainted with the top quality of accounts in advance.

The written part of their profiles are of variable top quality according to their fluency as well as understanding of English obtained either at institution or later. Communication is one of the most vital part of any connections. Whether you can discover your fan is depend upon various aspects, however a reliable interaction is very important. You can register on this internet site free of charge. CharmDate presents among the most affordable costs amongst international dating platforms, as well as you require to use this chance to save money on a favored as well as reliable website. It's cost-free to download and also is pretty very easy to make use of. In addition, because it's free to register, you can get a feeling of what it's like before you ever before need to invest a dollar. Standard customers can check out these emails, however they will certainly need to upgrade their accounts to respond. As you scroll down the homepage, you will certainly discover some beneficial symbols like Services, Help, and Details at the base. E-mails. Like various other dating platforms, the site allows to trade letters. This website is prominent for being the best internet site for international marriages as well as like matches. To guarantee the website is reliable is also very vital.

AthensBride (not verified)    July 30, 2024 - 2:26PM

Is it possible that the Subaru X-Mode feature typically known for extreme off-road adventures could actually improve the daily driving experience for owners of the Outback Forester Crosstrek and Ascent models? What benefits could this advanced technology bring to regular commuting and city driving scenarios?