The Subaru Outback has long been celebrated for its impressive off-road capabilities, making it a top choice for adventure seekers in Australia.
Known for its high ground clearance, durable build, and innovative features, the Outback is designed to handle a variety of challenging terrains. The Subaru Outback continues to uphold this legacy with several enhancements that make it even more adept at off-road driving.
Explore how these features and more make the Subaru Outback a reliable and exciting choice for your next off-road adventure
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The Subaru Outback Off Road Credentials
The Subaru Outback stands out as a top choice for off-road enthusiasts due to its robust design and engineering that ensure superior performance on challenging terrains. Here are some key features that contribute to its off-road capabilities:
Ground Clearance
One of the most critical aspects of any off-road vehicle is its ground clearance. The Subaru Outback boasts an impressive 213mm of ground clearance at kerb weight. This high clearance allows the Outback to easily navigate over rocks, roots, and other obstacles without damaging the underbody, providing peace of mind and confidence during off-road adventures.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is crucial for optimal performance and safety, especially when off-roading. The Subaru Outback comes equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that continuously monitors the pressure in each tyre. This system alerts the driver if the pressure drops below the recommended level, helping to prevent potential tyre damage and ensuring better handling on uneven terrain.
All-Terrain Tyres
The Subaru Outback comes stock with 18-inch Bridgestone 225/60R18 100V tires, designed to provide excellent traction and durability on various surfaces. These all-terrain tires are perfect for off-road conditions, offering a blend of rugged performance and on-road comfort. The large wheel size and robust tire construction help the Outback maintain grip and stability, even on loose or slippery surfaces.
Durable Build & Engineering
The Outback’s overall design and engineering are tailored for off-road use. The vehicle’s rigid body structure and advanced suspension system further contribute to its ability to handle rough terrain. Additionally, features like skid plates and reinforced underbody protection safeguard critical components from damage when driving over rocky or uneven ground.
What is X-Mode on the Subaru Outback?
X-Mode is a sophisticated feature found in the Subaru Outback that enhances its off-road capabilities. It optimises the vehicle’s engine output, transmission, and all-wheel drive (AWD) system to improve traction and control in challenging conditions such as snow, mud, sand, and steep inclines.
Key Benefits of X-Mode
1. Enhanced Traction
X-Mode adjusts the engine throttle to prevent wheel spin, allowing the engine to deliver power gradually to the wheels. This helps maintain traction on slippery surfaces like ice and mud, ensuring the vehicle doesn’t get stuck.
2. Controlled Descent
Hill Descent Control (HDC) is a crucial part of X-Mode. It manages braking and throttle automatically when descending steep hills, maintaining a steady speed and allowing the driver to focus on steering. This feature is especially useful in rough terrains where maintaining control is critical.
3.Hill Climb Assist
X-Mode also optimises the transmission to stay in lower gears, maximising power delivery during uphill climbs. This ensures the vehicle can tackle steep and uneven inclines with ease, similar to the functionality seen in traditional 4WD systems but without the need for manual gear shifting.
Examples of How X-Mode Works in Different Off-Road Conditions
Snow and Ice
When driving on snowy or icy roads, X-Mode works to prevent wheel spin by adjusting the throttle response and enhancing the AWD system’s power distribution. This ensures that the wheels with the most grip receive the power needed to maintain control and stability.
Mud and Deep Snow
In mud or deep snow, the dual-function X-Mode can be set to allow a bit of wheel spin, which is sometimes necessary to gain traction and keep moving. This mode adjusts the torque split and throttle to provide the best possible traction in these tough conditions.
Steep Inclines and Descents
X-Mode’s Hill Descent Control feature automatically manages the vehicle’s speed and braking on steep descents, preventing the wheels from locking up and ensuring a controlled descent. On steep inclines, X-Mode keeps the transmission in lower gears to maintain steady power and prevent the vehicle from stalling or losing traction.
The Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System
The Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is a distinctive feature that sets Subaru vehicles apart, known for its balanced power distribution and enhanced stability. This system is built around a longitudinally mounted boxer engine and a symmetrical drivetrain, which ensures even weight distribution and minimal power loss during transmission. This unique setup allows the system to deliver power uniformly to all four wheels, significantly improving traction and handling in various driving conditions
Comparison with Traditional 4WD Systems
Traditional 4WD systems typically involve a selectable mode where the driver can engage or disengage the four-wheel drive, often requiring manual intervention to switch between 2WD and 4WD. These systems are generally more suited for heavy off-road use, where locking differentials and low-range gearing are essential.
In contrast, Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is always active, providing continuous power to all four wheels without the need for manual switching. This system is designed to respond automatically to changes in road conditions, dynamically adjusting power distribution to maintain optimal traction. This results in a smoother transition and better stability, particularly useful for both on-road and mild off-road scenarios
Advantages of AWD for Off-Road Driving
Balanced Power Distribution
The symmetrical layout of Subaru’s AWD system ensures that power is evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels. This balanced power distribution enhances the vehicle’s stability and handling, making it easier to navigate through rough terrains and maintain control in adverse conditions.
Improved Stability
The low centre of gravity provided by the boxer engine and the symmetrical drivetrain contributes to improved vehicle stability. This setup reduces the risk of oversteer and understeer, providing a more predictable and controlled driving experience, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces
Responsive Handling
Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system is designed to provide quick and precise responses to changes in traction. The system continuously monitors wheel speed and traction, adjusting power delivery to the wheels with the most grip. This enhances the vehicle’s ability to handle sudden changes in terrain and weather conditions, ensuring a safe and confident drive.
What’s New in the 2024 Subaru Outback?
The 2024 Subaru Outback AWD Sport XT and AWD Touring XT are equipped with a powerful and efficient direct-injected, turbocharged horizontally-opposed 2.4-liter Boxer 4-cylinder petrol engine. This engine delivers an impressive 183 kW of power and a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 2,000-4,800 rpm. This enhanced power output provides these models with robust performance, making them exceptionally capable for both on-road and off-road driving.
Additionally, the X-Mode feature can be activated via a button on the infotainment touchscreen. This advanced system enhances the vehicle’s off-road capabilities by optimising the engine, transmission, and AWD system settings to improve traction and stability on slippery and uneven surfaces. X-Mode includes Hill Descent Control, which automatically manages speed and braking on steep descents, allowing drivers to focus on steering.
These features, combined with the Outback’s high ground clearance of 213 mm and standard all-terrain tires, make the 2024 Subaru Outback AWD Sport XT and AWD Touring XT excellent choices for those seeking adventure and off-road capability.
See the Subaru Outback in Action for Yourself
Whether you’re navigating through tough terrains or cruising through city streets, the Outback offers exceptional performance, safety, and comfort.
If you’re chasing a Subaru Outback for sale in Perth, look no further than Perth City Subaru.
Book a test drive today to discover why the Outback is the perfect vehicle for your next adventure. Call us at 08 9468 8491 to schedule your test drive or to learn more about our current inventory and special offers. Let us help you find the perfect Subaru Outback to suit your lifestyle.