It’s not often we experience this much snow in the Midwest, but it provides the perfect opportunity to showcase some key features of Subarus that make them excel in snowy conditions. Today, I’ll highlight three or four standout features that set Subaru apart. We’ll also discuss out a few cars currently buried in snow, including a Crosstrek Wilderness and an Impreza, to see how they handle these conditions.
Feature 1: Ground Clearance
Ground clearance is a major factor in Subaru’s snow performance. Standard Subaru SUVs offer 8.7 inches of clearance, ensuring they can navigate snowy terrains with ease.
The Crosstrek Wilderness takes it a step further with 9.3 inches of clearance, while the Outback Wilderness leads the pack with 9.5 inches.
Even though the Impreza has a much lower ground clearance of 5.1 inches, its performance in snow still impresses, as we’ll see later.
Feature 2: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) is another game-changer. Unlike many systems, Subaru’s AWD is always active, providing consistent traction in all conditions. This ensures excellent performance, whether it’s sunny and dry or snowy and icy.
Models like the Legacy sedan demonstrate that even non-SUV Subarus can handle sticky situations effectively. Additionally, the AWD system features an X-Mode setting, prioritizing traction to help navigate deep snow or mud.
X-Mode: Enhanced Traction for Tough Conditions
X-Mode adds a layer of versatility to Subaru’s AWD system. Accessible via the touchscreen or buttons (depending on the model), X-Mode is designed for challenging terrains. The single-mode X-Mode focuses on snow and dirt by redistributing torque to wheels with better traction.
The dual-function X-Mode, available on Wilderness trims and certain other models, includes a deep snow/mud setting that disables traction control, allowing wheel spin for added momentum.
Feature 3: Tires and Off-Road Capabilities
Subaru Wilderness trims come equipped with all-terrain Yokohama Geolandar tires, offering enhanced grip in snowy or muddy conditions.
In contrast, the Impreza features all-season Yokohama Avid GT tires. While not specialized for snow, they still perform well, as we’ll see in our test.
Real-World Testing
The Crosstrek Wilderness easily tackled the snow, demonstrating its off-road prowess and high ground clearance. Surprisingly, the Impreza also managed to clear mounds of snow, despite lacking X-Mode and having lower ground clearance. Both cars showcased the reliability of Subaru’s AWD system, even on icy surfaces.
Additional Features for Snowy Conditions
Subaru vehicles offer thoughtful touches for winter driving:
- Rear Camera Cleaning: Subaru models allow you to clean the rear camera lens with windshield wiper fluid, ensuring visibility when backing up.
- All-Weather Mats and Cargo Liners: Wilderness trims come standard with all-weather floor mats and cargo trays, keeping interiors clean and dry.
- Spare Tires: All Subaru SUVs include a spare tire, with Wilderness trims offering full-size spares (except the Crosstrek, which has a temporary spare).
