The Best AWD SUVs Are Still The New Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, And Ascent
Not many SUV owners take their vehicle off-road but there is a growing group of consumers who lead active lifestyles who do use their SUV for off-pavement pursuits. The all-new 2020 Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, And Ascent are still the best all-wheel-drive SUVs and crossovers for snow and those wanting to get away from civilization.
The other models in this category are many with the Honda CR-V, Honda Passport, Toyota RAV4 Adventure, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, GMC Terrain, and Jeep Cherokee. What makes Subaru the go-to all-wheel-drive brand?
Subaru Outback (photo credit @stoutback)
Subaru created the compact all-wheel-drive segment decades ago and they still build the best all-around recreational-focused models in America. For affordability, utility, and fuel-efficiency, the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and all-new Ascent still offer the most off-road prowess for active SUV shoppers. And they come this way from the factory.
Why are Subaru vehicles the best AWD SUVs?
All Subaru SUVs come with 8.7-inches of ground clearance which no compact SUV competitor exceeds. They are family vehicles during the week and extreme recreational vehicles on the weekends. Subaru says 33 percent of Subaru Crosstrek owners use the compact SUV for off-pavement recreation.
Subaru off-road prowess
The extra ground clearance gives the four Subaru SUVs the ability to go over rough terrain without scraping the bottom. The boxer engine sits low in the chassis and gives them a lower center of gravity giving the SUVs the ability to handle the steep 1:3 ratio “axle twisting” gully without tipping over. Subaru’s vehicles cock their wheels, transfers power to the opposite wheel and tackle the terrain.
Straight off the showroom floor, the newly-redesigned 2020 Outback and Forester are even more off-road capable with Dual-Function X-MODE on certain models that give the all-wheel-drive vehicles even more “go-anywhere” attitude and extreme off-road ability.
2020 Subaru Ascent by LP Aventure
The 2020 Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent all come standard with the brand’s highly-capable Symmetrical AWD hardware that will take you just about anywhere. With their protected undercarriage, you can get through scrub brush, a river or a rocky trail without damaging your suspension. Subaru even offers customers off-road accessories and lift kits for more extreme adventures.
You Might Also Like: Here Is The Most Aggressive New Subaru Outback XT Trim You Won’t Find In Showrooms
Denis Flierl has invested nearly 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru 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: Team Mazda Subaru, via @stoutback, LP Aventure
Comments