The X-MODE Function | Desjardins Subaru

Exclusively available on Subaru vehicles, the X-MODE® function complements Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive, allowing drivers to take the road less traveled, get dirty, and dare to venture into adventure. The system provides superior off-road capabilities and robust performance — enhancing driving confidence, especially on uneven surfaces or challenging slopes.

The X-MODE® system, standard on all Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback models equipped with the Lineartronic® CVT, incorporates hill descent control and hill start assist; its action surpasses that of all-wheel drive and helps you out of the most inextricable situations.

A dual-mode version of the X-MODE® system is availableon certain Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback models. This version allows the driver to select two distinct settings, tailored to specific driving conditions — namely snow/gravel and deep snow/mud.

X-MODE® in Action

With the push of a button, the X-MODE® function adjusts engine output, transmission, all-wheel drive torque distribution, and brakesto conquer the toughest conditions and further enhance off-road capabilities. This driver-activated function consumes more fuel, so it is advised to use it only when conditions demand significantly higher levels of grip, stability, and control. When the system is activated, the vehicle is better equipped to capitalize on available tractionand provides a more assured performance than Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive alone. Here are some scenarios where the capabilities of the X-MODE® function are highlighted.

Climbing a Slope

When climbing a slope in low-traction conditions, such as on a very uneven road, the X-MODE® function uses lower gears to generate more power to the wheels with the most traction.Additionally, the transmission control module (TCU) provides 25% more clutch pressure to the all-wheel drive system to better control wheel rotation differences between the front and rear axles. This provides extra stability, assured handling, and the additional dynamic momentum needed to make the climb more easily.

On Slippery Roads

With the X-MODE® function activated, the traction control system becomes more responsive, significantly reducing the time required for a wheel to regain its grip and regain its momentum.This function helps improve control and stability in all conditions — but especially when they turn for the worse. In such an event, the system further reduces power to the slipping wheels to send it to the wheels that can exploit all available traction. Conversely, if the situation requires, the X-MODE® function can deactivate the transmission lock to better direct power to the slipping wheels. This is very useful if a wheel suddenly loses grip while traveling at high speed, with the goal of maintaining stability and keeping the trajectory.

Descending a Steep Slope

Hill descent control (HDC) maintains a constant speed while descending steep slopes at less than 20 km/h so the driver does not have to apply the brakes, risking locking them. The system analyzes road conditions and automatically applies the necessary braking pressure to each wheel, independently.The driver can thus focus exclusively on steering maneuvers and negotiating curves, while the system takes care of controlling the braking — which is particularly useful in more difficult conditions, when the road is slippery, bumpy, or uneven. As soon as the driver presses the brake or accelerator, control is immediately returned to them by the hill descent control.