I’m curious if anyone here has actually used X mode. What’s your experience been like? Did it work as expected?
I’ve only tried it once. I didn’t test the same hill with and without X mode, but it handled a pretty steep and grassy slope like a champ.
I use it all the time since I live in the mountains in Colorado. Our long driveway often gets deep snow drifts, and with X mode, I can get out just fine. If I forget to turn it on, things get dicey, and I’ve definitely been stuck before. Last week, we took a snowy, steep county road to get our Christmas tree, and it handled it no problem.
I switched to studded snow tires last year, and now with X mode and those tires, I feel unstoppable in the snow. The auto descent feature is also a lifesaver for steep snowy roads or dirt trails in summer.
I use it whenever I’m off-roading or driving trails to reach campsites. It’s been super reliable.
We were on a muddy road thanks to Google Maps. I stopped, put on X mode, and made it through. Maybe I could’ve done it without X mode, but why not use it if you have it?
After a big snowstorm, I was moving cars around for the plow. Our CR-V got stuck, but the Forester with X mode went right around it and out to the road.
I always turn it on when going down steep logging roads. It keeps the descent smooth and controlled. I’ve never used it to get out of a jam, but I don’t push things to the point where I’d risk getting stuck.
It works great on our unpaved road after heavy snowstorms here in New England.
It’s fantastic for backing up a trailer. Makes it so much easier.
Getting out of our steep driveway in snowy conditions is a breeze with X mode. It probably saved me hours of shoveling last winter.
I’ve used it on snowy roads and in muddy areas. It gives excellent traction. Big fan of it.
I always use it in muddy spots. Haven’t been stuck once since I started using it.
Got stuck in snow on a mountain pass parking lot with all-season tires. X mode got me out easily. Just switched to all-weather tires, and it handled snowy and icy trails like a pro.
X mode is mainly for low-speed driving. It allows different levels of wheel slip depending on the mode. It shuts off at higher speeds when normal driving settings are fine.
I’ve used it to get into snowy driveways, and it seems to work well. It might not be a total game-changer, but it’s handy to have.
Tried it the other day in heavy snow. It kept beeping and turning off when I hit around 22 mph. Is that normal?
mary said:
Tried it the other day in heavy snow. It kept beeping and turning off when I hit around 22 mph. Is that normal?
Yep, it disables at higher speeds. It’s made for slow off-roading, not driving fast in the snow.
@Penn
I wasn’t speeding. Around here, 30 in heavy snow is normal and safe. Seems like X mode is better for southern drivers if it cuts out so early.
mary said:
@Penn
I wasn’t speeding. Around here, 30 in heavy snow is normal and safe. Seems like X mode is better for southern drivers if it cuts out so early.
Sorry, wasn’t trying to offend. X mode is really for trail speeds. It’s not meant for faster snow driving, more for tricky spots like mud or ice where you’re moving slower.
@Penn
It’s called ‘snow mode,’ so I assumed it was for snowy roads. Around here, people would call 3 inches a dusting. Anyway, I’m learning it’s not as useful if you’re going over 22 mph.
mary said:
@Penn
It’s called ‘snow mode,’ so I assumed it was for snowy roads. Around here, people would call 3 inches a dusting. Anyway, I’m learning it’s not as useful if you’re going over 22 mph.
Fair point, but it’s just how it works. Above certain speeds, you don’t need it anymore, so it turns off automatically.