What Subaru , would you pick for offroad us?

[Plainsmuse]

My 2 Cents

Although I am biased, I have to plug the Subaru Sambar. This amazing little sub micro Kei Truck is an ideal platform for whatever build you can imagine. You can check out my build, but I am sure once you understand the bed dimensions, the utilitarian cab, and on the 4'6" width, you'll wonder why you never looked this way before.
Check out this review: http://jalopnik.com/5949767/you-need-subarus-versatile-little-sambar-pickup-the-jalopnik-review

When and if your interest piques, let me know, and I'll put you in touch with a new, or even older unit. The Canadians have a lot of these 25 years old, as that's what they allow. We have varying laws throughout the Union, but once you have license from one, its pretty hard to stop it wherever you go.

Also, they have a Mini VW Van Replica, that is made that is cute, built off the Subaru. Too cute: http://www.youtube.com/channel/HCzWiVfPhqC18

Alaska and Washington have no laws regarding mini trucks. Nothing for or against. I know they are all over the area, on hunting ranches, orchards and the like. If your DOT gives you a license, off you go. Personally, put your SMV (slow moving vehicle;0) sign on the back, and blast off. Just to be sure, contact them before you buy. http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/laws/minitrucks

Thanks for letting me weigh in...and the ATV/Minitruck market has all your lift and suspension upgrades, as well...

 

[madmax718]

'09+ autos and CVT's have a 60/40 power split. I've never been able to find anything from Subaru stating that the old 4EAT has a 90/10 split, they describe the power split as "continuously variable".

I recall reading the old 4eat as being 50/50 in first gear off the line, but switches to 90/10 if there is no other traction variables. It is technically continuously variable, as torque will move where there is least resistance. (having had both a 98 forester and 97 outback).

For that era, I tip my hat to the outback though. It is significantly larger than the forester (legacy platform vs impreza platform). and the build is a little more refined.

Other than that, for offroad en devours, both are capable, and pretty much the same as most modern unibody suv's (honda element, crv, etc). It can blast through dirt roads like few others, but will not handle anything that requires high clearance or short overhangs.

Know the limits, and push it a little further, the subie can handle it.

 

[E.J.]

A little bit of info from the horses mouth.
The 90/10 split is a very popular subject of debate on all of the Subi forums.

 

[Dranged]

Thwarted by my private browsing. . .

Soo, I'd drafted an amazing response regarding the elusive 90/10 power split in Subaru 4EATs, then hastily and inadvertently closed that window (grumble grumble).

At any rate these links provide great info regarding Subaru's various AWD systems (Continuous All-Wheel Drive, Active All-Wheel Drive, Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive, Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) All-Wheel Drive)
Forums are reliably the cited sources for the 90/10 split (they reeled me into that land of the wrong), and those well written posts [I found] tended to have broken links siting their sources.

As such, these sources indicate the 4EAT is a constantly variable system capable of up to 50/50, and in only one reference (and a Subaru one) did I see a 60/40 "off-the-line" indication.


Good Subaru info (taken from scoobymods.com forum of undetermined source. The document's footer indicates The End Wrench > www.endwrench.com): http://www.scoobymods.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9654&d=1346818252


Well written [albeit a forum thread] and with referred sources (including the one F.J. given above and the Subaru AWD: various varieties link above ); while the thread's text indicates the 4EAT w/o VTD (Variable Torque Distribution) "Power split is 80/20 under normal conditions and can go up to 60/40 during slippage, . . ." and "Pre-96 4EAT had an initial split of 90/10." However, again the 90/10 is not credibly cited beyond another forum poster.
http://www.scoobymods.com/showthread.php/some-interesting-awd-vtd-and-3047.html?


Another good [Australian] Subaru reference:
http://www.sonic.net/~roo/SubaruAWD.pdf


And finally a good reference to the awesomeness of Subaru's technology from engine to AWD systems to traction controls to differentials:
http://www.japanesesportcars.com/subaru-technology-overview_3070.html


I stand corrected (and thank you for getting me off my tuskas and stimulated to look for the real information E.J. ) and retract my inaccurate 4EAT 90/10 claim, which was fueled by the unsupported information in forums scattered about the inter-webs. :ylsmoke:

**EDIT** 60/40 split from Subaru Global website
http://www.subaru-global.com/tec_awd.html

Active torque split AWD
(Legacy, Outback, Impreza and Forester 4AT/Lineartronic models)

An AWD system developed exclusively for 4-speed automatic transmission, E-4AT (with manual mode) and Lineartronic models to maximise the reliable driving performance of AWD models under any driving conditions. The system usually distributes torque 60:40 front and rear. Sensors constantly monitor the vehicle's condition in areas such as changes in grip of the front and rear tyres or vehicle speed. The electronically controlled MP-T (Multi Plate Transfer) adjusts torque distribution to the front and rear tyres in real-time to suit driving conditions. This further increases the stability of the AWD system to deliver a safe and agile driving experience.


I submit these data in support of the initial thread question and lend real and supportive information to the Subaru systems. . . . and because I'm biased and it feels good to substantiate one's interests! :coffeedrink:

 

[REDrum]

I've been immersed the geeky world of Subarus for 20 years and was president of the New England Subaru Club for 5 years, thus I've seen shyte....and will share

When set up right and with proper driving training they can be quite formidable off road. But they will never be a substitute for a body on frame trail truck or crawler.
Older dual range gear box is a good find. If not RA close ratio gears are great, run with 4:44 driveline Check out rallispec.com
EJ2.2 engines are super robust. (in OBS from '96 to '02)
Turbo, unless a small twin-scroll, is pointless for low RPM off-road use.
Correcting camber and caster can get tricky with big lift.
Do not reinforce control arm mounts on the chassis, allow mounts to break or you could permatorque the mono-body.
Under body protection is a must, but readily available in the rally community: Check out Primitive Rally's site.
Tall/lifted shocks are not off the shelf but talk to Jackson and/or Feal for made to order.
mechanical LSDs are readily available but costly and noisy on the street. I'm triple locked on my rally car and double (torsen) on my street subie.
If you run big tires/wheels, keep a close eye on wheel bearing.
If you are running in dust country check/change your air filter often. Might want to build a hi intake/snorkel type thing. Subie intakes do not like dust.
Use and enhance OEM recovery points
Go lurk Dirty Impreza

 

[bnoland]

We have a 2012 impreza 2.0i that is my wife's dd. She gets 35ish with about 90% hwy driving. It does great in the rain. Never been off the pavement at this point. A big reason we decided on the 2012 vs the previous models is the mpg rating. We made it from Memphis to Knoxville and did a bit of driving in Knoxville before filling back up and it took 11.5 gallons. We love it and I am sure it could handle maintained forest road but with the low ride height no much more and you would have to be careful at that.

 

[RyanPont]

This is right in my same vein.
It depends if you have (young) kids. I have 2 under 4 and the car seat variable was critical. I made a spreadsheet comparing dimensions of front and rear seat space, cargo room behind rear seat, and with seats folder down as well as comparing towing capacity and power/weight ratios with NA engines and turbos. The gen 3 OB has more cargo volume behind rear seat of all foresters (and more total cargo volume than gen 2 foresters 03-08), BUT the newest forester has a scosh more total cargo volume (seats folded down), b/c its taller.

I had thought the forester (gen 2, '03-'08) was the perfect car but then car seats eat up the back. Now I think a gen 3 OB (05-09) is ideal.
More rear seat space and a large back seat, low roof line for roof racks (baskets, bikes, box, etc.). I lean towards the 08-09 b/c I like the grill redesign, but I'm liking the 05-07 now more too (trim line limited). The H-6 and turbos got a 5-speed auto (auto is better for real off-roading), but I still prefer a stick (50/50 torque split front/rear off the line). Both my current Subarus are stick (95 legacy, 03 Outback Sport)
I do now like the 09 and newer foresters. I was a bit of a stodger about it when they first came out, "why does everything have to get bigger and bigger?!" However, having set foot in a friend's 09, I think the newer foresters are great. I DO NOT and will not be sold on the '10 and newer OBs though, they're just too big, tipsy, and ugly (same roof line as a minivan and the Tribecca)!!
A Crosstrek, however, is no-kids awesome!! With back seat space of the newer bigger Imprezas (overall same-ish dimensions to my 95 legacy), but with the ground clearance of the newer forester! The now 2.0 liter in the XV on the CVT is a good pairing compared to the newer OB with CVT.

At any rate, my preference/suggestion for your inquiries: A) 08-09 but le$$ go for 06-07 OB (NA 4cyl= 2700# towing, 6cyl 3000+); B) 09+ Forester; C) crosstrek.

(depending on your market) You'd probably be able to get a 60K mile gen 3 OB (05-07) for about $15K.

I hope that's helpful info.

No kids. Yet. Fur kids though. Two Labs who camp and go places with us regularly.

 

[RyanPont]

Another strong consideration in the price range I would like to stay in is the Jeep Patriot. Im waiting to see if my friend gets the forester in he said they bought. All I know about is its a 2010.

The patriot is a 2012 with 28k. No fancy trim packages but its not the base model.