2021 Crosstrek Takes the Slip Test, Subaru's S-AWD Not as Great as They Say

There are countless examples, from the classic "there's a pool of motor oil under every French car" to "Toyota makes the most reliable cars" and everything in between. Almost every model or brand has gained some sort of reputation over the years, and now that's the first thing people think of when hearing a certain name.

For instance, what pops into your mind when you hear "Alfa Romeo?" It's probably sexy designs and bad reliability. How about "Hilux?" Indestructible. "EVs?" Range anxiety. "SUVs?" Not as good off-road as they would want you to think. What do you think about "red convertibles?" Middle life crisis. And the list can go on.

When it comes to Subaru, the Japanese brand is mostly defined by two things: one is its stubbornness to use boxer engines, and the other is its S-AWD system, where the "S" stands for "Symmetrical" - you see, the "S" isn't always about "Sport."

Since Subaru has a knack for installing its S-AWD system into all of its models - including the diminutive Justy - people tend to think it's better than it actually is. After all, why would they bother otherwise, right? Well, you can rely on hearsay, or you can watch this impartial test of the Subaru's AWD system using a brand-new 2021 Crosstrek Sport finished in Plasma Yellow.

The guys at TFL have been using the slip test to check the performance of AWD systems in various vehicles, from sedans to EVs and even proper off roaders. The results have sometimes been surprising, with some models that make a big deal out of their off-roading legacy performing much more poorly than expected, and others quietly getting the job done.

Subaru, then, comes with pretty great expectations. The consensus seems to be that Subaru's cars can handle themselves in hairy traction situations thanks to the S-AWD, yet nobody can actually back that up with any concrete proof. Well, this slip test uses the most scientifically accurate method you can expect from something performed in a car park and offers a good representation of how the system can handle itself. It's time to bust or confirm one of the industry's myths.